The Ultimate Super Bowl Spread: Couchgating with a Food Stadium

By Clint Cantwell

"The truth is the Super Bowl long ago became more than just a football game. It's part of our culture like turkey at Thanksgiving and lights at Christmas..."TV journalist Bob Shieffer

Each year, over 100 million people gather in front of their televisions to watch the biggest winner-take-all showdown in US sports -- the Super Bowl. And on any other Sunday, tens of millions watch football from their couch.

Some are there to root on their favorite team; some to boo a long hated rival; and some to simply catch the amazing commercials. Regardless of why you are tuning in, it's the food that will really make game day special.

Over the past couple of NFL seasons, one of the hottest trends in Super Bowl spreads has been the food stadium, a.k.a. the Snackadium. Filled to the brim with a variety of tasty grab-and-go eats, these stadium shaped centerpieces are certain to make your viewing party the talk of the town.

Feeling industrious? You can build your own stadium structure similar to the monstrous model I created for Kingsford charcoal.

If, however, you don't want to commit the time and resources necessary to make your own, there are several pre-fabricated stadiums on the market, including this one from Amazon.

What to cook for couchgating

With the structure in place, you only need to fill it with an array of your favorite grilled and smoked foods. We recommend food that doesn't need a knife and fork, and the best choices can be eaten with one hand so the other is free to hold the beer. To get you started on the ultimate game day menu, here are a few of our tried-and-true Super Bowl food stadium recipes. Don't forget plenty of napkins.

Crispy Grilled Buffalo Wings

By Meathead Goldwyn

Grilling Buffalo wings may sound like blasphemy but the results from this non-deep fried twist are simply amazing. By cooking this All-American Classic on the grill, you avoid the deep frying mess while also adding a deep, smoky flavor. The Buffalo wings start with indirect smoke before being crisped over direct heat. read more

How To Make The Best BBQ Ribs You Ever Tasted - On A BBQ The Way Champions Do It

By Meathead Goldwyn

Here are step by step instructions for mouthwatering BBQ ribs that are so juicy and tender, just like the competition pitmasters and the best ribjoints do it. Start with our award winning spice rub and end with championship tangy sticky sweet sauce. And you do not need a smoker, you can do it on a grill! read more

Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe And Techniques, Texas Style

By Meathead Goldwyn

If you've ever wondered how to smoke a brisket, behold the best smoked brisket recipe ever! It all begins by selecting the right brisket, followed by how to season brisket, how long to smoke brisket, how to wrap brisket, how to slice brisket, and more. Follow this easy BBQ brisket guide for mouthwatering results! read more

Smoked Miso Wings Take Any Party Over The Top

By Clint Cantwell

Yes, Buffalo sauce tastes great on hot wings, but try some Asian flavors on your chicken wings with the deep, savory flavors of miso, sesame oil, and wood smoke. This recipe leans heavily on miso paste, a traditional Japanese ingredient rich in umami, the rich meaty savory flavor. read more

Mussels Mariniere Recipe: Great Finger Food From France That Works For Clams Too

By Meathead Goldwyn

This classic mussels (Moules Mariniere) recipe from France is so easy. And it's finger food. After simmering in a flavor rich white wine, cream, and tomato sauce, the mussels are served, shells and all, into big shallow bowls with plenty of the liquor laden broth and serve with crusty bread or grilled bread. read more

This Chinatown Char Siu Ribs Recipe Tastes Great Cooked Indoors Or Out

By Meathead Goldwyn

Everybody loves Chinese restaurant "BBQ" ribs. They have a distinct pork flavor, a glossy sheen that implies the sweet glaze beneath, and a glowing red-pink color that penetrates the surface. Here's a simple recipe for making Chinatown char siu ribs at home on your grill or in the oven featuring a flavorful marinade. read more

Spiedies Recipe: They're Better Than Kebabs.

By Meathead Goldwyn

In Binghamton NY they make spiedies rather than kebabs, and for good reason. They're better. Typically they are marinated and grilled hunks of lamb or beef. These spiedies are not cooked on skewers, but grilled with onions and peppers. Served rare to medium, the marinade flavor is almost as strong as the meat flavor. read more

Pico De Gallo Adds Zip To Countless Dishes

By Meathead Goldwyn

Fresh tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno, and cilantro are the cornerstones of our addictively delicious recipe for homemade pico de gallo. Add a touch of brightness to tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes; a bold bite to scrambled eggs and omelets; a vibrant twist to salsa and chips; and so much more. read more

Smoked Pimento Cheese Burger Recipe

By Clint Cantwell

Put a little south in your mouth with this delicious recipe for a smoked pimento cheese burger. Smoky home made pimento cheese and a reverse seared burger elevates cheeseburgers to new levels and makes it certain to be a hit at your next backyard cookout, tailgating adventure or weeknight family meal. read more

Party Planning: How Much to Cook for a Crowd

By Meathead Goldwyn

So you're cooking for a crowd. How much food do you need? Here's how to plan for a party or special occasion, including some basic rules of thumb and tips on how to handle dietary restrictions, how to prep ahead, and how to calculate the right amount of food so no one goes hungry. read more

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Clint Cantwell

Clint Cantwell is AmazingRibs.com's Senior Vice President, charged with creating recipes, writing articles, shooting photos, and a little bit of everything else. Cantwell was was named one of the "10 Faces of Memphis Barbecue" by Memphis Magazine and was the winner of Travel Channel's "American Grilled: Memphis".

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