The Ultimate Super Bowl Spread: Couchgating with a Food Stadium

"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 - The Recipe The Champions Use

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 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

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

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

Smoky Sloppy Joes, A Grilled Tribute To Lunch Ladies Everywhere

By Meathead Goldwyn

The sloppy joe gets a delicious makeover in this tested recipe for a smoky sloppy joe. By starting the meat on the grill, this classic sandwich takes on a deep smoky flavor. Taking it one step further, the recipe is amplified by sautéing the meat and vegetables in bacon fat then blending with bacon and BBQ sauce. read more

Pages

football food stadium

Many merchants pay us a small referral fee when you click our links and purchase from them. On Amazon it works on everything from grills to diapers, they never tell us what you bought, and it has zero impact on the price you pay, but has a major impact on our ability to improve this site! And remember, we only recommend products we love. If you like AmazingRibs.com, please save this link and use it every time you go to Amazonhttps://tinyurl.com/amazingribs

...some HTML for the first variant...

Get Smoke Signals, our free e-letter. No spam. Guaranteed

Enter your email:

If you love barbecue and grilling you do our FREE 30-day membership in our Pitmaster Club. We can up your game.

FREE 30 day trial membership.
Sneak previews of Meathead’s new book.
We block ads from members.
Real community. No politics. No flame wars.
Monthly newsletter.
Video seminars with famous pitmasters.
Weekly podcasts with Greg Rempe.
Weekly BBQ cartoons by Jerry King.
Comprehensive Temperature Guide Magnet ($10 retail).
Monthly giveaways of Gold Medal grills and smokers worth up to $2000.
Discounts on products we love.
Support for AmazingRibs.com!

Click here to learn more and to join

Post comments and questions below

1) Please try the table of contents or the search box at the top of every page before you ask for help.

2) Try to post your question to the appropriate page.

3) Tell us everything we need to know to help such as the type of cooker and thermometer. Dial thermometers are often off by as much as 50°F so if you are not using a good digital thermometer we probably can't help you with time and temp questions. Please read this article about thermometers.

4) If you are a member of the Pitmaster Club, your comments login is probably different.

5) Posts with links in them may not appear immediately.