9 Ways to Spice Up Your Summer BBQ
Firing up the grill is synonymous with afternoons spent poolside or evenings relaxing by a sparkling lake. While it’s hard to imagine summer barbecues getting old, a little extra sizzle never hurts.
We’re sharing new recipes for old barbecue favorites
Burger Bar
Lay out a variety of cheeses and vegetables for a fully customizable experience. We recommend fresh lettuce and tomatoes along with grilled mushrooms, peppers, and onions. For cheese, try gouda, cheddar, and pepper jack.
Condiments
Ketchup, mustard, or relish? These go-to condiments certainly pull their weight, but why not throw something different into the mix? Try Smokey BBQ Roasted Garlic Hummus on your next burger, and add spice- literally!- to your ribs with this raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce
Even condiments used for side dishes can be given an upgrade. Salsa gets a juicy, sweet burst of flavor in this mango salsa, and who doesn’t love a Mediterranean flair? This caprese dip is excellent with chips!
Corn
A summertime staple, corn is typically enjoyed with salt and butter, but there are certainly ways to up the ante. Try a flavored butter, such as roasted red pepper, or add some seasoning from the start with coconut grilled corn, or Mexican street corn that’s loaded with cheese and spices.
Chicken
Chicken seems to take forever on the grill, but the end result is crispy, juicy, and so worth the wait. Add some sizzle with a new marinade, such as coconut lime, Mediterranean-style, or sweet and spicy Thai.
Kabobs
Visually appealing and oh so delightful, kabobs skewer a blend of meats and vegetables on a stick. Add an international flair with pesto chicken kabobs, Hawaiian steak kabobs, or jerk shrimp kabobs.
Drinks
Iced tea and lemonade are go-to, non-fizzy barbecue drinks that are the ultimate in refreshment. Pump up the flavor by adding fruit, such as pineapple, mango, raspberries, and more. Looking for extra kick? Herbs such as thyme and mint are delicious in sipped beverages.
Salads
It’s easy for our barbecue plates to be meat heavy, so serve a salad no one will want to skip over. A juicy chopped salad or tangy Greek salad will do the trick.
Rolls
Typically an afterthought, rolls can become your barbecue’s “bread and butter” with a flavor upgrade. Make your own burger brioche buns, or serve a variety of bread on the side such as a Parmesan popover with chives and black pepper, jalapeno cheddar corn bread, or a slice of crusty Italian bread.
Dessert
Summertime desserts are best served chilled. Skip the mess of ice cream with ice pops or cooling lemon-rhubarb bars.
Not ready to plan your own barbecue or looking to enjoy the barbecue flair during the workday? Check out the Rootastes summer menu!
Meet Rootasters:
Meg is a dreamer, entrepreneur, and homesteader based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She loves her cats, feasting, and road trips in her green VW Bug.