As summer comes to a close, it’s time to gather friends and family for a great BBQ.
But what separates a good BBQ from a great one?
Here are eight tips to ensure your get-together falls squarely in the “great” category.
Offer a Variety of Food
Not everyone loves the classics like burgers and hot dogs.
Include options like veggie skewers, grilled fish, or even a big salad. This makes sure there’s something to please everyone’s palate. Take this same approach with sauces and condiments; not everyone is solely a ketchup person, so keep other options on the table.
Serve a Signature Cocktail You Can Batch
A summer cocktail or mocktail is a fantastic idea, but it’s even better if you batch it beforehand.
Palomas are an excellent option to throw together in a large pitcher or punch bowl and have guests serve themselves. It’s much easier to meet your guests’ needs if they can help themselves with food and drink without having to stress you out to get it!
Do Food Prep in Advance
Chopping veggies, marinating meats, and tossing together side dishes the day before (provided this won’t make them soggy) can make things easier on yourself. This saves time and allows flavors to meld, making your food even more delicious. Just don’t do it too far in advance, and take care with certain marinades, as they can cause the meat to break down too much.
Master Your Grill
How much do you really understand about your grill? Do you know the difference between direct and indirect grilling? Familiarizing yourself with your grill and grilling as a cooking method in general will help you cook everything to perfection. For example, use direct heat for steaks and indirect heat for larger cuts like chicken breast.
Check With Guests for Dietary Restrictions
A variety of food is important for a good barbecue, but it’s also important to have a good grasp on what your guests can and cannot eat. Ask in advance, long before you do any meal prepping or planning, so you aren’t stuck with a swathe of food people can’t eat.
Remember Food Safety
Even though we’ve all been to that BBQ where the cole slaw is out way too long, that doesn’t mean you should follow suit. Food safety is crucial, especially in the heat. Keep raw meats separate from other foods, use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking, and keep perishables in a cooler until needed.
Have a Plan to Combat Bugs
Nothing ruins a BBQ faster than swarms of mosquitoes. Citronella candles, bug spray, and even fans can help keep pesky insects at bay. Keep an eye on how much they’re affecting the food, too, and cover anything so they don’t try to make your potato salad a home.
Don’t Forget to Have a Good Time Yourself!
Finally, remember the purpose of your BBQ—to have fun! Don’t stress over perfection. Your guests will remember the laughs and good times more than any minor hiccups, so once everything is well in hand, kick back and join your loved ones!
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