Grilling For A Crowd

July 4^th is right around the corner, and if you’re not attending a cookout, you’re likely hosting one. But what do you serve (or bring) that will please the whole crowd? Your brother’s girlfriend is vegan, your best friend is bringing their kids, and you also want to do appetizers and dessert. Fear not. We’ve put together a great list of grilling inspiration to WOW that crowd and then some. And the best part? You can do it ALL on the GRILL.

For Starters:

No one is going to touch those appetizers that have been sitting in the sun all day, so skip the dips and head to the frozen section to mix it up.

Perogies, Mozzarella Sticks and Egg Rolls are all great on the grill. You can go right from the freezer to your grill, which should be heated between 350°F and 400°F. Turn every 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown on the outside.  Contents will be hot, let sit 5 minutes before serving to your guests.

Check It Out: Grilled Postickers and More Recipe

For the Kiddos:

Do you have kids or are your friends bringing their kids to your next cookout? We’ve got something that’s way better than those dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets.  You can easily make both quesadillas and pizza quickly on the grill with store bought ingredients and very little prep.

Quesadillas: You’ll need tortillas and cheese at a minimum, but from there you can add anything you like. Chopped chicken, pulled pork, jalapenos, you name it. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, rotating slightly halfway through. Slice before serving with salsa and sour cream.

Check It Out: Black Bean & Salsa Quesadilla Recipe

Pizza: Use a pre-made crust like Mama Mary’s or Boboli, add sauce, cheese and your choice of toppings. Just like with the quesadillas you can make your pizza as simple or as complex as you like. Cook on a 400°F grill, check the bottom after 8-10 minutes, rotate 90 degrees and cook another 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Check It Out: Barbecue Pulled Pork Pizza Recipe

Fan Favorites:

No matter who’s hosting and who’s attending your cookout, we promise these easy, “ole’ reliable” foods will be a hit.

Johnsonville Brats: Who doesn’t love a brat on the grill? Probably one of the easiest things to grill up and the first items to go at the cookout. Grab a pack, some buns, your favorite mustard and you can’t go wrong. We even give ours a beer bath on the grill for added flavor.

Check It Out: Beer Bathed Brats Recipe

Bubba Burgers: This cookout classic is always welcome at any party. Grilled or griddled, topped with cheese or plain, you can’t go wrong with a box of Bubba Burgers.

Check It Out: Grilling on the Flipside Technique

Chicken Wings: With a little patience and the right marinade or sauce you can have sensational wings that will impress your guests.

Check It Out: Wicked Wings Recipe

For the Vegans and Vegetarians:

Don’t leave your friends who don’t eat meat no other option but to pick at the veggie platter all day. Grab a pack of Beyond Burgers at the grocery store and not only will you keep your vegan/vegetarian friends happy, you may even convert a few hardcore carnivores to this new plant-based protein. Get your grill preheated to about 600°F at the grates, grill for 3 to 4 minutes each side and check for an internal temp of 160°F.

Check It Out: Beyond Meat Burgers Recipe

For a Sweet Ending:

Leave that pack of cookies on the store shelf. Watermelon and Pineapple are both delicious on the grill, the heat will activate the natural sugars and really elevate the fruit’s flavor. Not feeling the fruit? Grab some fruit pies!

Fruit: Get the grill good and hot (about 600°F) and coat the pineapple or watermelon slices with your favorite dry rub. Grill for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side.

Check It Out: Grilled Watermelon Recipe

Fruit Pies: You can use any store-bought fruit pies like Hostess and Little Debbie make. Just spray each side of the pie with a quick spritz of cooking spray. Warm for a few minutes on each side on a medium heat grill, between 350°F and 400°F. Remember: the fruit in the pies will be very hot so allow a few minutes to cool before serving.

With a little planning you can easily satisfy everyone in the crowd at your next cookout. Looking for even more great grilling inspiration? Visit our Recipe Section for everything Grilled Cheese to Beef Wellington. 

GrillGrate. Eat Well.

– Meagan