Sunday September 1 2024 | Blogs
The highlight of the season: Summer BBQs
Summer BBQs are the highlight of the season, bringing together family, friends, and of course, great food. If you’re planning to host one, preparation is key to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. From choosing the right sauces to timing your grilling, here’s the ultimate guide to hosting a successful summer BBQ.
Start with planning a diverse menu that caters to everyone’s preferences. Offer a variety of proteins like beef, chicken, and veggie options for vegetarians. Create a balance between grilled mains and easy side dishes. Don’t forget the sauces! Use Harleys Real BBQ for meats, King Mustard for hotdogs, and Hero Ketchup for burgers to create a bold flavor lineup.
Sauces are essential for a BBQ, elevating your grilled dishes. Harleys Real BBQ Sauce is perfect for ribs and pulled pork, while Royal Ranch can be a versatile addition to salads and dips. Have an array of sauces available so your guests can customize their plates to their liking.
BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and grilled vegetables can all be prepped ahead of time. Having these ready allows you to focus on grilling during the event. Consider pairing grilled corn or baked potatoes with Royal Ranch to give a creamy, tangy contrast to the smokiness of the BBQ.
Marinades are your secret weapon for infusing flavor into meats. Use Harleys King Mustard as the base for a tangy mustard chicken marinade, or opt for Real BBQ Sauce to give your ribs a sweet and smoky flavor. Marinate your meats for at least a few hours or overnight for the best results.
BBQs are traditionally meat-heavy, but don’t forget your vegetarian guests! Grilled vegetables, portobello mushrooms, and veggie burgers are great alternatives. Offer sauces like Hero Ketchup or Royal Ranch to enhance the flavors of these non-meat options.
Timing is everything at a BBQ. Start grilling items that take longer, such as ribs and whole chickens, early in the day. As guests arrive, you can focus on faster-cooking items like burgers, hot dogs, and veggies. Apply Harleys sauces during grilling for added caramelization and depth of flavor.
Make your BBQ stress-free by setting up a self-serve station. Include buns, condiments, and a variety of sauces such as Hero Ketchup, Royal Ranch, and King Mustard. Let your guests customize their meals while you focus on the grill.
A great BBQ isn’t just about the food – it’s also about the experience. Set up some lawn games like cornhole or badminton to keep guests entertained. Play some upbeat music and make sure your seating area is comfortable and welcoming.
A well-stocked drink station is just as important as the food. Offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to cater to all your guests. Lemonades, iced teas, and cold beers are BBQ classics.
Finally, the most important part of a summer BBQ is to keep it fun. Don’t overcomplicate the menu or worry too much about perfection. Focus on enjoying the time with your guests, and remember that great food, paired with the right sauces, will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Hosting a successful summer BBQ is all about preparation, and with the right sauces from Harleys, you can take your grilling game to the next level. Your guests will appreciate the variety of flavors and the care you’ve put into making the event memorable.
