Are you ready, grill master? It’s your time again! It’s time for some inspirational spring BBQ ideas! Because spring is sprung, and that means it’s time to start enjoying great food with great people, out in the sun.
Ok, barbeque season may actually be all year-round for us. But we know many readers keep their grills under wraps during the winter. So, pull out that wood smoker, don your ol’ grilling apron, and pull out the tongs!
Here’s Goode Co. Shop’s favorite spring grilling ideas!
Classic Spring BBQ Ideas: Go Texan!
We recommended opening the barbeque season with the authentic barbeque route. None of this fancy pants Pinterest stuff, folks. We’re talking big, Texan meats! Smoked low and slow over mesquite wood. Mmmm, here’s how to make it truly Texan:
Brisket
Everyone loves brisket. It’s as hearty as it gets. Prized for its rich marbling and collagen, it’s supreme when low-and-slow cooked.
Long considered the king of Texan barbeques, it’s only authentically Texan when cooked over mesquite wood for that rich, flavorsome bark.
Our pre-smoked and sealed brisket packs handle that 15-hour process for you, so you just have to throw it on the grill and stand there like the proud grilling pro you are.
Ribs
Meaty, extra juicy, and so tender. Who doesn’t love ribs? Well, maybe those who haven’t tried it the true Texan way.
Because a true Texan pork rib should slide right off the bone with one bite. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and the perfect option for spring gatherings alongside sides and brisket itself.
Like our brisket pack, you can order your ribs from our Goode Co. Shop to get them extra tender and hand-seasoned with our signature rubs.
Jalapeño Sausage
When the sun’s out, life feels like it’s gained a bit of spice. And what better way to embrace that than with some spicy sausages?
Jalapeño sausages are the way to go. It’s a Texan staple. That fiery punch pairs perfectly with a classic Texan pork blend.
You can make them yourself by grinding pork butt with fatback or brisket, diced jalapeños, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic and onion powder. Throw that into a hog casing and smoke it low and slow.
Or, you could just order a Sausage Sampler pack from us at Goode Co. Shop and throw it on the grill, once again, looking like a pro without doing the dirty work.
Sauce It Up!
Want to get really Texan? You’re going to need some sauce. Letting your guests customize their meat to their preferences is always a nice idea, too.
Obviously, you should be thinking about barbeque sauce. But don’t forget there are sauces like Jalapeno Garlic and heavy garlic variations of barbeque sauce, too!
Easy Spring BBQ Ideas: The Sides
Alright, it’s time to get greedy. In our opinion, the meat is the bare minimum. But the sides? Now that’s where you really start to please people.
Here’s our top spring BBQ ideas for sides (Texan style!):
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic of Texan spring BBQ menus. We serve it in all our restaurants. All ages tend to love it, because, firstly, who doesn’t love potatoes?
But what really brings it to life is that tang. You can make it simply enough at home in no time!
Jalapeño Cheese Bread
Jalapeño cheese bread is our go-to classic side with brisket and ribs. It’s got subtle Texas spices and serves as a great tool for mopping up leftover meaty sauces.
You can make it at home, or order it directly from us here at Goode Co. Shop!
Queso Chihuahua
Want more cheese? Go with Queso Chihuahua for a true Texan and southern approach. Semi-soft and gorgeously melty, it makes a great dip, too. You could top it with chopped brisket or sausages, pico de gallo, or jalapeños.
Is anyone else hungry now?
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a worldwide spring classic, in all honesty. But we’re not sure anyone does it creamier and tangier than here in Texas. It’s pretty easy to make the night before any rodeo theme party or cookout.
Corn Pudding or Jalapeño Popper Corn Salad
Corn pudding is a creamy, almost soufflé-like Texan classic. It’s a great, slightly alternative spring BBQ idea.
Mixed and then baked, it’s a wonderful side with brisket or ribs. You can easily serve the whole family from one pan, and any leftovers will work well the next day. We recommend some jalpaeño for that southern kick.
Mac and Cheese
Back to the classics. Who doesn’t like mac and cheese? No, seriously. Who? Because you’re wrong.
Everyone loves it. It’s hearty and filling and goes great with any barbeque meat.
Austin-style Baked Beans
We may be from Houston, but we recognise the fine people of Austin were on to something good with their baked beans. People love to throw in some brisket trimmings to really bring it home.
Black-Eyed Pea Salad
For those who’d prefer a salad, go for black-eyed pea salad (aka Texas Caviar). Fresh and zesty, it contrasts very well with the mesquite smoked turkey breast you should serve up. Boom boom pow.
What to Drink at a Spring BBQ?
The sun's out, so keep it refreshing with your BBQ and drink pairings. Anything that cuts through the smoky brisket and ribs combos you’ll be serving up is wise. Contrast is everything. Here’s what we recommended:
Bourbon Cocktails
The connoisseurs amongst us say that Bourbon’s caramel and oak notes pair very well with brisket. We also just think they taste and feel good.
Tequila Refreshers
Light and fizzy, Texas tequila is a great drink for keeping the conversation going all afternoon. Ranch Water, Spicy Paloma, and Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita are some Texan varieties.
Homemade Iced Tea
For those not looking to drink alcohol, and the kids, go for some Homemade iced tea. You can brew it at home and then serve it in pitchers to keep the thirst at bay all day. Pro tip: Use baking soda to keep it clear and not cloudy!
Peach Lemonade
Peach lemonade is a Texan soda choice that adds some variety and fun, especially for the kids. Plus, that tang goes well with the smoky meats you’ll be serving.
Spring BBQ Menu Checklist
Here’s one last look at what you need to prepare for your spring cookout:
- 1-3 main course meat ideas.
- 3-6 different sides.
- 2-4 different drink ideas.
- Bulk-order the meat from us at the Goode Co. Shop one week in advance.
- Confirm your guest count to know how much to order.
- Get sauces.
- Get dips.
- Get a dessert, like a Pecan Pie.
Make Your Spring BBQ Easier and Order from Goode Co. Shop
If you’d like to skip all the prep of low-and-slow smoking your meats, you can order directly from us here at Goode Co. Shop. The meat comes straight to your door!
We used mesquite-smoking meat traditions we’ve followed since the 1970s! All that rich flavor is vacuum-sealed in our packs, so you just have to throw it on the grill.
We’ve got barbeque sauces and pecan pies in our store, too!
The earliest we can ship your order is typically the next business day! Learn more about our shipping and pursue all of our Goode Co. Shop bestsellers at your leisure!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring BBQ Menus
What is the easiest spring BBQ menu?
The easiest way to put together a spring BBQ menu is to use pre-smoked meats that you can throw on the grill for a quick reheat. For the easiest combo, we recommend brisket, ribs, sausages, mac and cheese, jalapeño cheese bread, and coleslaw!
Can you order Texas BBQ online for a party?
Yes! Feel free to visit our Goode Co. Shop store today to browse our Texan spring BBQ ideas and holiday BBQ menus.
How far in advance should I order BBQ for a party?
We recommend ordering one week in advance to lock in your ship-by date.