The Office’s Brian Baumgartner Spills the Beans on Chili and Barbecue

Chefs Without Restaurants

This week on Chefs Without Restaurants, I speak with Brian Baumgartner, the actor best known for his role as Kevin Malone on the TV show "The Office."

Brian’s portrayal of Kevin provided countless laughs and unforgettable moments, especially the iconic chili scene. Beyond his on-screen persona, Brian has ventured into the culinary world, turning a 30-second cold open into a culinary journey that includes a best-selling chili cookbook and an upcoming barbecue book.

On the show, we dive deep into Brian’s experiences on "The Office," uncovering the behind-the-scenes magic that made the show a cultural phenomenon. We discuss the initial fears of cancellation, the unique documentary-style filming, and why the show still resonates with audiences today.

We also explore the famous chili episode, discussing how it was conceived, what went into filming that messy, memorable scene, and how it led to Brian’s unexpected foray into the culinary world. Brian shares his adventures at chili cook-offs, the diversity of chili recipes, and his tips for creating the perfect pot of chili.

But the culinary talk doesn’t stop there. Brian shares his love for barbecue, his favorite techniques and recipes, and the communal joy of outdoor cooking. Whether it’s grilling with friends or perfecting a tri-tip, Brian’s passion for cooking shines through.
BRIAN BAUMGARTNER
Buy Brian's books Seriously Good Chili Cookbook and Seriously Good Barbecue Cookbook as well as Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office
Brian's Instagram and TikTok
Brian's podcast: Off the Beat with Brian Baumgartner

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Chapters

1. Documentary Style and Timelessness (00:05:58)

2. Iconic Chili Scene (00:11:56)

3. Kevin’s Cooking Habits (00:20:03)

4. Brian’s Transition to Cookbook Author (00:23:33)

5. Judging Chili Competitions (00:30:02)

6. Brian’s Barbecue Book (00:39:02)

7. Favorite Barbecue Sides (00:49:29)