🔥🍖 To Host The Ultimate Summer BBQ

🧑🍳 How To Host the Ultimate Summer BBQ (with Printable BBQ Sauce Recipe)

📅 Published: June 13, 2025
✍️ By Jane Carroll

☀️ Why We Love Summer BBQs

Nothing brings people together like a fire-kissed feast in the sunshine. At Jane Foodie, we believe summer meals should be easy, real, and worth sharing. Whether you’re flipping burgers in the backyard or grilling veggies by the lake, here’s how to create a celebration that feels both homemade and effortless.

🪑 1. Make It Cozy and Communal

Think long tables, paper napkins, and string lights. Let people help themselves. Family-style BBQs are all about the vibe—easygoing and delicious.

🔥 2. Keep the Menu Simple

Pick one main item like grilled chicken or burgers, and add a few sides like roasted cauliflower, marinated asparagus, or corn on the cob.

✅ Jane Foodie Tip: Use trays of pre-prepped frozen or par-cooked veggies to save time. Our roasted cauliflower reheats beautifully on the grill.

🍯 3. Make This DIY BBQ Sauce the Star

Skip the store-bought sauces. This simple, clean-label BBQ sauce comes together in minutes—and tastes like summer in a jar.

🧴 Printable Recipe Card: Homemade BBQ Sauce

Easy, tangy, naturally sweet—and no ketchup required!

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 cup tomato puree

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp molasses

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp ground mustard

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

👩🍳 Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Let cool and transfer to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

📦 Makes about 1¼ cups. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or brushing on ribs or veggies!