Suns Out, Buns Out: Grilling Ideas for Your Next Backyard Cookout

There’s nothing like the smell of food sizzling on the grill to make it officially feel like summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout with friends or just craving some flame-kissed flavor, grilling season is the perfect excuse to take dinner outside.

In this guide, we’re serving up crowd-pleasing grilling ideas, BBQ shopping checklists, and smart pairings—from veggie trays to PEPSI to s’mores. And best of all? You can turn your BBQ grocery run into free gift cards by snapping your receipts in the Fetch app.

Why Fetch is your ultimate BBQ sidekick

From planning to plate, Fetch makes grilling season more rewarding.

• Build your shopping list in the app so you never forget the buns.
• Snap your receipts to earn points every time you shop.
• Redeem points for gift cards to brands like Target, Amazon, or Instacart.
• Score points on BBQ staples like PEPSI, LIFEWTR, Applegate hot dogs, and Beyond Meat.

Pro tip: Download the Fetch app before your next grocery run and get rewarded for your grill game.

Grilling ideas and food inspiration

Proteins

• Classic beef burgers with melted cheddar or pepper jack
• Hot dogs and bratwursts with all the fixings
• Marinated chicken thighs or lemon-pepper wings
• Grilled steak tips with dry rubs or chimichurri
• Salmon filets or shrimp skewers with garlic butter
• Beyond Meat or veggie patties for plant-based guests

Veggies & sides

• Corn on the cob with chili lime butter
• Bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion skewers
• Grilled asparagus with sea salt and olive oil
• Zucchini and squash slices with Italian seasoning
• Tostitos tortilla chips + Sabra hummus or guac
• Smartfood popcorn or Lay’s chips for munching

Sauces & extras

• BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and Sriracha mayo
• Pickles, slaw, and fresh-cut tomatoes
• Marinades and dry rubs from your favorite brands

Backyard BBQ shopping checklist

• Ground beef, chicken, or Applegate hot dogs
• Sliced cheese (cheddar, provolone, pepper jack)
• Burger and hot dog buns
• Tomatoes, onions, pickles
• Chips (Lay’s, Doritos, Smartfood)
• Tostitos chips and dip (guac, salsa, or queso)
• Fresh veggies for grilling or snacking
• Marinades, spice rubs, and sauces
• Paper plates, napkins, and foil
• Beyond Meat patties or tofu
• S’mores supplies (graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate)

📲 Build this list in the Fetch app and check off items as you shop. Snap your receipt afterward to earn points!

Grilling drink pairings to cool things down

• PEPSI: Perfect for burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork
• bubly sparkling water: Light, fruity, and fizzy
• LIFEWTR: Hydrate between grilling and games
• Gatorade (Glacier Freeze or Lemon-Lime): Ideal for hot afternoons
• Mountain Dew: Bold citrus for spicy wings or ribs

💡 Stock a cooler with ice and rotate between cans, bottles, or a DIY drink station.

Backyard grilling safety tips

Grill prep and cleanup

• Clean your grill with a proper brush before you cook
• Replace worn utensils or scored cutting boards
• Check propane or charcoal supplies ahead of time

Food handling

• Use separate boards and tongs for raw meat
• Clean surfaces thoroughly before and after use
• Defrost meats safely in the fridge or cold water bath

During the cookout

• Keep grill at least one foot away from anything flammable
• Use a meat thermometer:
  • Chicken: 165°F
  • Ground beef: 160°F
  • Fish/Pork: 145°F
• Turn off the grill when done and cool leftovers before storing

Make every grocery run more rewarding

Grilling season is about great food, good friends, and chill summer nights. But with Fetch, it’s also about turning those backyard barbecues into rewards.

• 🛒 Make your list in the app
• 🧾 Snap every grocery receipt
• 🎉 Earn points toward gift cards

It’s the easiest way to make your next cookout all the more rewarding.

👉 Download Fetch now and get to grilling!