Warmer weather means it’s time to fire up the grill and make your favorite dishes. Entrees, sides and desserts can be the star of your show if you pick the right recipes. What foods should be at your backyard barbecue? Here are 10 you should add to the list.
1. Barbecue Chicken
Barbecue chicken is an excellent choice if you want meat to be the centerpiece. Your guests can choose from chicken legs, wings, thighs and other cuts to suit their tastes. You also have versatility when cooking it, as you can grill, smoke and fry the chicken in your backyard. Each cut of poultry has between 24 grams and 32 grams of protein per 100 grams. Slather on your favorite barbecue sauce for incredible flavors.
2. Salmon
Fish is another healthy option for the barbecue, providing unsaturated fats and protein while delivering tasty bites. Pescatarian dishes bring a lighter alternative to your barbecue menu, delighting guests who want a healthier meal. The lightness of fish also makes it easier to cook on the grill. Salmon dishes only need 20 minutes to cook, thus reducing the time spent grilling in the hot sun. This means you can focus on other things at your barbecue.
3. Burgers
When you think of barbecues, it’s hard to go wrong with burgers. This entree is fundamental to cookouts nationwide, as it pleases crowds and is easy to prepare. Cook each patty to your desired doneness and let your guests determine the toppings. Lettuce, cheese, pickles and ketchup only scratch the surface of burger goodness. Burgers also open the door to vegetarian options, with black bean, soy and jackfruit replacing the meat.
4. Summer Cocktails
Nothing is more refreshing on a summer day than the perfect cocktail. For your backyard BBQ, set up a tiki bar to serve rum-based drinks, like a Mai Tai or a Blue Hawaiian. Stock your bar with all the ingredients you need, along with drink umbrellas and fun straws. Your guests will feel like they’re sipping cocktails on the beach.
5. Steak
Steak is another barbecue classic because of its rich flavors. Rib-eyes, sirloins and porterhouses are fan favorites that take your barbecue to the next level. While they can be pricey, steaks are convenient because they don’t require a lot of prep. Find your favorite seasonings and let the meat come to room temperature before hitting the grill. Vegan options include cauliflower, mushrooms, tofu, eggplant and more.
6. Grilled Corn
Sides are essential for your barbecue because they complement the tasty entrees. What else besides meat can you put on the grill for raving reviews? Try grilling corn on the cob for a healthy and delicious treat. Grilled corn is versatile because you can add herbs and spices to enhance the smoky flavor. Once the corn is done, decorate it with butter, salt and pepper. Turn it into Mexican street corn with cotija cheese, cilantro, lime and chili powder.
7. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
If you want a break from the grill, try a cold side dish to put a smile on your guests’ faces. Cucumber and tomato salad combines sliced and diced fruits with onions, red wine vinegar and fresh herbs. Make it more colorful with bell peppers, dill and chickpeas for an even better dish. Cucumber and tomato salad is fantastic if you don’t want to spend much time on sides. Cut the vegetables, mix all the ingredients and let them chill in the refrigerator.
8. Potato Salad
While meat and vegetables are great, you need a savory side to round out your plate. Potato salad levels up your meal with creamy and mild flavors to complement the barbecue. You can keep it simple with a mustard-based recipe including mayonnaise, chopped pickles and eggs. Loaded potato salad makes your side dish even better by adding bacon, shredded cheese and green onions. Make this famous barbecue dish the day before to make things less stressful.
9. Fruit Tray
Fruit should be on your barbecue menu because it provides energy and is refreshing on hot days. Summer is an excellent time for produce because July provides fresh and in-season fruit to beat the heat. Make your parties more aesthetically pleasing with a fruit tray emulating rainbow colors. An Independence Day barbecue is a terrific opportunity for a red, white and blue-themed cake with strawberries and blueberries.
10. Key Lime Pie
Dessert is a terrific way to end a barbecue, so give your guests unforgettable sweets. Key lime pie is a summer staple because it’s a cold dish with a tangy taste. While the lime is tart, the whipped cream and crust add sweet flavors. This dessert is excellent for summer barbecues because key limes are best between June and August due to the warm climate. Make your key lime pie even better with a graham cracker crust and fresh lime zest.
11. S’mores
If your barbecue extends to the night, have a s’mores table ready for a wonderful dessert. This campfire classic lets guests participate by toasting the marshmallows themselves. Prepare your fire pit and provide skewers so your family and friends enjoy the warm summer evening. While campfires are the usual setting, you can make s’mores on the grill with aluminum foil. Make them even better with dark chocolate, cookies or peanut butter.
Serving Delicious Food at Your Backyard Barbecue
Backyard barbecues bring people together through food, socialization and games. Make the food memorable by serving these 10 terrific selections. While entrees, sides and dessert make your cookout memorable, don’t forget the beverages. Lemonade, iced tea and cocktails pair well with summer barbecue staples and help everyone beat the heat.
Comments are closed.