What’s Your Cookout Menu Style?

By Kansas City Steak Company Tags : grilling,  recipes 

Take a moment to picture the perfect barbecue cookout. From backyard casual, to bistro, to steakhouse, we’re here for you with a corresponding style and cookout menu for every grill master.

Backyard Casual Cookout Menu Ideas

If you think there’s nothing better than warm summer nights spent reclining on the deck, yard games and biting into the perfect juicy burger, you might fall into this category. Every great casual gathering needs inspiration, and when it comes to cookout menu ideas, you’re in the right place.

First, choose one or two main entrees, and make it simple! You love great cookout food, but if your cookout style is casual, you also love simplicity. You don’t want to spend the whole evening over the grill, so choose cookout entrees with great flavor, but require little prep-work or cook time.

For entrees, try one of these fan favorites:

• Beef Brisket Chuck Burgers – Juicy, savory and inventive, this unique take on an old classic boasts a blend of brisket and chuck, and is guaranteed to kick your cookout into high gear.

• Sweet Vidalia® Onion Burgers – Corn-fed ground beef, mixed with Sweet Vidalia® onions pack mouthwatering flavor into every bite.

• All Beef Hot Dogs – Hearty, all-beef franks, straight from the Heartland.

No menu is complete without an assortment of cookout side dishes. Choose side dishes that complement your main entrée and are easy to eat. Don’t forget to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients!

• Roasted Corn, Tomato & Mozzarella Salad – Chock full of fresh vegetables and mozzarella, this is one salad you’ll be making again and again.

• Mac N’ Cheese Melts – Melted morsels of Gruyere and Monterey Jack cheeses give the childhood favorite a glow up.

Backyard Bistro Cookout Menu Ideas

Your backyard oasis is intentional and comfortable. If craft beer or a great glass of wine bring a smile to your face and you consider yourself a “foodie,” you might fit into the Backyard Bistro category.

Flavor is king for you, but presentation is also on your radar. You don’t mind spending a little time on things, as long as the end result is worth the effort. Choose cookout menu ideas that encourage your creativity and allow you to flex your grilling expertise.

Try a bistro menu-worthy entrée like:

• Bistro Burger – American-Style Kobe Steakburgers topped with baby arugula, fresh tomato, fresh lettuce, pickle, mayonnaise, and a sunny side up egg served on a brioche bun. Perfection on your patio.

• Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri – Tender Flat Iron, topped with a fresh chimichurri. There’s no shortage of flavor here.

• Grilled Shrimp Kebobs with Ginger Lime Vinaigrette – Succulent shrimp sauced with a bright vinaigrette and grilled to perfection. Serve with your favorite cut of steak for a “surf and turf” option.

Bistro style cookout side dishes are loaded with fresh ingredients and intriguing flavors. Choose interesting flavor profiles that enhance your entrée and enjoy the benefits of your creativity from the comfort of your home.

• Grilled Shrimp and Papaya Salad – Grilled shrimp, tossed with fresh papaya, arugula, green onions, jalapeno, cilantro, citrus juices, soy sauce and seasonings make up this brightly flavored salad perfect for your cookout menu.

• Pear and Hazelnut Salad with Oregon Blue Cheese – Roasted pear, hazelnut, butter lettuce, Oregon blue cheese and the perfect blend of seasonings work together in this inventive side.

• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes – Fresh potatoes, roasted with olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper, and garlic cloves are topped with parmesan cheese.

Backyard Steakhouse Cookout Menu Ideas

The staff at your favorite chophouse knows you by name, and the odds are they also know your favorite cut by heart. You enjoy a good time, but you are serious about steak. You know beef, and you enjoy discussing things like Kobe versus Prime, inventive grilling techniques and the best way to prepare a ribeye.

You enjoy serving a hearty meal that is prepared well and understated.  To you, cookout food is an art and a calling, and your family and guests couldn’t be happier about it.

Try a classic steakhouse entrée:

• Kansas City High Steaks Crown Filet Mignon – Rich, butter-tender Filet Mignon, topped with caramelized onion and served on a creamy Gorgonzola sauce. Steakhouse perfection at your house.

• Grilled Ribeye Steak – Classic ribeye steak seasoned with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

• Filet Mignon with Herbed Butter – Succulent Filet Mignon, grilled to heavenly and topped with fresh herbed butter.

Traditional steakhouse style cookout side dishes include baked potatoes, fresh salads and of course, seafood. Choose a fresh take on an old standby.

• Citrus Buttered Lobster Tails – Cold water lobster tails are grilled and topped with fresh citrus butter.

• Cheddar Bacon Twice Baked Potatoes – Delicious twice baked potatoes, loaded with cheddar cheese and bacon. Heat and serve.

Which cookout style suits you: Backyard Casual, Backyard Bistro, or Backyard Steakhouse? And more importantly, what’s on your menu for this weekend?