What to Bring to a BBQ: 35 Easy Ideas Everyone Will Love

We’ve all been there. The invitation comes in: “Come over for a BBQ this weekend!”

Then comes the follow-up question:

“Can you bring something?”

Suddenly you’re standing in your kitchen wondering what people actually bring to a BBQ these days.

The good news is you don’t need to spend hours cooking or show up with an elaborate homemade dish. The best BBQ contributions are often simple, easy to transport, and crowd-pleasing.

Whether you’re attending a backyard BBQ, neighbourhood cookout, cottage gathering, or family get-together, these easy ideas will help you show up with something useful, delicious, and appreciated.

What Makes a Good BBQ Dish?

Before deciding what to bring, think about foods that:

• Travel well
• Can sit out for a short period
• Serve a crowd
• Pair easily with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or grilled vegetables
• Don’t require last-minute preparation

When in doubt, choose something simple.

Easy Side Dishes to Bring to a BBQ

1. Pasta Salad

A make-ahead pasta salad is one of the easiest dishes to bring to a barbecue, picnic, or cottage weekend. Toss together seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, cheese, and a simple vinaigrette for a crowd-pleasing side that tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. For inspiration, try the recipes from Canadian Living or Martha Stewart, both of which have excellent summer variations.

2. Potato Salad

Creamy, comforting, and always welcome at a summer gathering, potato salad is one of those side dishes that tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. For inspiration, try a classic recipe from BBC Good Food or a flavour-packed version from The Pioneer Woman.

3. Coleslaw

Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavour, coleslaw is the perfect side for burgers, grilled chicken, pulled pork, or anything off the barbecue. Try this crowd-pleasing version from Food52.

4. Corn Salad

Sweet summer corn, crisp peppers, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette come together for a bright, colourful side that’s perfect for picnics and backyard barbecues. Try this fresh recipe from Love & Lemons.

5. Greek Salad

Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, feta, olives, and a simple vinaigrette make Greek salad a refreshing side that complements almost any summer meal. Try this classic recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

6. Watermelon and Feta Salad

Refreshing, colourful, and made for hot summer days, this sweet-and-salty salad is always one of the first dishes to disappear at a barbecue. Try this version from Love & Lemons or this Mediterranean-inspired recipe from Food52.

7. Caprese Bitres

A fun twist on the classic Caprese salad, these bite-sized skewers are easy to serve, easy to eat, and always a hit at summer gatherings. Try this recipe from Southern Living.

8. Macaroni Salad

Cool, creamy, and easy to make ahead, macaroni salad is a BBQ classic that works for both kids and adults. It holds up well on a summer table and pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and ribs. Try this version from The Kitchn.

9. Grandma’s Old Fashioned Baked Beans

A family classic and the kind of hearty side that belongs at every summer BBQ. These old-fashioned baked beans are slow-baked with molasses, onion, ketchup, mustard, and a touch of brown sugar for that rich, nostalgic flavour.

Try my recipe for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Baked Beans

10. Fresh Vegetable Tray

A fresh vegetable tray is simple, colourful, and always easy for guests to grab between heavier BBQ dishes. Add a creamy dip in the centre and it becomes the kind of no-fuss side that disappears faster than expected. For dip inspiration, try this easy dill dip from The Pioneer Woman.

Appetizers to Bring to a BBQ

11. Chips and Guacamole

Chips and guacamole are always an easy win for a summer BBQ. They’re quick to set out, easy to share, and give guests something fresh and snacky to enjoy while the grill is going.

12. Hummus and Pita

Hummus and pita are a reliable BBQ option that feels light but still satisfying. It’s easy to prep ahead, works for many dietary preferences, and gives guests something simple to snack on alongside fresh vegetables or grilled mains.

13. Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is perfect for summer BBQs because guests can graze while the grill is going. Fill it with meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, olives, and something sweet for an easy, portable appetizer. For inspiration, try this guide from The Kitchn.

14. Spinach Dip

Spinach dip is a creamy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to serve with crackers, fresh vegetables, or chunks of bread. It’s a great make-ahead option for BBQs because guests can snack on it before the main meal is ready.

15. Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a fresh, summery appetizer that’s perfect for BBQ season, especially when tomatoes and basil are at their best. Serve it on toasted bread as an easy starter guests can enjoy while the grill heats up. Try this Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta from Martha Stewart.

16. Cheese and Cracker Board

A cheese and cracker board is simple, familiar, and always appreciated at a summer BBQ. Add a mix of cheeses, crackers, fruit, nuts, and a little jam or honey for an easy grazing option guests can enjoy before dinner. For inspiration, try this guide from The Pioneer Woman.

17. Snack Board

A sweet and salty snack board is a fun twist for summer BBQs, especially when kids are around or guests are lingering after dinner. Fill it with popcorn, pretzels, candies, chocolate, fruit, and a few crunchy bites for an easy grazing board everyone will keep coming back to.

18. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a retro BBQ classic that somehow always disappear first. They’re easy to make ahead, simple to serve cold, and feel right at home beside burgers, ribs, salads, and all the summer sides. Try this classic version from Southern Living.

19. Pickle Tray

A pickle tray is unexpected, nostalgic, and always gets people talking at a summer BBQ. Add dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, pickled onions, olives, and spicy pickled vegetables for a tangy little side that cuts through heavier grilled foods.

20. Fresh Fruit Platter

A fresh fruit platter is easy, colourful, and refreshing, which makes it perfect for balancing out heavier BBQ favourites. Use a mix of bananas, oranges, kiwi, grapes, berries, and melon for a bright summer side everyone can enjoy. For inspiration, try this Rainbow Honey Lime Fruit Salad from I Heart Naptime.

Desserts to Bring to a BBQ

21. Brownies

Brownies are an easy BBQ dessert because they’re simple to transport, easy to slice, and always a hit with both kids and adults. They’re also great to make ahead, so you can bring a tray and not worry about serving anything fussy. Try these Chewy Brownies from Martha Stewart.

22. Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are a dependable crowd-pleaser for summer BBQs because they’re easy to pack, easy to serve, and don’t require any fuss. They have that homemade, nostalgic feel that works just as well for kids as it does for adults.

For recipe inspiration, try these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from Martha Stewart or these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from The Pioneer Woman.

23. Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a Canadian classic and a perfect sweet treat for summer gatherings because they’re easy to serve, easy to transport, and always feel nostalgic. They’re especially great for BBQ dessert tables, cottage weekends, and Canada Day-style entertaining. Try this recipe from Canadian Living.

24. Fruit Crisp

Fruit crisp is an easy summer BBQ dessert because it’s cozy, simple to make ahead, and works with whatever fruit is in season. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if available for that perfect backyard dessert moment. Try this Mixed Berry Crisp from Canadian Living.

25. Lemon Blackberry Bars

These lemon blackberry bars are bright, creamy, and refreshing, making them a lovely dessert for warm-weather BBQs. The lemon adds a fresh citrusy flavour, while the blackberries make them feel summery and fruit-filled. Try my Gluten-Free Lemon Blackberry Yogurt Squares.

26. Rice Krispie Squares

Rice Krispie squares are simple, nostalgic, and always kid-friendly, making them an easy win for summer BBQs. They’re quick to make, easy to transport, and perfect for little hands to grab from the dessert table. Try these Crispy Chocolate-Marshmallow Treats from Martha Stewart.

27. Berry Trifle

A berry trifle is a beautiful make-ahead dessert that feels fresh and summery without being fussy. Layers of cake, cream, and berries make it a colourful crowd-pleaser for backyard gatherings. Try this Layered Strawberry Rhubarb Trifle from Canadian Living.

28. Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is peak summer dessert season in every bite. With sweet strawberries, fluffy biscuits or cake, and whipped cream, it’s a classic warm-weather treat that feels just right after a BBQ. Try this Classic Strawberry Shortcake from Martha Stewart.

Drinks to Bring to a BBQ

29. Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is an easy BBQ drink option because guests can grab their favourite flavour and keep things light and refreshing. Bring a variety of flavours, or dress it up with sliced citrus, berries, and fresh herbs. For inspiration, try these infused water ideas from Martha Stewart.

30. Homemade Lemonade

Homemade lemonade is refreshing, easy to make ahead, and always feels like summer in a pitcher. Serve it chilled with lemon slices, mint, or berries for a simple BBQ drink everyone can enjoy.

31. Iced Tea

Iced tea is a summer entertaining staple because it’s easy to make in a big batch and serve over ice throughout the afternoon. Keep it classic, or add lemon, peach, mint, or berries for a seasonal twist.

32. Mocktail Ingredients

Fresh fruit, soda water, citrus, herbs, and simple syrups make it easy for guests to customize their own BBQ drinks. Set out a few options and let everyone mix something bright, fizzy, and refreshing. For inspiration, try this sparkling mocktail formula from Food52.

Non-Food Things to Bring to a BBQ

33. Ice

Extra ice is one of those simple BBQ contributions hosts are almost always happy to receive, especially on hot summer days. It helps keep drinks cold, coolers stocked, and entertaining running smoothly.

34. Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a simple gesture that feels thoughtful without being expensive. A small grocery store bouquet or farmers’ market bunch can brighten the food table, patio, or kitchen counter instantly. For inspiration, see The Everygirl’s dinner party guide.

35. A Small Hostess Gift

A small hostess gift is a lovely way to say thank you without overthinking it. A candle, gourmet seasoning, specialty jam, or local coffee feels thoughtful, useful, and easy for the host to enjoy later. For ideas, browse Food & Wine’s host gift guide.

What Not to Bring to a BBQ

Avoid dishes that:

• Require oven space
• Need to be served immediately
• Melt quickly in the heat
• Require complicated assembly on-site

The easier it is for the host, the better.

Keep It Simple!

The best thing to bring to a BBQ isn’t necessarily the fanciest dish.

It’s something that contributes to the gathering without creating more work for the host.

Whether you show up with a homemade salad, a tray of brownies, a bowl of watermelon, or simply a bag of ice and a smile, the goal is the same: helping create a memorable summer get-together.