Barbecuing is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. The smell of meat cooking over an open flame, the char on perfectly grilled veggies, the fun of gathering with friends and family – what’s not to love? However, the one downside of barbecue parties is the cleanup. With so much food being cooked and served outdoors, there’s always the question of how long it can safely sit out before bacteria become a problem. Here is a thorough guide to how long barbecue can stay out before it becomes unsafe to eat.
How Long Can Raw Meat Sit Out?
Raw meats like hamburgers, chicken, pork, and sausages need to be handled carefully to avoid foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips:
Beef, Pork, Lamb, Veal
- 1-2 hours max in temperatures up to 90°F. Discard anything that sits out longer.
- Cut meat into smaller portions to allow it to chill quickly once cooked.
- Marinate in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Discard used marinade to avoid contamination.
Ground Meat
- 1 hour max in temperatures up to 90°F as bacteria multiply very quickly.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Ground meats are very prone to harboring dangerous pathogens.
Chicken
- 1-2 hours max in temperatures up to 90°F.
- Use within 1-2 days if refrigerating raw chicken.
- Thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
Hot Dogs
- Do not leave sitting out once cooked. Refrigerate within 1 hour.
- When reheating, steam until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How Long Can Cooked BBQ Sit Out?
While raw meats present higher risks, cooked meats also need to be handled properly. Here are tips on how long barbecue can stay out after cooking:
Steaks, chops, chicken, ribs, etc.
- Up to 2 hours in temperatures up to 90°F.
- Cut into smaller pieces to allow for faster chilling.
- Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers within this 2 hour window.
Hamburgers and sausage
- Only 1 hour max in temperatures up to 90°F.
- Their ground composition makes them more prone to bacterial growth. Discard uneaten portions after 1 hour.
Hot dogs
- Do not let sit out once cooked. Keep hot dogs hot on a grill or serve immediately.
- Refrigerate any unused cooked hot dogs within 1 hour.
Kebabs and cut veggies
- Up to 2 hours in temperatures up to 90°F.
- Cut into smaller pieces and refrigerate within 2 hours.
Marinated meats
- Marinate meats in the refrigerator. Discard used marinade.
- Cook within 1-2 days. Do not reuse marinade as a sauce after cooking.
BBQ side dishes
- Follow the 2 hour rule for sides containing meats, dairy, eggs or cut fruits/veggies.
- Whole fruits/veggies and sides like rice or bread can be left out longer.
Reheating BBQ Safely
Leftovers should be refrigerated within the recommended 1-2 hour time frames. Here are tips for reheating barbecue safely:
- Reheat on the stove, in the oven or on the grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Bring sauces, soups and gravies to a full boil when reheating.
- Only reheat once – do not let leftovers sit at room temp before reheating.
- When microwaving, cover food and rotate for even heating. Allow standing time before eating.
- Bring large amounts of food like pulled pork or brisket up to temperature in smaller batches vs. all at once.
- Stir while reheating. Check internal temps in several spots with a food thermometer.
Food Safety Tips for Outdoor BBQs
Follow these food safety guidelines when cooking outdoors:
- Keep all perishable foods chilled in a cooler with ice packs until ready to cook.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F) and cold foods cold (below 40°F).
- Keep perishable foods covered to avoid insect contamination.
- Use clean utensils and platters for serving cooked foods.
- Discard any food left out longer than the recommended 1-2 hour time frames.
FAQs About How Long BBQ Can Sit Out
How long can pulled pork sit out after cooking?
Larger cuts of meat like pork shoulders for pulling should not sit out for more than 2 hours after cooking. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in smaller containers within this timeframe. Reheat fully to 165°F before serving.
Can you let burgers sit out overnight after cooking?
No. Cooked hamburgers should never sit out overnight at room temperature. Refrigerate cooked burgers within 1 hour and discard any leftovers. The longer ground meats are left out, the higher the risk of dangerous bacterial growth.
Can cooked chicken be left out for 6 hours?
No, cooked chicken should not be left out for longer than 2 hours, and 1 hour is preferable. Leftover cooked chicken needs to be refrigerated within this short 1-2 hour timeframe and discarded if left out longer.
How long can hot dogs sit out after opening package?
Unopened packages of hot dogs can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Once opened, it’s best to use the hot dogs within 1 week for optimal quality. Hot dogs should never sit out at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours, whether cooked or uncooked.
Can BBQ chicken be refrigerated overnight?
Yes, cooked BBQ chicken can be refrigerated overnight and eaten the next day. Be sure to refrigerate the chicken within 2 hours after cooking. Store in shallow, covered containers to allow for quick chilling. Reheat chicken fully to 165°F before serving.
The Bottom Line
Barbecuing makes cooking out a fun and delicious experience. However, meats and other perishable foods can pose safety risks if left out too long at warm temperatures. Be sure to follow the 1-2 hour rules for refrigerating or discarding leftovers after cooking. When in doubt, throw it out. With proper food handling, you can feel confident serving up safe and mouthwatering barbecue fare all summer long.