What BBQ is Best for Your Event?

Grill Tips, Grilling, Kelly B's 101

You’re in charge of grillin’ for the big event. Do you go out on a limb and try something new or stick to tried-and-true favorites? Here’s your grill guide for every BBQ occasion.

When planning your event, you’ll first need to consider the number of people attending. It’s always best to play it safe and over-prepare rather than run out of food. That means you’ll need to have enough meat to go around. Worst case, you’ll have a few delicious leftovers to enjoy all week long. Note: If you’re using any of Kelly B’s recipes and sauces, then your guests will be coming back for seconds and thirds. So, plan accordingly.

The Big Game

When grilling for a game, think easy. People will be focused on the action and won’t want to waste time preparing a pulled pork sandwich or cutting up a full-size steak. Choose finger foods like chicken wings and ribs that are simple and bring out the messy, gritty fun of the event. Other fan favorites include chips, grilled veggies, baked beans, slices of grilled watermelon, or smoked jerky.

A Sit-Down Dinner

Prepare a simple, smokey three-course meal on the grill for anniversary celebrations, dinners for out-of-town guests, or just a special date night. Start with grilled Romaine salad with toasted croutons and smoky roasted sunflower seeds. Follow with a main course of tender, marinated steak or juicy pork chops. End the evening with grilled peaches with a drizzle of honey and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The best part of a grilled meal means you’ll spend less time cooking in the kitchen and more time enjoying your dinner guests.

Backyard BBQ

Buffet-style serving is best at a backyard BBQ because it allows guests to come and go as they please. Have a pan of hamburgers and grilled chicken ready when guests arrive. Then, man the grill while keeping an eye on the buffet line to refresh anything that’s running out. Start another batch of burgers if they seem to be going fast and keep them warm inside the grill until its time to refill. If you are hosting families with kids, grill (or boil) a batch of hot dogs and, while hot, put them in the bun and wrap them in foil. Place in a cooler so they stay hot and and kid-ready at any moment.

A Celebration

Who is the guest of honor? Ask the birthday girl, the newly engaged couple, or the guy who just got promoted what their favorite BBQ meal is and serve it up! Brisket can feed a large number of people, and everyone loves a pulled pork sandwich. If spare ribs are what the guest of honor craves, be sure to start grillin’/smokin’ early. Don’t forget to ask about sides and desserts, too. If the celebration is a surprise, have a friend of the family member do some snooping to figure out what that guest would want on the menu.

Serving a Large Crowd

If you have an army to feed, try catering! Search out options in the area and compare review and pricing. If you live in the Kansas City area, you are in luck. Kelly B’s BBQ caters everything from BBQ to shrimp boils, chili cook-offs to fried turkey dinners. Bring us in and your guests are in for an event they’ll never forget. We love weddings, graduations, rehearsal dinners, and any other event you can think of. Check us out to start planning your next event.We are the caterers that party with you!

Don’t forget the toast!

To the people we love to celebrate,
And the food we love to eat.
Thanks for getting together with us,
Now let’s grill some meat!

Cheers!