Although it is cold in a good chunk of the country right now, the sun is shining and the temperature is rising in other parts, which can only mean one thing: it's time to fire up the grill! There's something about warm weather that just makes us crave BBQ. Maybe it's the memories of picnics and cookouts from childhood, or maybe it's the tantalizing smell of meats and vegetables cooking on the open flame.
Whatever the reason, there's no denying that BBQ season is one of the best times of year. So whether you're planning a casual get-together with friends or a big family reunion, make sure to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious BBQ! Whether you're a beginner or a BBQ pro, make sure you have these essential items on hand for the perfect summer cookout.
Essential Items For The Perfect BBQ Party
There's nothing quite like a BBQ party to welcome in the warmer weather. The smell of burgers and hot dogs cooking on the grill is sure to get everyone's mouth watering. And with a little bit of planning, you can make sure that your BBQ party is a success. Whether you're serving up classic BBQ staples or trying something new, there's sure to be something for everyone. Here are some things to keep in mind before hosting your next party.
Grill Type
Propane or charcoal? Decide what type of fuel you'll need for your grill. If you don't have a lot of space, a portable propane grill might be your best bet. Charcoal grills will take longer to heat up, but many people say they impart a better flavor to food. And now you can get smokers for home use too, so you've got a third option. Let's take a look at some pros and cons for each type of grill.
PROS OF PROPANE GRILLS
-Propane grills heat up quickly and evenly, meaning that you won't have to wait around for your coals to get hot enough to start cooking.
-They're also very easy to clean since there are no ashes or coals to deal with.
-Since propane is odorless and tasteless, it won't impart any off-flavors to your food the way that charcoal can.
-More beginner-friendly as you're working with burners instead of piles of coals, so designating different heat zones on your grill can be easier.
CONS OF PROPANE GRILLS
-While propane is easy to light, it can be challenging to get the temperature just right. This means that you might end up overcooking or undercooking your food.
-Propane tanks can be expensive to refill and they can run out at inopportune times.
-If there's a gas leak, propane grills can be very dangerous.
PROS OF CHARCOAL GRILLS
Charcoal grills give food a classic smoky flavor that you just can't get from a propane grill.
-They're relatively inexpensive and easy to set up. All you need is a bag of charcoal and some lighter fluid, and you're good to go.
-Charcoal grills are portable, so they're perfect for picnics, camping trips, and other outdoor activities.
CONS OF CHARCOAL GRILLS
-Charcoal grills can be messy since you have to deal with ashes and coals.
-It can be difficult to get the temperature just right, which means that your food might end up being overcooked or burned.
-If you use too much lighter fluid, your food will taste like chemicals.
-Not quite as beginner-friendly as you have to manage coal placement as well as food placement
PROS OF SMOKERS
-Smokers cook food slowly and evenly over low heat
-Meat is infused delicious smoky flavor in the cooking process
-Typically the most tender, juicy meat comes from a smoker
-If done correctly, smoking is the perfect way to achieve perfectly cooked meats every time.
CONS OF SMOKERS
-Smokers require more patience than other types of grills since it can take several hours for the food to cook all the way through
-Smokers can be challenging to set up and maintain, which is why they're not recommended for beginner grillers.
-Not everyone enjoys the taste of smoked meats
The most important thing is that you don't serve undercooked meat--we don't want anyone getting sick at your BBQ party! Get good cuts of meat, season and sauce appropriately, and cook on whatever type of grill you're most comfortable with. People will love you for giving them delicious food on a beautiful day no matter what!
Grill Tools
A good set of tongs should be long enough to keep your hands away from the heat, but not so long that they're difficult to control. Look for tongs with silicone or rubber grips, which will make them more comfortable to use and easier to grip.
A brush is essential for keeping your grill clean. This will help ensure that your food doesn't stick to the grates and it helps clean up any residue left over from your last cooking. They have wire brushes that can do the trick, but you have to be careful that no stray bristles come off the brush and stay on the grill. These stray bristles could make their way into your food and no one wants to eat wire bristles with their burgers.
They've got brushes now that use ring-like loops instead of individual bristles and these brushes tend to clean your grill grates really well without the worry about leaving behind bristles. We think these are a great option. So when do I use the brush on my grill?
Most people know that it's important to clean their grill before cooking on it. But what many don't realize is that it's just as important to clean the grill after cooking. Food particles and grease can build up on the grates, making them more difficult to clean the next time you use the grill. For this reason, it's a good idea to brush your grill after each use. This will help remove any build-up and make it easier to clean the grill before your next cookout. In addition, brushing will help to keep your grill looking new and prolong its life. So don't forget to give your grill a good brushing after each use!
Sauces & Spices
Having a well-stocked arsenal of condiments and sauces is essential to make sure your guests have everything they need to customize their food to their liking. Here's a comprehensive list of the best condiments and BBQ sauces to have on hand for your next summer gathering.
The first condiment on our list is mustard. Mustard is a staple of American barbecue sauce recipes, and can be used as both a wet or dry rub. It's also one of the few sauces that can be used on all types of meat, including chicken, beef, pork, and fish.
No backyard barbecue would be complete without ketchup. This classic tomato-based sauce is perfect for slathering on burgers or dipping fries in. And don't forget about Heinz's57 varieties! There's a reason this brand has been around for over 150 years.
Barbecue sauce is another essential for any summertime cookout. This tangy and sweet sauce is perfect for basting meat while it's grilling or using as a dipping sauce. Be sure to have both a vinegar-based and ketchup-based sauce on hand to please all of your guests.
While technically not a sauce, relish is another great item to have available at your next barbecue. This chopped pickle condiment is perfect for adding some zing to hamburgers or hot dogs. It's also delicious mixed into mayonnaise or used as a dipping sauce for fried foods.
Must-Have Spices
If you're looking to add some extra flavor to your next BBQ, you can't go wrong with a good spice or rub. The spice you choose will depend on the meat you're cooking and the flavor profile you want, but here are some of our favorites.
Paprika is a versatile spice that can be used on both grilled and smoked meats. It's a great all-purpose spice that imparts a lovely reddish color to food. paprika is also relatively mild in terms of heat, making it a great choice for those who don't like their food too spicy.
Garlic powder is another spice that works well on both grilled and smoked meats. It's perfect for adding some extra depth of flavor to ribs, chicken, and steak. Just be careful not to overdo it, as garlic can easily become overwhelming. A little goes a long way!
Onion powder is another great all-purpose BBQ spice. Like garlic powder, it's perfect for adding extra depth of flavor to ribs, chicken, and steak. However, onion powder is also great for adding flavor to burgers and hot dogs. So feel free to experiment!
Chili powder is perfect for those who like their food with a little bit of heat. It's perfect for adding flavor to grilled chicken and steak. Just be warned: it's easy to overdo it with chili powder, so start with a little and work your way up from there.
Cumin powder is another spice that imparts a lovely reddish color to food. It has a distinctively earthy flavor that goes well with grilled chicken and steak. Cumin is also often used in Mexican dishes, so feel free to experiment with it in your cooking!
Serving Stuff
Paper plates are often forgotten when planning a barbecue, but they can be essential for a successful party. Not only do they save time and energy, but they also help to keep the food clean. And because they're disposable, there's no need to worry about washing up after the event. If you're planning a barbecue, be sure to add paper plates to your shopping list. You'll be glad you did when the party is in full swing and everyone is enjoying themselves.
You can't ever have too many cups. People get multiple drinks and don't want to reuse the same cup. They put their drink down, go get food or do something else, and forget where they put their drink...so they get another cup. Maybe an impromptu game of pong or flip-cup gets started and you need a bunch of cups. The point is, have lots of cups on hand. More cups is never a bad thing!
It's always a good idea to have plastic utensils on hand for a BBQ party. Forks, knives and spoons can come in handy for guests who want to sample all the dishes. Plus, they're great for avoiding cross-contamination. If you're planning on using them, be sure to put them out where they'll be easy to grab. You can also put them in individual bags or containers so that each guest can grab a set as they need it. And don't forget to have a few extras on hand in case some get lost or broken.
This one seems obvious (honestly all the "what do I need to eat food?" items seem obvious) but it's no surprise that these most simple things often get overlooked. Napkins are no exception. The problem is that napkins can kind of be a hassle at a BBQ. You've got a drink in one hand, a plate with way too much food on it in the other, and you're trying to shove plastic utensils into a pocket when you realize "shoot, I don't have a napkin yet."
We like to have napkins in several places at our BBQ's. If you've got your food set up on a table and you're going line-style for serving, put some napkins in the beginning and the end of the food line. Also put some on each table where your guests will be sitting. The great thing about BBQ's though, is that a simple roll of paper towels on each table works perfectly. Especially if you're serving something you eat with your hands, like ribs. People will love being able to tear off a paper towel rather than struggling to pick just one napkin up off the pile.
A tablecloth can really help make a BBQ party feel festive and special. It's an easy way to add color and pattern to the table, and it can also help protect the table from spills and stains. If you're using disposable plates and cups, a tablecloth can also make cleanup a breeze. Just be sure to choose a fabric that is durable and easy to clean. Cotton is always a good option, or you can opt for a polyester blend that is wrinkle-resistant and colorfast. For a truly unique look, try using a vintage tablecloth or even a quilt. Whatever fabric you choose, be sure to prewash it before the party to prevent any unwanted surprises on the big day.
Drinks
Ice cold beverages are a must at any outdoor party during the summer months, and a backyard BBQ is the perfect opportunity to try out some new recipes and impress your friends with your mixology skills. When it comes to drinks, there are a few classics that are always sure to please, as well as some fun new twists on those old favorites.
For example, Sangria is always a crowd-pleaser, and you can easily make it ahead of time so that you can enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. If you're looking for something a little lighter, Spritzers are a refreshing option that can be easily customized to your liking. And of course, no BBQ is complete without some ice-cold beer. Whether you're serving up burgers or grilled veggies, these drinks will have your guests coming back for more. Add some bags of ice to keep everything nice and cold throughout the day.
Weather Considerations
To keep yourself (and your food) protected from the outdoor elements like, rain and sun, make sure you have a few umbrellas on hand—preferably ones that are easy to set up and take down. If the weather is less than ideal, it can put a damper on the whole event. They provide much-needed shade on hot days, too, so why not have them on hand? And as it starts to cool off in the evening, umbrellas can be used to create a cozy spot for people to gather in case of chilly weather.
Don't forget the sunscreen! No matter how long you plan on staying outside, it's important to apply SPF 30 sunscreen every 2 hours—more often if you're swimming or sweating profusely. Many people will bring their own sunscreen but it's always a nice touch to have some for your guests to use when you're hosting a party. Make sure everyone knows you have it available and remember, even on cloudy days you can get sun burned, so put that stuff on and be safe!
No one wants their party ruined by pesky bugs, so be sure to offer your guests bug spray when they arrive. By having bug spray on hand, you'll be able to help your guests enjoy the party bite-free. Plus, it's always a good idea to have some extra on hand in case anyone forgets to bring their own. Just be sure to put it in a conspicuous place so that everyone knows it's there.
Entertainment
A BBQ party is not complete without some form of entertainment. After all, what's the point of grilling up burgers and hot dogs if there's no one around to enjoy them? Music is always a popular choice, but it's not the only option. If you're looking for something a little more interactive, consider setting up a game of cornhole or horseshoes.
There's nothing like a summer BBQ with family and friends, and cornhole is the perfect game to get everyone involved. The object of the game is simple: toss a beanbag through a hole in a board. But don't be fooled - cornhole is addictive, and you'll quickly find yourself competing for the high score. Whether you're playing in teams or going head-to-head, cornhole is always more fun with friends. So invite your loved ones over for some backyard fun, and see who can dominate the cornhole game.
For those who prefer to sit back and relax, lawn games like croquet or bocce are perfect. And don't forget about traditional party games like charades or Twister. No matter what you choose, remember that the goal is to have fun. So make sure to choose an activity that everyone can enjoy.
Plan Your Next BBQ Party The Right Way
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your backyard BBQ party today! It’s the perfect way to spend a summer (or winter in Florida) evening with friends and family. Food, fun games, and plenty of laughs are guaranteed. And don’t forget the cornhole boards – that always adds an extra level of excitement (and competition) to any gathering.
With these essential items in tow, you'll be well on your way to hosting the perfect summer BBQ party! Just fire up the grill, invite your friends over, and enjoy some good food and good company under the sun. We hope you have a great time at your next backyard party!