Events
What To Bring to a BBQ: 20 Must-Haves To Wow the Crowd
Barbecues are the perfect way to spend a day enjoying the beautiful weather with family and friends. While the person hosting the BBQ typically will provide the main meal, it’s customary to bring along something to share.
If you’re wondering what to bring to a BBQ, you’re in the right place! Choose one of these popular side dishes, drinks or desserts, and your host is sure to be pleased.
1. American potato salad
Category: Side dishes
Nothing says BBQ quite like a classic potato salad. The beauty of this dish is that you can start with a basic recipe, then add your own secret ingredients to give it a special touch.
2. Baked beans with bacon
Category: Side dishes
The combination of molasses and bacon gives these baked beans an incredible sweet and savory flavor. Since they’re made in the slow cooker, there’s very little prep time. Start them in the morning and they’ll be ready for you to bring to the BBQ by early afternoon.
3. Avocado and shrimp salad
Category: Side dishes
A great addition to your list of what to bring to a BBQ, this crisp and refreshing salad features avocado, shrimp, bacon and a delicious homemade sauce. It works perfectly as either a starter or a side.
4. 3-bean salad
Category: Side dishesA three-bean salad is a classic cookout dish. This recipe has a bit of a twist, thanks to the zesty lime dressing. Just make sure you plan ahead if you want to bring this dish. It tastes best if the flavors can meld for 24 hours before it’s served.
5. Baked mac and cheese
Category: Side dishes
Mac and cheese is always a great addition to a BBQ. Cook this in a disposable aluminum pan so you won’t have to worry about it after the cookout is done.
6. Sweet potato salad
Category: Side dishes
This recipe is an exciting twist on traditional potato salad. It features sweet potatoes, peppery arugula and a tangy dressing. You can also add some bacon and chives for extra flavor.
7. Chips and salsa
Category: Side dishes
It doesn’t get much easier than grabbing a bag of tortilla chips and some fresh salsa from the deli section of the grocery store. Consider getting one mild salsa and one hot salsa to cater to different preferences.
8. Apple and fennel salad with blue cheese
Category: Side dishes
This dish is so delicious no one will suspect you whipped it together in just 15 minutes! The sweet apples and distinct blue cheese and fennel flavors mix perfectly with the tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.
9. Easy antipasto plate
Category: Side dishes
To make this easy side, just find a grocery store with an olive bar and choose a variety of items. Then add some cheese, salami and pickles. Arrange them all on a platter for an attractive appetizer that takes almost no time at all.
10. Watermelon, cucumber and feta salad
Category: Side dishesIf you’re looking for a light and refreshing dish to bring to your next BBQ, look no further than this watermelon-based salad. The feta gives it a creamy, tangy edge, and the addition of mint makes it the perfect summertime dish.
11. Marinated cheese
Category: Side dishes
Grab a container of mini mozzarella balls or cut up a block of feta cheese. Then, drizzle them with a good amount of olive oil and sprinkle them with herbs, salt, pepper, a splash of vinegar and some lemon zest.
12. Tropical fruit in spiced syrup
Category: Side dishes
This mix of tropical fruits, spices and mint is the perfect side dish to go with barbecued chicken or shrimp. You can also layer it with yogurt to make a layered fruit parfait.
13. Syracuse salt potatoes
Category: Side dishes
Salt potatoes are a delicacy in the Northeast, and they will make a great addition to your what to bring to a BBQ list. Best of all, you can whip these up in just five minutes!
14. Brazilian lemonade
Category: BBQ drinks
One of the biggest surprises about this “lemonade” is that it’s actually made with limes! It also features sweetened condensed milk and a bit of sugar, creating a delicious drink that both adults and kids are sure to love.
15. Citrus and mint Champagne punch
Category: BBQ drinks
Showing up with a large pitcher or cooler of this refreshing Champagne punch is sure to make you the star of the party. Mix together everything but the Champagne, then add the bubbly after you arrive.
16. Hard seltzer variety pack
Category: BBQ drinks
In a hurry and need some drinks to share? Try picking up a variety pack of hard seltzers. They’re light and refreshing, and the mix of flavors should appeal to many of the guests.
17. Selection of craft beers
Category: BBQ drinks
If you think the crowd is more likely to enjoy beer than hard seltzers, look for a variety pack of craft beer. This definitely won’t go to waste, and other party-goers will enjoy the opportunity to try out some new flavors.
18. Pie à la mode
Category: Decadent desserts
Short on time? Buy a pie and bring it to the BBQ along with a gallon of vanilla ice cream. Everyone loves pies — they’re the perfect all-American dessert for a barbecue!
19. Bacon brownies
Category: Decadent desserts
If you want to bring a dessert everyone will be raving about for weeks to come, bacon brownies are it! There’s nothing quite like the sweet taste of chocolate mixed with salty bacon.
20. Blueberry crumb bars
Category: Decadent desserts
Blueberries are the perfect summertime fruit, making this tasty (and easy!) dessert ideal for enjoying at a backyard barbecue. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra fun.
Wow the crowd at your next BBQ
Deciding what to bring to a BBQ doesn’t have to be stressful — and with these ideas and grocery delivery from Instacart, you’ll have everything you need to show up prepared.
Whether it’s a neighborhood cookout or a family gathering, Instacart makes it easy to get BBQ-ready. Shop with Instacart today and get set to impress.
Grab it now on Instacart:
Cady Cohen
Author
Cady Cohen is a culinary writer at Instacart who empowers home cooks to navigate the exciting world of food with confidence. She has worked in digital media for over seven years covering food, health, and wellness. From handy conversion charts and recipe calculators to in-depth cooking guides, Cady's work makes grocery shopping a breeze and empowers you to make informed choices about what you put on your plate.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.
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