What to Bring to a BBQ
Summer is the perfect time for BBQs, with the smell of grilled food in the air and the joy of gathering with friends and family in a relaxed, outdoor setting. But when you're invited to a BBQ, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about showing up with a smile—bringing the right item can make the event even more enjoyable for everyone.
The Essentials: Thoughtful Contributions
When you're invited to a BBQ, always bring something. It's more than just good manners—it's a way to show your appreciation to the host for organizing the event. Even if the host insists that you don’t need to bring anything, it’s polite to contribute something to the gathering.
Consider the Guests: Think about who will be attending the BBQ. Are there children, vegetarians, or people with dietary restrictions? Bringing a dish that caters to a specific need can be a thoughtful touch. For example, a vegan-friendly salad or gluten-free cookies ensure that everyone can enjoy the meal, making the event more inclusive.
Light and Refreshing Options
BBQs often feature heavy, rich foods, so bringing something light and refreshing can be a welcome addition. Light options not only balance the meal but also provide a healthier choice for those who might be watching their diet or just want something a bit lighter to eat.
Fruit and Veggie Platters
Fresh fruit and veggie platters are a great option because they’re colorful, healthy, and easy to share. Imagine a platter filled with juicy watermelon slices, sweet pineapple chunks, or crisp cucumber rounds. These options are not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a burst of color to the table. Fruits and vegetables are also hydrating, which is particularly refreshing on a hot summer day.
If you want to get creative, consider making fruit or veggie skewers. Skewers are not only easy to eat but also fun to make. You can mix and match different fruits like grapes, strawberries, and melon balls on a skewer, or create a veggie skewer with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to use whatever fresh produce is in season.
Crisp Salads
Salads are another fantastic option because they’re versatile and can be made to suit any taste or dietary preference. A simple green salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing is always a hit. If you want to add a bit more substance, consider making a pasta salad. Cold pasta salads with fresh vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, olives, and bell peppers, are not only delicious but also easy to make in advance and transport.
Greek cucumber salad is another refreshing choice. Made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese, it’s a salad that’s full of flavor and complements grilled meats perfectly. Coleslaw is a BBQ classic that provides a nice crunch and pairs well with any BBQ dish. Whether you go for a traditional mayo-based coleslaw or a lighter, vinegar-based version, it’s sure to be appreciated.
For something a bit different, try a watermelon feta salad. This unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy watermelon cubes, salty feta cheese, and fresh mint, is refreshing and perfect for a hot day. It’s a light dish that won’t compete with the heavier items on the menu, making it a great complement to the BBQ spread. If you want to give it a try, Love & Lemons has a great recipe for it!
Unique Dips
Dips are easy to prepare, transport, and share, making them an ideal choice for a BBQ. A bowl of hummus is a classic dip that can be paired with a variety of dippers, from pita bread to carrot sticks. It’s also a great option for vegans and those looking for a healthier snack.
If you want something a bit more indulgent, buffalo chicken dip is always a crowd-pleaser. This creamy, spicy dip pairs perfectly with crunchy chips or celery sticks and is sure to disappear quickly. Another great option is a layered dip, like a 10-layer guacamole and bean dip. This dish combines creamy, spicy, and savory flavors into one delicious bite, and it’s easy to scoop up with tortilla chips.
For a unique twist, consider making a beetroot and mint hummus. This vibrant pink dip is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. It’s a refreshing change from traditional hummus and pairs well with both veggies and pita chips.
Satisfying Sides and Comfort Foods
No BBQ is complete without a selection of satisfying sides and comfort foods. These are the dishes that people pile onto their plates alongside the main event—the grilled meats. Sides are often the unsung heroes of a BBQ, providing variety and balance to the meal.
Classic BBQ Sides
Potato salad is a classic BBQ side dish that everyone loves. Whether you prefer it creamy with mayonnaise or tangy with vinegar, potato salad is filling, flavorful, and easy to make in large batches. It’s a dish that can be prepared ahead of time and served cold, making it perfect for a BBQ.
Mac and cheese is another comfort food favorite. There’s something about the creamy, cheesy pasta that makes it irresistible, especially when it’s homemade. For a little extra flavor, consider adding some jalapeños to your mac and cheese for a spicy kick. This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, jalapeño cream corn is a fantastic choice. This dish combines the sweetness of corn with the spicy heat of jalapeños, creating a side that’s both flavorful and unique. It’s a great way to use fresh summer corn, and it pairs well with just about any grilled meat.
Pasta salad is another versatile side that can be made in a variety of ways. You can go with a simple, traditional recipe or get creative with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and olives. The great thing about pasta salad is that it can be served cold, making it a refreshing addition to the BBQ spread.
By the way, if your host happens to be making smoked turkey on a high quality smoker, we have a writeup of the best sides to go with smoked turkey. Give that a read!
Fresh Bakery Items
Freshly baked buns or cornbread muffins are the perfect addition to a BBQ, especially for those who want to build their own sandwiches or burgers. Soft, fluffy buns are great for holding juicy burgers or pulled pork, while cornbread muffins add a touch of Southern comfort to the meal. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even bring homemade tortillas, which can be used for everything from tacos to wraps.
Cheese biscuits are another fantastic option. These slightly sweet, cheesy biscuits are a crowd favorite and pair perfectly with BBQ dishes. They’re easy to make and transport, and they’re sure to disappear quickly once they hit the table.
If you want to add a bit of international flair to your contribution, consider bringing homemade tortillas. They’re not only delicious, but also add a unique touch to the BBQ spread.
Sweet Endings
No meal is complete without dessert, and BBQs are no exception. Sweet treats are a must-bring item, and they’re a great way to end the meal on a high note.
Desserts
Brownies are a simple yet delicious choice. They’re easy to make in large batches and can be cut into small squares for easy sharing. Whether you prefer them fudgy or cakey, brownies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
For something a bit more sophisticated, consider making pecan pie bars. These bars have all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie but in a more portable, easy-to-eat form. They’re rich, buttery, and perfect for a BBQ.
Homemade marshmallows are another fun option. These fluffy, sweet treats are perfect for roasting over the grill, making them an interactive dessert that guests can enjoy together. You can even flavor the marshmallows with vanilla, chocolate, or fruit to add a bit of variety.
Grilled Pineapple
Pineapple is a fantastic choice to bring to a BBQ, because you can throw it right on the grill! The natural sweetness of the pineapple is enhanced when grilled, as the heat caramelizes the sugars, adding a delicious smoky flavor. Bring whole pineapples or pre-sliced rings to the BBQ, and let the host or guests throw them on the grill for a light, sweet treat. Grilled pineapple is versatile—it can be enjoyed on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
This simple yet flavorful option is a great way to contribute to the BBQ without needing much preparation in advance.
If you’re looking for a fruit-based dessert that’s a bit different, consider bringing a fruit tart or a fruit salad. These options are refreshing, light, and perfect for a hot summer day. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and can be customized with your favorite fruits.
Drinks: Keep It Refreshing
No BBQ is complete without a selection of refreshing drinks. While the host might have a basic selection of beverages, bringing a few extras can help ensure there’s something for everyone.
Alcoholic
For those who enjoy a bit of booze, margarita pitchers are a popular choice. Margaritas are refreshing, easy to make in large batches, and perfect for a hot summer day. You can keep it classic with lime or add a twist by making a flavored margarita, like strawberry or mango.
Craft beer is another great option. Bringing a few six-packs of your favorite local brews is a great way to share something unique with the other guests. Beer is a classic BBQ drink, and there are so many varieties to choose from that you’re sure to find something that will please the crowd.
If you prefer wine, a chilled rosé or a light white wine is a perfect choice for a summer BBQ. These wines are refreshing and pair well with grilled meats and seafood.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Don’t forget about the non-drinkers! Bringing a non-alcoholic option is always a thoughtful gesture. A pitcher of freshly-squeezed lemonade or iced tea can be a hit, especially on a hot day. You could also bring a non-alcoholic cocktail, like a mocktail version of your favorite drink, to ensure that everyone has something to enjoy.
If you want to get a bit creative, consider making a fruit punch or sparkling water with fresh fruit and herbs. These drinks are not only refreshing but also visually appealing, adding a pop of color to the table.
Considerations and Etiquette
When deciding what to bring to a BBQ, it’s important to consider a few key points of BBQ etiquette.
When Not to Bring Meat
One of the most important rules is to avoid bringing meat unless the host specifically asks you to. The reason for this is simple: the host likely has the main course all planned out, and bringing your own meat can create extra work for them. Plus, you don’t want to overshadow the host’s star dish, whether it’s a slow-cooked brisket or perfectly grilled steaks.
Instead, focus on bringing sides, desserts, or drinks that will complement the meal. These contributions are less likely to interfere with the host’s plans and are often just as appreciated by the other guests. If you have specific dietary requirements, such as being vegan or gluten-free, it’s perfectly fine to bring your own alternatives, but it’s polite to inform the host in advance.
Small Gestures for the Host
Even if the host insists that you don’t need to bring anything, it’s still nice to show up with a small gesture of thanks. This could be something as simple as a jar of homemade chutney, a fancy sauce, or a bouquet of fresh flowers. These small tokens show your appreciation and help to make the event feel even more special.
Another gesture that’s highly appreciated is helping the host clean up! Cleaning grill grates can be an especially annoying task for the host, so helping out with that, and other similar chores, can go a really long way to show your appreciation.
And speaking of making the event special– if you really want to “wow” the host and give everyone at the party a show, consider bringing your rocket stove and showing the party how to whip up some BBQ in a way they’ve never seen before!
Conclusion
Attending a BBQ is about more than just enjoying great food and good company—it’s also about being a thoughtful guest. By bringing something to contribute to the spread, you’re not only showing your appreciation to the host but also helping to create a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether it’s a light and refreshing salad, a satisfying side dish, a sweet dessert, or a refreshing drink, your contribution will be welcomed and appreciated.
Have fun!