The matchup is set: The New England Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX (that’s 60 if your recall of Roman numerals is rusty) on Sunday, February 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
If you’re among the estimated 45 million Americans who will be hosting game day festivities at your house, the party planning can now begin in earnest.
Super Bowl Sunday is, after all, one of the biggest eating days of the year, second only to Thanksgiving. And planning a menu—especially around grilling and smoking—is half the fun. There are several different approaches you can take:
- Play to the crowd by reprising favorites like ribs, wings, brats, sliders, etc.;
- Go regional by featuring food that represents the contenders’ home turf;
- Since the contest is in California this year, you could justifiably put out a spread that leans West Coast—think seafood on the grill, fresh salsas, and dishes that balance smoke with bright, clean flavors.
As you decide, here are points to keep in mind:
- Keep it simple: You’ll want to enjoy your guests and the game, so don’t plan a menu that requires lots of prep and hands-on time with the grill or smoker.
- Include some do-ahead items: Dishes that can be prepared ahead and served at room temperature (or at least reheat well, if they must be served hot) are a host’s friend.
- Have a game plan: Organization and time management are the hallmarks of a skilled pit master. Do you really want to babysit a whole packer brisket for up to 18 hours in advance of the party? (Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. ET, by the way.) If not, stick to meats with shorter cooking times. If you have multiple items to grill, determine their order. It’s wise to select foods that require the same grill temperature.
- Accept guests’ offers to “bring something”: Allowing people to contribute to the feast not only takes some of the burden off your shoulders, but invests them in the success of the party—or allows them to accommodate their own dietary needs.
Finally, here are just a few of the menu ideas we’re planning.
Barbecued Peanuts
Salty, spicy, and smoky, these barbecued peanuts come from Steven’s
BBQ USA.
They’re the kind of snack you set out before kickoff—and quietly refill at halftime.
Smoked Deviled Eggs
These may be the best deviled eggs you and your guests will ever experience. (They certainly rocked the set of Project Smoke.) Take them in different directions with toppings like black olives, roasted red peppers, brisket, pulled pork, smoked salmon, or crispy bacon.
Grilled Clams with Sambuca and Italian Sausage
Clams are one of the iconic foods of coastal New England. Steven rakes his from Katama Bay near his home on Chappaquiddick. These, stuffed with savory Italian sausage and a splash of anisey sambuca, will win over even people who think they don’t like clams. Don’t forget to provide a bowl for the shells.
Fire-Eater Chicken Wings or Drumsticks
Americans demolish chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday; last year, we ate 1.25 billion of them while watching the game. And while we love wings, we’re open to substituting meatier chicken drumsticks in this incendiary recipe. (If children will be attending your party, grill some plain wings or drumsticks. Their parents will thank you.)
Crab Jalapeño Poppers
Another popular Super Bowl bite is jalapeño poppers, known in barbecue circles as ABTs. (We’ll leave that one to your imagination.) Assemble them the day before the party. We occasionally add corn (grilled at a previous grill session) for texture and visual appeal.
Grilled Pound Cake with Berry Salsa
This dessert, a favorite at Barbecue University, is easy to adapt for game day. Use whatever berries look best at the market, and you can even grill the pound cake the morning of the party.
No matter who you’re rooting for, Super Bowl Sunday is really about the shared table—friends gathered around the grill, good food coming off the fire, and a few dishes everyone will still be talking about when the final whistle blows.
Super Bowl Grilling: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best make-ahead foods for a Super Bowl party?
Snacks like barbecued peanuts, deviled eggs, and jalapeño poppers can be prepared in advance and held or reheated easily.
Should I grill everything on Super Bowl Sunday?
Not necessarily. A smart Super Bowl menu mixes make-ahead items with a few things cooked fresh on the grill.
What grill temperature works best for game day cooking?
Medium to medium-high heat covers most Super Bowl favorites and makes timing easier.
How much food should I plan per person?
Smaller portions of several dishes work better than one large main. Guests tend to graze throughout the game.
More Super Bowl ideas
Check out our 1000+ Recipes section here on Barbecue Bible.Com
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