If you’re hosting a barbecue party, putting together a menu can be tricky. The key is to plan ahead so you can have all your cooking done in advance and get ready to enjoy the party with your guests.

There are lots of different things you can serve at a BBQ, from main dishes to side dishes. Check out our list of bbq party menu ideas to help you put together a dinner your family and friends will love!

1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers are a classic summer dish that add a touch of sophistication to any bbq party menu. These shrimp skewers are easy to prepare, and they can be served with grilled vegetables, as part of a seafood platter, or by themselves as a delicious appetizer.

To make grilled shrimp skewers, start by threading the uncooked shrimp onto the skewers. Let the shrimp dry in the fridge for about 30 minutes before grilling. Brush the shrimp with oil and grill for a few minutes on each side. Serve with a simple sauce and a salad for a delicious meal that’s quick to put together!

Using large shrimp for this recipe helps to ensure that the meat cooks quickly and is juicy. Jumbo shrimp also work well, but you’ll have to adjust the cook time accordingly.

When purchasing shrimp, look for fresh ones that don’t have any discoloration or a strong smell of ammonia. If you’re not able to buy raw shrimp, frozen shrimp are fine too.

You can use bamboo or wooden skewers for this recipe, but make sure to soak them in water before grilling. This prevents them from burning and makes it easier to flip the skewers on the grill.

The key to these grilled shrimp is the lemon garlic oil marinade. This easy marinade adds a lot of flavor to the shrimp without any additional ingredients, which is perfect for an easy summer dinner.

To prepare the grilled shrimp, simply thread the pre-soaked skewers through the shrimp starting at the tail. Arrange the skewers on the grill so that the shrimp are over the hot coals or flame, and the exposed bamboo skewer ends are over the cool side. This method helps the shrimp to cook quickly and will ensure that they don’t burn when you take them off the grill.

2. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a summertime staple and a popular option for bbq parties. They are quick to cook and delicious when topped with condiments. They are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time so you can set up the rest of your bbq party menu before guests arrive.

If you’re planning a big party, putting out a hot dog bar is the perfect way to feed a large crowd. Your guests will love getting to build their own gourmet hot dogs from a wide range of toppings and ingredients.

You can choose to serve traditional all-beef franks or a variety of sausages and bratwursts to appeal to a wide range of tastes. You can even choose vegan dogs if you’re looking for a fun twist on this classic party dish.

Grilling the hot dogs will give them a nice char on the edges and darker char marks that add more flavor. They’ll also keep the toppings in place, so they won’t slide off of them and make a mess when dripping onto your bbq food table!

Toppings for grilled hot dogs include mustard, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish. Some people even like to smother their hot dogs with cheese!

Another hot dog topping that’s great for a picnic or casual cookout is bean salad. It’s a simple dish that can be prepared in 15 minutes and can be tossed with honey mustard-like dressing for a tangy-sweet taste.

Other options for bbq party sides include potato salad, corn on the cob, and watermelon slices. You can serve these alongside the hot dogs or add them to a plate of other bbq foods for a complete meal.

3. Bratwurst

If you’re looking for a sausage with a lot of flavor and meaty texture, bratwurst is a great choice. They can be made from beef, pork, or a combination of meats and are usually seasoned with spices like marjoram, paprika, nutmeg, ginger, and caraway.

If cooked properly, brats will have a nice tender texture that makes them perfect for a bbq party menu. They can be grilled, boiled, or pan-fried, but the best way to make them is on the stovetop.

To get the best results, start by grilling them on low heat and then crank up the temperature to sear and crisp their outsides. This will result in a tender, juicy interior with a delicious, smoky flavor.

The ideal cooking time will vary depending on the type of sausage and its size. Pre-cooked sausages will cook in 8-10 minutes, while raw sausages may take 15-20 minutes to reach the proper internal temperature.

When cooking bratwurst on the grill, be sure to keep an eye on them and make sure they aren’t overcooked. If you overcook them, the meat can become dry and tough.

Bratwurst is usually made with pork, but you can also use beef and veal if desired. These meats tend to have more fat than other types of sausage, but it also adds flavor to the brats.

One way to get a bit of extra flavor is by simmering them in beer. This will give them a richer flavor and can be used to make soup or added to sandwiches. If you want to try this method, be sure to use a good beer like lager or pilsner.

4. Grilled Vegetables

Using the grill is a great way to cook vegetables, as they bring out a crisp, charred taste and smoky flavor. Whether you use them as a side dish or the main focus of the meal, grilled vegetables are an essential part of any bbq party menu.

Vegetables can be prepared in a variety of ways, from roasting in the oven to putting them directly on the grill. The key is to find a technique that suits your meal and cooking time.

For instance, if you want to roast a whole bunch of vegetables at once, try setting a sheet pan over the grill grates, or brushing them with oil and placing them directly on the heat source. Then, flip them once they’ve browned and cooked through.

Another great technique is to skewer your vegetables. It’s a fun and easy way to serve them, and the skewers make it much easier to turn the veggies as they cook.

The best grilled vegetables are crunchy on the outside and tender inside. You’ll get this with peppers, tomatoes and other vegetables that are tossed in a little oil and a few spices before they go on the grill.

Other grilled veggies that stand up to the smoky grill are mushrooms, eggplant and brussels sprouts. These small vegetables work well grilled on their own or skewered, and they’re perfect for a quick snack or for serving with a grilled burger.

Vegetables aren’t always the easiest thing to eat, but they’re a wonderful addition to bbq meals! You can pair them with burgers and hot dogs, or serve them alongside Mediterranean chicken, beef shish kabobs or chicken souvlaki.

5. Grilled Fruit

Grilled fruit is a summer treat that’s delicious, quick and easy to prepare. It’s a great way to add sweetness to snacks and appetizers, as well as to main dishes like burgers and brats.

The grill brings out the natural sugars in most fruits, which makes them sweeter than ever before. You can eat grilled fruit on its own, or combine it with other flavors in salads and desserts for a fun and refreshing twist on classic BBQ cuisine.

One of the best grilled fruits is cantaloupe, which gets extra juicy and sweet when grilled with a drizzle of honey. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of homemade ice cream for a delicious and unique dessert that’s perfect for your next bbq party!

Another grilled fruit that makes an amazing dessert is apricots, which pair perfectly with ricotta cheese and a dusting of cinnamon. They’re a fun and easy way to make a summer dessert that’s great for breakfast or even an afternoon snack!

Besides peaches and apricots, other fruits that are delicious grilled include strawberries, pineapples, cantaloupe, plums, pears, papaya, mango and watermelon. They all taste smoky, sweet and caramelized when grilled.

To get the most out of your grilled fruits, follow these tips: Place your fruit on skewers so it doesn’t fall through the grates into the coals and brush it with oil before grilling to keep it from sticking. You can also soak your wooden skewers in water before grilling to reduce the chance of burning them. Lastly, make sure your grill grate is clean before you begin to grill! Then you can enjoy the sweet and smoky goodness of grilled fruits with your friends and family!