Super Bowl Hosting Guide: Prep, Grilling, Fun, and Less Stress
This Pro Tip was featured in our "Happy Que Year!" BBQ box.
Hosting a Super Bowl BBQ party can be a blast, but it’s important to strike the right balance between delicious food, fun activities, and minimizing your stress as the host. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan a fantastic party.
1. Prep Ahead of Time
The key to a successful Super Bowl BBQ is preparation. Start by planning your menu a few days before the event so you can take advantage of store sales or order supplies in advance.
- Create a checklist for food, drinks, and supplies. Include burgers, wings, pulled pork sliders, steaks, burnt ends, and some side dishes like chips, coleslaw, and baked beans.
- Marinate meats and prep veggies a day or two before the party. This ensures everything is ready to grill when the time comes, minimizing the last-minute rush.
- Set up a beverage station with coolers filled with drinks—beer, soda, and water—so guests can help themselves throughout the game.
2. Best Foods to Grill
The grill is the star of the show, so focus on foods that are easy to cook, crowd-pleasing, and portable for guests to enjoy during the game.
- Burgers and sliders are classic BBQ staples. They’re easy to prepare, cook quickly, and satisfy most appetites. Consider offering a variety of toppings and buns to make them customizable.
- Chicken wings are another favorite. Grill them with a few different sauces (buffalo, BBQ, or dry rub) to cater to various tastes. Check out our Limited Release "Be My Wingman" BBQ box -- it has everything you need for delicious wings.
- Grilled vegetables like peppers, onions, and corn on the cob add flavor and balance out the meat-heavy offerings. You can prep them in advance and throw them on the grill as a side.
- Skewers (chicken, shrimp, or veggie) are great for a fun, finger-food experience.
3. Make It Fun for Everyone
Ensure that your guests stay engaged and entertained, whether they’re into football or not.
- Set up a viewing area that has plenty of seating and is well-positioned for everyone to watch the game. Consider placing a few TVs outside or nearby to create a festive atmosphere.
- Games and activities like cornhole, ladder toss, or a football tossing contest can add some extra fun for non-football fans.
- Super Bowl bingo or a prop bet sheet can involve guests in the game even if they’re not experts on football, making it interactive for everyone.
4. Minimize Stress for the Host
Hosting doesn’t have to feel like a burden. Here are some ways to make the process easier:
- Delegate tasks where possible. Ask a friend to help with setting up, serving drinks, or managing the grill for a while.
- Keep it simple by sticking to dishes that are easy to prepare, and pre-cook some items if possible. For example, slow-cook some ribs and smoke your pork butt the day before to save time and eliminate hosting stress.
- Use disposable plates and utensils to minimize cleanup. That way, you can focus on enjoying the game rather than spending time washing dishes.
By prepping ahead, offering delicious food, keeping the atmosphere fun, and sharing responsibilities, you’ll host a memorable and stress-free Super Bowl BBQ for all your guests!
