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If you’ve ever dreamed of hosting the ultimate chili cook-off party, I’m here to tell you, it’s every bit as fun, cozy, and delicious as it sounds. I’ve thrown more than a few of these over the years, and whether it’s a fall gathering with neighbors or a competitive holiday cook-off with coworkers, the energy is always the same: spicy, satisfying, and full of laughter.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to host a chili cook-off party that people will talk about all season long. From organizing your contestants to decorating with flair, creating chili scorecards, and even doling out prizes like “Hottest Chili” and “Best in Bowl,” this is your full guide to making it a hit.

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Step 1: Set the Date and Invite Your Guests

Timing is Everything

Chili cook-offs are perfect for fall and winter, when folks are craving hearty food and warm company. Pick a weekend afternoon or early evening when people are relaxed and ready to hang out.

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For the best turnout:

• Give at least 2 weeks’ notice.
• Use cute digital invites (Canva or Paperless Post work great).
• Set a clear start and end time, 3 to 7 PM is perfect.

Tip: Be clear on expectations

Let guests know if they’re cooking or just tasting. I usually aim for 5–7 chili chefs max. Too many, and people get full before trying them all. Too few, and it feels less like a competition.

I like to phrase it like this in the invite:

“Calling all chili champs! Want to enter your famous (or experimental) chili into the cook-off? We’ll provide serving bowls and all the fixings, just bring 4+ quarts of your best batch!”

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Step 2: Set Up the Competition Rules

Keep it Simple and Fun

Here’s the basic framework I always use:

• Each chili is assigned a number. No names, no hints. It’s a blind tasting!
• Guests get a scorecard to rate each one.
• Everyone votes at the end, ballot-style.
• Winner gets a prize (and serious bragging rights).

Make sure everyone follows these basic rules:

• Bring a crockpot or slow cooker to keep chili warm. A triple slow cooker works great for hosting if you have one!
• Bring a serving spoon. (My rookie mistake was not having enough ladles)
• Label it if it’s spicy, vegetarian, or has allergens (I use mini chalkboard signs for this).

One year, my friend Sarah brought a white chicken chili that was so different, it ended up stealing the “Most Original” prize even though it didn’t win overall. The variety is what makes it fun.

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Step 3: Create Your Chili Scorecards and Voting Station

The Scorecards

You can keep it simple with ranking top 3, or get more detailed scorecards that include categories like:

• Taste
• Visual
• Aroma
• Heat level (optional)
• Originality
• Overall score (1–10)

Make them easy to use and keep pens handy and hand them out when guests arrive.

Optional (but fun):

• Add a “Guess the Secret Ingredient” section
• Include a spot for chili chef name guesses before the reveal

Voting Station Setup

Create a small table or area for:

• Completed ballots
• Trophies/prizes
• A sign that says “Vote Here!” or “Cast Your Vote, Chili Fans!”

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Step 4: Pair Your Chili with the Right Sides

This is the secret sauce of hosting, chili is great, but it needs backup.

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Here’s what I always include on my side dish bar:

Must-Haves:

• Cornbread muffins – I usually make a mix of regular and jalapeño-cheddar.
• Baked potatoes – Cut in half and keep warm in the oven or crockpot.
• Toppings bar – Set out:
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Diced onions
  • Jalapeños
  • Fritos or tortilla chips
  • Cilantro and lime wedges
  • Hot sauce variety tray

Bonus Ideas:

• Mac and cheese (Always a good idea)
• Coleslaw (for something cool and crunchy)
• Pickled red onions or veggies for a gourmet twist

You don’t have to make everything yourself. Trader Joe’s cornbread mix is amazing, and I’ve even outsourced baked potatoes to a local BBQ place once. Do what works for your schedule!

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Step 5: Serve Chili the Smart Way

Portion Planning

People will want to sample multiple chilis, so I provide fun chili themed 5 oz tasting cups and small spoons. You can find fun disposable chili bowls online.

Label each crockpot with a number only, not the cook’s name, and encourage guests to take small tastes from each before casting votes. I also highly recommend getting a triple slow cooker.

I usually say:

“Grab your scorecard, taste from 1 to 6, then come back to vote when you’ve found your favorite!”

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Step 6: Decorate with a Cozy Fall Vibe

You don’t have to go overboard, but a few themed touches go a long way.

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Chili Cook-Off Decor Ideas:

• Fun spicy pepper themed tablecloths
• Artificial fall leaves and mini pumpkins
• Chalkboard signs to label each chili
• Disposable bowls and plates with a Chili Cook Off theme
• To-go containers in a basket with a sign that says “Chili to Go!”

Fun DIY Touch:

I once made a “Chili Wall of Fame” with past winners’ names and chili names. It now comes out every year and people LOVE seeing their name on it.

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Step 7: Hand Out Prizes (Because Yes, You Need Prizes)

This is where the party really gets fun. After everyone’s voted and tasted their fill, announce the winners!

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Categories You Can Use:

• Best Overall Chili
• Hottest Chili
• Most Creative Chili
• Crowd Favorite
• Best Chili Name

Prize Ideas:

• Wooden spoon trophy (painted gold!)
• Funny chili aprons (“I like it hot!”)
• Gift cards to local grocery stores or spice shops
• Mini hot sauce sampler sets
• “Golden Ladle” or chili-themed mugs

One year, I gave out a tiny custom “Chili Champion” plaque and it was taken very seriously. Another time, we handed out glittery cowboy hats to the winners. Make it silly and celebratory.

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Step 8: Prep for Cleanup (and Send People Home with Leftovers)

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Have plenty of:

• Trash and recycling bins
• Paper towels
• Napkins

I like to set up a little “Take Some Chili for Later” station with:

• Disposable soup containers (you can get a pack online)
• Sharpies for labeling
• A sign encouraging folks to take their favorites home

Trust me, your guests will appreciate it- especially after all that tasting.

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Make it an Annual Tradition

Once you host a chili cook-off party, people will ask when you’re doing it again. So lean in and make it a tradition!

Print and save your scorecards, take a polaroid of the winner each year for a hall of fame. You could even create a rotating “Chili Champion Chef Hat” that the winner keeps until the next party.

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Final Tips from a Repeat Chili Host

Let me leave you with a few quick do’s and don’ts from someone who’s been there:

Do:

• Have extra power strips for crockpots.
• Test your outlets ahead of time (I’ve blown a fuse once… lesson learned).
• Offer non-chili snacks for kids or non-spicy eaters.
• Take photos, of the chili, the people, the prizes.

Don’t:

• Forget labels for allergens.
• Assume everyone likes spicy. Offer a mild chili or two.
• Stress out if someone’s late, let guests taste in their own time.

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Wrapping It All Up

Hosting a chili cook-off party is one of the most satisfying, cozy, and downright delicious events you can throw in the cooler months. It brings people together over something warm, hearty, and a little competitive. You don’t need to be a party pro, just a little planning, some themed touches, and a whole lot of chili spirit will go a long way.

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So grab those crockpots, shine those ladles, and get ready to crown your next Chili Champion. Trust me, this will become one of your favorite traditions.

With love,

Bri & Cat

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