Summer’s here, and it’s time to fire up the grill! Whether you’re planning a big family get-together or a hangout with friends, the secret to an unforgettable backyard party is a perfect barbecue spread. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you throw the ultimate summer party that’s filled with a wide variety of recipes and tips to make hosting easy.
Creating your menu
No party comes together without a little planning. Prepping ahead of time can help minimize the stress that often comes with hosting. A great way to start building your menu is by estimating your guest count and checking for any dietary restrictions.
If you’re going for a classic cookout, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken are quick, and easy options that require minimal prep and can feed a large crowd. Grilled vegetables are a great way to add variety to your spread. Sides are another excelling option that help compliment your main course. And of course, no menu is complete without desserts and drinks!
Looking for plant-based options? Check out our blog “How to Shop Vegan at Your Local Grocery Store,” to explore all the offerings we carry to fit your needs.
Menu Inspirations
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
These Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs are the ultimate summer barbecue favorite! Featuring juicy Ball Park hot dogs wrapped in crispy bacon, they’re grilled to perfection and topped with sweet, caramelized onions, vibrant bell peppers, and a dollop of fresh guacamole. They’re a crowd-pleasing addition to any backyard cookout.
Ingredients
- White Onion, sliced
- Green Bell Peppers, sliced
- Full Circle Market Organic Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- Morton Coarse Kosher Salt, to taste
- Ball Park Hot Dogs
- 8 slices Stater Bros. Bacon by Kruse, available in our Full-Service Meat Department
- Ball Park Hot Dog Buns
- Fresh Made Guacamole from our Produce Department
Directions
- Cook onions and bell peppers down in a pan over medium heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Wrap each hot dog with one slice of bacon. Cook thoroughly.
- Toast buns and add bacon wrapped hot dog, onions, and peppers, then top with guacamole.
Carne Asada Tortas
Take your summer grilling up a notch with these mouthwatering Carne Asada Tortas! Juicy grilled tea, creamy avocado, and tangy salsa all come together with a telera roll. Perfect for backyard barbecues, poolside parties, or casual weekend hangouts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Marinated Flap Meat
- 6 Bolillo or Telera Rolls
- Stater Bros. Mayo
- 2 Roma Tomatoes
- Stater Bros. Fresh Salsa
- Queso Fresco
- Guacamole
Directions
- Cook flap meat to your desired doneness, let rest for a few minutes then slice.
- Cut the rolls in half, brush with mayo and toast in a pan until golden brown.
- Assemble the tortas by adding the meat and toppings. Enjoy!
Mango Salsa
Bring this refreshing mango salsa to your next barbecue! Juicy mangoes, crips veggies, and a zesty kick come together for the ultimate appetizer. Serve with your favorite chips or spoon it over grilled meats.
Ingredients
- ½ Red Onion, diced
- 2 Mangoes, diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Jalapeño, diced
- Cilantro, diced
- 1 Lime, juiced
- Stater Bros. Salt, to taste
Directions
- Soak the diced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and discard the water.
- Combine all the ingredients and toss to coat.
Piña Colada
No summer menu is complete without a delicious Piña Colada! This classic drink is perfect for cooling off poolside. The blend of pineapple and coconut transports you to the tropical island of your dreams.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Stater Bros. Frozen Pineapple Chunks
- 2 oz. Malibu Pineapple or Coconut Rum
- 1 oz. Goya Cream of Coconut
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Cherry Pineapple Pop Cocktail
Turn up the tropical fun with this Cherry Pineapple Pop Cocktail. A sweet blend of pineapple and cherry flavors with a splash of Malibu Pineapple Rum, topped off with a fizzy Monster Cherry-Pineapple pop.
Ingredients
- Rose’s Grenadine
- Budget Saver Monster Cherry-Pineapple Pops
- 1.5 oz. Malibu Pineapple
- Jarritos Pineapple Soda
- Stater Bros. Jumbo Maraschino Cherries
Directions
- Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in a splash of Rose’s Grenadine.
- Add 1.5 oz. of Malibu Pineapple over the ice.
- Top with Jarritos Pineapple Soda, leaving room for the popsicle.
- Place a Budget Saver Monster Cherry-Pineapple Pop directly into the drink for a fun, flavorful garnish.
- Garnish with Stater Bros. Jumbo Maraschino Cherries. Serve immediately.
S'mores Croissants
Take your s’mores game to the next level with a buttery croissant twist! Perfect for summer nights around the fire, this golden combo of chocolate, marshmallow, and flaky croissants melts right in your mouth.
Ingredients
- Little Bros. Mini Butter Croissants
- Hershey’s Chocolate Bars
- Stater Bros. Marshmallows
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut croissants in half and line with chocolate. Cut marshmallows in half and place on top of chocolate.
- Put the top piece of the croissant on and bake for 7 to 8 minutes.
Churro Cheesecake
Sweeten up your summer with this Churro Cheesecake. A blend of creamy cheesecake goodness with the flavor of cinnamon-sugar churros. Baked with a butter crescent roll crust and topped with a golden springle of cinnamon sugar. It’s the perfect finish to any backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. Stater Bros. Unsalted Butter, melted
- ¼ cup Stater Bros. Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp. Full Circle Organic Ground Cinnamon
- 2 containers Pillsbury Crescent Roll Sheets
- 2 blocks Stater Bros. Cream Cheese, softened (16 oz. total)
- 1 can Stater Bros. Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 fl. oz.)
- 1 cup Food Club Sour Cream
- 2 Stater Bros. Large Eggs
- 1 tsp. Full Circle Organic Vanilla Extract
- Strawberries (optional for serving)
- Dulce de Leche or squeezable Condensed Milk (optional for serving)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Pour half the melted butter into a 9”x13” pan and spread to coat, then sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Lay 1 sheet of crescent dough into the pan.
- In a blender, combine cream cheese, condensed milk, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the pan and cover with the second sheet of crescent dough.
- Brush the dough with the remaining butter and sprinkle on the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Let cool, then place in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours.