Memorial Day weekend has a way of showing up out of nowhere… and suddenly you’re hosting friends and family, or just really craving a delicious burger and a cold drink in the sun. Either way, Memorial Day Weekend is a great opportunity to fire up the grill, enjoy the sunshine (hopefully), and honor the ones who sacrificed everything.
Step 1: Meat (Obviously)
What’s a BBQ without some quality meat? Here are a few easy and delicious options for your Memorial Day BBQ:
- Burgers
- Marinated Short Ribs
- Brats or sausages
- Steaks
- Chicken thighs
- Marinated chicken or beef kabobs
A good rule is to plan for about ½ lb per person for any boneless options, and a pound a person for bone-in dishes. (Maybe 1.5 – 2 lb if you’re serving marinated short ribs, because you can really never have too many)
Prep Ahead of Time
Preparing ahead of time will help save you last minute stress. You’ll thank yourself later. Here are a few easy ways to prepare ahead of time:
- Form your burger patties the night before
- Season or marinate everything ahead of time
- Slice your toppings early and store them safely
- Mix up any sauces or spreads in advance
- Make sure you have all of the serving trays/dishes that you need
- Buy paper plates and disposable utensils for easy clean up
Planning ahead of time helps make sure you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is relaxing.
Easy Side Dishes
A variety of sides will help complement your main dish, but remember: you don’t need to make everything from scratch. Grab some of our pre-made sides (the sun dried tomato salad is a fan favorite.)
A few go-tos side options:
- Pasta salad or potato salad
- Watermelon
- Chips and dip
- Grilled veggies
Quick Grill Check
A quick check to make sure your grill is firing on all cylinders is helpful for a successful BBQ. Make sure you have all of these things ready to roll before you start grilling:
- Popane or charcoal
- Lighter, tongs, spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Foil for easy cleanup
Giving your grill a quick clean before firing it up also doesn’t hurt!
Drinks – Always Buy Extra
You can never have too many beverages.
- Lots of water
- Something bubbly – sparkling water, soda, etc.
- Beer, seltzers, or wine
- A cooler with plenty of ice
Hosting Essentials
The extra things you may not have on your list.
- A place to sit – folding chairs, outdoor furniture, etc.
- A feel-good playlist
- Bluetooth speaker
- String lights or a fire pit for some good ambiance
One Last Tip – Shop Early
Come in early, grab what you need, and let us help you get set with everything you need for the perfect Memorial Day BBQ. Give us a call or order online to place your order ahead of time!