Any party’s fun really depends on the menu. Are you in charge of the food? Think about your guests. You can’t assume they all like the same food. This list covers simple BBQ party menu ideas for any gathering. Meat lovers or veggie eaters, you’ll find something for them here.
Key Takeaways
- Grilled vegetables are great appetizers and sides that everyone can customize.
- Cold dishes, like coleslaw, potato and pasta salad, go well with hot main dishes.
- Slow-cooked ribs are the main food. But chicken drumsticks are kid-friendly and more affordable.
- For the meats, plan for about 225-340 g per person.
- Grilled burgers and hot dogs are inexpensive mains, easy to make in bulk and customize.
- Even meat lovers will be pleased by plant-based choices like BBQ cauliflower bites and grilled tofu skewers.
- End the meal with watermelon or grilled pineapple slices for a light refreshment.
Planning a Simple BBQ Menu that Everyone Will Enjoy
Start Your BBQ With Light and Easy Bites
Let your guests nibble on something. Light appetizers can help control their hunger but not make them feel full. You need this before the slow-cooked mains arrive. Below are some easy options to start with.
Quick Appetizers that Need Little Prep
Grilled Veggie Skewers
The charred, caramelized vegetables appeal to everyone. The sticks also make them easy to eat while walking around. Plus, guests can customize theirs depending on what they like. Offer zucchini, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and more.
Stuffed Jalapeños
These jalapeños poppers offer more kick, cream, and crunch. This flavor profile also pairs naturally with the smokiness of the mains. Plus, you can eat them while partying. You can even make them with or without bacon.
Toasted Garlic Bread on the Grill
Any guest will love some garlic bread grilled to perfection, especially kids. The crispy outside and soft, buttery inside go well with meat. Serve it as a starter. Serve it as a side dish.
Bring Out the Main BBQ Dishes Everyone Waits For
The barbecue is why everyone’s at the party. Your guests are there for the slow-smoked, saucy, and grilled meats. But make sure you also have the quicker grill options.
Classic BBQ Meats for a Crowd
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks are easy to pick up and eat. Their smoky, glazed outside and a juicy meat inside make a delicious, savory profile. You can make them sweet, smoky, or spicy to give people some options. Chicken also costs less than pork and has less fat, so they can be a practical and healthier choice.
Slow-Cooked Ribs With Sauce
A BBQ party needs ribs. People love to eat ribs that are cooked low and slow, with a good BBQ sauce. The meat’s tender and juicy, with a smoky, tangy, and caramelized flavor. Plus, the smell alone from the live grilling will get your guests thrilled.
As a general serving guide, allot roughly three to four ribs per adult. You can also offer sweet to spicy sauce options to satisfy different preferences.
Easy Grill Options for Variety
Grilled Burgers
Nobody can resist this crowd-pleaser. It’s that smoky meat and toasted bun combination. You can also cook many patties at once. It’ll be easier to feed more people at once. It also adds a more casual and interactive atmosphere, especially if you set up a station where your guests can choose their own toppings.
Hot Dogs with Simple Toppings
Grilled hot dogs add extra variety, especially for children. Let your guests pick their own toppings from mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish selections. They’re also cheaper. Plus, turkey or chicken hot dogs can be for guests who don’t eat red meat.
Add Fresh Salads to Balance the Menu
Balance your strong and heavy mains with vegetables. Fresh salads are a natural contrast to the smokiness of the meats. They refresh the palate between bites and add color to the spread. They also bring a cool element that your guests will appreciate at outdoor gatherings.
Super Simple Salads for a BBQ Party
Creamy Coleslaw
Tangy, crunchy, and refreshing. The coleslaw balances the flavor of the barbecue that you are eating. A good one can also help with the heat and spice from the mains. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be prepared with a light vinaigrette for dairy-free guests.
Potato Salad
Add this to your menu as a softer option from the crunchy coleslaw. It’s a cold side option that helps balance barbecue foods, especially when it’s hot outside. It’s also adaptable to any preference with mayo, mustard, or eggs. Plus, the creamy, starchy potato acts as a neutral base that complements the bold, smoky flavors of the mains.
Pasta Salad with Veggies
Imagine pasta, BBQ, and veggies on one plate. This is a side that doubles as a main for vegetarians. Mainly for its fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers, and red onions. It also has a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the smoky mains. Plus, it adds a bright pop of color to the buffet table.
Serve Easy Side Dishes that Go With Everything
A BBQ menu isn’t just about the meat. The right side dishes complete the plate and give guests options. A good lineup also ensures there’s something for every age group. Remember, kids might skip the ribs and salads. Here are some favorites that work well with any BBQ mains.
Straightforward Sides for a BBQ Setup
Corn on the Cob
The corn’s natural sweetness complements the smoky meats. Having it on the cob also brings a nostalgic charm and experience that fits into a casual gathering. Make your guests pick from butter, salt, cheese, or chili powder toppings too. Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegan, safe for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a hearty pick that goes with any main. The crispy to soft bite complements the tenderness of the smoked meats. Potatoes also absorb flavors really well, taking seasonings like garlic, paprika, or BBQ sauce beautifully. Plus, like corn, potatoes are gluten-free and vegan.
Grilled Vegetables
Grill some veggies for the vegetarian and vegan guests. Gluten-free while still filling. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars, giving them a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that even meat eaters will reach for.
End Your BBQ with Something Sweet and Refreshing
Any menu is incomplete without a dessert. Something sweet is perfect after the smoky flavors from the meat and the savory flavors from the salads and side dishes. It’ll be a refreshing contrast to the heavy flavors and will help cleanse their palate. For a BBQ menu, here are the best go-tos:
Easy Desserts that Feel Light After a BBQ
Grilled Pineapple Slices
Grilling caramelizes pineapple’s natural sugars, making each slice sweeter, softer, and slightly smoky. Guests can even sprinkle them with cinnamon, salt, or brown sugar. Or, let them have it with other desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream. They’re also naturally gluten-free and vegan, so it’s safe for guests with dietary restrictions.
Watermelon Slices
Just because it’s a BBQ party doesn’t mean your dessert must be grilled too. Serve your guests fresh watermelon slices instead. They’re naturally hydrating, refreshing, and sweet, perfect after eating smoky food. This makes them a great option for heavy BBQ flavors and during summer heat.
Ice Cream Treats
Ice cream is a perfect dessert for any gathering. These cold, creamy treats offer a satisfying sensory contrast to the hot, smoky BBQ meals. They’ll help your guests cool down and give them a refreshing finish. Perfect option if there are kids too. Plus, you choose from ice cream sandwiches, cones, and popsicles.
A Quick Look at a Simple BBQ Party Menu Plan
Final Thoughts
The best BBQ party menu ideas include a balance of smoky, savory, refreshing, and sweet. The smoked meats are no-brainers, but don’t forget about complementary dishes that will contrast those flavors. Meat eater or not, there’s a dish in the options above for everyone.
Need help putting together the right menu for your event? Get in touch with NBCo. We can help you build a customized BBQ spread for any gathering, big or small.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food should be included in a BBQ party menu?
Any good menu should have a bit of everything. Light appetizers to start, smoky mains, fresh salads, hearty sides, and a sweet dessert to finish things off. Don’t just focus on the meats. The sides and salads are what make a meal feel complete and keep guests from feeling weighed down.
How many dishes are enough for a small BBQ party?
For a BBQ party with 10 to 20 people, you can have one or two starters, two mains, two to three sides, and one dessert. It’s always better to make fewer dishes really well than to try to make too many and not do a good job.
How can I prepare BBQ food in advance?
Cold sides are your best friend here. Coleslaw, potato salad, and pasta salad can all be made the night before and actually taste better when done so. Desserts like watermelon slices and popsicles need no day-of prep at all. Save your energy for the mains; you can get our catering for that.
What drinks go well with a BBQ menu?
Common refreshments at BBQs include lemonade, iced tea, and sparkling water. You can also have craft beer and cider for the adults. Just have non-alcoholic options available for kids and non-drinkers.
How do I keep BBQ food warm during the party?
You can have warm food by chafing or foil tenting. This way, they don’t dry out over time. For dishes like coleslaw and potato salad, keep them on ice. This is especially vital at outdoor summer events where food safety is a concern after two hours in the heat.