How To Host The Ultimate Texas-Style Barbeque Bash
Barbeque season is here, bringing with it classic dishes, outdoor activities like cornhole and pool parties, and conversations with people you love on those endless summer nights.
The concept of a backyard barbeque is nothing new in Texas. In fact, it’s practically a summertime staple. If you’re itching to plan an epic barbeque that yields unforgettable memories with loved ones and a spread that earns you the title of grill master extraordinaire, then we’ve got just the Texas-sized tips for you.
Keep reading to learn how to put together the backyard bash of the season.
It's All About the Meat
With all due respect, we’re going to need the vegetarians to step aside. Texas barbeque is all about the meat, particularly sliced beef brisket, German-style sausage, and meaty ribs with tangy, tomato-based sauce carefully spooned over the meat or placed on the side.
Its exact origins are unknown, with mixed influences from German and Czech immigrants that settled in the area and brought along their meat smoking techniques. And before they came, the Spaniards and Mexicans were making barbacoa—that’s where the word barbeque comes from, by the way. Chuckwagon culture also played a part in the evolution of the cuisine, when cowboys would cook meat over an open fire after a long day of driving cattle.
As you can see Texas barbeque has a long history, so treat that cut of meat with the respect its heritage deserves. Low n’ slow is how we do it here in Texas. Well-cooked meat takes time to cook, so don’t rush it. Cranking up the heat because you or your guests are hungry could result in a dried-out brisket or burnt ribs. Start early and give yourself plenty of time to thoroughly cook meat and pay attention to the meat thermometer so your meal is cooked to perfection. And remember, no meat entree is complete without a side of sauce to slather it in. Here’s a tried and true bbq sauce recipe that we think is finger-lickin’ good.
Don't Forget the Side Dishes and Desserts
The side dishes aren’t the star of the show, but these Southern staples still hold a special spot on the table. Typical side dishes include pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, green beans, and grilled corn. We’re particularly fond of this potato salad recipe that has bits of bacon (because bacon, duh).
It’s all about the fixin’s too. Texas barbeque should be served with savory condiments such as pickled jalapeno peppers, sliced onions, and dill pickles.
Then, there’s the bread you’ll need to hold the meat and sop up all that sauce with. The bread of choice in Texas is, of course, plain white Mrs. Baird’s sandwich bread—that’s made here right in the Lone Star State.
No backyard barbeque is complete without some sweets. Dessert is traditionally cobbler—this is where the chuckwagon influence came in, as cobblers can be cooked over hot coals in a cast-iron Dutch oven. We have a sweet tooth for this peach cobbler recipe that works with any other summertime seasonal fruit. Whatever form your cobbler takes, don’t forget to top it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream (Blue Bell Ice Cream, preferably).
Provide Refreshing Beverages
You have several beverage options for your Texas barbeque. For non-alcoholic choices, you can’t go wrong with sweet tea or lemonade. Texans with a sweet tooth also sometimes love to pair their ‘cue with another southern staple—Big Red. But if you live out of the Lone Star State, it might not be available. If that’s the case, root beer or Dr. Pepper will work just fine.
If you’d like to add alcoholic beverages to your menu, then you should offer a good Texas beer. Rahr and Sons Brewing Company, based right here in Fort Worth, makes some great brews that’ll taste great with your meal. Another favorite is Shiner Bock from the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas, which is more widely available. If you want to offer fun summer cocktails, go for it! We suggest pre-mixing them, though, so you’re not constantly measuring, pouring, and stirring while you’re tending to your guest or the food.
Set The Mood
You can set the stage for a Texas barbeque in several ways. Decorating with a red-checked tablecloth, hanging up a Texas flag, and offering your guests western-style bandanas for napkins as a party favor—they can even use them as napkins or wrap them around their head to cool down. Tunes will also help put your guests in the Texas spirit. Fire up a playlist with hits from some of the greatest musicians the Lone Star State has produced, like George Strait, Randy Rogers Band, The Chicks, Wade Bowen, or Pat Green. Willie Nelson, a beloved Austin-native, even has a song about ‘cue, called “Struttin’ With Some Barbecue.”
Happy Cookin'
There’s no better way to ring in the summer season than with a Texas-style barbeque complete with all the fixings: delicious food, good friends, and unforgettable memories. We hope you enjoy these tips and will share your tried-and-true barbeque recommendations with us as well! And, if you’re looking for an outdoor furniture set to lounge on while the meat is cooking, visit Brumbaugh’s and shop our collection today.
