Guide to Preparing For Your Backyard BBQ

Who doesn’t love a backyard BBQ? Your friends and family get to enjoy the sunshine, have delicious grilled food, and spend quality time together. If you’re the one planning the gathering, however, getting ready can seem anything but relaxing. Shopping, cooking, and prepping can seem daunting, but with proper planning, you can easily de-stress and throw the best party on the block. 

So, fire up your grill! It’s time to start cooking!

3 Steps to Plan Your Backyard BBQ at Home

Get yourself organized with these three steps for your next BBQ.

1. Create Your BBQ Party Menu

The food often takes center stage at any BBQ, so you want to get your menu together so you’re the hit of the party. What makes BBQs so fun are the endless food possibilities! When creating your BBQ menu, think about the theme you are going for, such as classic Southern, Kansas City, Hawaiian, or Carolina.

No matter what flare you decide to inject into your backyard party, pick your proteins first, then figure out which sides pair the best. For classic grilling meats, you can’t go wrong with:

• Pork
• Beef
• Poultry
• Seafood, like shrimp and salmon
• Plant-based options like tofu or veggie and beyond burgers

Easy BBQ Ideas: Still trying to figure out where to start? Here are some awesome BBQ ideas to whet your palate and inspire you.

• Smoked brown sugar ribs with potato salad, watermelon wedges, and grilled corn on the cob.
• DIY burger bar with a variety of patties, such as ground beef, turkey, salmon, and veggie or plant-based. Serve with potato chips, leaf lettuce, sliced tomatoes, grilled onions, and traditional condiments.
• Carolina-style pulled pork with coleslaw, pickles, buns, and macaroni salad.

Once you have your menu figured out, it’s time to plan the rest of your supplies.

2. List Additional Backyard BBQ Party Supplies

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook all the little details when planning a party. Once you decide on your menu, make a list of all the supplies you will need so you don’t forget anything when shopping at your wholesale supply store.

• Paper goods, such as plates, bowls, cups, and napkins
• Compostable or disposable utensils
• Beverages like canned sodas, iced tea, and lemonade
• Grilling equipment, including heat-resistant cooking utensils, grill gloves, meat thermometer, and tin foil

3. Gather Goods from a Restaurant Supply Store

BBQs are supposed to be simple, so there’s no reason why you should have to visit multiple stores or blow your grocery budget to get quality ingredients. If you want to secure all of your BBQ supplies under one roof, take a tip from professional chefs and visit a restaurant supply store. They stock restaurant-grade meats and produce. Plus, you can find all your paper products, beverages, and grilling equipment at bulk store prices.  

To save even more, check out circulars showcasing upcoming grocery shopping deals. You can also use ingredients on sale as inspiration for your BBQ menu!

Cut Down on Prep Time with Backyard BBQ Hacks

The last thing you want to do on a Saturday morning is prepping your BBQ foods before guests arrive. These hacks will help you minimize your preparation time and maximize your fun.

• Purchase Pre-Prepared Ingredients and Foods: Pre-formed burger patties mean you can go from fridge to grill in seconds. Other items like sliced cheeses, pre-shredded carrots, cabbage, and skewered meats reduce your preparation time.
• Opt for Delivery: Don’t have time to go to the store, get all your BBQ supplies delivered the day or two before your backyard party. Don’t forget to include your paper goods and beverages, too.

Stock Up On Your Grilling Needs at US Foods CHEF’STORE

CHEF’STORE has all the grilling essentials you need to host an unforgettable outdoor BBQ, from premium meats to beverages, spices, oils, paper plates, and more. 

Visit one of our many locations or browse our products online. You can also get all our items delivered directly to you!