With the Fourth of July just around the corner, there’s a good chance grills all across the neighborhood are about to get a workout.
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, having friends over, or just enjoying dinner outside with the family, great food always seems to bring everyone together. We asked a few members of the AES team what they look forward to grilling every summer, and their answers might inspire your next cookout.
Burgers That Go Beyond the Basics
You can never go wrong with a great burger, but a few simple additions can make it even better.
Emily likes stuffing her burgers with cheese and peppers before they go on the grill, creating a delicious surprise in every bite. Matthew takes a different approach by mixing bacon bits, shredded cheese, and garlic right into the ground beef before cooking. It’s an easy way to add flavor without much extra effort.
If burgers are on your menu this weekend, try switching things up with one of these ideas. You might discover a new family favorite.
A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Need something for everyone to snack on while the main course is cooking?
Emily shared one of her favorite recipes: smoked cream cheese.
It couldn’t be easier. Place a block of cream cheese on a piece of foil, score the top with a knife, sprinkle it generously with Everything Bagel seasoning, and smoke it at 250°F until the outside is golden brown. Serve it warm with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies, and don’t be surprised if it’s gone before dinner is ready.
Sometimes Simple Is Best
Not every meal needs a long ingredient list.
Caitlin enjoys grilling steaks and shrimp on her pellet grill, while Shawn believes a great filet only needs coarse salt, high heat, and a little patience. Steve Johnson likes to round out his meal with grilled sweet corn brushed with butter and seasoned with Old Bay or one of his homemade spice blends.
Fresh ingredients and a hot grill are often all you need for a memorable summer dinner.
Low and Slow Is Worth the Wait
For those who enjoy spending the day around the smoker, barbecue is hard to beat.
Steve Noyes is a fan of pulled pork on his Traeger, while Shawn enjoys smoking brisket low and slow until it’s tender enough to fall apart. His secret rub stays a secret, but one thing he doesn’t skip is letting the brisket rest before slicing. That extra patience makes all the difference.
It’s About More Than the Food
After talking with the team, one thing became pretty clear. Everyone has a favorite recipe, but the food isn’t really the reason we love grilling.
It’s the conversations while dinner cooks.
It’s kids running around the backyard.
It’s friends pulling up another chair.
It’s everyone gathering around the table after a long day.
That’s what summer is really about.
If you’re getting ready for the Fourth of July or planning cookouts all season long, we hope these ideas inspire you to try something new on the grill.
And if you’re thinking about upgrading your grill, smoker, or outdoor living space, stop by your nearest AES Hearth & Patio showroom. We’d love to help you find something that’s perfect for your backyard and the memories you’ll make there.
Happy grilling, and have a wonderful Fourth of July!
