Tips to Make Your Next BBQ Extra Special This Summer
Whether you’re in the UK or the US, July means one thing – barbecue time! Most folks in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the warmer temperatures, sunny skies, and of course, cooking on the grill. If you are planning to have a few friends over soon, then we have a few practical tips that will make your barbecue a success!
Barbecue (also known as barbeque or BBQ for short) can describe a cooking method, a style of food, or even a social event that features cooking food over a grill. Most people will know what you mean when you talk about BBQ. Depending on the area you live in, you may not be allowed to have friends over (with social distancing and all that), but this won’t last forever! Read our tips now, and be the BBQ King (or Queen) next time you grill.
Planning the menu
To cater to everyone’s tastes, make sure you include a bit of everything. Meat options range from sausages, burgers, chicken wings, and prawns. If you have vegetarian friends, cook a few large portobello mushrooms instead of burgers. Starches can include corn on the cob, potato salad, or baked potatoes.
If you grilled sausages, why not opt for hotdogs? Have fresh rolls available and a few homemade sauces – make your own ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauces. Better yet, why not have a sauce potluck party? You supply the rolls and grill the sausages, while friends bring their own homemade sauce variations!
BBQs don’t have to be all about the meat. Your menu should definitely have a few fresh items too. Watermelon slices, coleslaw, and other veggies make the perfect sides.
Don’t forget about dessert! Grill fruits like banana, pineapple, or nectarines, and serve with vanilla ice cream. Alternatively, bring out the bag of marshmallows and make s’mores!
Prep ahead of time
To ensure that your day runs smoothly and that you actually have time for your guests, you can prepare as many things as possible ahead of time. Chop everything for your salads the day before – refrain from adding the salad dressings, as this will make the salads soggy.
Prepare your meat. If you make your own burgers, you can form the patties the day before and store them in the fridge. Making chicken skewers (also known as kabobs or kebabs)? Marinate your chicken pieces ahead of time, and chop up the veggies for the skewers. Hotdog rolls and burger buns can be cut and buttered too.
By planning ahead, your BBQ day will be less stressful and you will be able to enjoy it with your closest friends – instead of running around like a crazy person! No one likes a stressed host!
Make it fun
A simple BBQ is great, but make it even better by incorporating a theme – who doesn’t like to dress up? Choose a 70s-inspired theme and have your guests dress up in peasant blouses, bell bottoms, and tie die! Or go for a beach theme, complete with matching décor and seafood on the grill! To make the event even more fun, include lawn games like giant Jenga, ring toss, Swing ball, and corn hole!
