Summer is the perfect time to spend time with your host family and friends under the sun and indulge in one of America's favorite pastimes—BBQ! In this post, we'll share some tips on what to expect at your next backyard BBQ in the USA. From regional grilling styles to must-have lawn games, here’s everything you need to know to become an American BBQ pro.
1. Bring on the sauces
One thing you need to know about Americans: they LOVE their sauces, and BBQs are a great opportunity to enjoy them all. From classic tangy and spicy barbeque sauces to hot dogs and hamburgers with mustard, ketchup, relish, or all of the above—there’s a sauce for everything on the checkered tablecloth. At your first American BBQ, try a little bit of everything! A drizzle here and a dip there, and before you know it, you’ll have some new favorites to add to your everyday meals in the USA.
2. Know your meats
BBQs are all about the meat, and different regions of the U.S. are famous for their signature cuts and styles. Texas BBQs will usually feature brisket, which is a simple beef cut cooked low and slow until it falls off the bone. In Tennessee, you’ll almost certainly see pulled pork on the menu, which is shredded, mixed with a special sauce, and served on a bun. In North Carolina, baby back ribs are a common BBQ dish eaten right off the bone. For the vegetarians out there, look out for grilled vegetables, tofu kabobs, and veggie burgers and dogs! Of course, the classic hamburgers and hot dogs will be options at almost every cookout.
3. It’s all about the sides
Meat may be the main character, but it wouldn’t be an American BBQ without the classic side dishes! Some must-haves are creamy pasta or potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked mac and cheese, fruit salad and pickles! Each family prepares their favorites, and anything that starts with “Grandma or Grandpas' famous...” is definitely something you’ll want a couple servings of. Another helpful hint: follow your host kids to the good stuff.
4. Prepare to get messy
Part of the fun of an authentic American BBQ is skipping the utensils to get a little messy with your food. Have you ever tried ribs? If not, you’re in for a treat and some sticky hands. How about juicy summer watermelon or buttery corn on the cob? Don’t be afraid to pick up all the finger foods—napkins exist for a reason. Plus, getting messy is a great excuse to run through the sprinkler with your host kids. We know you wanted to anyway!
5. Break out the lawn games
What do you do when all the eating is over? Two words: lawn games. Cornhole is a classic and easy to learn option where players toss beans bags onto a simple board with a hole in it. Giant Jenga is another popular one and involves taking wooden pieces out of a tall tower until it topples over. You may also try Bocce, which is as easy as rolling balls towards a target. Often, parents will bring bubbles or squirts guns for the kids to play with while the food is still cooking—so watch out for sneak attacks!
6. Leave room for dessert
After an afternoon outside in the sun, the perfect way to end the day is with a sweet treat. As the BBQ winds down, treat yourself to a fruit popsicle, ice cream, or Italian ice (no, it’s not actually Italian). If there’s a fire pit roaring, you might even try making an American classic: s’mores! Toast up a marshmallow over the fire and layer it between chocolate squares and graham crackers for a bite you’ll definitely want “some more” of!
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