The days are long and sun-soaked. The nights are warm and welcoming. It’s finally summer. And we’re not missing an opportunity to eat outside—al fresco, if you’re fancy. ‘Tis the season when only the flimsiest excuse is needed to throw an impromptu BBQ or pack up a picnic. Anyone can throw some burgers and dogs on the grill and call it a cookout. But if you want to take it to the next level this summer, use our tips for cooking and eating al fresco.
Yeah, we used the fancy word. And you can, too. Follow our advice and you’ll feel comfortable talking about dining al fresco in no time. Whether you’re doing a Whole30 or living your food freedom, it’s time to learn the secrets to planning the perfect outdoor menu, how to cook outdoors, what little touches can delight your guests (or yourself), and much more.
Ready to be a picnic pro or certified cookout queen? Okay! Now let’s step outside and start cookin’ up the best outdoor dining experience of your life.
Planning your perfect al fresco eating experience
Life is a lot easier with a plan. If you’ve done a Whole30, you know what we’re talking about. Taking the time to plan out your menu and event leaves room for improvisation when problems pop up. And they will.
You don’t have to go overboard. But figuring out the right mix of foods, the best plates, and seating solutions lets you be a non-chalant host with the most.
- Whenever possible, opt for easy-to-eat foods—finger foods and handheld options are great.
- Strive for variety to let people try a little bit of everything, and give those with different dietary needs plenty of options for building an enjoyable, satisfying plate.
- Take advantage of summer’s bumper crop of veggies to keep things lighter, especially when temperatures soar.
- Sliced seasonal fruit is a great sweet treat—it’s time for you to shine, watermelon!
- Make your mocktails or signature drinks in larger quantities—pitchers or dispensers (a large Thermos keeps your drinks cold if you’re picnicking) instead of one glass at a time.
- Select solid, disposable plates, utensils, and cups because nobody wants to do dishes or see food lost to the ground. Good recyclable or compostable options are a great option.
- Deter bugs with natural repellants—like candles, scent diffusers, or plants mosquitos hate—and place around the dining area or at the ready.
- Provide shade, sunscreen, or both so everyone can go home with a container of leftovers instead of a wicked sunburn.
- Opt for seating that’s as flexible and easily moveable as possible. This way you and your guests can chase the shade or mix and mingle without too much hassle.
- You always need more ice than you think.
How to cook outdoors like a BBQ baddie
Even if you aren’t a grillmaster, you can still make praise-worthy food outside of your kitchen. A few tips for cooking al fresco are enough to take your outdoor culinary skills to the next level. And minimize mess and cleanup, too—which might be even more important than the adoration of those eating your food.
Good grilling starts with clean, oiled grates. This is true whether you’re firing up charcoal, wood pellets, or literally cooking with gas. Heat your grill up and hit it with the scraper or brush to make sure everything is clean. Then oil the grates, using a paper towel or rag held between your tongs doused with a high-smoke-point cooking oil. Your food won’t stick, and you’ll have clean, beautiful grill marks without a mess to manage after everyone leaves.
Having a few thermometers on hand will make your life a whole lot easier. An oven or infrared laser thermometer can tell you the temperature of your grill or the surface you’re about to cook on. Knowing that temperature helps you cook food thoroughly, and as you intended—nothing scorched on the outside and cold in the middle. An internal meat thermometer is the best way to keep the chicken you’re serving from causing gastric fireworks for your guests.
Here are a few other quick tips for cooking outside:
- Be bold and grill more than meat. Vegetables—like in this spectacular salad—are delicious off the grill.
- Practice food safety no matter where you’re cooking. That means proper storage and cooking temperatures, avoiding cross contamination, and maintaining good hygiene.
- This may seem obvious, but it’s important to be extra vigilant around open flames, with propane, and other heat sources.
- Do the majority of your prep in the kitchen where it’s just easier to clean, chop, dice, and make your mise en place.
- Give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed to get the food off the grill. Sometimes it just takes longer to cook pork chops, sausages, or a steak than you think.
- Minimize the amount of items you actually have to cook outside—or at all. Your picnic is going to be just as good without a hot component, and summer salads are always a hit.
The secrets to enjoying the outdoor dining experience
After all the planning, prepping, and cooking, eating is the easy part. But whether you’re hosting or a guest, you can enhance your experience when eating al fresco.
Once you learn to protect yourself from the sun and stay extra hydrated in the hot weather, most of it comes down to mindfulness.
Eating outside offers unique opportunities to have a special sensory experience. Look around and take in the beautiful blue sky, lush landscape, or the late summer sunset melting into bright stars. Notice the smell of nature in bloom as it mixes with the char of the grill and fragrant food you’re about to devour. Listen to the sounds of summer—birdsong, the breeze rustling tree leaves, or even that BBQ jamz playlist. Take your time savoring the food, scenery, and conversation with loved ones.
Stay present so you can soak up every bit of summer fun available. There’s only 94 days of unlimited potential and possibility to last all year. You only have those few short months full of long days and warm nights perfect for feeling extra fancy and free by eating al fresco. And now you’re ready to make the most of them.
Bonus tip: Subscribe to Whole30 emails to receive more tips for cooking, eating, and living your best life—whether you’re in the middle of elimination or living your food freedom. You don’t want to miss getting advice from Melissa Urban, Whole30 updates, and delicious recipes delivered to your inbox every week.
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