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Home » Grilled & Smoked Side Dishes

Published: May 18, 2021 · Modified: Oct 18, 2023 by Pam

Backyard BBQ Menu Ideas & Tips

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Here you'll find everything needed for planning the perfect Backyard BBQ Menu. Tips include timelines, involving guests, make ahead recipes and serving ideas.

flowers with plates and napkins outside at backyard bbq

Table of contents

  • Now is the time to host a cookout
  • Do this first
    • Shopping and custom orders
    • Prep your space
    • Early food prep
  • Menu ideas for your backyard bbq
    • Drinks to serve
    • Appetizers
    • The Main Event is the star of your Backyard BBQ Menu
    • Side dishes on the menu
    • Dessert
  • How can I help? Ideas for involving guests
  • Serving tips and other thoughts
  • Kids, games and more
    • For the kids:
    • For everyone, young and old alike
  • The number one item on your bbq menu?
  • BBQ Planning FAQ's

Now is the time to host a cookout

Anytime is the time to host a backyard bbq. It's an age-old favorite type of gathering and that's not going to change anytime soon, if ever.

plate with bbq, slaw & baked beans

Do this first

Read on for menu ideas with recipes included, and lots more inspiration on planning your get together. You'll find help deciding what to make ahead of time, what to do before everyone arrives, and what to do at the last minute.

Unless you're planning a really small backyard bbq it's highly advised that there be at least two "hosts" - one to man the grill and/or smoker and one coordinator/planner.

Involving your guests is always a great idea too, and that can be assigning something to bring, or pitching in with final prep. People like being asked to lend a hand - trust us on that one.

Shopping and custom orders

A week or so ahead of time (if you can) order anything special you need. It might be a certain cut of meat you plan to cook or bakery items like cakes or pies. This is a good time to shop for any non-perishable items like paper goods, decorations and larger items you may need, like insulated drink tubs.

Two to three days before your event shop for the food. Make your list from the recipes you plan to prepare, and already-prepared foods.

Prep your space

A few days ahead is when you'll want to be sure your backyard is ready for the bbq. Grass need cutting, shrubbery trimmed? Do it now.

Is there any patio or porch furniture that needs to be rearranged? How about extra chairs or tables? Get them now so you're not pushed at the last minute.

Early food prep

What can be done in advance? If making dessert yourself try to choose something that will be good made a day or two ahead. Can vegetables be chopped? Marinades and dressings stirred up? Some recipes actually benefit from being made ahead.

woman in apron cutting asparagus

Menu ideas for your backyard bbq

Drinks to serve

Consider the time of day and preferences of your guests when deciding about alcohol. Maybe it's a lunchtime event and all you need is iced tea and lemonade, bottled waters, etc.

A drink tub that has a stand or the type that sits on a table is always good so people don't have to bend over to get in. It can be filled with bottled water, beer, soft drinks and/or bottles of wine.

Batch drinks that will be perfect to make ahead and set on a bar cart or table start with...Honey Bourbon Lemonade

drink for backyard bbq menu
Honey Bourbon Lemonade

Additional ideas can be catered to your food, theme and the season of year. Watermelon Mojitos are a summertime favorite, Spiced Pear Bourbon Iced Tea is great for fall and Strawberry Basil Cocktails are perfect anytime.

A fun and interactive idea is to make a selection of Syrups for Cocktails (we make ours easily with fruit jams) and set them out with a variety of mixers and alcohol. You could even have a mixology contest!

Appetizers

Appetizers are usually sitting out for a while, so consider that when choosing what to serve. Spicy Pimento Cheese is always a favorite and can be set out with crackers, veggies or flatbread.

Spicy pimento cheese in a jar on the backyard bbq menu
Smoky, Spicy Pimento Cheese

A Southern Appetizer Board will offer a variety of nibbles and Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Eggs are always a hit. If you want to go with a protein based appetizer consider Cajun Chicken Wings or Grilled Shrimp Skewers and let your grill master handle those.

If the smoker or grill was fired up earlier to get meat cooked in advance a great idea is to toss on a bit of fish to smoke along with the meat and then make Smoked Fish Dip. It's a huge crowd pleaser and really benefits from being made ahead of time.

The Main Event is the star of your Backyard BBQ Menu

Here's where you decide whether to have one grilled or smoked meat or a couple of options. If cooking something large, like Boston Butts for Barbecue Pork (sometimes known as pulled pork) or Smoked Ham on the Big Green Egg you'll want to have this done in advance. Both of these take several hours and you don't want your guests standing around with grumbling stomachs.

Marinated chicken breasts are grilled and then make the perfect entree, salad or sandwich
Preacher Chicken

You could, in fact, cook either of those meats the day before. For hot-off-the-grill options consider Preacher Chicken (which does marinate in advance), Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Chuck Roast (both also marinated), or Bourbon Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin.

Besides the meat, sauces are another staple that can make or break your event. If you're going with Barbeque pork or chicken we recommend having options like, a good Mustard BBQ Sauce and a sweet BBQ sauce. That way everybody's happy!

Side dishes on the menu

This is a great place to get guests to pitch in by bringing something, but you may want to do at least one of your own. Cold suggestions are Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Watermelon Salad (especially great for patriotic holidays)

watermelon salad in bowl with watermelon & blueberries behind
Watermelon Salad

Traditional sides, particularly in the south, are Baked Beans with Bacon and Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese. If you want to make a splash with something different you can make Aged Gouda Potato Gratin or Smoked Mac and Cheese. The latter is one your grill master will handle and it takes about two hours, but is amazing!

If you love the idea of handing off menu items to person at the grill Smoked Vegetables is another great option. Use anything you have fresh and on hand and if you want to add a healthy salad option, use Barbecue Salad Dressing to tie everything together.

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Dessert

This is another good place to ask for contributions from guests. When planning be sure to keep in mind refrigerator space for any desserts (and salads, etc) that should be kept chilled until time to serve.

A couple of great room-temperature options are this Crusty Top Coconut Pie (think pecan pie, but with coconut) and cookies - either Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (pictured below) or Easy Double Chocolate Cookies.

red velvet crinkle cookies on rack
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Mini desserts are always welcomed and three favorites are Mini Lemon Tarts (they have a cheesecake layer), Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes and Two Bite Coconut Tarts.

For the adults only you'll be considered the host-with-the-most if you offer Key Lime Pie Pudding Shots and Mudslide Pudding Shots!

How can I help? Ideas for involving guests

pork tenderloin is marinated and then grilled to perfection.
Slicing Grilled Pork Tenderloin
  • Ask them to bring a dish to share.
  • Ask someone to come early and help set up or stay after to help clean up (save that one for close friends or family).
  • If large pieces of meat have been cooked guys, especially will be happy to chop or slice. Be sure you've got knives, cutting boards and serving platters set out and ready to go.
  • Ask someone to keep an eye out for replenishing drink tubs, appetizer platters, etc.
  • Is there someone new to the group? Assign an "ambassador" to introduce them around.
  • Passed appetizers is a great way to get the ball rolling. Hand a platter and a stack of cocktail napkins to someone and ask them to mingle. Older kids enjoy doing this, too.

Serving tips and other thoughts

This is a great idea to keep food warm on the buffet. It can actually be used for dishes that need to be kept cold as well.

Need decorating and tablescape ideas? Here is where you'll find some great ones.

It's always better to overestimate the ice you need for a backyard bbq. That's another way you can ask for help. Just be sure you have adequate cooler space to store it.

Unless you have enough chairs, ask guests to bring their own folding chairs. They won't mind and it will save you set up and break down time.

Kids, games and more

For the kids:

Older ones sometimes feel left out and will love being asked to "watch over" younger guests, or help in some other way. As mentioned above they can pass a tray of appetizers or be the organizer of a game for younger ones.

Consider having a couple of games on hand that they would like. If you have room for it a game of kickball is always fun.

For everyone, young and old alike

Traditional games for a backyard barbecue are horseshoes and cornhole, but you'll need to consider how much space you have.

Most all of your guests will enjoy posing for pictures, and that makes for a great photo journal of your event. Just line someone up to be the "photographer." It can a teenager with their cell phone, or someone more serious about photography who will bring a camera.

The number one item on your bbq menu?

FUN! Yes, it's about good food and drinks, but remember to relax, enjoy your guests, accept help, and have FUN!

backyard bbq menu

BBQ Planning FAQ's

Should I have enough seats for everyone?

If you have the space it's a good idea. But, the chances are not everyone will sit at the same time. This is a casual gathering, after all.

What time should a BBQ start?

Always allow time for mingling before the main foods are served. An hour is a good rule of thumb for appetizers, drinks and socializing. With that said just start your get together about an hour before the food is served. 11:30am to noon is good for a lunch meal and 4:30-6:00pm is good if you have an evening meal planned.

How do I plan a backyard bbq party?

Use this guide! Refer to it frequently as you plan, beginning about a week before your party and all the way up to time for the event.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon says

    May 18, 2021 at 10:13 am

    You have covered all the key ideas and recipes for pulling off the best summertime BBQ.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      May 18, 2021 at 10:14 am

      Thanks, Sharon. It is definitely intended to be a comprehensive look at planning a backyard bbq.

      Reply
  2. Caylie says

    May 18, 2021 at 10:15 am

    Such a fun post! I’m definitely gonna save this for summer!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      May 18, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Hope it will be helpful for you. Thanks, Caylie!

      Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    May 18, 2021 at 10:41 am

    Super ideas, these! Now, if only we'd get the summer weather to match! Hopefully we'll get a good summer season this year.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      May 18, 2021 at 2:59 pm

      Well, here in Georgia we can pretty much count on a summer season! Thanks, Elizabeth!

      Reply
  4. Biana says

    May 18, 2021 at 10:42 am

    So many great ideas! The Watermelon salad looks amazing, perfect for a BBQ.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      May 18, 2021 at 11:13 am

      Thanks, Biana! It's a good one, for sure.

      Reply
  5. Angela says

    May 18, 2021 at 11:11 am

    So much great information here. I can't wait for summer so I can try a few of your tips!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      May 18, 2021 at 11:13 am

      Enjoy! Thanks, Angela.

      Reply
  6. Jess says

    August 12, 2021 at 10:05 am

    No detail is left out in this post! I love the tip of having enough ice...I always seem to forget that. And games for the kiddos is a great idea!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 12, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Awww... thanks, Jess. We enjoyed putting it together.

      Reply
  7. Dannii says

    August 12, 2021 at 11:00 am

    Wow, so many amazing recipes here. Beans and slaw are always a must for us.

    Reply
  8. Beth says

    August 12, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    I love it! Such inspiration for Labor Day! Thank you! I can't wait to try the honey bourbon lemonade!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 13, 2021 at 8:27 am

      Thanks so much Beth. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

      Reply
  9. Amanda Dixon says

    August 12, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    Thanks for all these tips! They're so helpful, and all the recipes sound delicious, especially that smoked mac and cheese.

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 13, 2021 at 8:27 am

      You'll love it. Thanks Amanda!

      Reply
  10. Shadi says

    August 13, 2021 at 8:37 am

    These tips are so useful and make bbq so much fun. I bet that lemonade is so delicious!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      August 13, 2021 at 11:10 am

      Thanks, Shadi. The Bourbon Lemonade is definitely a good one!

      Reply
  11. Janie landis says

    June 24, 2023 at 6:19 am

    Hi Pam, I love that you come to St. Simons to enjoy this lovely island. I live here and consider it Paradise! I always love your recipes and this post has lots of good ones to save and try! I'll be interested in who wins out on your cheese grits quest!! I love to cook and am always trying new recipes so I'm looking forward to trying some of yours soon! Thanks and have a great time on SSI! Would love to meet you sometime!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      June 24, 2023 at 4:34 pm

      Welcome to the B&B family Janie! We actually have a second home on St. Simons so we're here quite a lot. I hope you'll try lots of our recipes and come back with comments. We love hearing from our readers. It's a pretty small island, so maybe we'll run into each other soon!

      Reply

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