Summer is here, and it’s time to fire up the grill! Planning a barbecue is a great way to soak up the sunny weather, gather friends and family together, and enjoy delicious food. With so many tasty options for grilling, it can be tough to decide what to make for your next backyard bash. Here are some mouthwatering ideas for rounding out your barbecue menu.
Appetizers
Get the party started off right with some zesty appetizers fresh off the grill. Grilled avocado halves topped with a dollop of crab salad make an elegant starter. For a classic choice, serve skewered shrimp marinated in olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Other simple but satisfying options include grilled oysters, bruschetta topped with fresh tomato and basil, or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
Don’t forget to include a dip or two to munch on as guests arrive. Whip up quick blender dips like guacamole, hummus, or tzatziki and serve with crudités and pita chips. Grilled veggie platters are also very popular. Try marinated and charred eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Salads
Salads are a refreshing way to complement the sizzling items off the barbecue. Take advantage of summer’s bounty with produce-packed salads using grilled components. Grilled peach or nectarine slices lend a sweet touch to a mixed greens salad with crumbled goat cheese. For heartier main dish salads, top crisp greens with sliced grilled flank steak, chicken, or fish.
Potato and pasta salads are also BBQ classics. Toss cubed potatoes with a tangy dressing and bits of bacon. For pasta salad, combine corkscrew or bowtie noodles with chopped grilled veggies like onions, peppers, and broccoli.
Burgers and Sandwiches
A barbecue wouldn’t be complete without bodacious burgers and sandwiches. Patties of ground beef, turkey, lamb, chicken, or veggie-based mixtures all grill up nicely and can be personalized with creative toppings. Try buns spread with chipotle mayo and Pepper Jack cheese, or traditional lettuce, tomato, and onion. Get extra decadent with a fried egg or avocado slices on top.
Beyond burgers, don’t forget sausages, hot dogs, and skewers. Chicken or steak satay with a peanut dipping sauce is amazing. Brats and hot links sizzled up with peppers and onions really satisfy. Grilled veggie sandwiches with layers of Portobello mushrooms, onions, peppers, and melted provolone are a hearty meat-free option.
Main Dishes
The stars of your barbecue will likely be the expertly grilled main dishes. Steaks, chops, chicken, and seafood all turn out fantastic with that nice char from the grill. Well-marbled cuts of meat like ribeye, New York strip, lamb chops, and pork tenderloin become tender and juicy over the flames.
Before cooking, marinate meats and proteins in olive oil, herbs, and spices for added flavor. Brush chicken pieces, fish fillets, and shellfish like shrimp and scallops with a light coating of oil to keep them moist on the grill. Glazes made with sweet ingredients such as honey, brown sugar, or fruit jam also pair nicely with poultry and pork.
Sides
Plan on a variety of easy yet satisfying sides to fill out your barbecue menu. Take veggie skewers packed with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, squash, and peppers. Bake potatoes individually wrapped in foil, then finish them on the grill for a crispy skin. Grilled corn on the cob slathered in butter never gets old.
For a fresh, light salad, toss together mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. Finally, don’t forget bread! Brush thick slices of crusty artisan bread or baguette with olive oil and grill briefly to create the perfect vehicle for sopping up BBQ sauces and juices.
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with grilled or chilled desserts. For an impressive presentation, make individual servings of fruit kebabs using pineapple chunks, peaches, strawberries, and banana slices. Bring out melty s’mores kits with marshmallows, chocolate squares, and graham crackers just waiting to be assembled and browned over the dying coals.
Fruit crisp and cobbler baked in a Dutch oven with briquettes on top make a deliciously old-fashioned dessert. Top vanilla ice cream with warmed chocolate sauce or caramel for an instant crowd pleaser. When you’re all barbecued out, a colorful platter of fresh local berries also makes a light and refreshing finisher.
The possibilities are endless when planning what to make for a barbecue. Just be sure to include an array of grilled proteins, fresh produce, classic sides, and sweet treats. With a well-stocked grill and a menu filled with delicious variety, your party is sure to be a sizzling success!
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Barbecue Menu
What should you grill first at a barbecue?
It’s best to start grilling foods that take longer and benefit from marinating first. These tend to be thicker, tougher cuts of meat like steaks, chops, chicken legs and thighs. Shrimp, fish, burgers, dogs, and veggies can all be tossed on a bit later since they require less time over the heat.
How do I organize my barbecue food for grilling?
Be strategic in organizing what order different items go onto the grill. Quick-cooking foods should go on last so they’re ready when you need them. Leave space for smaller foods that might fall between the grates. Group similar foods that require about the same time together.
What are good vegetarian options for a cookout?
Veggie-based burgers, hot dogs, kebabs and sandwiches are all excellent meatless choices. Try also grilling sturdy veggies like mushrooms, squash, eggplant, corn, pineapple, halloumi cheese, pressed tofu, and avocado.
What are easy desserts to make for a barbecue?
Grilled fruit kebabs, s’mores, brownies, and fruit crisps are simple desserts that usually please a crowd. For cool treats, have ice cream served with warmed toppings, fresh berries, or baked goods like cookies or banana bread.
What should I drink at a summer BBQ?
Thirst-quenching beverages like lemonade, iced tea, sangria, and watermelon agua fresca complement a barbecue well. And of course, what’s a barbecue without lots of ice cold beer, wine, and mixed drinks like mojitos or margaritas?
Conclusion
From tangy appetizers and fresh salads to succulent steaks and juicy burgers, the grill-worthy possibilities for your next barbecue are endless. The keys are preparing some components in advance, having a balanced menu, and organizing cooking systematically. With a well-stocked pantry, a heap of charcoal, and these mouthwatering recipes, you’re sure to host the tastiest barbecue on the block!