
Here’s the Buzz on the Best Backyard Barbecues
Unleash the power of the fix-your-own grill bar! Your guests will enjoy getting in on the action with a variety of creative options and toppers.Â
Tapas Grill Bar
Grilling kebabs is half the fun when you put together a tapas bar! Make skewers with small meatballs, chunks of chorizo, pieces of marinated chicken and pork, whole shrimp or squares of ahi tuna well as onions, eggplant, bell peppers, mushrooms and cubed seasoned potatoes. Big colorful platters can hold the cooked meats and vegetables, while smaller platters feature chopped tomatoes, prosciutto, marinated olives, pickles, peppers, artichoke hearts, grated and shredded cheese, julienned spinach and arugula. Flat baskets hold small slices of sliced grilled baguettes, flatbread and pita wedges. An assortment of dressings for drizzling can go in pretty cruets.
Make Your Own Pizza
A hot grill is ideal for pizza. Use pre-made crusts to save time, or have guests help make the dough (remember to hand out aprons!). What’s the simple secret to great grilled pizza? Start with just the crust or dough. Grill it a minute or so, then flip, add your toppings and cook the rest of the way. Have plenty of shredded mozzarella as well as both white and red sauces on hand. Guests can choose their favorite toppings from ham, pepperoni, sausage, olives, chicken, tomatoes, fresh basil and a variety of vegetables.
Panini Grill Bar
Sometimes all you want is a big, overstuffed sandwich with extra melty cheese. For this one you need sliced ciabatta bread and sliced deli meats such as ham, roast beef, turkey, mortadella and salami. Have plenty of sliced cheese that melts well, such as provolone, Gouda and fontina. Grill some bell peppers and sliced onions. Grilled sliced eggplant and Portobello mushrooms are great too. Let guests assemble their sandwich and then place it on the grill. Press down with a hot grill pan, then turn once.
Burger Toppings Bar
Liven up burgers on the grill with a toppings bar. Have all the favorites such as bacon, mushrooms, guacamole, pepper jack cheese, tomatoes, fried onion rings, hot sauce and herbed mayo on hand, and add extras like grilled pineapple, grilled peppers and fiery fruit salsa for the adventurous. You can mix up the burger options, too. Add turkey burgers or salmon burgers for some variety!
Brunch Barbecue
Spend a beautiful Sunday morning outside. Pour bottomless mimosas and grill fruit such as bananas, strawberries and peaches to top pancakes, crepes or waffles. Add scrambled eggs cooked on a grill pan, as well as bacon and sausage.