How to Assemble the Perfect Backyard BBQ Menu
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Warmer weather is approaching, and it’s finally time to put last year’s home improvement projects to good use with a backyard barbeque. Hosting a backyard barbeque is a great way to get friends and family together to catch up, have fun and eat some fantastic food. However, planning a backyard barbeque can be a daunting task! From organizing games, to creating a summer music playlist, to cleaning and preparing food, there is a lot to take on. Fortunately, we have some tips to help you prepare a menu that will satisfy every guest’s tastebuds and leave you with plenty of time to spend enjoying the company.
Appetizers
Let’s start with appetizers. Your guests are likely to arrive hungry. They may be arriving right after a long day of work or they are just prepared to chow down on all the delicious food. Either way, having an appetizer or two will start the event off right. Chips and salsa are quick and easy to get on the table and great at keeping your guests from becoming hangry while the event is just getting started.
Whether your guests are sitting poolside or playing yard games, don’t be afraid to serve a refreshing punch or homemade margaritas in addition to the classics like soda and beer. After all, who doesn’t love a good margarita with a perfectly salted rim? Adding a signature drink to the menu will make your event feel even more special, and your guests will appreciate the variety.
Salad
Greek, Caesar, Italian, build-your-own, caprese, Cobb, southwest… we could go on, but you get the point. There are endless salad options! Start the meal off right with a fresh, crisp salad. They’re quick and easy to make, and they provide an extra option for guests with dietary restrictions. We recommend serving your salad in a large bowl with mess-free serving tools like our Marrakesh Bowl and Salad Hands. This mess-free serving set also adds an extra pop of color that makes your salad look even more delicious.
When it comes to side dishes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with trying to cook multiple dishes at once. We’re here to remind you that you don’t have to do it all. Be sure to serve up a variety of side dishes, but don’t go overboard with options! Side dishes like potato salad, baked beans and deviled eggs are easy to make, serve and please every guest. If you’re short on time, make one of your sides a juicy watermelon. We won’t tell if you grab the pre-made mac n’ cheese from the store too! Just choose a few side dishes that will compliment your main dish— the one that comes from the grill.
Clean off the grill and crack open your favorite beverage, it’s time to get grilling! The food coming off the grill is the star of the event, and that wonderful charcoal smell is sure to turn heads. Unfortunately, it is easy to get stuck in front of the grill for most of the event instead of with your guests. To make it easier, stick with grilling only one or two foods. Steak is great for smaller, more intimate events while burgers and hot dogs are crowd-pleasers. Feel free to get creative too; fish, corn, chicken and sausage are excellent grilling options.
Don't Forget the Fixings!
It won’t feel like a backyard barbeque without staple condiments like ketchup and mustard, but this is one area where it is easy to give your guests lots of options. In addition to the barbeque sauce and relish, add some flare to the menu with chili flakes, cheese or gourmet salts.
Dessert
As the meal is winding down, dessert is the next thing on people’s minds. A backyard barbeque is the perfect opportunity to roast some marshmallows for smores. There is no prep required, and it’s a summertime staple that both adults and kids will enjoy. Of course, ice cream, cookies and pie are great options too.
Bonus Tip
Wow! That’s a lot of food to prepare, especially if you have a large guest list. To make your event go as smoothly as possible, prep as much food as you can before guests arrive. Make that potato salad in the morning and pop it in the fridge until it’s time to eat, and don’t underestimate the time-saving power of a slow cooker for warm foods. Prepping your food makes hosting a backyard barbeque less stressful and gives you more time to spend with your guests.
Now you are prepared to assemble the perfect backyard barbeque menu for your summer gathering that will satisfy your guests tastebuds and leave you with plenty of time to catch up with friends. These tips make building a menu feel like an effortless task, and we have some awesome kitchen products with free 2-day shipping to make prepping and serving even easier. Happy hosting!
