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

BBQ Beef Brisket Recipe And Techniques, Smoked Texas Style

By Meathead Goldwyn

Behold the best smoked BBQ beef brisket recipe ever! Brisket is more than a recipe, it is a concept and a goal. It all begins by selecting the right meat, trimming it, seasoning it, smoking it, slicing it, and more. Follow this easy BBQ brisket guide for mouthwatering results! read more

The Smoked Jalapeno Poppers Recipe That Puts All Others to Shame

By Meathead Goldwyn

A cheesy appetizer with a kick, this easy recipe is sure to please, and the smoked version is better than the fried version. This appetizer is a big hit with people who like a little bit of heat in their food, but you can remove most of the heat to accommodate wimps if you wish. read more

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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

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

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

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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

This Brat Tub Beer Bath Will Elevate Your Sausage Grilling Game

By Meathead Goldwyn

Bratwurst are the signature food of Wisconsin and here's the recipe for creating perfect Touchdown Tailgate Brats simmered in beer and then grilled. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make the sauce at home, chill everything, and then finish the brats at the game during your next tailgating adventure. read more

Sausage Recipes

By Meathead Goldwyn

We need to change the way we think of sausages. Yes, most are tubes of seasoned and flavored ground meats and veggies in a casing, but many are patties. So if you broaden your horizons, this section gives you a lot of freedom. Take these recipes and have fun. read more

Love Me Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe

By Clint Cantwell

Just because you don't have time to fire up the smoker or grill doesn't mean that you can't enjoy full flavored BBQ pulled pork thanks to this simple set-and-forget slow cooker recipe. Cooked indoors over low heat for several hours, the seasoned pork butt emerges moist, flavorful, and fall apart tender. read more

Smoked Pork Rib Tips Are The Best Treats, No Tricks

By Clint Cantwell

This simple smoked rib tips recipe makes the perfect snack, appetizer, or main course. The rib tip (a.k.a. brisket, costal cartilage, or break) is the triangular, cartilage-dotted slab of meat attached to the lower end of the sparerib. Seasoned with BBQ rub then slow smoked on the grill, these are a surefire hit. 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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