How to Plan a Cookout Menu

The date has been set, the weather forecast looks great and the badminton net is up, but now you need to decide what to serve at your cookout. Planning the menu for a cookout can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. Since cookouts are considered an American summer pastime, there are few expectations other than having everyone leave feeling full. Read on to learn how to plan a cookout menu.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Consider who is coming to your cookout. A cookout for a bunch of families with small children will have a different selection then if it is a group of adults. Also keep in mind any vegetarians who may be attending.
2. Select the meat you want to serve. Always have at least two or three choices of meat and make this choice based on your budget and who is attending. Kids often prefer hot dogs and hamburgers, while your friends from the office may prefer steak, chicken or ribs.
3. Choose either a crock-pot dish to make or a casserole, so there will be food ready for any hungry little people who can't wait for the grill to warm up. Baked beans or a homemade macaroni and cheese are great options.
4. Decide on a few different types of chips and dip to put out. Be careful not to have everything salt and vinegar flavored or ranch, you will be talking to all your guests and you don't want to have bad chip breath.
5. Prepare a fresh salad with all the great produce available at farmer's markets and the local groceries during the warm months. Be sure your salad has a great variety of veggies, for some more health-conscious guests this may end up being their main meal.
6. Remember the watermelon. No matter any other dessert you were planning on, a watermelon is the perfect treat at any cookout.

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