Anyone who has thrown a get-together knows that the stress of pleasing all of your guests can be overwhelming. As summer quickly approaches and barbecues are getting fired up across America, grillers will be busy preparing meals for many hungry guests. A host’s biggest nightmare? Offering food that isn’t enjoyed by the entire party. Before you start shopping for your big weekend BBQ, make sure to confirm how many vegans or vegetarians will be attending and adjust your menu accordingly with a few simple additions.
Our biggest tip when cooking for your non-meat eating guests: grill up their food separately. Most vegetarians would prefer that their food isn’t cooked on the same area as meat products. Either clean the grill thoroughly once your meat is done, or separate the grill in two distinct sections before firing it up to ensure minimal crossover.
So what’s on the menu? If there’s one thing that all vegetarians love, it’s veggies! Almost any vegetable can be grilled to perfection on your barbecue. We love cooking ours on our Kamado Joe, which is ideal for entertaining a crowd. Pile on sweet potato slices, zucchini, eggplant, and asparagus for a delicious variety. For a hearty and vegetarian-approved main course, roll large white potatoes in foil, and grill for one hour. These grilled baked potatoes are crowd-pleasers, and offering a variety of toppings will let your guests have fun customizing their plate.
If you’re looking for something outside of the box, try substituting a burger patty with a grilled portobello mushroom, served up like a traditional burger with all the beloved condiments. Or try grilling cauliflower bites for a quick and delicious chicken wing substitute. This Traeger Grills recipe adds a special kick to it that your guests won’t be able to get enough of. If convenience is your goal, you can pick up vegan hot dogs or veggie burgers at your local grocery store. Your guests will be thankful that you’ve thought about their needs at your event!
And we can’t forget dessert! Leave things on a sweet note with grilled fruit. Grill slices of fresh pineapple or peaches sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat loved by vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.
Though you may have to add a few additional items to your barbecue lineup, taking the time to prepare food for guests with stricter diets is a win-win! Your crowd will be happy, and you’ll receive major host points. Get ready for your next barbecue with all your grilling needs. Shop at BBQ Island today: https://www.bbqislandinc.com/