Never mind slow-roasted ham or Thanksgiving turkey, it’s GRILLIN’ season! Synonymous with summer, BBQ parties are the go-to for gatherings in the great outdoors. Ah, yes; family, friends, drinks with mini umbrellas in them, and music flooding the expanse of your backyard…it doesn’t get any better than this. Thinking about hosting a cookout of your own? Keep these tips in mind:
A good burger is critical. The place to cut costs is not with the burgers. Fact of the matter is, it’s a BBQ, and at least a few people WILL be expecting and craving a juicy burger, so don’t disappoint with some frozen slab of factory pressed meat. Put your money in the spots that count: quality, fresh beef, good toppings, and fresh baked buns. If nothing else, putting together a bangin’ burger will rock your guest’s socks. Check out 10 killer burger recipes ranging from the Bacon Double seen below to a Cajun burger.
People eat with their eyes. Adding a few visual touches to your grilling extravaganza will definitely enhance the mood and have the tummies a-rumbling. There’s no need to spend money on one-time-use decorations and paper table settings; snag something practical and adorable like this Picnic Table Condiment Set by Neato Shop. Everyone will be slathering up their burgers and dogs with their favorite primary colored sauce, and this is too cute for the occasion.
Serve a signature brew. Give your friends and family something they might have never tried (and keep some favorites in the fridge too!) Shiner Ruby Redbird by Texas-based brewery, Shiner Bock is a light tasting, crisp lager infused with grapefruit juice and ginger — a blend that complements the menu AND is refreshing on a hot summer day.
Don’t leave vegetarians eating only side dishes. Meat-free food options are more prevalent than ever, so be sure to provide satisfying alternatives for vegetarian attendees. These easy to make Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers with Avocado are crispy and fulfilling. Slap them on a multigrain or wheat bun, and rejoice in knowing you cooked more than just cholesterol!
Bring on the watermelon! No BBQ is complete without fresh fruit. It’ll not only quench one’s thirst, it’ll also satisfy many a sweet tooth after courses of salty delights. The classic summer fruit is, no doubt, watermelon. Cutting through those suckers can be difficult, and buying it pre-cut will lose the juices and thus, lose the flavor. Go ahead and get the whole melon (it’s cheaper too!) and have this handy-dandy Watermelon Knife from Williams Sonoma on hand to help you out. You’ll feel like a master swordsmen slicing through that melon with ease! Plus, come on, look at it.
Well, folks, this will surely get you well on your way to an unforgettable and extra tasty BBQ. Power up the grill and get going…there are lots of hungry mouths to feed!