A backyard BBQ is so much fun for guests. What about hosts? It should be fun for them too. But look at the preparation that goes behind hosting a good BBQ party: marinating the meat, preparing the side dishes, or even setting up the space. What’s supposed to be a casual gathering, quickly turns into a full-day chore session that you very much wanted to avoid in the first place. No fun in that at all.
The solution may be as simple as planning a manageable menu, preparing what you can ahead of time, and let the grill do most of the work.
A little preparation ahead of time means that hosts get more time to enjoy with friends and guests. This is how we would do.
Let’s Plan a Simple Menu First
Who ever started the trend of having a long menu of dishes? You don’t need them all to host a good BBQ party.
We like to have one or two proteins, two sides, and an easy dessert. As simple as that.
Burgers and sausages work well for casual gatherings, while steaks or grilled chicken can make the meal feel more special. Pair them with corn on the cob, potato salad, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
For example, you can choose sides that require as little effort as possible on the party day. Something like cold salads and make-ahead dips can free your time from grilling too much.
Arrange the Meat Before Party Day
We hate the last-minute grocery runs. As if the errands aren’t enough for other party arrangements. Let’s not do it to ourselves please.
Decide on the menu a day before, estimate the food portions, and shop a few days ahead of the party day.
For different meat sizes, consider a good meat box delivery instead of ordering in bulk and having the hassle of cutting it yourself. Ordering these things ahead can really ease the shopping experience and give more time to organize the menu.
A little more meat prepping goes a long way:
Check the packaging and storage instructions when your order arrives. Does the meat need refrigerating? Or frozen as directed? Thaw frozen cuts safely in the refrigerator, and prepare marinades a day ahead.
And most importantly, burgers, chicken, sausages, and thick steaks have different cooking times. Planning the order in which they go on the grill makes serving much easier. Try this and you’ll see the difference for yourself.
Prepare the Sides in Advance
Sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or pasta salad can definitely be prepared the day before. Wash and chop vegetables, portion toppings, and store everything in covered containers in the refrigerator. It is almost like the usual meal prepping process, but slightly customized for a BBQ party.
If there’s burgers in your menu, prepare a toppings station with sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cheese, and condiments. Again, all of these can be chopped and frozen in advance.
Keep perishable ingredients chilled until serving time. And heat them at the last minute.
Some dishes, such as green salads, are better assembled just before the meal. Keep those ingredients ready and add the dressing at the last minute.
Other things to plan ahead are getting the backyard ready early. If the party continues into the evening, outdoor string lights or battery-powered lanterns can make the space feel welcoming without much effort.
Keep Grilling Simple and Safe
Clean the grill, check your fuel, and group foods by cooking time, as mentioned earlier. Cook in batches if needed, and use a food thermometer to make sure meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
Also don’t forget to keep raw meat separate from cooked food, and wash plates and utensils before reusing them. Let steaks rest while you finish the sides and get everything ready to serve. Keep guests entertained with a playlist, lawn games, and a self-serve drinks station stocked with lemonade, iced tea, and water.
And don’t forget to enjoy the gathering.
A successful backyard BBQ doesn’t mean you have an anxiety attack just by the planning process. Keep the menu easy. Plan everything slightly ahead o f time and just go with the flow. There can be some unexpected delays or additions. Great. Because that’s what a BBQ day actually means. It’s never meant to be a perfectly planned day. Let the day surprise you and guests here and there. And congratulations, you;ve successfully hosted a beautiful party.
