What to Bring to a BBQ Potluck

Attending a barbecue potluck invites a fun way to share food and community with others. With a bit of thought and preparation, you can find the perfect dish to bring and contribute to a delicious and memorable event. Here are some tips on what to bring to a bbq potluck.

Main Dishes

Bringing a main dish to a barbecue potluck allows you to showcase your cooking skills and provide a substantial contribution to the meal.

Grilled Proteins

• Hamburgers – Pre-make patties ahead of time from ground beef, turkey, or veggie burgers. Bring burger buns, cheeses, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo.
• BBQ Chicken – Make marinated chicken drumsticks, thighs, or boneless breasts. Grill them ahead and bring them in a disposable aluminum tray.
• Kebabs – Assemble chunks of marinated meat, vegetables, and fruit onto skewers. Grill them on-site. Try chicken, beef, shrimp, peppers, onions, mushrooms, pineapple, and more.
• Hot dogs – Bring hot dogs still in their packages along with buns. They can be grilled on-site. Offer condiments like ketchup, mustard, relish, and sauerkraut.

Other Main Dishes

• Baked beans – Make homemade or use canned. Add flavors like brown sugar, onion, bacon, barbecue sauce, etc.
• Mac and cheese – Make cheesy elbow pasta. Can add ham, bacon, pulled pork, etc. Keep it hot in a slow cooker or disposable pan.
• Pulled pork or chicken – Make in a slow cooker with barbecue sauce. Bring shredded meat in a disposable aluminum container to keep warm.
• Vegetarian or vegan main – Grilled veggie skewers, vegetable lasagna, portobello mushroom burgers, etc.

Side Dishes

Sides provide extra flavors, colors, and nutrition to complement the main dishes.

• Potato salad – Make a classic version with potatoes, mayo or sour cream, eggs, onion, celery, mustard, etc.
• Pasta salad – Toss fusilli, rotini or penne with vegetables, Italian dressing, mozzarella, etc.
• Coleslaw – Shredded cabbage and carrots dressed simply with oil and vinegar or a creamy mayo-based dressing.
• Baked beans – As a side in addition to a main dish.
• Corn on the cob – Bring unshucked corn if grilling on-site.
• Watermelon slices – Refreshing on a hot day. Cubed and arranged on a platter.
• Veggie trays – Display fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumber, broccoli, grape tomatoes, etc. with ranch dip.

Desserts

Bringing dessert completes the potluck meal. Opt for portable, single-serve options or tray desserts.

• Cookies – Classic choices like chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, etc.
• Brownies – Chewy, fudgy treats are always a hit.
• Cakes – Bring pre-sliced pieces of cake on a disposable platter.
• Fruit trays – Fresh sliced watermelon, pineapple, grapes, berries, etc.
• Pies – Bring whole pies pre-sliced or single-serve hand pies. Great options are apple, blueberry, pecan, etc.
• S’mores kit – Provide graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars or chunks and bamboo skewers.

Beverages

Having drinks on-hand is a key part of any barbecue.

• Iced tea, lemonade, fruit punch – Make large containers full of classic refreshing beverages. Provide cups and ice.
• Sodas or sparkling water – Bring a variety pack of canned soft drinks, or bottles of sparkling water. Offer a beverage tub filled with ice.
• Beer and wine – Check if alcohol is permitted and bring drink options accordingly. Bring bottle openers, cups, and ice.
• Water – Having bottled water available is always a good idea to stay hydrated.

Miscellaneous Items

Some small additions that can make a big difference:

• Dinnerware – Bring disposable plates, cups, cutlery, and napkins for easy cleanup.
• Serving utensils – Bring serving spoons and tongs for each dish you provide.
• Tablecloths – Cover picnic tables with disposable or washable tablecloths.
• Fun decorations – Use festive plastic tableware, string lights, balloons, etc.

Food Safety Tips

Keep food safe with these tips:

• Keep cold foods chilled on ice packs in coolers.
• Transport hot foods in insulated containers to keep warm.
• Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate.
• Perishable foods should not be left out over 2 hours.
• Provide serving utensils for each dish.

Conclusion

The key to a successful bbq potluck is communication and coordination. Talk to the host about what they are providing and any special rules. Choose a dish you feel comfortable making and transporting. Arrive ready to have fun and enjoy everyone’s delicious contributions! With some planning, teamwork and these key tips, your bbq potluck will surely be a huge hit.