Hosting a Chili Cook-Off in 5 Easy Steps with Printables

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For the last six years, I have helped organize a chili cook-off in my office.  It is always around Valentine's Day and the proceeds go to charity. 

This is my pet project every year.  The first year that I suggested it we had no idea if it would work but eight people brought in chili and it has grown every year.

Check out new chili cook-off printables - invite, scorecard, award, and crockpot tags!

This event goes so smoothly every year that I wanted to share it - in five easy steps!  I even have some handy printables for you to use or use as inspiration.

Step 1

Set a date and send out invites

Chili cook-off invites printable

Evites or paper - just don't forget to tell them to bring their own crockpot!

For the office, put a sign-up sheet up and/or on an internal website.

You can let guests know that you will be providing cornbread and toppings but I just figure that is a given.

Step 2

Judge(s)

Can be you, your family, or those who don't want to actually make chili.

Step 3

Be prepared

• Start with guidelines. It will make your event go smoothly. Once your guest RSVPs that they are participating - give them the rules.

Chili Cook-off Guidelines

• All chili is to be prepared and ready to eat an hour before guests are due to arrive.

• Once judging starts, late entries will not be permitted. Judging will begin promptly.

• The name of your chili and a list of ingredients must be posted with your chili as well as its hotness (i.e. mild, medium, hot, super hot). 

• Keep the name of your chili a secret until after all judging is completed.  Making your chili name known is an automatic disqualification. Feel free to be creative with your name and chili ingredient sign as long as it does not give your identity away.

• Judging will be by a panel. Panel judges will remain a secret until it is time for them to judge.

For the party - make sure to have plenty of bowls, spoons, and paper towels on hand. Beg, borrow or buy disposable if you have to but once you think you have enough, get ten more.

Step 4

Easy voting system

voting printables

10 Chili entries, 9 Chili Entries, 8 Chili entries, 7 Chili entries, 6 Chili entries, or 5 Chili entries

Step 5

Prizes 

Certificate printables

Prizes or, at least, certificates are key.  People want something to take home, even if it is just bragging rights.  Besides, why bother if there is no prize?

I like Tabasco Pepper Sauce as a prize and a silver spoon for the grand prize, but a fun trophy is pretty cool, too.

Did you that February 25 is National Chili Day and October is National Chili Month?

Check out these new chili cook-off printables! Invite, scorecard, award, and crockpot tags!