It’s officially Fall! While that doesn’t necessarily mean boots and cardigans here in Southwest Florida, the slightly cooler weather does make outdoor grilling and get-togethers even more enjoyable. If you’re planning a backyard BBQ or poolside soiree, here are a few ideas for themes and accompanying must-try recipes.
Americana
Pass the burgers, dogs, gingham, and apple pie! A classic American backyard BBQ is a year-round crowd-pleaser.
It really doesn’t get more traditional than this All-American Hamburgers from Taste of Home.
Hot dogs feeling a little lackluster? Check out these 9 Iconic City Hot Dog Styles From Across The U.S. for some fresh topping ideas.
Forget the oven and finish your party with this Smoked Dutch Apple Pie from Hey Grill Hey, which cooks in the smoker! Not feeling the homemade pastry dough? We promise not to tell if you use storebought.
Round out your all-American backyard BBQ with these Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Baked Beans and Classic Potato Salad.
Nothing goes better with a burger than an ice-cold, all-American Coca-Cola. Pour it straight up, add some rum, or make a Polar Bear with a shot of vanilla syrup and cream!
Tailgating
Tailgating poolside may be the new norm this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo your pre-game food faves.
While cheese and bacon are a given, there are two camps when it comes to grilled jalapeno poppers… are you on team bacon-wrapped or open-faced boat style!?
Genius little foil packets make cleanup a breeze with these Grilled Loaded Nachos from Food Network. Set out a topping bar and let guests customize their own nacho packet.
Kick up the classic wing recipe with these Smoked Buffalo Chicken Wings (with crispy skin!) from Vindulge.
What to drink with a poolside tailgate party? Beer, obviously. We recommend serving your guests some local craft beer from our very own Southwest Florida breweries.
Low-Country
Take a virtual trip to the coastal regions of our neighbors to the north with a traditional low-country boil – on the grill!
These Low-Country Boil Packets from Food Network’s Katie Lee have shrimp, littleneck clams, and all the flavors of a low and slow boil – in a convenient, mess-free foil packet.
Looking for a more traditional crawfish boil? Check out this Grilled Crawfish recipe from Louisiana Grills, which starts the crawfish in a boil and then finishes them on the grill for a hint of smokiness.
Southerners are known for their love of sweet tea, so serve your low-country boil with this Bourbon Sweet Tea cocktail or a refreshing Arnold Palmer of half-and-half tea and lemonade.
Tropical
Let’s be real, October in Southwest Florida is still balmy enough to break out the pina coladas and tiki torches!
These grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs will take your tastebuds on a trip to the tropics with the classic combination of marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, and tangy red onion and green pepper.
Set it and forget it with these Hawaiian Sliders with Tropical Slaw made in the slow cooker – served on King’s Hawaiian rolls and featuring macadamia nuts and SPAM.
There are countless fruity beverages to round out your tropical backyard BBQ, but we love this gorgeous Blue Mermaid Cocktail featuring fruity rums and Blue Curacao. Swap out the rums for a lemon-lime soda and use a few drops of blue food coloring to make a kid-friendly version of this drink!
Still Dreaming Of That Backyard Pool?
If these party ideas and recipes have you dreaming of hosting your own poolside soiree, Jackson Pools has you covered! We specialize in both luxury custom pools and affordable backyard resort pools that are perfect for families and backyard BBQs. Contact us to learn more and schedule your free onsite consultation today.
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