Categories
BBQ Menu and Recipe Planning: Tips & Tricks
Published on April 26th, 2025
There’s something magical about planning a BBQ. The smoky aroma, the sizzle of the grill, the sound of laughter drifting across the backyard—it's the kind of gathering that brings people together over great food and even better memories. But let’s be honest: behind every relaxed, effortless BBQ is a little strategy. Planning the right menu (with recipes that actually work) makes all the difference between a chaotic cookout and a smooth, flavorful success.
Whether you're a seasoned grill master or someone hosting your first backyard bash, this guide will help you build a delicious BBQ menu from start to finish. From picking the right mix of mains and sides to balancing flavors, accommodating dietary needs, and even planning wine pairings, I’m here to help you make sure everything hits the grill—and the table—just right.
Start with the Stars: Choosing Your Mains
The mains are the heart of your BBQ menu—what everyone’s going to be asking about as soon as they smell the smoke drifting from the grill. So let’s make sure the star of the show truly shines.
Start by thinking about your guest list. Are you hosting a crowd of meat lovers? Family with picky eaters? Friends with dietary needs? Planning your mains around your audience helps you create a spread that feels thoughtful and inclusive. I always like to offer at least two main options—one classic and one a little unexpected—to keep things interesting without overcomplicating things.
- For a classic route, you can’t go wrong with burgers and brats. They’re quick, customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser. Toss in some grilled chicken—marinated overnight for extra flavor—and you’ve got a solid trio. Want something with a little more presence? Add tri-tip sliders to the mix—tender, smoky, and easy to prep ahead. And of course, no BBQ feels complete without a rack of sticky, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs. They take a little time and love, but the payoff is always worth it.
- Want to take it up a notch? Try something that shows a little personality. Maybe it’s pulled pork sandwiches with a tangy slaw, grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, or smoky BBQ jackfruit for your plant-based friends. Skewers are another favorite—mix and match proteins, veggies, and even fruit (grilled pineapple with shrimp is chef’s kiss), and let guests build their own combos.
- Portion planning tip: Count on about ½ pound of meat per person, and maybe a bit more if you’ve got a hungry crowd or mostly adults. And always prep a little extra—leftover BBQ is a gift you’ll thank yourself for later.
Last but not least, don’t forget the wine! A bold Cabernet or Zinfandel is perfect for rich, smoky meats, while a chilled Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc is a dream with grilled chicken, seafood, or skewers with a citrus marinade. More on those pairings soon—but trust me, your mains will sing even louder with the right pour.
Our Favorite Main Dish Recipes:
Don’t Sleep on the Sides: Supporting Acts that Shine
While your grilled mains are the stars of the show, the sides are what turn your BBQ into a true feast. They bring balance, color, and texture to the plate—and they’re often the dishes that guests go back for seconds (and thirds). A well-rounded menu includes a mix of light, fresh sides and a few hearty, comforting classics. It’s all about variety and making sure there’s something for everyone.
I always like to include at least one crisp, refreshing side—something that brightens up the plate and cuts through the richness of grilled meats. Think cucumber salad with a vinegar kick, a zesty coleslaw, or a watermelon-feta combo that screams summer. Then balance that out with a hearty crowd-pleaser like creamy mac and cheese, smoky baked beans, or grilled corn slathered in butter and spices. Pasta salads and potato salads are also BBQ MVPs—easy to make ahead, endlessly customizable, and always gone by the end of the night.
Bonus points for sides that can be prepped the day before. Not only do they save you time on the day of the BBQ, but they often taste better after a night in the fridge, when the flavors have had time to meld. Trust me, future-you will thank you when you're not scrambling in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying a glass of wine in the sunshine. That's why we love simpler things like Popcorn, Charcuterie, and Pretzels.
Our Favorite Side Recipes:
Save Room for Dessert: Sweet Endings, BBQ Style
After all the smoky, savory goodness of a BBQ, a little something sweet is the perfect way to finish things off—and no, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Think simple, seasonal, and sharable. You're outside, it’s warm, people are happy—dessert should match that mood.
Grilled fruit is always a hit. Pineapple, peaches, or even watermelon take on a whole new personality with just a few minutes over the flame. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey and fresh mint, and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert that takes almost no effort. Want to go a little more indulgent? A tray of brownies or cookie bars is easy to prep ahead and always disappears fast. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, keep it classic with a build-your-own s’mores station—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults.
You don’t need a formal dessert course—just a sweet moment to end the meal on a high note. And yes, it pairs beautifully with that final glass of wine (a chilled rosé or a juicy red blend works like a dream with chocolate or grilled fruit).
Our Favorite Dessert Recipes:
Drinks & Wine Pairing: The Perfect Sip for Every Bite
A BBQ isn’t just about the food—it’s about the whole experience, and what you’re sipping is just as important as what’s sizzling on the grill. The right drink can elevate the flavors of your BBQ, refreshing your palate between bites and creating a perfect balance with your grilled mains and sides. Whether you're after wine, cocktails, or something non-alcoholic, here’s how to pair drinks that complement your BBQ spread.
BBQ and Wine Pairings
When it comes to BBQ, wine is a classic choice. Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are the perfect partners for smoky, grilled meats like ribs and steak. Their full-bodied profiles and rich tannins help cut through the fattiness of meats while enhancing the smoky flavors of the grill. If you’re serving something with a sweeter BBQ sauce, like ribs, a slightly sweeter wine such as Merlot or even a Rosé can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness.
For grilled chicken, seafood, or veggie-centric BBQs, lighter wines are your best bet. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay works beautifully with the subtle smokiness of grilled chicken, while Rosé is a versatile option that pairs with nearly anything on the grill, from seafood to veggie skewers. Want to learn more? Check our comprehensive guide on BBQ and wine pairings.
Cocktails & Beer
If wine isn’t your thing, fear not—there are plenty of other drink options that pair well with BBQ. A classic Whiskey Sour or a Mojito adds a refreshing twist to smoky dishes, with the citrus and mint offering a bright counterpoint to the richness of grilled meats. For a more crowd-friendly option, beer is always a good call. A Pale Ale or IPA works wonderfully with BBQ, providing a hoppy bitterness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of BBQ sauce and smoky meats.
Non-Alcoholic Options
It’s always nice to have some non-alcoholic options for those who prefer not to drink alcohol. A simple sparkling lemonade or iced tea is a refreshing, flavorful choice that can stand up to BBQ's bold flavors without overwhelming the palate. You can even experiment with mocktails—think cucumber mint spritzers or a berry-lime cooler—for a fun, vibrant drink that’s perfect for a sunny BBQ afternoon.
Wrapping It Up: A Perfect BBQ Feast with Murphy-Goode Wines
And there you have it—your ultimate guide to planning the perfect BBQ menu, complete with all the tips, tricks, and pairings you need to make your next cookout unforgettable. Whether you're grilling up classic favorites like burgers and BBQ ribs or trying something new with tri-tip sliders and grilled veggies, the key to a great BBQ is all about balancing flavors, textures, and most importantly, good company.
When it comes to drinks, Murphy-Goode wines are the perfect complement to any BBQ. With a wide range of wines—from bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp whites like Chardonnay—Murphy-Goode offers something for every palate and every dish on your BBQ menu. Their wines are crafted to enhance the rich, smoky flavors of grilled meats while refreshing your palate between bites, ensuring your BBQ is a flavorful experience from start to finish.
So, fire up the grill, pop a bottle of Murphy-Goode wine, and get ready to create unforgettable moments with family and friends. Whether you’re sipping a bold red with your steaks or enjoying a chilled rosé with your grilled chicken, Murphy-Goode wines will be there to elevate every bite.
Cheers to great food, great wine, and the perfect BBQ!
