What to bring to a barbecue with friends?

What to bring to a barbecue at a friend's house? Here are the Genuine tips

With the arrival of the summer season, it is increasingly common to be invited to outdoor barbecues with friends and family. But what should you bring with you on these occasions? Here are some useful tips so you don't arrive unprepared.

First of all, it is always best to ask the host what to bring, so as not to overload him or make duplicates of food.

In general, when you are invited to a barbecue, it is always best to bring something to share with the other guests. However, it is also important not to overdo the quantity of food, so as not to create waste or duplicates. Furthermore, it is always important to remember to respect the food choices of other guests, bringing foods suitable for everyone, such as a gluten-free salad for celiacs, cheeses perfect for the grill for those who do not eat meat or an egg-free cake for vegetarians.

However, if nothing is specified, you can opt to bring a bottle of wine, beer or soft drink.

What to eat at the barbecue?

One of the first questions that arises spontaneously is what to buy for a grilled meat? If the owner of the house has already decided on the menu, we can rest assured, but if instead it has been decided to organize a barbecue together we could decide together what to eat during the barbecue.

One of the options is to buy the meat, vegetables and drinks all together and then split the bill "Roman style", this way you won't have to worry about what to bring if you are invited to the party.

The solution could be to purchase a box of meat for barbecues that includes multiple cuts of meat, possibly adding some particular or special cuts, therefore perfect for satisfying all the guests without getting lost in long messages in the "Easter Monday Grill 2023" WhatsApp group.

Look, for example, at what you can find in our online butcher's shop.

The perfect aperitif for the barbecue

An aperitif is an excellent idea to start the evening in the right way. However, it is important not to overdo it with too heavy foods, especially if you know that there will be a lot of grilled dishes.

Here are some ideas for a perfect aperitif for a barbecue:

• Cocktails : Prepare fresh and tasty cocktails to welcome guests. You could opt for a classic Mojito or a Gin Tonic with a citrus twist.
• Non-alcoholic drinks : Remember to also have non-alcoholic options for those who prefer to avoid alcohol, such as carbonated drinks, fruit juices and water. You could also make water flavored with slices of lemon, lime or strawberries for a refreshing, thirst-quenching drink.
• Chips and snacks : For those who want a savory snack, you could serve chips, taralli or breadsticks. Also add a selection of sauces to accompany, such as ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard.
• Appetizers : Serve a selection of appetizers, such as cured meats and sausages, cheeses, olives and fresh bread. Also add fresh vegetables cut into sticks or slices, such as carrots, cucumbers and peppers, accompanied by a yogurt or tzatziki sauce .

Starters for the barbecue: what to bring?

Organizing a barbecue with friends is always a great idea to spend time together and enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors. But what to prepare as an appetizer to accompany the barbecue? Here are some ideas.

If you want to try your hand and prepare your own starter, you can bring a fresh salad, which is a perfect side dish for the grilled meat.

You can opt for a potato and green bean salad with mayonnaise, or for one with cucumbers, tomatoes, corn and beans, dressed with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Homemade crostini, a tasty caprese or some imaginative bruschetta. In short, your imagination runs wild, but if you need some easy to go recipes, our appetizers perfect for the grill and BBQ are for you.

Think of the perfect dessert for the barbecue

In general, when choosing a dessert to bring to a barbecue with friends, it is important to consider the tastes of the guests and try to bring something that everyone will like. If you want to bring something sweet, you can opt for a homemade cake or dessert.

For example, a seasonal fruit tart (such as peaches, apples or strawberries) or a chocolate cake might be good options. Make sure you cut the cake or tart into easily serveable portions and also bring some cutlery for serving.

One of the simplest and healthiest options is to bring fresh fruit. You can opt for mixed seasonal fruit such as peaches, watermelons, melons, or dried fruit such as walnuts, almonds or pistachios. Fruit is perfect for refreshing after a day of grilling and pairs well with desserts like whipped cream or ice cream.

Remember that it is important to choose a dessert that is easy to serve and transport, so as not to create logistical problems.

What if I thought about the mise en place for the barbecue?

If you are not a real expert in the kitchen - or you have simply already agreed on everything - you could also think about bringing something for cleaning, such as paper napkins, plastic plates and cups, and rubbish bags. This helps the host keep the barbecue area clean and tidy.

In conclusion, when you are invited to a barbecue, it is important to bring something with you to share with others in an organized way. However, it is also important not to exaggerate with the quantity of food and remember to help the host at the end of the barbecue with cleaning and sorting out any - leftovers.