Summer Cookout Party

Article archived: August 2010

The flavor of barbecue complements summer in a unique way. The soft, subtle notes of hickory, charcoal and rosemary perk up the finest meats and veggies for a flavor explosion. This year, celebrate summer with our delicious cookout party ideas.

Get grilling: Meats and more
Grilled entrée goods
Grilled entrée inspirations
Sizzling summer side dishes
Desserts
Drinks

Get grilling: Meats and more

Of course, grilled food makes up the centerpiece of your summer cookout party. Head down to Giant Eagle^® and stock up on quality cuts of meat and fish. Need a few ideas? This grilling checklist gets you started:

Grilled entrée goods

Pork spareribs or pork baby back ribs
Beef ribs or beef short ribs
Salmon fillets
Bone-in chicken breasts, thighs and legs
Ground beef, ground chuck or ground sirloin
Frozen soy or vegetable burgers
Assorted cuts of meat and vegetables for shish kabobs
Assorted marinades
Lemons, salt and pepper to taste

Of course, even world-renowned chefs borrow inspiration from time-tested recipes. If you want to jump-start your imagination, try a few of our cookout chef classics.

Grilled entrée inspirations

Sizzling summer side dishes

The long, warm nights of summertime invite you and your guests to relax and kick back. Make your barbecue planning hassle-free with these easy side-dish recommendations.

Grill-roasted potatoes — This ultra-simple cooking method takes just minutes and a few ingredients. Need an idea? This Grilled Potato Packets recipe delivers.
Assorted potato and pasta salads — These cold-and-savory sides accent the soft and smoky flavor of barbecued delights beautifully. Pick up pre-made salads from your nearest Giant Eagle^® Deli or browse our Graduation Party Treats Guide for salad inspirations.
Antipasti and olives — These Mediterranean favorites, accented by the fruity notes of olive oil, create flavor sensations. Visit the Olive and Antipasti Bar at your nearest participating Giant Eagle^® and customize your perfect tray today.

Desserts

Simple-yet-satisfying desserts are perfect for a barbecue. Keep after-dinner sweets ultra easy with help from the Giant Eagle^® bakery. A juicy fruit pie made with creamy ripe peaches, vibrant strawberries or big bold blueberries ends your barbecue on a high note.

Or, finish your barbecue the old-fashioned way — with assorted cookie trays and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Fresh seasonal fruit — especially strawberries, melons and peaches — provides guests with cool and healthy options.

If you have a generously sized cooler, ice cream and frozen yogurt wows guests of all ages. Or, make a simple, quick-prep ice-cream dessert like our Toasted Almond Ice Cream Cake or our Ice Cream Mountain Pie.