Introduction
Planning a BBQ party for 12 adults and 8 kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. With a variety of delicious options like steaks, hamburgers, potato salad, and more, you can ensure that everyone has a great time and enjoys a fantastic meal. This guide will help you plan the perfect BBQ for 20 people, complete with menu suggestions, preparation tips, and a comprehensive shopping list.
Menu
Main Dishes:
- Steaks
- Hamburgers
- Hotdogs
Sides:
- Classic Potato Salad
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Coleslaw
Dessert:
- S’mores
Ingredients and Preparation
Steaks:
- 12 ribeye or sirloin steaks
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
Hamburgers and Hotdogs:
- 20 hamburger patties
- 20 hamburger buns
- 16 hotdogs
- 16 hotdog buns
- Assorted toppings: ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese slices
Classic Potato Salad:
- 5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Grilled Corn on the Cob:
- 16 ears of corn, husked
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Coleslaw:
- 1 medium cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
S’mores:
- Graham crackers
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars
Shopping List
Meat:
- 12 ribeye or sirloin steaks
- 20 hamburger patties
- 20 hamburger buns
- 16 hotdogs
- 16 hotdog buns
Produce:
- 5 lbs potatoes
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 16 ears of corn
- 1 medium cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 2 tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Fresh basil or parsley
Dairy:
- Butter
- Cheese slices
Pantry Items:
- Olive oil
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow mustard
- Sweet pickle relish
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Relish
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Graham crackers
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars
Preparation Steps
Steaks:
- Season the Steaks: Brush each steak with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Grill the Steaks: Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving.
Hamburgers and Hotdogs:
- Grill the Hamburgers and Hotdogs: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the hamburger patties for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Grill the hotdogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Prepare the Buns: Toast the buns on the grill for a minute or two until lightly browned.
- Serve: Set up a toppings bar with all the condiments and toppings so guests can customize their hamburgers and hotdogs.
Classic Potato Salad:
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, pickle relish, and chopped eggs. Add the cooled potatoes and mix gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with paprika before serving.
Grilled Corn on the Cob:
- Prepare the Corn: Brush the ears of corn with butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred, about 10-15 minutes.
Coleslaw:
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the Coleslaw: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
S’mores:
- Set Up the S’mores Station: Arrange the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars on a table near the grill or fire pit.
- Toast the Marshmallows: Allow guests to toast their marshmallows over the grill or fire pit and assemble their own s’mores.
Tips for a Successful Party
- Plan Ahead: Prepare as much as you can in advance to reduce stress on the day of the party.
- Entertainment: Set up games and activities to keep the kids entertained while the food is being prepared.
- Stay Safe: Ensure there are enough adults to supervise the kids, especially around the grill or fire pit.
- Hydration: Provide plenty of water and beverages to keep everyone hydrated, especially if it’s a hot day.
Conclusion
With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a fantastic BBQ party for both adults and kids. The combination of steaks, hamburgers, hotdogs, classic potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, and s’mores will delight your guests and create lasting memories. Enjoy the day and make it a celebration to remember!
