With warm weather finally on the horizon, it’s time to start getting ready for the summer season. Pool parties, picnics, and cookouts are right around the corner, but no one wants to arrive to the party empty handed. Check out our top 23 ideas on what to bring to a cookout below, and soak up an entire summer’s worth of mouthwatering recipe ideas all perfect for your next get together.
Meats
Not quite sure what to bring to a cookout you’ve got coming up yet? Keep it simple, and provide one of the obvious staples of any great barbecue — the meat. Don’t feel like you have to provide for the entire party though, especially if it’s a large gathering. Just make sure you coordinate with the host and other guests to make sure everything is accounted for ahead of time.
If the main course is already accounted for by the host, odds are you can pitch in by bringing an appetizer to your next cookout. These dishes never go to waste, and the endless options make it easy to get creative in the kitchen no matter your skill level.
You can never have too many side dishes, can you? In fact, all the salads, casseroles, and more at cookouts are part of what make this time of the year so tasty. A few bites of everyone’s favorite dishes to pass make for a winning summer meal.
You know the saying…it’s not a party if there’s not cake. While our specialty lies in the earlier courses, we still know a delicious looking dessert when we see one. Check out some of our favorites below, and consider bringing one of these sweet treats to your next summer outing. You won’t be disappointed!
Proteins like hamburger patties, hotdogs, chicken or shrimp are all common foods to throw on the grill. Bringing a side dish like salads, vegetables and fruits is the perfect complement to the hearty main course. Cold drinks like water, soda and lemonade are also essential to keep hydrated during this hot holiday.
Proteins like hamburger patties, hotdogs, chicken or shrimp are all common foods to throw on the grill. Bringing a side dish like salads, vegetables and fruits is the perfect complement to the hearty main course. Cold drinks like water, soda and lemonade are also essential to keep hydrated during this hot holiday.
A floral delivery, homemade snack, an addition to their beverage collection, a present for another treasured family member or any memento with meaning will all leave a lovely impression. Then after the event, send a handwritten thank-you note.
Should You Bring Something When Invited To a BBQ? Yes, absolutely! As you would for a dinner party, birthday bash, or gathering with friends, bringing the host a small token of appreciation is the polite thing to do when invited to an event.
Consider organizing a potluck and have each guest bring a dish to share and offset some of the costs. This can be an easy way to quickly cross appetizers, side dishes, desserts, drinks, or even an entrée off your list. If you're attending a barbecue, consider returning the favor by offering to bring a dish.
If you start your BBQ in the late afternoon, around 4 or 5 pm, this will be an excellent time to attract friends with children. If you want it to be child-free, starting later in the evening is appropriate and will be even more enjoyable as the heat will be less fierce.
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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