Chili bar adds options for Super Bowl party
You and your pals might not agree on whether you should root for the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Green Bay Packers come Sunday, but you probably can agree that chili should be on the Super Bowl party menu.
Chili has become an iconic football food, so when it comes to the biggest game of the season chili demands a place in the starting lineup.
Since Super Bowl parties tend to bring out die-hard fans as well as those who care more about the food on the table than the teams on the field, you don't want the chili to be so fiery that it makes a defensive end weep.
Instead, pick a chili on the milder end of the flavor spectrum, like this Beer Chili, and let guests spice it up as they see fit.
Set out bowls of chopped serranos, pickled jalapenos or canned green chiles. Pull out the bottles of hot sauce that have been hiding behind the soup cans in the cupboard.
For additional stir-ins, offer a variety of shredded cheeses (Colby, pepper Jack, manchego), oyster crackers, tortilla strips or crumbled cornbread, chopped red onion, sliced scallions, diced avocado and sour cream.
Round out the table with cheesy dip (an homage to the Pack) and some Iron City Beer (for the Steelers-supporters in the group).
With a spread like that, you'll be the party's MVP.
Planning ahead is key to game-day greatness. Plan ahead and prepare as much of the food as possible before the blitzing begins, so you don't have to miss any of the pre-game fun shutout in the kitchen.
Here are some other tips to ensure a victorious Super Bowl party.
Supe-up team spirit: Use colorful team jerseys, posters and pennants to create a festive field of decorations. Build a little friendly rivalry by decorating one side of the room for each team, or line table tops with green turf in place of coasters and table clothes.
Stock your roster with reserves: Game day parties bring hungry crowds, so when planning for food quantities, think big to avoid a grocery store rush at fourth quarter. In addition to your starting lineup of dishes, you may also want to consider preparing items that you don't bring out until half-time.
Avoid penalties, safety first: Make sure to offer a variety of “mocktails” (nonalcoholic beverages) for kids and designated drivers.
Be replay ready: Set up your digital video recorder (DVR) the night before the Big Game so you can be sure to capture close calls and commercials for a second look or laugh.
Simplify the sideline setup: To save time and money, choose shareable favorites like pitchers and punches (rather than complicated cocktails) and bowl dips and finger foods like this hearty Cheeseburger Bowl Dip from King's Hawaiian Bakery.