Barbecue Essentials
Planning to have a cookout to celebrate the Fourth Of July? Make sure you have everything you need for a great day of food and friends.
Materials
Plates and utensils - avoid a massive pile of dishes by using disposable plates, cups, and utensils. Encourage your guests to try to hold on to their plates instead of getting a new one for each serving to reduce waste.
Napkins - cookouts can be messy, be sure to have plenty on hand.
Cooler - keep beverages cool and refreshing by storing them in a cooler. If you don't have a cooler, take a large bucket or plastic bin and fill it with ice. Be sure to have equal amounts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages!
Foods
Hamburgers - Always a favorite for summer.
Hot Dogs - Hot dogs are a Independence Day staple! Check out the Annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in the morning. Have onions and relish to dress up your dog!
Salad - A cool, crisp salad with plenty of veggies mixed in is a must for a cookout on a warm day.
BBQ Ribs - Cook up some ribs for a dish sure to leave your guests licking their fingers.
Corn or vegetables - Compliment your main dish with a side of fresh vegetables.
Condiments and Sides
Ketchup and mustard - No burger or hot dog is complete without them!
Ranch and salad dressings - Provide a variety of dressings for your guests. Be sure to keep them in a cool place, most dressings go bad when left in heat.
BBQ sauce - Add some zest to your dishes with different sauces.
Buns - You can't have hotdogs and hamburgers without buns!
Toppings - Lettuce, onions, cheese, tomatoes, pickles, relish, and more - have a variety of options for your guests so they can dress up their dish to their liking.
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