Summertime means entertaining outdoors—a lot. These tips for hosting a backyard barbecue include what food and drinks to serve, plus a helpful timeline to keep you organized so you can actually have fun at the party.
How to Host a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue
Published on May 06, 2025
The beauty of entertaining outdoors is that you can do it anywhere. Small patio? Easy. Picnic in the park? Excellent. Pool party? Send me the invite. But a true backyard barbecue—grassy yard, trees, twinkle lights, and room for everyone to spread out—is one of the joys of summer.
Follow our tips and tricks for throwing a backyard bash without a hitch—from keeping the bugs at bay to knowing how much food to make and where to put the drinks station. Read on for expert tips, suggestions, and a helpful planning timeline for a smooth summer party where everyone (yes, including you!) will have a fantastic time.
The Set Up
When it comes to setting up a backyard barbecue, you need a space with good flow, tables and seats for people to comfortably eat and drink. If you don’t have enough tables and chairs, consider borrowing some from friends and neighbors. People won’t be sitting down simultaneously (unless you’re doing a seated party), but it’s nice to have more options than not enough.
Create a drink station with plenty of room—people tend to congregate there—and have lots of ice and coolers ready. Think about how you’ll keep your food cool and safe, where to put the plates and utensils, and add a couple of trash cans and recycling bins for easy tossing. If there are lots of kids, plan on having some great backyard games to keep them entertained.
How to keep your backyard barbecue bug-free
Wasps, mosquitoes and flies are the nemeses of outdoor entertaining. They’re a nuisance anyway you shake it, and spraying chemicals isn’t the best idea with all that food around. Instead, keep bugs away from your backyard barbecue with natural—and super easy—tactics like using mesh covers for food, keeping trash cans away from the party, and using yellow lights at night.
The Menu
Food is essential for any backyard barbecue, whether serving a few friends or extended family. Summer party menus can include dips, crudité platters, charcuterie boards for snacking, salads, grilled specialties for the main event, fruity desserts, and cool and refreshing drinks to round out the day (and night). Plan accordingly, and everyone will think you’re the host with the most.
How much food should you make for a party?
Nothing puts a kibosh on a backyard barbecue like not having enough to eat and drink. Knowing how much food to make for a party starts with planning. While the time of day and length of event will dictate what you’ll serve, the guest list is the most important factor. And not just how many people will be there, but also who—kids and adults or adults only?
Once you nail down the guest list, plan how many appetizers, side dishes, meats or main courses, and desserts to make. For instance, for around 10 people, you’ll need about 60 servings of appetizers, 20 to 30 pieces of chicken, 2-1/2 pounds of potato salad and at least one sheet cake for dessert.
Keep food cold
Summer is all about enjoying cold foods on a hot day, but serving food outdoors when the temps rise means taking precautions to keep everything in the safety zone. You don’t want to get anyone sick!
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the main rule is: Don’t leave food out for longer than two hours without refrigeration. While that might seem difficult outdoors, there are several ways to keep cold food fresh all day long. Storing food in the shade, setting dishes over ice, and serving food in insulated bowls are just a few recommendations.
Set up an outdoor drink station
While food fuels a great backyard barbecue, beverages keep everyone hydrated and happy. Knowing how to set up an outdoor drink station is key. First, decide what to serve and how much to have on hand. If you’re going the cocktail route, you can opt for a self-serve bar or a few signature cocktails. Batch cocktails are super easy for parties of any size, and you can customize them with seasonal ingredients, colors and themes. Beer, wine, canned cocktails and nonalcoholic canned cocktails are other great options. Never forget the mocktails!
Backyard barbecue recipes
Now to the main event: The menu. For an effortless get-together, make some things from scratch and add a few premade items. Keep it low-key with easy barbecue recipes for your cookout, like grilled kabobs, burgers and corn. Store-bought potato salad is an easy side dish, or make your favorite coleslaw recipe. For backyard barbecue desserts, consider something fresh and fruity like raspberry crumble bars or a lemon-strawberry trifle.
Grilled Steak KabobsMany times, I must come up with recipes requiring only ingredients already in my pantry. This is one of them. It's my husband's favorite meat dish. —Dolores, Lueken, Ferdinand, Indiana
Mexican Street CornElote, otherwise known as Mexican street corn, is grilled, covered in mayo, and then sprinkled with chili powder, Cotija and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice is the perfect finishing touch. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Huli Huli ChickenWhen I lived in Hawaii, I got this recipe for chicken marinated in a ginger-soy sauce from a friend. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian and refers to turning the meat on the grill. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Ranch BurgersThese grilled burgers are a fun twist on a traditional burger. With ranch and bacon mixed in, they're perfect for a summer potluck! —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Grilled Vegetable PlatterThis recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Grilled Boneless Pork ChopsThis recipe is my favorite out of all my grilled pork chop recipes. I start preparing this entree the night before I plan to grill it.—Erica Svejda, Janesville, Wisconsin
Hawaiian Macaroni SaladI had to figure out how to make Hawaiian macaroni salad at home because my husband was getting tired of ordering enough for our whole family from a local restaurant. Sometimes I use green onions and serve the salad with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. —Blaine Kahle, Florence, Oregon
Bacon-Wrapped AsparagusMy husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Chimichurri SteakSteak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Grilled ShrimpThis is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Campfire PotatoesWe like grilling because it's a no-fuss way to make a meal. This pleasing campfire potatoes recipe is one we use often! The onion, cheddar cheese and Worcestershire sauce combine to make a super side dish for any grilled meat. Plus, cooking in the foil makes cleanup a breeze. —JoAnn Dettbarn, Brainerd, Minnesota
Baked Barbecue Chicken DrumsticksOn a lazy sunny summer day, these BBQ chicken legs are the best ever. We enjoy it with baked beans and watermelon. Try the zesty barbecue sauce on other grilled meats, too. —Agnes Golian, Garfield Heights, Ohio
Grilled MushroomsMushrooms cooked over hot coals always taste good, but this easy recipe makes them taste fantastic. As a mother of two children, I love to cook entire meals on the grill. It's fun spending time outdoors with the kids. —Melanie Knoll, Marshalltown, Iowa
Barbecue Chicken WingsThese crispy barbecue chicken wings are bursting with flavor. Seasoned in a coating of onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper, these wings get tossed in barbecue sauce for a tangy, sweet flavor profile with a hint of spice. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Cheeseburger SaladI was planning to grill burgers, and then it dawned on me: How about a cheeseburger salad? The original recipe doesn't call for a tomato, but it's awesome here. —Pam Jefferies, Cantrall, Illinois
Barbecue ChickenIs there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Corn RibsThe weather is warming up, and that means it's time to pull out the grills! This corn ribs recipe contains notes of garlic, onion, mild heat from cayenne pepper and a zesty spritz of lime—the perfect addition to your upcoming summer BBQ. —Bill Roberts, Geneva, Illinois
Grilled Glazed DrummiesMy family prefers these mild-tasting chicken wings more than the traditional hot wings. They are great for any gathering. —Laura Mahaffey, Annapolis, Maryland
Juicy Watermelon SaladThis fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
Grilled Marinated RibeyesThese juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
Quick Barbecued BeansBarbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Barbecue Chicken SandwichWith four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Grilled Salmon in FoilSteamed in its own juices, this grilled salmon in foil is incredibly tender. Curry adds a punch of flavor that's perfectly balanced by onion and tomato. —Merideth Berkovich, The Dalles, Oregon
Loaded Baked Potato SaladI revamped my mother's potato salad to taste more like baked potatoes with all the fixin's, which I love. This loaded baked potato salad is now the most requested dish at family gatherings. Even my mother asked for the recipe! —Jackie Deckard, Solsberry, Indiana
Grilled Short RibsA quick and simple paprika rub is all these tender short ribs need. They're perfect for your next cookout. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pulled Beef SandwichChuck roast makes delicious slow-cooker barbecue beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas
Slow-Cooker BBQ ChickenOf all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this is my most treasured. If you enjoy your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Baby Back RibsI first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Grilled Romaine SaladFor a great-tasting salad, try this recipe on the grill! It's equally good with any dressing of your choice. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Pulled PorkOur pulled pork recipe uses a slow cooker to produce flavorful and juicy meat. When it's done cooking, shred the pork shoulder, toss it with barbecue sauce and serve it on sandwiches. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Korean Short RibsThese Korean short ribs are cut across the bone lengthwise or flanken-style. The ginger gives the sweet and savory marinade a nice freshness. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Barbecue Pork ChopsI often prepare a double batch of these tangy barbecue pork chops, then freeze half to keep on hand. They are so easy and taste so fresh, family and friends never guess this quick entree was frozen! —Susan Holderman, Fostoria, Ohio
Baked Barbecue Chicken BreastA friend made this saucy chicken for us when we had our first child. I pared down the recipe to make it lower in fat and calories. Now it's a family favorite, and even the kids ask for this baked bbq chicken breast. —Marge Wagner, Roselle, Illinois
Veggie KabobsGrilling is a delightful way to prepare the season's freshest produce. The zesty Italian marinade adds just the right amount of spice to these veggie kabobs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Grilled Pork TenderloinWe do a lot of outdoor cooking during the summer months, and this grilled pork tenderloin recipe is one my entire family loves. —Betsy Carrington, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Grilled Nectarines with Burrata and HoneyThe classic Caprese gets a sweet makeover with this inspired summer starter. Burrata, mint and honey are served over nectarine halves—or any stone fruit you like—in this creamy, dreamy dish. —Anthony Gans, Hawthorne, California
BratwurstThe trick to creating the crispiest, juiciest bratwurst? Parboil them on the stove and then grill them over medium heat. —April Preisler, Auburn, California
Grilled Flank SteakHow to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Pork SouvlakiPork tenderloin marinates in a sauce filled with aromatic herbs and seasonings like oregano, thyme, garlic and paprika before getting grilled to perfection. Serve the popular Greek dish with a side of tzatziki sauce and pita bread for the whole experience. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Coney Island Hot DogsFrom the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Grilled Ribeye SteakA true Southerner to the core, I love to cook—especially on the grill. This recipe is one of my favorites! The seasoning rub makes a wonderful marinade, and nothing beats the summertime taste of these flavorful grilled steaks! —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Grilled Chicken LegsThis chicken is juicy, has great barbecue flavor and makes a big batch, so it's perfect for summer picnics and family reunions. —Brenda Beachy, Belvidere, Tennessee
Barbecued Beef BrisketA guest at the RV park and marina my husband and I used to run gave me this flavorful barbecue brisket recipe. It's become the star of countless meal gatherings, from potlucks to holiday dinners. Husband Ed and our five grown children look forward to it as much as our Christmas turkey. —Bettye Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Country Ribs in the OvenMy mom made these tender oven-baked country-style ribs for special Sunday suppers when we were growing up. A few common ingredients are all you need to make the zesty sauce that coats them. Everyone's eyes light up when I bring a plate of these ribs to the table, and company never suspects how easy they are to prepare. —Yvonne White, Williamson, New York
Grilled Corn SaladI absolutely love cilantro and add it to recipes whenever I can. I'm also a fan of corn on the cob, and especially of the flavor that grilling the corn brings out. This recipe was born from the love of these ingredients. —Misty Tudor, Ajax, Ontario
Grilled Lemon ChickenThere’s one word to describe this grilled lemon chicken recipe: "Yum!" It’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, then fire up the grill when we get home from church on Sunday. Guests love the citrus flavor! —Heather Erb, Milton, Pennsylvania
Vietnamese Pork ChopsServe these tender Vietnamese pork chops with rice and sliced cucumbers. In addition to grilling or broiling, they can also be cooked in a skillet. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jerk ChickenThis easy grilled jerk chicken uses a Scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat and an impressive homemade seasoning blend. If you keep your spice cabinet well-stocked, you probably have most of these ingredients on hand. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Easy Barbecue Recipes FAQ
What is the easiest thing to barbecue?
Vegetables, steak, chicken, burgers and hot dogs are some of the easiest foods to barbecue. These items can be prepped with very few additional ingredients and tend to cook quickly. It's really just a matter of knowing the proper food-safe cooking temperature for each type of food. When it comes to meat, larger proteins (like saucy ribs, juicy brisket or slow-cooked pulled pork) can also be considered easy. That said, these proteins take longer to cook than smaller cuts.
What are the best grilling recipes to make on a budget?
Some of the best cheap grilling ideas are chicken drumsticks, pork tenderloin and vegetable kabobs. Some beef cuts are less expensive than others, so opt for cuts like flank steak over ribeye to save money.
Can you barbecue without a grill?
You can barbecue without a grill, but cooking over the grill's direct flame creates an irresistible flavor. To achieve a similar smoky flavor, try using a grill pan on the stovetop. These pans do a great job of searing foods and creating gorgeous grill marks. Or, capture that classic barbecue flavor by including barbecue sauce or liquid smoke in the seasoning blend when making slow-cooked beef, pork or chicken.
PS: If you’re headed to a summer potluck instead of hosting, take our quiz to find out what you should bring!
Timeline
A perfect backyard barbecue requires time and planning, but don’t let that deter you. Space out tasks and prep food beforehand so you can relax on the day of the party. Here’s a handy checklist to ensure you have it all covered.
3 weeks in advance: Get the ball rolling
- Send invitations
- Take inventory of your tables, chairs, plates, cups, napkins and utensils
2 weeks in advance: Plan it all out
- Build your backyard barbecue menu
- Sketch out a grocery list
- Create, cut and fold food label cards
- Buy any additional plates, cups, napkins or utensils
1 week in advance: Tie up loose ends
- Borrow any additional tables or chairs that you’ll need—ask friends or family members if you can borrow theirs
- Clean the house! You don’t have to cover everything, but make sure the areas your guests will see are sparkling
- Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d
3 days in advance: Clean and shop
- Double-check your grocery list
- Shop for your ingredients
- Wash the serving dishes you’ll be using
- Mow the lawn
- Clean your grill from top to bottom
1 day in advance: Prep everything
- Spot-clean the house
- Buy an extra bag of ice
- Make as many mains, sides and desserts ahead of schedule as you can
- Cut up fruit and vegetables
- Put beverages in the refrigerator to chill
Day of party: Set up
- Put serving dishes or platters on the buffet table
- Set out plates, cups, napkins and utensils
- Set up extra tables with tablecloths
Two hours before guests arrive
- Prep any raw food you plan to grill
- Reheat any premade hot foods
- Stock coolers with ice and beverages
30 minutes before serving
- Set out food with corresponding labels on the buffet table
- Preheat the grill
- Relax!
