How to Host A Denver Broncos Playoff Viewing Party

Crush your game-day get-together!

January 14, 2016

Nikki Olst,

The playoffs are upon us; the Denver Broncos have home field advantage, and they’re ready to crush the competition! Now you just need to be prepared to keep your guests happy as they cheer the Broncos on to victory.

As Epicurean Group's Stadium Executive Chef for Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Broncos game day for me is like hosting 140 mini parties for 4,000 guests in each one of our suites. The food and atmosphere need to be spot-on so fans can fuel up, kick back, and, most importantly, enjoy watching the big game.

For this Sunday’s match-up against the Steelers, we’ve been hard at work crafting a menu of Broncos Country favorites to serve in our suites at the stadium, and the good news is that some of them can be easily pulled off at home, too.

Here are my top 5 hosting tips to help you avoid slaving in the kitchen while the party’s in full swing and have as much fun as the people you’ve invited.

Chef Nikki’s Playoff Party Hosting Tips:

1. Create a menu that allows you to do as much prep as possible ahead of time and have your serving area set up with plates, utensils, and buckets of iced drinks before your first guest walks through the door.

2. Being offered a drink upon arrival makes people feel immediately welcomed and part of the event. It’s a great idea to create a specialty cocktail or offer beverages that tie into the Broncos or their playoff game opponents, but don’t forget your non-drinking guests in the process. A good host should always offer fun non-alcoholic choices too. And don’t overindulge at your own party.

3. A warm pot of chili or soup is always a crowd pleaser on a cold winter day and most recipes can be easily tweaked to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Plus, soup can be assembled in advance, then left to simmer on the stove while you focus on other game-day preparations.

4. Snacks! Snacks! Snacks! Keep small bowls of sweet and savory snacks like nuts, chips and dip, popcorn, M&M’s, etc. in the same room as the game so your guests can munch away without having to miss a thing.

5. Start with a well-stocked kitchen and err on the side of more; running out of food or drinks midway through your party is the ultimate entertaining faux pas.

BRONCO BILLY'S BEEF CHILI from Epicurean Group
Serves 8

Ingredients:

1/4 cup blended oil
1 white onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 oz. garlic, minced
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 can tomato paste
1 can tomatoes, diced
1 can tomatoes, crushed
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can kidney beans (not drained)
1 tbs cumin
1 tbs chili powder
2 tbs oregano (dry)
2 lbs cubed beef (3/4 in)

Directions:

In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat and add beef. Season with salt & pepper. Brown meat in pot until cooked through. Add the onions and peppers to the pot and stir occasionally until the vegetables begin to get tender. Once the onions are translucent, add the cans of beans and tomatoes. Stir well. Add the tomato paste and 1/2 cup of water. Once combined, add the spices and mix well. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 2 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with sour cream, cheese, and green onions on the side.

HATCH GREEN CHILI ARTICHOKE DIP, from Adam Hammond, General Manager, Epicurean Group, Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup mozzarella, shredded
1 cup parmesan , grated
10 oz canned artichoke hearts, drained, roughly chopped
1 cup hatch green chili, roasted, peeled, roughly chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Chopped cilantro to garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium sized bowl, combine all ingredients except the cilantro and mix until evenly combined. Once mixed, pour dip into a small casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is nice and bubbly. Remove from oven, garnish with cilantro and serve hot. Serve with pita chips, fresh veggies, or tortilla chips.