Hosting a game and want to grill up some delicious eats? We’ve got the tried and true classics and some new ideas for you that are sure to be crowd pleasers – and make you look like the amazing pitmaster that you are!
Kebabs
Kebabs are so versatile that you are sure to please even your most finicky guest with these beauties. Just throw marinated chicken, shrimp or meat (or all!) onto a skewer along with marinated onions and bell peppers. If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning. Our pro tip for you: Place each of your kebabs diagonally across the grates and then rotate them 180 degrees for optimal grilling before flipping them.
Pineapple
The popularity of grilled pineapple is skyrocketing and it deserves a spot at your next grill session. Place sliced pineapple in a bag, add honey, butter, brown sugar, or maple syrup and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Throw it on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side (just until you see the grill marks) and you’ve got yourself the perfect app, side dish or dessert!
Corn
Grilled corn is one of those perpetual crowd pleasers and a nice, light addition to meat-heavy dishes. Butter it up, wrap it in tin-foil and throw on the grill for about 15 minutes for the perfect crunch. Salt is corn’s best friend, but for a little oomph, consider adding some cotija cheese or a jalapeño butter. Boom!
Hot Dogs/Sausages
Hot dogs and sausages will forever hold a place in our hearts as the best game-day food to grill up. Topped with ketchup and mustard, or chili and cheese, you just can’t go wrong.
To add a little flair, throw condiments on your dog that reflect the team you are watching or the part of the country you live in. In New Jersey, add bell peppers, onions, and potatoes – yes potatoes! In Chicago, style your dog with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt. Lightly toast a bun on the grill and you’ve just created the perfect game-day meal.
Burgers
Like dogs, burgers are synonymous with game-day food fare. There is just nothing like that first juicy bite. To turn things up a notch, get creative with your choice of meat. Bison and lamb burgers are a super tasty alternative, and for the non-meat-eaters in your life, grill up a salmon or a veggie burger. To turn this traditional meal into a game-day showstopper serve it on a brioche bun and offer your guests a tray of do-it-yourself toppings.
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