Our household excitement this weekend is the Super Bowl. Our team didn’t make it, but at least there’s a half time show and all the cool commercials. We usually go to our friend’s, but this year, we decided to invite a few friends over. I was going to make a bunch of finger food, like we usually do, but I’m going to do a real dinner for a change. The menu consists of Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Dutch Oven Bread. So, I know it’s not like the usual football party food, but it’s pretty cold right now and for personal reasons, I’m in need of comfort food. For a casual vibe, we’re going to do a buffet style, instead of a sit down dinner.
There will be 6 of us and I know I can make most things in advance, one day before the party. So on the day of, I pretty much have only a few things to do. I say it again and again about the importance of organization when you plan a party. It will help you host a stress-free party and this one is no exception. Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring an appetizer and whatever they want to drink. Of course, we’ll have plenty of wine and we have a bunch of vodka left from the holiday parties, but in case they prefer something else.
For dessert, we won’t sweat it. Nothing is more comforting than brownies and ice cream. However, since I’m going to be making 3 things already, I’ll go with store bought brownies and some really good vanilla ice cream, you know the kind that has vanilla bean. Trust me, no one will judge you if you need to buy some stuff from the store.
For the bread, it might sound crazy to make your own bread, but trust me, this Dutch Oven Bread recipe is the easiest, and requires no kneading! It will change your life.
Let me show you the menu for the Super Bowl Dinner party.
One thing that I hope will help, is the grocery list. I pulled all items from each recipe above so you don’t have to. You’re welcome. 🙂
Grocery list (for 4-6 people):
- a bag (32 oz.) of all-purpose flour (bread, pot roast)
- 1 packet of active dry yeast (bread)
- 1 (4-5 pound) prime boneless beef chuck roast (pot roast)
- 4 carrots (pot roast)
- 2 yellow onions (pot roast)
- 4 celery stalks (pot roast)
- 2 leeks (pot roast)
- 1 bulb of garlic (pot roast)
- red wine (if you’re like me, you would already have this in your pantry! ha ha)Â (pot roast)
- 1 can (28 oz.) whole plum tomatoes in puree (pot roast)
- 1 can (8 oz.) of chicken stock (pot roast)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (pot roast)
- fresh thyme (pot roast)
- fresh rosemary (bread, pot roast)
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (mashed potatoes)
- 1 small box of milk (mashed potatoes) – you’ll only need 1 cup (8 oz.)
- flowers
- good brownies
- good vanilla ice cream
Stuff you already have in your pantry (hopefully…if not, add them to your shopping list):Â
- salt (sea salt and kosher salt)
- black pepper
- kitchen string
- regular olive oil
- unsalted butter
Stuff you would want to ask guests to bring:Â
- An appetizer and whatever they want to drink.
2 days before the party: 
- Print out all the recipes. I mean looking on-line is great, but it’s so much easier to have the paper version in front of you when you are making multiple things. FYI: go to recipe section on my blog, you can print it out from there.
- Grocery shopping and wash/store your veggies and herb in the fridge. Except potatoes, leave them out.
- Arrange flowers and put them in the middle of the dining table.
1 day before the party:
- Make the pot roast. It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. But the good news is, you will be done and won’t have to worry about it tomorrow! Once cooled down, put the whole pot in the fridge.
- Run the dishwasher. Make sure you have enough clean plates and silverware.
- In the evening, prepare bread dough. Mix the flour, yeast and warm water in a large bowl. It will need to sit on the counter for 12 hours.
The morning of the party:
- Bake the bread.
- Take out the plates, drinking and wine glasses and silverware, set them on the counter top or kitchen island.
- Relax until it’s closer to party time.
Tips
- If you don’t have a Dutch Oven, you can try using an oven-proof pot to bake the bread. Hey, if it doesn’t turn out, you have time to run to the store to get the bread. No big deal.
1 hour before the party:
- Take the pot roast pot from the fridge and warm up on the stove. Low heat.
- Take butter out of the fridge, so it’s nice and soft for the bread.
- Make mashed potatoes. Once you’re done, transfer it into a large serving bowl. Put the bowl over a pot with simmering water. This will keep it warm until your guests arrive.
- Slice the bread and put in a bread basket or a large bowl.
When guests arrive:
- Set the appetizers and drinks on the counter top. If you have an island in the kitchen, use it.
When guests are ready for dinner:
- Take the pot roast pot off the stove and put it in the middle of the dining table or counter top.
- Take the mash potatoes bowl off the simmering water, wipe off the water on the bottom. Set it next to the pot roast pot and bread bowl.
Tips
- I like putting all the food on the island in my kitchen and people can help themselves, like a buffet. If it’s a sit down dinner, I would set up on the dining table. But this is a Super Bowl party, some people may want to sit at the table or in front of the TV to watch the game.
Party time!
- Enjoy your meal and the game!
Tips
- If the mashed potatoes get cold, you can reheat them up over simmering water.
- Serve dessert at half time.
I hope this gives you some good tips and tricks that will help you host a fun and stress-free Super Bowl dinner party or any party that needs comfort food. May the best team win and have fun! XO
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