Gathering with friends and family, enjoying delicious food, and basking in the summer sun are parts of a classic cookout. Planning your backyard barbecue ensures the party runs smoothly with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and entertaining activities. Here are eight must-haves for your backyard summer cookout.
Grilled Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Veggies
Burgers and hot dogs are staples at any barbecue. Make sure you have high-quality beef patties and a variety of toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Offer a selection of condiments such as mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish.
Be sure not to leave vegetarians out of the fun. Grilled veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms can be just as satisfying. You can serve them as an entrée or mix them into salads for a flavorful side. Offering a variety of options keeps all your guests satisfied.
Freshly Made Salads
No barbecue is complete without some freshly made salads. Potato salad is a classic choice, and you can mix it up by adding ingredients such as bacon, chives, or hard-boiled eggs. Coleslaw is another favorite that adds a refreshing crunch to any meal.
Consider offering a green salad with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette for a healthier option. Pasta salads with seasonal ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta can also be a hit. The key is to have a mix of flavors and textures to complement your grilled entrees.
Food Safety Tip: Keep Cold Foods Cold
Mayo-based dishes such as potato salad can quickly spoil if you leave them out in warm temperatures. Store these items in coolers with ice packs or on ice beds so that they stay at a safe temperature below 40°F (4°C). Regularly check and rotate the cold dishes to keep them chilled throughout the event.
Sides and Snacks
Variety is the spice of life, and this is particularly true when it comes to backyard barbecue sides and snacks. Corn on the cob, seasoned with butter and spices, is a crowd-pleaser. Fresh fruit such as watermelon tastes great and keeps everyone hydrated.
Chips and dips are easy to prepare and always a hit. You can offer a range of dips, such as guacamole, salsa, and hummus. These simple yet delicious sides keep everyone satisfied while they wait for the main course and add variety to the meal.
Desserts
Sweet treats are the perfect way to finish off your barbecue. You can set up a dedicated s’mores station with a small fire pit or portable grill for toasting marshmallows. Provide graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows so guests can easily assemble their s’mores.
Consider offering a fruit salad for those who prefer a lighter option. Ice cream and popsicles are great for cooling down in the summer heat. Whatever you decide to offer, your guests will appreciate.
Cold Beverages
Keep everyone refreshed and hydrated with chilled drinks. Lemonade and iced tea are classic options that everyone loves, and you can easily spruce these drinks up with a few slices of lemon or mint leaves. For guests seeking a more spirited option, consider including a selection of alcoholic beverages such as beer or cocktails.
Having a variety of sodas can also cater to younger guests or those who prefer non-alcoholic options. Finally, make sure to have plenty of ice on hand to keep drinks cool throughout the day.
Serving Supplies
Use a cooler to keep beverages chilled throughout the day. You can pre-chill the cooler 24 hours in advance by placing a sacrificial bag of ice inside the cooler and closing the lid. Remove the sacrificial ice bag before filling the cooler with fresh ice and drinks.
Consider using these serving supplies to make it easier to hold and dish out your food:
- Serving platters to showcase grilled meats and vegetables.
- Bowls of various sizes for salads, sides, and snacks.
- Tongs, spoons, and forks for easy serving and portioning of food items.
- Salad servers for tossing and serving salads with ease.
- Chip and dip trays for appetizers.
- Condiment caddies for ketchup, mustard, relish, and other condiments for burgers and hotdogs.
- Beverage dispensers to serve refreshing drinks such as lemonade or iced tea.
- A cake stand to present desserts such as cupcakes or a celebratory cake.
- A tiered dessert stand to showcase an assortment of sweets and treats in an eye-catching way.
You don’t necessarily need all the serving supplies listed for a great BBQ, but thinking ahead about the essentials can make serving and hosting much easier. Consider the type of dishes you’ll be serving and choose the appropriate serving platters, bowls, and utensils to organize the serving process and add a touch of style to your backyard BBQ.
Grill Supplies
The right grill supplies are essentials on our list of must-haves for your backyard summer cookout and for crafting mouthwatering meals. Grilling with a propane grill offers the convenience of quick and easy heat control, allowing for precise cooking temperatures at the turn of a knob. The FireDisc heats up rapidly, reducing preheating time. Additionally, propane is a clean-burning fuel option, resulting in less smoke and easier cleanup compared to charcoal grilling methods.
Outdoor cooking equipment helps the chef cook consistently great burgers, hot dogs, sides, and more. Grilling utensils such as tongs and spatulas simplify handling hot food. Use aluminum foil for cooking packets and a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
Spices Build Bold Flavors
Barbecue rubs, marinades, and spice blends enhance the taste of grilled dishes. Experiment with different flavor profiles such as sweet, smoky, spicy, or citrusy to cater to diverse preferences among your guests. Remember to generously coat meats and vegetables with the seasoning mix and allow them to marinate for 30 minutes to several hours for maximum flavor infusion before grilling them.
Comfortable Outdoor Living Space
Creating a comfortable outdoor living space is essential for a successful barbecue. Make sure plenty of seating options are available, from chairs and benches to picnic blankets on the grass. Providing shade structures such as umbrellas or pop-up canopies will help guests stay cool and protected from the sun.
Don’t forget essentials such as bug repellent and sunscreen to ensure everyone stays comfortable. A music system or portable speakers can set the mood with some patriotic tunes or summer hits.
Set up classic outdoor games such as cornhole, horseshoes, or badminton to keep the fun going. These games encourage friendly competition and provide guests with interactive entertainment. Outdoor games provide a perfect way to break the ice and keep energy levels high throughout the day, whether you’re playing in teams or one-on-one.
Your backyard barbecue is sure to be a hit. Providing a variety of delicious food and thirst-quenching drinks guarantees every guest is happy, while comfortable seating and engaging activities create a welcoming atmosphere. Use practical serving supplies and grill essentials to streamline the hosting experience. With these preparations in place, you’ll host a fun get-together with style and ease.
