Host a Chili Cook-Off

Our chili cook-off was such great fun and easy to do, we thought we’d share how to host a competition of your own.

Pre-Chili Cook-Off Planning

• Invite guests to bring their best chili in a slow cooker, hot and ready to serve. Encourage a variety - meatless, spicy, white, or surprise ingredient. 
• Borrow bowls and spoons or buy disposables so everyone can have a separate bowl for each chili.
• Make Chili Name Tags with the name of each chili and a rating for heat level.
• Make enough ballots so each guest has a ballot for each chili.

Chili-Tasting Set-Up

• Just before the guests arrive, set up a Chili Toppings Bar—offer a variety of chili toppings and “go-withs “. Include shredded cheese, chopped onions, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, sliced jalapenos and sour cream for toppings. You can get these ready the day before. Just cover and refrigerate until needed. Great go-withs include crackers, corn bread, tortillas and corn chips.
• You may need to spread the slow cookers out among several outlets, so you don’t blow a fuse.
• Offer a variety of drinks and a tossed green salad to round out the meal. A pan of Betty Crocker® brownies adds a special touch too.

Rules of the Cook-Off 

• Keep the cook of each chili secret—as to not throw the vote!
• Invite your guests to taste a spoonful of each chili and fill out a ballot for their favorite before eating it as a meal. Have them clean their palate between tastings with a little water or soda cracker.
• Have guests rate each chili on the ballot. The chili with the most points wins!
• Announce the maker of each chili and then announce the winner.
• Award prizes – grand prize, hottest, most creative, or easiest for just a few ideas.