The Essential Labor Day Cookout Planning Checklist

The Essential Labor Day Cookout Planning Checklist

For most people across the country, Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer. By early September, the kids are back in school, fashion icons say you can no longer wear white, and it’s the last major grilling holiday of the season. So if you’re like us and grill whatever the season, then we've got just the thing to help you celebrate another holiday to grill, then we’ve got just the thing for you. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect Labor Day cookout!

 

Have a vision, but stay flexible

Any great party planner will tell you that foresight is one of the keys to throwing a great get-together. Take some time to figure out who you’re inviting, what you’ll be grilling, if you’re going to have a theme for your party, and even how you’ll be handling the cleanup process. Keep your plan in the back of your mind, but be flexible throughout. We’ve all been there when a few plus-ones tag along and eat a little more than their fair share, so be prepared for any situation and have plenty of food and beverages for everyone.

 

Getting ready to grill

You may have Labor Day off from your job, but that shouldn’t stop you from putting in work on the grill. Depending on when your party will start, you’ll want to get your food and grill ready well in advance. This means tuning up your grill by cleaning off the grates, and having plenty of propane on-hand to last you throughout your cookout. Use our Propane Finder tool to search for the closest location that carries Blue Rhino. Next, begin to marinate any meats that may require it. Some marinades call for up to a day’s worth of preparation, so make sure you give yourself enough time to let the flavors soak into your food. Once all the food is sliced, diced, and ready to go, it’s time to fire up the grill. Start by preheating your grill to get a nice, even heat across the surface. Turn your grill to a medium heat and close the lid. After keeping it closed for about 15 to 20 minutes, open it back up and start placing your food on sections of the grill. Don’t be afraid to utilize all parts of the grill and the accessories that come with it.

 

Serving at a safe internal temperature

The last thing you want to do at any barbecue is serve undercooked meat. If you don’t have one already, invest in a meat thermometer to accurately gauge the internal temperature of your meat. While beef and a few other meats can be served at different doneness levels, remember that poultry, like chicken and turkey, needs to be cooked all the way through. Consult our grilling temperature guide for the safest internal temperature to serve all your meats.

 

Don’t forget dessert!

Any great party planner will tell you that foresight is one of the keys to throwing a great get-together. Take some time to figure out who you’re inviting, what you’ll be grilling, if you’re going to have a theme for your party, and even how you’ll be handling the cleanup process. Keep your plan in the back of your mind, but be flexible throughout. We’ve all been there when a few plus-ones tag along and eat a little more than their fair share, so be prepared for any situation and have plenty of food and beverages for everyone.

 

Enjoy your backyard in the company of friends and family

At this point of your cookout, stomachs are full, the story-telling is getting larger than life, and plans are underway for your next party while this one winds down. You’ve managed to throw a fun and exciting Labor Day party as the last hoorah of summer. Take this moment to enjoy a few drinks with friends and family and leave the cleaning for someone else. You deserve it!

 

Head on over to our website for more recipes and details on how you can be the hero of this year’s Labor Day festivities!

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