What To Serve at a BBQ: 39 Crowd-Pleasing Meals, Sides, Desserts and Drinks
Barbecues are casual cookouts that take place anywhere outside. Gathering at the beach, in a park or even in your own backyard to have a barbecue is the perfect way to connect with friends and family.
Hamburgers and steaks are traditionally the most common food items thrown on the grill, although there are so many more options for what to serve at a BBQ. From steak to oysters to vegan salad, refreshing drinks, and decadent desserts, grab some inspiration from our comprehensive list of food ideas.
1. Steak
Category: Main dishes
Try serving grilled ribeye steak, sirloin or strip steak. And don’t forget to let them rest for 10 minutes after grilling. Serve with steak sauces such as chipotle sauce, black pepper sauce or even Australian steak sauce.
2. Sausages
Category: Main dishes
Sausages or hot dogs are always a regular at barbecues. For something a little different, try bratwurst or chicken sausage. Fry some onions on the flat plate, and have some extra condiments like sauerkraut, salsa or hot sauce to add a twist to the standard hot dog in a bun.
3. Slow-cooked ribs
Category: Main dishes
Tender, juicy and covered in sauce, barbecue pork ribs are delicious and always a people-pleaser. They’re relatively easy to prepare and cook, and extra bonus points if you can cook them so the meat just falls off the bone.
4. Burgers
Category: Main dishes
Burgers are another solid favorite, but why not consider setting up a burger station? The fun of building or grilling your own burger is everyone can customize their food. Aside from the usual cheese and ketchup, try topping burgers with the following items:
Candied bacon
Caramelized onions
Feta or goat cheese
Sriracha sauce
Blue cheese dressing
5. Seafood
Category: Main dishes
If you’re a seafood lover and not sure what to serve at a BBQ, try grilling oysters, mussels or shrimp. Most shellfish grills easily and has a sweet, smoky flavor. Try ginger and soy sauce shrimp skewers — they’re delicious with lime dressing.
6. Pulled pork
Category: Main dishes
Pulled pork is mouthwatering and affordable, especially if you slow cook it in barbecue sauce and cook it to a texture that just melts in the mouth. This dish does need to be cooked in the slow cooker first, but then just keep it warm on the grill.
7. Chicken
Category: Main dishes
For chicken on the bone, salt the chicken ahead of time, and it’ll help retain its juices when cooking. For chicken breast pieces, marinating is the key. Make chicken in the slow cooker or try honey mustard grilled chicken, spicy wings, soy ginger drumsticks or satay chicken skewers.
8. Vegetarian and vegan options
Category: Main dishes
Although barbecues and vegetarians don’t seem like a good match, there are so many delicious meat-free options to explore. Try grilled marinated tofu pieces, barbecued halloumi and grilled bell pepper skewers. Grilled cauliflower steaks or grilled acorn squash are a great alternative for the main dish.
9. Classic potato salad
Category: Side dishes
Add this classic side to your list of what to serve at a BBQ — everyone will like it. For the perfect potato salad, use Yukon gold potatoes and add boiled eggs, green onions, dill, chives, sour cream and mayonnaise.
10. Summer salad
Category: Side dishes
Create an epic salad to balance out all that meat. Use iceberg lettuce with heritage tomatoes, cucumber, mango, avocado, red onion, feta and corn, and serve with a lime-cilantro dressing.
11. Homemade coleslaw
Category: Side dishes
Homemade coleslaw is way better than shop-bought versions, and it pairs perfectly with burgers and on pulled pork sandwiches. Make with the usual cabbage, carrots and onions, and add a little Dijon mustard and paprika to the mayonnaise dressing for extra zing.
12. Grilled herbed vegetables
Category: Side dishes
Simply flavored with garlic, herbs, lemon and olive oil is all vegetables need to be delicious and nutritious. Try grilling eggplant, red bell peppers, tomatoes and onions.
13. Cheesy garlic bread toast
Category: Side dishes
Spread garlic butter and parsley inside ciabatta loaves, sprinkle on Parmesan and cook under a grill until golden. Then lightly char the outside on the barbecue before serving.
14. BBQ corn on the cob
Category: Side dishes
Wrap corn on the cobs in foil and throw on the barbecue until tender. If you want them charred, throw them on without wrapping. Brush with chili butter to serve.
15. Jacket potatoes with sour cream
Category: Side dishes
Oven-bake large jacket potatoes rubbed with olive oil and sea salt. Then serve with a filling of sour cream, shallots and chives. This could be a great addition to your list of what to serve at a BBQ since it’s easy to make and looks aesthetic.
16. Vegan slaw
Category: Side dishes
Perfect for barbecues, this dairy-free slaw is tangy and delicious. Use shredded red and white cabbage, carrots and red onion. Cover with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and Dijon mustard.
17. Vegan potato salad
Category: Side dishes
No plant-based guest should miss out on sampling this classic side dish. Make your classic potato salad vegan by using vegan mayonnaise. Throw in some capers too for some extra bite.
18. Stuffed peppers
Category: Side dishes
Stuff whole red and yellow bell peppers with mozzarella, gorgonzola, cherry tomatoes, rice and stock. Wrap kitchen string around the stalk to secure and barbecue the stuffed peppers until browned.
Grab it now on Instacart
19. Chickpea and cauliflower salad
Category: Side dishes
Another vegetarian delight, this warm chickpea cauliflower salad is sweet and crunchy. Marinate and bake a head of cauliflower and roast the chickpeas alongside it. Toss in tomatoes, lemon juice and coriander and mix with coconut cream and yogurt for the dressing.
20. American potato salad
Category: Side dishes
Nothing says BBQ quite like a classic potato salad. The beauty of this dish is that you can start with a basic recipe, then add your own secret ingredients to give it a special touch.
21. Baked beans with bacon
Category: Side dishes
The combination of molasses and bacon gives these baked beans an incredible sweet and savory flavor. Since they’re made in the slow cooker, there’s very little prep time. Start them in the morning and they’ll be ready for you to bring to the BBQ by early afternoon.
22. Avocado and shrimp salad
Category: Side dishes
A great addition to your list of what to bring to a BBQ, this crisp and refreshing salad features avocado, shrimp, bacon and a delicious homemade sauce. It works perfectly as either a starter or a side.
23. 3-bean salad
Category: Side dishes
A three-bean salad is a classic cookout dish. This recipe has a bit of a twist, thanks to the zesty lime dressing. Just make sure you plan ahead if you want to bring this dish. It tastes best if the flavors can meld for 24 hours before it’s served.
24. Baked mac and cheese
Category: Side dishes
Mac and cheese is always a great addition to a BBQ. Cook this in a disposable aluminum pan so you won’t have to worry about it after the cookout is done.
25. Sweet potato salad
Category: Side dishes
This recipe is an exciting twist on traditional potato salad. It features sweet potatoes, peppery arugula and a tangy dressing. You can also add some bacon and chives for extra flavor.
26. Chips and salsa
Category: Side dishes
It doesn’t get much easier than grabbing a bag of tortilla chips and some fresh salsa. Consider getting one mild salsa and one hot salsa to cater to different preferences.
27. Apple and fennel salad with blue cheese
Category: Side dishes
This dish is so delicious no one will suspect you whipped it together in just 15 minutes! The sweet apples and distinct blue cheese and fennel flavors mix perfectly with the tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
28. Easy antipasto plate
Category: Side dishes
To make this easy side, simply choose a variety of olives and add some cheese, salami and pickles. Arrange them all on a platter for an attractive appetizer that takes almost no time at all.
29. Watermelon, cucumber and feta salad
Category: Side dishes
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dish to bring to your next BBQ, look no further than this watermelon-based salad. The feta gives it a creamy, tangy edge, and the addition of mint makes it the perfect summertime dish.
30. Marinated cheese
Category: Side dishes
Grab a container of mini mozzarella balls or cut up a block of feta cheese. Then, drizzle them with a good amount of olive oil and sprinkle them with herbs, salt, pepper, a splash of vinegar and some lemon zest.
31. Tropical fruit in spiced syrup
Category: Side dishes
This mix of tropical fruits, spices and mint is the perfect side dish to go with barbecued chicken or shrimp. You can also layer it with yogurt to make a layered fruit parfait.
32. Syracuse salt potatoes
Category: Side dishes
Salt potatoes are a delicacy in the Northeast, and they will make a great addition to your what to bring to a BBQ list. Best of all, you can whip these up in just five minutes.
33. Brazilian lemonade
Category: BBQ drinks
One of the biggest surprises about this “lemonade” is that it’s actually made with limes! It also features sweetened condensed milk and a bit of sugar, creating a delicious drink that both adults and kids are sure to love.
34. Citrus and mint Champagne punch
Category: BBQ drinks
Showing up with a large pitcher or cooler of this refreshing Champagne punch is sure to make you the star of the party. Mix together everything but the Champagne, then add the bubbly after you arrive.
35. Hard seltzer variety pack
Category: BBQ drinks
In a hurry and need some drinks to share? Try picking up a variety pack of hard seltzers. They’re light and refreshing, and the mix of flavors should appeal to many of the guests.
36. Selection of craft beers
Category: BBQ drinks
If you think the crowd is more likely to enjoy beer than hard seltzers, look for a variety pack of craft beer. This definitely won’t go to waste, and other party-goers will enjoy the opportunity to try out some new flavors.
37. Blueberry crumb bars
Category: Decadent desserts
Blueberries are the perfect summertime fruit, making this tasty (and easy!) dessert ideal for enjoying at a backyard barbecue.
38. Bacon brownies
Category: Decadent desserts
If you want to bring a dessert everyone will be raving about for weeks to come, bacon brownies are it. There’s nothing quite like the sweet taste of chocolate mixed with salty bacon.
39. Pie à la mode
Category: Decadent desserts
Short on time? Buy a pie and bring it to the BBQ along with a gallon of vanilla ice cream. Everyone loves pies — they’re the perfect all-American dessert for a barbecue!
How much BBQ per person should I cater for?
Now that you know what to serve at a BBQ, let’s discuss the quantity per person you should cater for.
For the star of the show — the barbecue food items — as a general rule, it’s smart to plan for around 1/4lb to 1/2lb of meat (or meat alternative) per person. This allows for some guests who may be big eaters and also covers you if more guests turn up. Serve generous portions of sides, and you won’t run out of those.
Food is the heart of any gathering, and a backyard BBQ is no exception. For the best barbecue experience, browse the meat section on Instacart and choose nothing but top-quality cuts.
Shop your BBQ essentials through Instacart
To make planning even easier, shop all your BBQ essentials through Instacart. With convenient, same-day delivery of groceries, snacks, and party platters, you’ll be ready to fire up the grill without any hassle.
Mel Hull
Author
Mel is a seasoned content strategist and food writer with over a decade of experience helping brands tell compelling stories. Inspired by her hometown of Houston, TX, she brings her love of bold flavors and Southern hospitality to the table. In the kitchen, she loves baking (especially banana bread!) and experimenting with Tex-Mex dishes.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.
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