Holidays

Our Tips for Feeding a Crowd with Ease on July 4th

By Nancy Loseke, Editor - BarbecueBible.com

July 1, 2025

BBQ cooking for a crowd can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re inviting more neighbors, friends, and family than ever before. With Independence Day, the most popular grilling holiday of the year, right around the corner, you might be wondering how to pull it off. Don’t worry. Your blueprint for success is below. Fireworks optional!

Make a Plan

How many people can you realistically accommodate? Consider parking, seating, lighting, bathroom facilities, refrigerator space, and of course, grill space.

If needed, borrow or rent additional grills, tables, or coolers. Restaurant supply houses are good sources of inexpensive party goods like large disposable bowls, foil pans (very useful), serving utensils, clam-shell boxes for leftovers, paper products, etc. Perhaps invited friends, family, or neighbors can lend you needed equipment, refrigerator or freezer space, manpower, or even entertainment options like outdoor TVs, badminton, horseshoes, cornhole, etc. If you expect youngsters at your party, provide kid-friendly options as well. Lighted frisbees are always a hit. (And don’t forget the bug spray!)

BACKYARD BBQ

Strategic Menu Planning

Keep it simple: Offer one or two protein options rather than a variety. Pulled Pork served on buns with Pig Pucker Sauce is our first choice. Pork shoulder is inexpensive, can be smoked and pulled the day before the party, then reheated, and is always a crowd pleaser. Alternatively, chicken thighs feed many people economically and can be prepared ahead, then grilled during the party. For vegetarians, large portobello mushrooms or veggie skewers work well. Hot dogs for the kids? Why not?

To the “What can I bring” question, suggest an appetizer, side dish, or dessert. This will give your spread greater variety, lighten your burden as host, and more importantly, give your guests a share in your party’s success. Here’s our suggested menu, most of which can be made ahead:

Beer, wine, soft drinks, water
Grilled Firecracker Shrimp
A crudité or chartuterie platter
Pulled pork with Pig Pucker Sauce or your favorite barbecue sauce
Hot dogs on buns
Best Baked Beans on the Planet
Smoked Coleslaw
Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake

Be Organized

As busy caterers will tell you, it’s very important to be organized when feeding a crowd. As the pit master, you’ll want everything at the ready. (A cheffy term for this is mise en place.) Avoid multiple runs to the kitchen to grab forgotten items. Appoint a helper.

If your grill does not have an attached workspace, set up a table—even a sturdy card table or picnic table will work—and stock it with a stack of foil pans, paper towels, heavy-duty foil, grill gloves, food-handling gloves, small bowls of coarse salt and pepper, vegetable oil, and long-handled tongs and spatulas. Don’t forget a good grill brush [LINK] as you may need to clean and oil the grill grate multiple times during the party. A fire extinguisher positioned near your cooking area will make you look like a pro.

Buffet (Self-Serve) Set-up

Barbecue festival spread - Photo by Jeff Marini

Arrange food stations to promote good flow:

Separate beverages from the food using multiple coolers
Place plates and utensils at the beginning of the line
In order, arrange buns (if using), proteins, and side dishes
Position condiments at the end
Clear the table before setting out the dessert(s)
Consider multiple serving lines for very large groups
Put space between the food line and any amusements you’ve provided

Enjoy the Party!

Remember that your guests will remember the atmosphere and hospitality more than perfect execution. Stay relaxed, be present, and enjoy the gathering you’ve worked so hard to create.

Have a safe and wonderful Fourth!

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