This post is sponsored by Tyson Foods, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
As you prepare for the summer cookout season, be sure to keep in mind these 10 Must Haves for the Summer Cookout Menu. Plus, enjoy a bite of this delicious Peach Cobbler too!
10 Must Haves for the Summer Cookout Menu
At our home, summer cookouts happen nearly every single week. We are obsessed with them in all the right ways. Something about the summer months just makes me want to have everyone over all the time to enjoy some tasty food and the kids can get outside and play. Over the years though, I have discovered a few tips and tricks and the 10 Must Haves for the Summer Cookout Menu.
What to Keep in Mind when Planning a Summer Cookout?
There are a few things to keep in mind such as a backup plan for nasty weather. Here in Oklahoma, that tends to be the case from time to time. Be sure you have the space indoors to host too if you need to or a different day planned in case of rain.
The most important thing to me personally is to be sure that you know if your guests have food allergies. Many times when hosting a party there could be someone that has a food allergy or intolerance. Maybe they have a life threatening peanut allergy? If so, plan around that and don’t include foods with peanuts. That would likely make the guests be able to enjoy themselves with ease knowing that you have made sure to make it a safe place for them to be. Having food allergies in our family, this one is pretty high up there on my list of things to do before having guests over.
Next, be sure to plan easy meals that will allow you to be sure to mingle with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen the entire time. Of course, many of us enjoy cooking, but it’s important that you are also able to mingle and enjoy spending time with your guests too.
There are just a few things to keep in mind; however, the biggest tip…enjoy yourself! Have fun and relax, enjoy some time with family and friends because truly at the end of your summer cookout, that’s all that matters.
Planning the Summer Cookout Menu
Now it’s time to plan the summer cookout menu. First thing is to be sure to have enough food for all your guests. When we host a summer cookout, I almost always head to Sam’s Club because I know I can get everything I need in bulk. It cuts down on having to purchase 4 packages of hot dogs, I can pick up the Ball Park Hot Dogs and Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst, just one package and we will have enough for all our guests.
Did you know that they now carry Ball Park Tailgaters Brat Buns? These are AMAZING! They are big enough for those delicious brats.
Not only can I pick those up, but I can also grab bulk sizes of chips, drinks, and condiments too.
I also decided to make a delicious Peach Cobbler too. I was able to pick up the peaches at Sam’s Club along with Country Crock Original Tub of butter to add to the topping too.
Once you have the food all ready to go along with your activities especially if you have kids coming, then you are ready to cook and host the perfect summer cookout.
10 Must Haves for the Summer Cookout Menu
- Drinks – First remember, the drinks. Maybe a kid-friendly drink like an Italian Cream Soda.
- Desserts – The desserts a huge part of a summer cookout, think along the lines of summer desserts like this Peach Crumb Cobbler using Country Crock. It’s the perfect treat with fresh peaches.
- Main Dish – The main dish can easily be Ball Park Hot Dogs & Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst. It provides a great variety but also a simple meal too. These are easy to eat and go off and play for the kids, plus you can even roast them over a campfire if you prefer too.
- Buns – I don’t know what it is about the buns, but I almost always forget them! Be sure to grab the Ball Park Tailgaters Brat Buns at Sam’s Club while you are there, they are perfect for hot dogs and brats.
- Condiments – Remember these, I’ve found plenty in bulk at Sam’s Club too. So, I can typically purchase them one time during the summer season and they last us a good while. It also looks nice to add them to little mason jars when setting up your outdoor serving area.
- Side Items – Remember the side items too, like potato salad or chips and dip. These can be simple and easy to pick up at Sam’s Club or make yourself too. If you are planning to have everyone bring a dish to share a side dish is a great option.
- Utensils – Be sure to pick up a large package of serving utensils too. A large quantity package can last you a long time, this is great for using outdoors when you may not want to lose your good silverware.
- Paper Products – If you plan to use paper plates, be sure to grab some and stock up. Also if you like for guests to have a stronger plate, simply get a plate holder to go underneath. These are typically readily available in the summer months.
- Serving Trays – We love to use serving trays that are decorative and festive for summer cookouts. Simply getting some in bright colors like reds and blues are perfect for holding all the grilled hot dogs and buns.
- Bug Repellents – Of course this one needs to be said because let’s face it, summer means all the mosquitoes and flies come around the food. Be sure to get some citronella torches or candles to help detour those pest.
Now you are totally ready for your summer cookout. It’s time to sit back and enjoy your time with family and friends and #MasterSummer.
Of course, our dog, Callie, was ready to party too…or catch any droppings!
10 Must Haves for the Summer Cookout Menu
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