Planning the perfect summer barbecue is all about paying attention to detail. Finding the right selection of foods makes it much easier to please your guests and to ensure that everyone enjoys the event. With more millennials than ever working from home due to the pandemic, this summer is an even better time to come together and see friends again in a safe, outdoors environment. From appetizers and sides to gluten-free options and vegan-friendly alternatives, there are many foods that are absolutely essential for your post-pandemic summer BBQ.

Appetizers

When it's time to break out the grill, appetizers are the one menu item that most often goes overlooked. There are an endless variety of skewers, all of which are a great option for warming up the grill or for showcasing your creativity. Non-cooked items like chilled fruit cups are also fantastic on warm summer days. There are plenty of appetizer options that can be a lot more exciting than just a plain old bag of potato chips.

Main Course

While burgers and hotdogs are a sure-fire hit at any barbecue, they can also be a little too mundane for celebrating a special occasion. It's also important to consider to consider different dietary restrictions. Many millennials and younger are going vegetarian or vegan for both health and environmental reasons. With so many meat alternatives becoming more and more mainstream, it may be a good idea to try a vegan bratwurst or chicken skewer. Those with special diets would definitely appreciate not having to bring their own food by having it offered to them.

Sides and Desserts

While grilled meats are no doubt the star of the show, side dishes and desserts should not be forgotten. From different types of rolls and Kaiser buns to pies and baked goods, providing a full spread for your guests will ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Barbecue classics like potato salad or baked beans are perfect comfort food options for those who are seeking to celebrate a return to normal. Also consider things like pies or other desserts to add a little bit of sweetness to your cookout.

Alternative Menu Options

Failing to account for the special dietary needs of your guests can leave you in an awkward situation. From low-carb sides to meatless main-dishes, a few alternative menu options help to make sure that no one is left out of the fun. Asking ahead of time if your guests have any food allergies or special dietary needs is always a smart move. By checking their diet, you an come up with a menu before everyone arrives and won't have to scramble to accommodate people on the day of.

After such a difficult year, hosting a barbecue or backyard cookout can be a great way to reconnect with family and friends. From old standards and barbecue classics to exciting new alternatives, finding and selecting the best foods can go a long way towards ensuring that your next barbecue, cookout or backyard event is sure to be a hit.