With Labor Day approaching, it's time to think about the perfect barbeque menu for feeding a large group. Whether you're grilling for family, friends, or a mix of both, the key is to choose dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare in large quantities.
Best BBQ Menu for a Crowd
When planning a BBQ for a large group, variety matters... a lot. As with all party food, you want to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences while ensuring that the food is easy to prepare and serve. Think beyond hot dogs and ground beef and consider these delicious recipe options that we think work well for a crowd:
- Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked pork shoulder is a BBQ party classic that’s perfect for feeding a crowd (plus, it's not hard to make a party-size quantity). It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be served in buns with a variety of barbecue sauces and toppings. The best part? It stays warm and juicy, even if it sits out for a bit.
- Grilled Chicken Thighs: Boneless chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts when it comes to grilling. They stay moist and flavorful, even if they’re cooked a bit longer. Marinate them overnight in a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a crowd-pleasing main course.
- Seasonal Vegetable Skewers: For your vegetarian guests, vegetable skewers are a colorful and tasty option. Can't beat fresh produce! Use a mix of bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, and brush them with a balsamic glaze before putting them on the outdoor grill grates. A creamy dressing doesn't hurt, but isn't usually necessary if the natural juices deliver an optimal flavor.
- Grilled Sausages: Sausages are quick to cook and easy to serve, making them an ideal choice for a large group. Offer a variety of types—such as bratwurst, chorizo, and chicken sausage—along with buns and a selection of mustards and relishes.
- Steak: Steak can be a showstopper at your BBQ if done right. Use a reverse searing method to ensure even cooking for a large group. Start by cooking the steaks at a low temperature, then finish with a high-heat sear to achieve a flavorful crust. Offer dipping sauce if needed, but a good steak usually doesn't demand it.
Cooking Steak for a Crowd
If you’re planning to serve steak at your BBQ, it can be done with ease by following some expert advice from Max The Meat Guy. I mean, this guy loves a meat recipe. For steaks, he recommends seasoning the day before with a dry brine to enhance the flavor and suggests using McCormick Grill Mates Max’s All Purpose Base Seasoning and McCormick Grill Mates Max’s Xtra Coarse Build Seasoning for the best results. We've tried this seasoning on everything from our burger recipe and pork ribs to summer vegetables — it's good.
Max’s two-step reverse searing process is ideal for cooking steak for a large group:
- Low and Slow Cooking: Begin by cooking the steaks in a low-temperature oven or smoker at 250°F until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F. This method ensures that the steaks cook evenly and stay tender.
- Searing for Flavor: After letting the steaks rest, quickly sear them on a hot grill over direct heat right before serving to create a flavorful crust. This final step adds the perfect finishing touch to your perfectly cooked steak.
Essential BBQ Tips for a Backyard Barbecue
To make your BBQ as smooth as possible, here are some insights from the experts:
- Prep in Advance: The more you can do ahead of time, the better. Marinate cuts of meat, chop vegetables and prepare sauces the day before. This will save you time and stress on the day of the BBQ.
- Serve Buffet Style: Setting up a buffet allows guests to serve themselves, which is especially useful when you’re hosting a large group. Keep sides and condiments in easily accessible places.
- Keep it Simple: Focus on a few standout dishes (and if nothing else, just a green salad or classic corn) rather than trying to make too many things. This will allow you to manage the cooking process better and make sure each dish is done well.
How much food should I prepare for a large group?
A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of meat per person, along with a few sides. If you’re offering a variety of simple dishes, it's the perfect time to reduce the amount of each type slightly. It’s better to have a little extra than to run out, whether you're cooking your favorite ribs recipe or chicken wings.
What’s the best way to keep barbecue food warm?
Use chafing dishes or warming trays to keep food at the right temperature — not just baking dishes. For grilled meats and sides like baked potato salad, you can tent them with aluminum foil to retain moisture until serving time.
How can I make sure my steaks are cooked perfectly?
Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks during your summer cookout. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F before searing. This will give you consistent results, especially when cooking in large batches.
