A BBQ holiday meal is a fantastic way to celebrate special occasions with family and friends, enjoying delicious grilled and smoked dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting. Here’s a mouthwatering menu to inspire your BBQ holiday feast:
Main Course:
– Smoked Brisket: A beautifully marbled brisket, rubbed with a blend of spices, and slow-smoked until tender and flavorful.
– Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a zesty lemon herb marinade and grilled to perfection.
– BBQ Pork Ribs: Succulent pork ribs coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, cooked low and slow until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.
Side Dishes:
– Classic Potato Salad: Creamy potatoes dressed in a tangy mayo-based dressing with crunchy celery, onions, and fresh herbs.
– Grilled Corn on the Cob: Fresh ears of corn grilled until charred and smoky, then brushed with garlic herb butter.
– Southern Style Baked Beans: Slow-cooked baked beans flavored with smoky bacon, molasses, and spices, a hearty and comforting side dish.
Appetizers:
– Smoked Jalapeño Poppers: Spicy jalapeño peppers stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, and smoked until crispy and delicious.
– BBQ Meatballs: Tender meatballs cooked in a savory BBQ sauce with a hint of sweetness and smokiness.
Desserts:
– Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream: Juicy peaches halved and grilled until caramelized, served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey.
– S’mores Dip: A gooey and decadent dessert dip made with melted chocolate and marshmallows, served with graham crackers for dipping.
Beverages:
– Homemade Lemonade: Refreshing and tangy lemonade made with freshly squeezed lemons and sweetened with simple syrup.
– Iced Tea: Cool and refreshing iced tea, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Don’t forget to set up a cozy outdoor dining area with plenty of seating, shade, and decorations to create a festive atmosphere for your BBQ holiday meal. Enjoy the delicious food and good company, and celebrate the occasion in style!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole beef brisket (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory or oak recommended)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and chili powder to make the dry rub.
- Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat.
- Rub the brisket all over with the dry rub, covering it evenly. Wrap the brisket in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours.
- Remove the brisket from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while you prepare the smoker.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Add wood chips to the smoker box.
- Place the brisket on the smoker rack, fat side up, and close the lid.
- Smoke the brisket for 10-12 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C) and the meat is tender.
- Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve sliced brisket with your favorite BBQ sauce on the side