How to Host an Effortless BBQ at the Last Minute

Go ahead, be spontaneous!

The weather’s perfect for a BBQ, but uh-oh—you forgot to plan one. No worries! Here’s how to pull off a last-minute cookout with simple recipes and fun party ideas that will make it seem like you had everything prepared. Because you totally do. #BBQgoals

Planning the BBQ

1. Keep it simple. Focus your last-minute BBQ around easy, crowd-pleasing dishes that require minimal prep and quick cooking time.

2. Make it a potluck. As the host, take charge of the main dish while your guests contribute appetizers, sides, desserts, and drinks. After all, you want to have some energy left to enjoy the party, right?

3. Let the kids pitch in. There are plenty of small tasks that they can help with—setting out plates and utensils, filling the ice tubs, etc. It's a fun way to get them involved in the excitement of sharing good food and making memories with family and friends.

Easy Main Dish Ideas

Pick one or more of these main dishes depending on your guest count. And here's a guide on how to figure out how much food you’ll need for a crowd.

Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers: Prep 15 minutes | Marinate for 1 hour | Grill for 15 minutes

This zesty marinade is likely something you already have on hand. Some reviewers even added chunks of pineapple to the skewers, adding a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken.

Grilled Skirt Steak with Homemade Asian BBQ Marinade: Prep 5 minutes | Marinate for 15 minutes | Grill for 8 minutes

A quick marinade and just a few minutes on the grill is all it takes to create this delicious steak. Using budget-friendly skirt steak instead of expensive ribeye, this dish, paired with grilled veggies, is one to make a staple in your summer menu.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp: Prep 15 minutes | Grill 6 minutes

Even factoring in the thawing time for frozen shrimp, this dish cooks up in no time.

Quick BBQ Side Dish Ideas

No BBQ is complete without the perfect sides, and these options are all simple and fast to prepare.

Thornehedge Peach Slaw: Prep 25 minutes | Chill for 45 minutes

Make the most of summer's juiciest peaches in this refreshing, crunchy slaw. For more ideas, check out our collection of coleslaw recipes.

Savory Spanish Potato Salad: Prep 15 minutes | Cook 10 minutes

This potato salad is a colorful twist on the classic, with a savory touch. Make it ahead of time and store in the fridge until your guests arrive. Be sure to browse our extensive potato salad recipe collection for more inspiration.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Prep 15 minutes | Grill 15 minutes

Many reviewers recommend soaking the corn with the husks on for about an hour, then peeling back the husks, spreading on seasoned butter, and grilling with the husks pulled back up. The husks may char during grilling, but this adds a delicious roasted flavor. Check out more BBQ and grilled corn on the cob recipes.

Simple Appetizer Ideas

You could go the easy route with chips, but you can do better. Try these quick and tasty appetizers instead.

1. Grab a basket of crisp, fresh veggies and pair them with Green Goddess Salad Dressing. Looking for more dips to complement the chips someone else will bring? Check out these 5 healthy dips that won’t break your yoga pants.

2. Layer ripe tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, then drizzle with high-quality olive oil, fresh ground pepper, and flaky sea salt. Voilà—Insalata Caprese! Discover more caprese salad recipes and learn two ingredients that will take your caprese to the next level.

3. When life gives you ripe avocados, make guacamole. This Simply Guacamole recipe requires just four ingredients and a few minutes of mashing. Find more guacamole recipes and learn how to make the best guacamole ever.

Simple Summer Dessert Ideas

No need to get fancy for this laid-back cookout. Choose simple dessert options that still look impressive on the table.

Blueberry Crumb Bars: Prep 15 minutes | Bake for 45 minutes

Celebrate blueberry season with these quick and easy blueberry crumb bars. Watch the video above to learn how to make them.

Best Brownies: Prep 25 minutes | Bake for 35 minutes

Pop a pan of brownies in the oven and serve with scoops of ice cream. So easy, so delicious.

Best Ever Blueberry Cobbler: Prep 20 minutes | Bake for 40 minutes

This 5-star blueberry cobbler is perfect for summer. While blueberries are the star, any juicy, ripe summer berries would work wonderfully here.

Simple Summer Drink Ideas

If a guest offers to bring a bag of ice, always say yes. And if they show up with drinks to go with it, they’re on your VIP guest list for life.

• Frosty pitchers of refreshing lemonade, iced tea, and fruit-infused water make for easy beverage service. Freeze juice or sliced fruits to use as ice cubes to flavor your drinks.
• This year's hottest (coolest) summer drink is Watermelon Agua Fresca. You'll want to break out your blender for this one. Add a shot of spirits if you want to go all adult beverage on it.
• If you have an ice cream maker, put it to work making frozen sangria slushies. You can make batches ahead of time and freeze them in zip-top bags until party time.

BBQ Party Decorations

With a few simple touches and some essential outdoor entertaining pieces, you can transform your last-minute BBQ into a full-blown summer party.

• Fill jars with blossoms and greenery from your garden or grocery store and arrange them down the middle of your outdoor buffet or dining table.
• Small pots of plants and herbs make easy centerpieces, too.
• Choose compostable plates and napkins in bold colors.
• Gather blankets and pillows for guests to lounge on, or ask them to bring their own.
• If you have the space, set up a bean bag toss or badminton game.
• String up lights and set out candles to create midsummer magic when the sun goes down.
• Don't forget to put together a summer playlist, or farm it out to a trusted friend.

On the topic of Summer BBQs

• Get our top tips for successful grilling.
• Find out which grilling tools you'll need for a summer's worth of BBQs.
• Is it done yet? This guide to grilling times for chicken gives you the answer.