Whether you’re smoking a brisket low and slow all day, or throwing burgers on the grill for an easy weeknight dinner, we’ve put together a list of everything you’ll need to grab to make it a successful backyard meal.
Marinated Short Ribs
Perfect for: An easy, casual summer dinner with great flavor
From Gartner’s:
- Marinated short ribs (we recommend 1 lb. per person for bone-in short ribs, or 1/2 lb. per person for boneless short ribs)
Sides:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Garlic roasted baby potatoes
- Cucumber salad
Dessert:
- Strawberry short cake
Beer Pairing:
- Amber Ale
Wine Pairing:
- Malbec
Classic Burgers & Hot Dogs
Perfect for: Family dinners, birthdays, and neighborhood gatherings.
From Gartner’s:
- Premade burger patties
- Gartners German wieners or bratwurst
- Optional: Bacon
Buns:
- Hamburger buns
- Hot dog buns
Toppings:
- Cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Pickles
- Avocado
- Grilled onions
- Jalapeños
Condiments:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- BBQ sauce
- Relish
Sides:
- Potato salad
- Chips
- Baked beans
- Pasta salad
- Fresh fruit
Dessert:
- Brownies or ice cream sandwiches
Beer Pairing:
- American Lager
Wine Pairing:
- Zinfandel
Smoked Brisket
Perfect for: Slow weekends and bigger gatherings
From Gartner’s:
- Whole brisket
Sides:
- Mac & cheese
- Coleslaw
- BBQ baked beans
- Cornbread
- Pickles
Sauces & Extras:
- BBQ sauce
- Pickled onions
- Sliced jalapeños
Dessert:
- Peach cobbler or key lime pie
Beer Pairing:
- Porter or Stout
Wine Pairing:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Steaks
Perfect for: Date nights, celebrations, or an elevated backyard dinner.
From Gartner’s:
- Ribeye, New York Strip, or Filet Mignon
Sides:
- Grilled asparagus
- Baked potatoes
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
Toppings:
- Garlic herb butter
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Rosemary sprigs
Dessert:
- Cheesecake or chocolate lava cake
Beer Pairing:
- IPA
Wine Pairing:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Prime Rib
Perfect for: Holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
From Gartner’s:
- Prime rib roast
Sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Dinner rolls
Sauces & Extras:
- Au jus
- Creamy horseradish sauce
Dessert:
- Chocolate cake or tiramisu
Beer Pairing:
- Brown Ale
Wine Pairing:
- Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux Blend
Chicken & Beef Kabobs
Perfect for: Easy entertaining.
From Gartner’s:
- Marinated chicken kabobs
- Marinated beef kabobs
Sides:
- Cilantro-lime rice or other seasoned rice
- Greek pasta salad
- Grilled zucchini
- Pita bread
Sauces:
- Tzatziki
- Garlic aioli
- Chimichurri
Dessert:
- Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream
Beer Pairing:
- Wheat Beer
Wine Pairing:
- Sauvignon Blanc
Baby Back Ribs
Perfect for: A classic barbecue spread with tender, smoky ribs
From Gartner’s:
- Baby back ribs
Sides:
- Coleslaw
- Mac & cheese
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Grilled corn on the cob
Sauces & Extras:
- BBQ sauce
- Pickles
- Pickled onions
- Jalapeños
Dessert:
- Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream
Beer Pairing:
- Amber Ale or Lager
Wine Pairing:
- Zinfandel
Pulled Pork
Perfect for: Feeding a crowd with an easy, make-ahead meal.
From Gartner’s:
- Pork shoulder
Buns & Toppings:
- Brioche buns
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Pickled onions
- BBQ sauce
Sides:
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
- Mac & cheese
- Cornbread
Dessert:
- Banana pudding
Beer Pairing:
- Pale Ale
Wine Pairing:
- Pinot Noir
Tri-Tip
Perfect for: A laid-back backyard gathering with enough food to feed a crowd.
From Gartner’s:
- Tri-tip roast
Sides:
- Grilled seasonal vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Pasta salad
- Fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread
Sauces & Extras:
- Chimichurri
- Horseradish sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Pickles
Dessert:
- Berry shortcake
Beer Pairing:
- Amber Ale
Wine Pairing:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Don’t Forget the Essentials
No matter what’s on the menu, make sure you’ve got:
- Charcoal or propane
- Grill tools
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Ice
- A variety of drinks
- Napkins, paper plates and utensils
- Serving platters
From laid-back family dinners to hosting the whole neighborhood, Gartner’s has everything you need to make your next backyard BBQ a delicious one.