Throwing a BBQ party and wondering what to make that your guests will love? Look no further! This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to plan the ultimate BBQ party menu. We’ll provide tips on crowd-pleasing BBQ classics as well as creative recipes to mix things up. With appetizers, main dishes, sides, drinks and desserts, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next backyard bash!
Introduction
Summer is prime time for BBQ parties. When the weather is warm, grilling up burgers and hot dogs outdoors just feels right. But you can take your BBQ fare to the next level with some planning and creative recipes.
The key is having a balanced mix of familiar favorites along with some new, exciting dishes. Blend classic BBQ entrees like ribs and chicken with unexpected appetizers and finger foods. Fill out your menu with fresh salads, veggie sides and sweet treats. And don’t forget the beverages! Iced tea, lemonade and beer are BBQ standbys, but you can also offer fun cocktails and mocktails.
With the right combination of tried-and-true and outside-the-box recipes, your BBQ spread is sure to satisfy. Read on for top tips on planning your ultimate BBQ party menu!
Tips for Planning Your BBQ Party Menu
Planning out the full menu for your BBQ bash ahead of time ensures you have all the right recipes, ingredients and supplies on hand. Here are some key tips:
- Think about crowd size and tastes. Cater to the particular preferences and dietary needs of who’s attending. Mix up meat, seafood and vegetarian options.
- Balance familiar with unique. Include classic BBQ dishes but also experiment with more creative recipes. This keeps things interesting.
- Vary cooking methods. Grill up favorites like burgers and hot dogs. But also bake, smoke or slow cook other meats and veggies.
- Incorporate side dishes. Fill out the spread with fresh salads, veggie sides, chips, dips and breads. These complement the heartier mains.
- Remember dessert! Satisfy those sweet cravings with easy homemade treats like cookies, brownies and fruit crisps.
- Offer drinks for all. Beer, wine and soda are musts. But also include fun cocktails along with water and iced tea.
- Prep ahead when possible. Marinate meats, chop ingredients, bake desserts and mix cocktails in advance. This saves you time and stress on party day.
- Have plenty of supplies. Stock up on grilling tools, serving platters, beverages, napkins, plates and cutlery. This ensures you have what you need when it’s time to eat.
Keeping these BBQ menu planning tips in mind will set you up for success!
Appetizers and Finger Foods
Kick off your BBQ bash with some tasty appetizers and finger foods to nosh on as the party gets going. Set up a help-yourself table so guests can graze. Here are top options to include:
BBQ Meatballs
These saucy, tangy meatballs are a crowd pleaser. Simmer frozen meatballs in your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce – so easy! Spear with toothpicks for easy handling.
Bruschetta
Grill up slices of French bread or baguette. Top with a fresh tomato basil mixture and grated parmesan. Serve warm right off the grill.
Corn Fritters
Mix corn, flour, eggs and spices for quick fritter batter. Fry spoonfuls in hot oil until golden. Top with avocado salsa or chipotle ranch dressing.
Deviled Eggs
Hard boil eggs, slice in half, remove yolks and mix with mayo, mustard and spices. Scoop the filling back into the whites – a classic BBQ appetizer!
Fruit and Cheese Skewers
Assemble colorful skewers with cubes of Cheddar, mozzarella or Brie along with grapes, melon, strawberries and pineapple.
Grilled Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with cheese, peppers, onions and black beans. Grill until the cheese melts. Cut into triangles to serve.
Jalapeño Poppers
Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise, fill with cream cheese, wrap in bacon and grill. The cream cheese cools the spicy kick.
Potato Skins
Bake potato halves, scoop out the flesh and crisp the skins. Fill with bacon, Cheddar, salsa and scallions for a hearty, crunchy appetizer.
Veggie Spring Rolls
Roll up rice paper wrappers with shredded veggies, herbs and rice noodles. Chill until ready to serve with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.
Main Dishes – BBQ Classics
You can’t host a BBQ party without these tried-and-true grill recipes. Make your main protein the star of the show by cooking it low and slow or quickly searing it – your choice!
BBQ Chicken
Chicken is a backyard grilling staple. Marinate bone-in chicken halves, thighs or drumsticks in a favorite sauce or rub. Grill over indirect heat, basting with extra sauce.
Burgers
Set up a burger bar with ground beef patties, buns and all the fixings – cheese slices, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayo. Guests can build their perfect sandwich.
Hot Dogs
Grill up an array of regular, turkey or vegetarian dogs. Have buns, sauerkraut, chili, cheese sauce, relish, onions and various condiments for topping.
Baby Back Ribs
For fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, cook seasoned racks over low heat for a few hours. Glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 30 minutes.
BBQ Chicken Wings
Marinate wings in a zesty rub or sauce, then grill. Fry instead of grilling for an extra crispy coating. Serve with Ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Pulled Pork/Pulled Chicken
Slow cook pork shoulder or chicken thighs in the smoker or oven until very tender. Shred the meat and toss with your favorite sauce. Pile onto buns for amazing sandwiches.
Bratwurst
Boil the sausages first to plump up, then grill until browned. Top with sauteed peppers and onions. Offer sauerkraut and spicy mustard for topping options.
Steak & Kebabs
Marinate steak cuts like sirloin flap or skirt steak. Alternate on skewers with veggies like peppers, mushrooms, zucchini and cherry tomatoes.
Main Dishes – Creative Recipes
While BBQ classics are musts, you can expand your menu with more unique mains. Try firing up the smoker or slow cooker, or marinating meats in international sauces.
BBQ Salmon
Salmon fillets marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce are perfect grilled. They pick up wonderful smoky flavor and stay moist.
Jerk Chicken
Infuse bone-in chicken or thighs with spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning. Grill and serve with grilled pineapple slices and fried plantains.
Korean Short Ribs
Flavor beef short ribs with a blend of Korean chili paste, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Slow roast until super tender.
Smoked Brisket
Season a beef brisket with a spicy rub and cook low and slow in a smoker for up to 16 hours. Slice for serving.
Peach Glazed Pork Chops
Grill thick pork chops and brush with a homemade peach barbecue sauce as they cook. Sweet with a hint of habanero spice.
Cedar Plank Salmon
Top a soaked cedar plank with salmon filet, sliced lemons and fresh dill. Grill for incredible smoky flavor.
BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
Shredded jackfruit takes on the savory flavor of barbecue sauce. Pile into tortillas along with crunchy slaw for a vegetarian taco.
Chipotle Lime Shrimp Skewers
Marinate shrimp in lime juice, olive oil, garlic and smoky chipotle chiles. Grill up on skewers for a quick but impressive main.
Side Dishes and Salads
Your protein might be the star at a BBQ, but don’t overlook the sides! Bright, fresh salads, grilled veggies, potato dishes and breads make the meal complete.
Corn on the Cob
Butter and grill fresh corn right in the husks for the full smoky experience. Or boil first, then grill with sauce for caramelized kernels.
Coleslaw
Crunchy cabbage slaw tossed in a creamy dressing complements smoky, saucy BBQ entrees. Play with flavored vinegars in the dressing.
Macaroni and Cheese
This classic, cheesy comfort food is a must with barbecue. Make it on the stovetop or bake in a dish to take to the party.
Grilled Caesar Salad
Romaine gets nice char marks when grilled. Toss with garlicky Caesar dressing, croutons and parmesan.
Collard Greens
Simmer chopped collards with smoked turkey, broth, onions and vinegar for a soulful Southern side.
Baked Beans
Simmer beans in ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic and onions for the perfect sweet tangy accompaniment to grilled meats.
Grilled Vegetables
Get your veggie fix with zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, onions and eggplant grilled with olive oil and herbs.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Slice colorful tomatoes and cucumbers and toss with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Bake potatoes, cut in half and top with butter, sour cream, bacon, cheddar, scallions – anything goes!
Cornbread
Whip up a batch of cornbread or corn muffins to serve with BBQ entrees. They’re ideal for sopping up sauce.
Refreshing BBQ Beverages
From beers and wine to fun cocktails and mocktails, make sure to quench guests’ thirst with a range of enticing beverage choices.
Iced Tea
Brew up a gallon of traditional or flavored iced tea like peach, raspberry or mint. Set up with lemons and sweetener on the side.
Lemonade
Make fresh lemonade by the pitcher. For adult lemonade, add vodka or bourbon!
Margaritas & Sangria
Blend up frozen margaritas for sipping by the pool. Or serve up a batch of fruity red or white sangria punch with sliced fruit.
Beer and Wine
Offer an assortment of beers on ice, along with a red and a white wine option. Rosé pairs especially well with grilled foods.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Refreshing watermelon blended with lime and mint is perfect for hot days. Serve over ice.
Mule Cocktails
Moscow Mule with vodka & ginger beer or Kentucky Mule with bourbon and ginger beer are easy, crisp cocktails for summer BBQs.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Have fun fruity sodas, seltzer waters and juices for any non-drinkers, including kids!
Sweet BBQ Desserts
You can’t forget about dessert! Cool off after all that BBQ with creamy ice cream treats, rich chocolate brownies, fresh fruit and patriotic flag cake.
S’mores
No summer BBQ is complete without ooey-gooey s’mores. Sandwich marshmallows and chocolate between graham crackers.
Banana Boats
Split a banana down the middle, fill with chocolate chips and marshmallows, wrap in foil and grill for 5 minutes. The heat makes the fillings all melty.
Red, White and Blue Cake
Bake a white cake and frost with whipped cream cheese frosting. Top with fresh blueberries and strawberry slices for a festive 4th of July dessert.
Grilled Fruit Skewers
Assemble colorful skewers with pineapple, peaches, mangos, strawberries and kiwis. Grill just to caramelize the natural sugars.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Spread refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough into a baking dish and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake, cut into bars and you’ve got instant dessert!
Brownies
Rich chocolate brownies with nuts are simple to bake ahead of time. Top with ice cream for an extra treat.
Hand Churned Ice Cream
Break out old-fashioned ice cream makers and let guests churn up homemade vanilla or chocolate ice cream to enjoy with their desserts
Lemon Bars
Tart, refreshing lemon bars with a shortbread crust are a nice, light dessert option after a big BBQ meal.
Conclusion
Hosting an amazing BBQ bash is all about the right menu mix. Be sure to include classic grilled proteins, unexpected appetizers and creative sides for a meal guests will rave about. Refreshing beverages and easy, delicious desserts finish everything off on a sweet note.
With this guide to planning your ultimate BBQ party spread, you’re guaranteed success! Try out new recipes along with your go-to grill favorites to give your next backyard get-together that perfect summertime vibe. Just fire up the grill, relax with loved ones, and dig into the flavors of the season. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some BBQ classics I should definitely make?
Some must-have classic BBQ dishes include burgers, hot dogs, ribs, grilled chicken, pulled pork, wings, and brats.
What are some creative BBQ main dish recipes to try?
Get creative with jerk chicken, Korean short ribs, cedar plank salmon, smoked brisket, peach glazed pork chops, and jackfruit tacos.
How can I prepare ahead of time for my BBQ party?
Marinate meats, chop ingredients, bake desserts and mix cocktails ahead. Also, prepare any side dishes you can make in advance and refrigerate or freeze.
What are good vegetarian BBQ side options?
Great vegetarian sides for BBQ include grilled veggies like corn, zucchini and eggplant, fresh salads, baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese and cornbread.
What are some kid-friendly foods I should include?
Hot dogs, hamburgers, mac and cheese, fresh fruit, and ice cream sundaes are all hits with kids. Provide ketchup and other condiments they enjoy.