Having a barbecue is a great way to spend time with friends and family outdoors while enjoying delicious grilled foods. When hosting a barbecue, it’s important to have a variety of tasty foods and drinks to satisfy all your guests. Here are some must-have items to include at your next barbecue.
Meats
Meat is the star of any barbecue. Be sure to have a selection of crowd-pleasing grilled meats.
Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
These backyard barbecue classics are a must. Offer a variety of condiments like ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, lettuce, and tomato so guests can customize their burgers and dogs. Provide both beef and turkey burger options. Have vegan burgers on hand for non-meat eaters.
Steak
Steak is always a hit at barbecues. Choose tender cuts like ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. Marinate them beforehand for extra flavor. Have a platter ready with cooked steaks so guests can grab them right off the grill.
Chicken
From bone-in chicken legs and wings to boneless breasts, chicken cooks up fast on the grill. Infuse flavor with a simple olive oil, herbs, and lemon marinade. Grill boneless thighs for a quick-cooking crowd-pleaser.
Pork Chops
Juicy, boneless pork chops cook evenly on the grill. Brush them with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce as they cook. Serve a range of thicknesses to accommodate preferences.
Kebabs
Assemble colorful kebabs with steak tips, chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and pineapple. The combinations are endless. Let guests build their own. Supply skewers and a kebab station.
Sausage and Ribs
Grilled smoked sausages and baby back ribs are always barbecue favorites. Choose an array of flavored sausages from spicy to garlic. Slow cook the ribs until tender and basting them with sauce.
Seafood
For a surf and turf menu, throw some shrimp, scallops, salmon, halibut, or lobster tails on the grill. Brush with lemon-garlic butter or cajun seasoning. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Lamb Chops
For a special occasion, have boneless or rib lamb chops. Cook quickly over high heat for a touch of exotic flair. Offer a mint jelly or chimichurri sauce on the side.
Veggie Options
Supply veggie burgers and grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and corn for non-meat eating guests. Brush vegetables with olive oil and seasonings. Grill portobello mushroom caps as a steak substitute.
Sides
In addition to meats, round out your barbecue menu with classic summer sides and salads.
Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is an essential barbecue side. Make it yourself or pick up a few different deli varieties like classic mayo, mustard, or vinegar-based. Add eggs, onions, pickles, and celery for extra flavor and crunch.
Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salads are great for outdoor eating. Toss rotini or spirals with chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and olives. Drizzle with Italian dressing and refrigerate until icy cold. Sprinkle with shredded cheese just before serving.
Coleslaw
A tangy, creamy coleslaw complements richer barbecue flavors. Shred green and red cabbage with carrots for color and crunch. Dress with a mayo-based coleslaw dressing or an oil and vinegar-based vinaigrette. Customize with raisins, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a beloved barbecue tradition. Leave corn unshucked while grilling for maximum flavor. Or wrap each ear in foil with butter and spices. Provide corn holders and butter on the side.
Baked Beans
Smoky, sweet baked beans are an iconic barbecue side. Heat up a few cans, or make your own batch with onions, bacon, brown sugar, ketchup, and spices. Stir in pulled pork or burnt ends for a protein boost.
Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is comfort food at its best. Make an easy stove-top version with cheddar, parmesan, evaporated milk, and seasonings. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with panko bread crumbs, and bake until golden.
Fruit Salad
Cool, refreshing fruit salad balances heavier barbecue foods. Dice up melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Add pineapple, grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. Toss with a honey-lime dressing.
Caprese Salad
Layer sliced fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and whole basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for an easy no-cook salad.
Grilled Vegetables
In addition to main dishes, utilize the grill for veggies like corn, zucchini, eggplant, squash, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and asparagus. Toss in olive oil and seasonings. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chips and Dip
Set out crowd-pleasing chips and dip like tortilla chips with guacamole, salsa, and queso. Or offer potato chips, pretzels, and veggie sticks with onion dip and hummus.
Desserts
Satisfy sweet tooths with easy homemade desserts and store-bought treats.
Fruit Pizza
Top a large sugar cookie “crust” with sweetened cream cheese and arrange fresh fruit slices like kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges. Chill until ready to serve.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
A platter of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies is sure to get gobbled up. Or pick up a variety of pre-packaged cookies from the grocery store like chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter, and oatmeal raisin.
Brownies
Fudgy homemade brownies are always a crowd-pleaser. Make them from scratch or use a boxed brownie mix for an easier option. Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra decadence.
Ice Cream Bar
Set up a DIY ice cream sundae bar so guests can build their own sweet treats. Offer selections of ice cream flavors, plus toppings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, caramel, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries.
Pies
An all-American apple, cherry, or pecan pie is the perfect patriotic dessert. Or pick up a selection of pre-made mini fruit and cream pies from the grocery store so everyone can have their favorite.
S’mores
You can’t beat the classic combination of toasted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers. Set out skewers and all the s’mores fixings so guests can roast marshmallows over the grill.
Cupcakes
Display cute themed cupcakes on a tiered platter. Top with swirls of frosting and decorative sprinkles. Offer a mix of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, and lemon.
Popsicles
Keep a cooler stocked with an assortment of colorful fruit popsicles to help guests cool off. Cherry, grape, orange, and lime are nostalgic flavors.
Drinks
From summery cocktails to non-alcoholic beverages, provide thirst-quenching drinks.
Iced Tea
Brew up a pitcher of refreshing sweet tea. Set out lemon wedges, sugar, and honey so guests can customize their glass. Offer both traditional black tea and herbals.
Lemonade
Tart, sweet lemonade really hits the spot on a hot day. Make a batch from scratch, or pick up jugs of pre-made lemonade. Set out strawberries, blueberries, mint, and cinnamon sticks for flavorful garnishes.
Arnold Palmer
The tasty combination of iced tea and lemonade makes a great intermediary beverage. Mix equal parts tea and lemonade and serve over ice for an Arnold Palmer.
Fruit Punch
Blend together fruit juices like orange, pineapple, cranberry, and grape to make a fruity punch. Float sliced oranges, strawberries, and ice cubes. Decorate the punch bowl with citrus slices.
Mojitos
Muddle mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and rum over ice for refreshing mojitos. Leave the rum out for kid-friendly virgin mojitos. Offer a selection of fruit flavors.
Margaritas
Mix tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a blender with ice. Rim glasses with salt for an easy way to enjoy margaritas without a bar setup. Provide margarita mix for DIY combinations.
Sangria
Combine red wine, juice, sliced fruit, brandy, and club soda in a pitcher. Let it chill so the flavors develop. Peaches, berries, and citrus make tasty additions.
Beer
Be sure to stock up on plenty of cold beer which is the quintessential barbecue beverage. Offer both bottles and cans. Have on hand a variety of styles like lagers, IPAs, wheat beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic options. And don’t forget the bottle opener!
Soft Drinks
Keep coolers filled with ice cold bottled water, sodas, and sparkling waters so everyone can quench their thirst. Regular and diet varieties of classics like Coke, Sprite, and root beer are sure to please.
Grilling Supplies
Equipping your backyard grill station will ensure a smooth barbecuing experience.
High-Quality Grill
Invest in a large, heavy-duty gas or charcoal grill that can handle grilling for a crowd. Look for one with multiple racks for simultaneous direct and indirect cooking.
Grilling Utensils
Stock up on long handled grill tongs, spatulas, brushes, skewers, and corn holders. Opt for stainless steel, wood, or silicone. Have heat-resistant mitts for handling hot grates.
Basting Brushes
Use natural or silicone bristle brushes for basting foods with glazes, sauces, and marinades as they cook. Dedicate separate brushes for applying versus dipping.
Grill Skillets
Utilize cast iron griddles and grill pans on the grill for foods prone to sticking like small items and sauces. Nonstick is good for delicate fish.
Meat Thermometer
A Digital instant read thermometer with a probe is essential for checking doneness, especially for large cuts of meat. Look for one that’s oven and grill safe.
Aluminum Foil
Always good to have on hand, foil is useful for grilling packets of fish and veggies. You can also make disposable foil trays for grilling delicate foods.
Coolers
Keep drinks chilled in separate coolers for beverages and for perishable food items that need to stay cold like dips, salads, and desserts. Have plenty of ice on hand.
Lighter Fluid and Charcoal
If using a charcoal grill, make sure to have an ample supply of charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid. Store extra bags nearby for replenishing.
Propane Tank
For gas grills, always check your propane tank well in advance to ensure it’s full. Have an extra tank as back up so you don’t run out mid barbecue.
Grill Cleaning Tools
Keep grill brushes, abrasive pads, and cleaning solutions available for a thorough scrub down of the grates and flavorizer bars both before and after the barbecue.
Serving Platters and Trays
Have a variety of platters, trays, and bowls on hand for transferring food from the grill to the serving table. Invest in some heat-resistant options.
Extra Touches
Add these finishing touches for the ultimate backyard barbecue experience.
Music
Create festive ambiance with a soundtrack of upbeat background music. Make a dedicated barbecue playlist with classics hits, sing-alongs, and happy tunes.
Yard Games
Entertain guests of all ages with outdoor games like cornhole, ladder ball, croquet, and giant Jenga. Set up a volleyball net if space allows.
Decorations
Designate an eating area and decorate it with red, white, and blue accents like string lights, pinwheels, banners, and balloons. Use bandanas and sunflowers for a summery look.
No-Cook Foods
Provide backups like deli platters, chips, nuts, and snack mixes in case the grill runs low on grilling space. Have non-perishable foods guests can nibble on.
Bug Spray
Nothing spoils outdoor fun like pesky mosquitos and flies. Place citronella candles around seating areas. Have bottles of bug spray available for guests to use.
Sunscreen
Protect guests from sunburns with bottles of sunscreen placed around the patio and yard. Remind everyone to reapply regularly, especially kids.
Extra Seating
Make sure to offer enough comfortable seating options for all your guests with chairs, loungers, and shaded areas. Have folding tables ready for dining and food setup.
Handwashing Station
Prevent the spread of germs with hand sanitizer or a portable sink for handwashing. Have soap, paper towels, and hand wipes available as well.
With the right balance of grilled meats, summery sides, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats, your barbecue is sure to satisfy hungry guests. Use this checklist to stock up on barbecue essentials before the party. Follow these tips and your backyard bash will be a huge hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About What to Have at a Barbecue
Cooking outside on the grill is one of the best parts of summertime. Hosting a barbecue is a great way to gather friends and family to relax and enjoy delicious food. However, preparing for a backyard barbecue involves a lot more than just lighting up the grill. Use the following FAQs as a guide to plan the ultimate barbecue from food to supplies.
What types of meat should I grill?
The star of any barbecue is the variety of grilled and smoked meats. Be sure to offer crowd-pleasing favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, ribs, sausages, shrimp, and kebabs. Have a mix of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood. Include vegetarian options as well.
What kinds of side dishes go well with barbecue?
In addition to meats, round out the menu with classic backyard sides like potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, mac and cheese, fresh fruit, grilled veggies, chips and dip, and bread rolls.
How do I come up with fun barbecue desserts?
Satisfy sweet tooths with easy desserts like fruit pizza, cookies, brownies, ice cream sundaes, homemade pie, s’mores roasted over the grill, popsicles, and cupcakes. Set up a self-serve dessert bar.
What types of beverages should I provide?
Offer a variety of thirst-quenching drinks including lemonade, iced tea, fruit punch, soda, sparkling water, beer, wine coolers, sangria, and summer cocktails like margaritas and mojitos. Don’t forget lots of ice!
What special equipment is essential for grilling?
Stock up on grilling tools like spatulas, tongs, skewers, brushes, mitts, grill baskets, thermometers, foil, and cleaners. Check propane tank and charcoal supplies. Have serving dishes, coolers, ice, and plenty of seating.
How can I decorate for a barbecue?
Create a festive ambiance with patriotic decorations like string lights, pinwheels, garlands, banners, and balloons in red, white, and blue. Use bandanas, sunflowers, and picnic-themed accents for a summery look.
What games and activities make a barbecue more fun?
Entertain guests with yard games like ladder ball, cornhole, croquet, and giant Jenga. Play upbeat music and have a dance area. Set up volleyball or badminton nets if space allows.
How do I prepare the grill and barbecuing area?
Clean and oil the grill grates well in advance. Set up table buffets for food and drinks. Have a protected serving area. Place citronella candles and bug spray around seating areas. Provide sunscreen stations.
What extra touches create a memorable experience?
Have fun options like s’mores, ice cream sundae, and popsicle bars. Offer sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer for comfort and safety. Make personalized playlists. Send guests off with sweet treats or doggie bags.
What are some barbecue planning and food safety tips?
Check supplies well in advance and make shopping lists. Prep as much food ahead of time as possible like marinades and side dishes. Refrigerate perishable items. Ensure you have adequate refrigeration available. Follow food safety guidelines when grilling meat and keeping perishable foods chilled on hot days.
Planning a great barbecue requires forethought, organization, and attention to details. But the payoff of happy, well-fed guests is worth the effort. With these FAQs to guide your planning, you’ll be ready to host the ultimate backyard bash!
What to Have at a Barbecue: Conclusion
When done right, a barbecue can bring people together for a fun-filled day of food, drinks, games, and time spent outdoors. The key is being prepared with a wide selection of grilled meats, summer salads and sides, refreshing beverages, and festive treats. It also helps to have the proper outdoor furniture, grilling equipment, decorations, and activities.
By following this guide on what to have at a barbecue, you can feel confident you’ve covered all the bases. Just remember the basics like burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, ribs, classic sides like potato