Tips for a Perfect Backyard Grilling Experience

Grilling doesn't have to be the most onerous event of the summer. But it seems that something always goes wrong for some people. By following these tips, you too can have a better grilling experience.

#1 - Make side dishes ahead of time

Any cold dishes such as macaroni salad, potato salad, and cole slaw can be made in advance and placed in the refrigerator. Some recipes for these dishes even suggest making them beforehand so that they can chill. To save more time, slice the tomatoes, onions, lettuce, watermelon, etc. before you start grilling.

#2 - Avoid burning the food

Burning up your hamburgers on the grill can be one of the most frustrating parts of grilling. But this doesn't have to be the case. If some foil is placed over the rack with slits cut in it, the burgers will come out juicy. Depending on how you want the hot dogs, though, the foil may need to be removed when grilling them.

#3 - Be careful what you add to the ground beef

Everyone doesn't like all of the things that people add to hamburgers such as boxed onion soup mix. Personally, I can't stand the stuff. If you're planning to feed a lot of people, consider adding a little A1 and Worcestershire sauce to the burgers before grilling. I've never heard any complaints about doing this and it tastes awesome.

#4 - The weather

Be aware of what the weather is going to do. I've grilled lots of time in thunderstorms, but I have a shed-like building that doesn't have a door that I can do it in. However, if you're planning to have a party in the yard, then you need to be aware if it's going to rain, snow, etc.

#5 - Steamed buns vs. cold buns

Most people prefer steamed buns or at the very least partially heated. To avoid steaming the buns in the house on the stove, you can add the burgers and hot dogs to the buns and then tie them up in the plastic bag. While not steamed, it has a similar effect.

#6 - Make sure you have everything you need before you start cooking

Some people prefer mayonnaise and some prefer miracle whip. But besides that, it's amazing how people manage to forget to buy something important. Of course there are so many options when you consider the sliced cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard, hot dog chili, onions, etc. The last thing you want is to have to run out to the store. And if it's near a holiday that people like to grill for, you may be hard pressed to find something such as hamburger buns.