Grilling and Smoking Tips for the Big Game 

After a long football season battling it out, we are finally at the final showdown. Two teams, one game, and a great excuse to fire up the smoker and grill to cook up some amazing food.

If you volunteered to host the party this year or are still thinking about getting the crew together, here are our favorite tips and tricks for smoking and grilling food for the Big Game.

Prep Your Grill

It might have been a while since you’ve dusted off your grill. Take about 20 minutes and pull the cover off and check on the grates. Fire up the grill and reseason them if needed. Time for a replacement? You’re in luck, most stores have started stocking the new grills. Just make sure you put any new grill together at least three days before your event. 

Plan Your Menu

Since the game is on a Sunday, it’s a great opportunity to try a longer smoke. Brisket, anyone? It’s also a great opportunity for a pork butt or slow smoked burnt ends. Make sure that you grab all your proteins by Friday before the game so you have time to trim, season and rest them before throwing them on the smoker. 

Don’t Forget the Sides

Plan a few sides that you can cook hot and fast on the grill while your large mains are resting. Smoked nuts, jalapeno poppers, potato skins and even fresh salsa and tortilla chips are great ideas. You can also commission some of your friends to take over the appetizers so you don’t have to worry about doing anything but focusing on the barbecue. 

Stock Up On Extra Fuel

Since the Big Game is during the winter, it’s colder in much of the United States. That means your grill is going to have to work harder to stay warm causing it to go through fuel much faster. Stock up on some extra charcoal, at least two extra bags, and grab a little more wood chips, chunks or logs if you are using them. 

This will avoid any surprises while you are grilling. Oh, also make sure that you’re keeping the grill shut. Open lid equals more cold air in the pit and as we all know, if you’re lookin’, you ain’t cookin’.

Use the Halftime Show to Your Advantage 

Alright, we all know that the last few halftime shows have been a little…lackluster. So we have a proposal, instead of watching the halftime show, fire back up that grill and throw on a dessert to enjoy during the third quarter. We’d recommend our Candy Jar Brownies recipe. 

Not into sweets? Whip up another batch of potato skins or a tray of nachos. You’ll need more snack fuel to get you through the rest of the game.

No matter what team you are rooting during the game (or if you’re just in it for the commercials), we can all agree that the food is one of the best parts of the Big Game. Have any good tips or tricks for hosting a party? Drop them in the comments!