The Ultimate Football Watching Spread: Couchgating with a Food Stadium
Over the past few NFL seasons, one of the hottest trends among fans 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.
On any given Sunday, tens of millions of people watch football games from their couch. And each year in February, over 100 million people gather in front of their televisions to watch the biggest winner-take-all showdown in US sports — the Super Bowl. 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 to watch football, it’s the food that will really make game day special. So why not give the food stadium a shot.
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 football food stadium recipes. Don’t forget plenty of napkins.
Hamburger, Sloppy Joe, Salisbury Steak Recipes
By: Meathead Goldwyn
Our growing section on hamburgers will help you understand all the angles in making big fat juicy steakburgers or thin crispy diner burgers, and the techniques are very different! We’ll take you on a tour of the regional styles of hamburgers, and even give you the secret sauce recipe.
Hot Dog Recipes
By: Meathead Goldwyn
The word sausage covers a wide range of foods, typically they are ground meats with spices and seasonings, often stuffed into a casing and shaped like a cylinder. Make the sausage and shape it any way you like, with or without the casings! No matter what shape it takes, the taste will be amazing!
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.
Dessert Recipes
By: Meathead Goldwyn
Nothing brings the kids running faster than the aroma of brownies or a fruit-filled pie baking. Dessert maybe the last course but it’s the one course that everyone looks forward to. But how do you make dessert on a grill? We’ve got just the right things to put a crown on a great meal.
This Brat Tub Beer Bath Will Elevate Your Sausage Grilling Game
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.
Authentic Texas Style Smoked Brisket Recipe
Behold the best smoked brisket recipe ever! Texas style 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!
How To Make The Best Smoked Ribs You Have Ever Tasted: Last Meal Ribs
Mastering smoked ribs -- whether they are St. Louis style ribs, spare ribs, or baby back ribs -- with our comprehensive tutorial and recipe will make you a backyard all star.
The Smoked Jalapeno Poppers Recipe That Puts All Others to Shame
A cheesy appetizer with a kick, this easy grilled jalapeño popper 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.
Mussels Mariniere: Great Finger Food From France That Works For Clams Too
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.
Rib Sandwich Recipe: Kicks McRib In The Ribs
Why wait for the McRib to return when you've got an amazing rib sandwich recipe? Learn more about the fabled McRib sandwich while creating one that takes it over the top. Ribs are smoked to perfection before the meat joins homemade pickles, caramelized onions, and custom BBQ sauce on a buttery brioche bun.this item is for members only
This Spiedies Recipe Will Have You Kicking Kebabs To The Curb
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.this item is for members only
Smoked Miso Wings Take Any Party Over The Top
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.
Fresh Pico De Gallo Adds Zip To Countless Dishes
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.
This Colorful Pickled Eggs Recipe Will Brighten Your Day
Pickled hard boiled eggs have long been a staple at bars and pubs around the world. Originally created as a means of preserving eggs, these sweet and tangy snacks are a perfect addition to any party menu. In addition to vinegar, sugar, and spices in this recipe, our pickled eggs are stained purple with beet juice for wow factor.
Save Money By Mixing Up Boursin And Rondelé Cheese Spread At Home
If you're a fan of store bought Boursin cheese spread, then you'll love this homemade version for a fraction of the cost! It's great as a spread on a crusty baguette or on crackers or stuffed into jalapeño poppers. It is also wonderful as a sauce dolloped on a hot steak, asparagus, or in mashed potatoes.
Insanely Addictive Sweet Potato Fries, The Grill Frying Method
If you’re a fan of sweet potato fries then you’ll do backflips over this grill fried recipe featuring perfectly deep fried sweet potato sticks coated with smoked honey and garnished with deep fried sage. Even better, deep frying is done on the grill, doing away with the mess and lingering odor of deep frying indoors.
This Easy Pimento Cheese Stirs Up Almost Instantly
Ok. I get it. Pimento cheese is a classic. And you don't mess with the classics. But I'm a devotee of delicious, and this recipe is downright delicious. It's got the creaminess, the bite, the heat, and it's ready lickety split.
Best Pimento Cheese Recipe Ever
In the South, you cannot have a social gathering without Pimento Cheese sandwiches. You can buy it in plastic tubs at the grocery, but it is exponentially better when you make it yourself thanks to this tested recipe. It's also rather simple, comprised primarily of pimentos, mayonnaise, and grated cheddar cheese.
You Say Smoked Pimento Cheese is Fancy? I Say It’s Fantastic!
Pimento cheese is a canvas. A springboard for creativity. Shredded cheddar, mayo, and chopped pimentos are just the start. From there, the sky's the limit. I love this smoky take on the classic, and it's not heresy. Many Southerners "doctor" the original recipe to show their creativity and one up their neighbors.
No Mess Crispy Grilled Buffalo Wings
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.
Love Me Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
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 recipe for a Crockpot or other slow cooker. Cooked indoors over low heat for several hours, the seasoned pork butt emerges moist, flavorful, and fall apart tender.
Smoked Pimento Cheese Burger Recipe
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.
Hitting The Grill Takes Guacamole To Epic New Heights
Add a delicious smokiness to your favorite party dip with this recipe for grilled guacamole. Grilled avocados, limes, and onion are the key.
Smoked Pork Rib Tips Are The Best Treats, No Tricks
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 bites are a surefire hit.
Mussels Mariniere: Great Finger Food From France That Works For Clams Too
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.
Candied Bacon: The Greatest Sweet And Salty Combination Ever
The saltiness of bacon is a perfect foil and contrast to sweetness. Here are a variety of methods for creating mouthwatering candied bacon, including brown sugar bacon, toffee bacon, and chocolate bacon. There are several ways to put the concept to work, and of course it is best with homemade bacon.
Better Than Chicago’s Best Authentic Italian Beef Sandwich
Classic Italian Beef Sandwiches are a popular regional specialty in Chicago and here is the recipe to make easy authentic Italian beef sandwiches at home featuring slow smoked beef, drippings, and peppers.
Related articles
- How to Grill and Smoke in Cold Weather
- A Taxonomy Of The Different Species Of Hamburger
- How to Tailgate Like a Pro
Published On: 7/1/2019 Last Modified: 3/23/2021
The Cool Kettle With The Hinged Hood We Always Wanted
Napoleon’s 22″ Pro Cart Charcoal Kettle Grill puts a few spins on the familiar kettle design. In fact, the hinged lid with a handle on the front, spins in a rotary motion 180 degrees. It’s hard to beat a Weber kettle, but Napoleon holds its own and adds some unique features to make the 22″ Pro Cart a viable alternative.
Click here for more about what makes this grill special
The Undisputed Champion!
ThermoWorks’ Thermapen ONE provides an accurate reading in one second or less. The ONE also includes features that are common on high-end instruments: automatic backlight, rotating display, and water resistant seals. Don’t accept cheap substitutes.
Click here to read our comprehensive Platinum Medal review
Compact Powerful Sear Machine For Your Next Tailgater
Char-Broil’s Grill2Go x200 is a super-portable, fun little sizzler made of heavy, rust-proof cast aluminum. The lid snaps shut. Grab the handle and you’re off to the party! Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared design produces searing heat while reducing fuel consumption. A 16 ounce LP gas canister is enough to keep you flipping burgers for hours.
Click here to read our detailed review and to order
Blackstone Rangetop Combo: Griddle And Deep Fryer In One
The flat top does the burgers and the fryer does the fries. Use the griddle for bacon, eggs, grilled cheese, and so much more. And why deep fry indoors when you can avoid the smell and mess by doing it outside!
Click here to read our detailed review and to order
Our Favorite Backyard Smoker
The amazing Karubecue is the most innovative smoker in the world. The quality of meat from this machine is astonishing. At its crux is a patented firebox that burns logs above the cooking chamber and sucks heat and extremely clean blue smoke into the thermostat controlled oven. It is our favorite smoker, period.
Click here for our review of this superb smoker
Surely you know somebody who loves outdoor cooking who deserves a gift for the holidays, birthday, anniversary, or just for being wonderful. There he is, right in the mirror! Here are our selections of best ideas, all Platinum or Gold Medalists, listed by price.
Click here to see our list of Gold Medal Gifts
Bring The Heat With Broil King Signet’s Dual Tube Burners
The Broil King Signet 320 is a modestly priced, 3-burner gas grill that packs a lot of value and power under the hood. Broil King’s proprietary, dual-tube burners get hot fast and are able to achieve high, searing temps that rival most comparatively priced gas grills. The quality cast aluminum housing carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Click here to read our complete review
If you help us, we’ll pay you back bigtime with an ad-free experience and much more!
Millions come to AmazingRibs.com every month for quality tested recipes, tips on technique, science, mythbusting, product reviews, and inspiration. But it is expensive to run a website with more than 4,000 pages and we don’t have a big corporate partner like TV network or a magazine publisher to subsidize us.
Our most important source of sustenance is people who join our Pitmaster Club, but please don’t think of it as a donation. Members get 21 great benefits. We block all third-party ads, we give members free ebooks, magazines, interviews, webinars, more recipes, a monthly sweepstakes with prizes worth up to $2,000, discounts on products, and best of all a community of like-minded cooks free of flame wars. Click below to see all the benefits, take a free 30 day trial membership, and help keep this site alive.
Post comments and questions below
1) Please try 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.
Moderators