Hosting a BBQ potluck is a fantastic way to gather friends and family while enjoying delicious food. With everyone bringing a dish, you can sample a variety of flavors and styles. Here are three diverse examples of ideas for a BBQ potluck that are sure to delight your guests!
Grilled vegetable skewers are a colorful and healthy addition to any BBQ potluck. They are easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and offer a great vegetarian option for guests. Simply choose your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, and thread them onto skewers. Brush them lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Before the BBQ, marinate the skewers in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and oregano for extra flavor. Grill them over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender and slightly charred. Serve these skewers with a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping.
Notes: You can easily customize these skewers by adding mushrooms, asparagus, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. If you want to make it a bit heartier, consider adding chunks of halloumi cheese to the mix!
BBQ pulled pork sliders are a classic potluck favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. To prepare this dish, you’ll need a slow cooker, some pork shoulder, and your favorite BBQ sauce. Simply rub the pork with a blend of spices (like paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar) and place it in the slow cooker. Add some sliced onions, pour over the BBQ sauce, and let it cook on low for 8 hours.
Once the pork is tender, shred it with two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve the pulled pork on small slider buns with a side of coleslaw. This dish is perfect for a casual outdoor gathering where guests can easily grab a slider and enjoy it while mingling.
Notes: For a spicy kick, add some jalapeños to the coleslaw, or try using a mustard-based BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile. You can also provide various toppings like pickles and sliced onions so guests can customize their sliders.
A refreshing fruit salad is a sweet way to balance out the savory dishes at your BBQ potluck. This dish is not only easy to make but also a great way to use seasonal fruits. Choose a variety of colorful fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a large bowl.
For the dressing, mix together honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle this over the fruit and gently toss to combine. The honey-lime dressing adds a bright flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits. This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
Notes: Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on what’s in season. You could also add a sprinkle of mint for a refreshing twist or toss in some shredded coconut for added texture. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a hit at any potluck!
With these examples of ideas for a BBQ potluck, you’re sure to impress your guests while keeping things simple and enjoyable. Happy grilling!