As the summer season rolls around, there’s nothing better than firing up the grill and hosting a BBQ potluck with friends and family. There’s something magical about the combination of warm sunshine, cool drinks, and good (or should that be Goode?) company as you gather around smoky barbeque pits and heaped platters of delicious food.
In Texas, however, there’s much more to a BBQ potluck than a casual get-together—it’s serious business! You can expect folks to bring their A-game when sharing their favorite recipes, and expectations run high. But don’t worry; Goode Co. Shop has got you covered! Here are some tips and tricks to help ensure you deliver style and flavor on the day, with a few secret weapons to make your contributions the star of any prestigious potluck.
Texas BBQ Potluck 101
The Texas BBQ potluck is a tradition steeped in bold flavors, smoked meats, and a communal spirit that celebrates great food and great times together. There’s also immense pride taken in contributing a memorable dish that everyone will enjoy, with smoked meats as the centerpiece, creative BBQ sides, and satisfyingly sweet desserts. It’s often best to base your ideas for what to bring to a BBQ potluck on common Texas BBQ potluck ideas to ensure your contribution appeals to as many folks as possible. Potluck essentials will include:
- Smoked meats: Brisket, ribs, sausage, etc. The slower the cooking, the better, and seasoned to perfection.
- Big, bold flavors: Whether it’s a tangy sauce, a peppery rub, or a spicy jalapeño kick, subtlety should take a backseat.
- Family-style sharing: Everyone pitches in, and everything’s meant to be passed around and piled high.
A memorable potluck is all about balance, including rich and savory mains, hearty BBQ sides, killer sauces, and a sweet dish to tie it all together. Whether you cover all bases yourself or agree with your friends beforehand on what to bring to a BBQ potluck, forgetting any of these elements could seriously compromise your BBQ potluck’s success!
Top Potluck Picks from Goode Company
Remember when we said Goode Co. Shop has got you covered? You can show up at your BBQ potluck looking like a seasoned pitmaster without having to break a sweat, with our pick of potluck essentials gleaned from almost half a century of barbequing experience. Our BBQ potluck checklist includes:
- Smoked Meats: Nothing says you came prepared like turning up with some perfectly prepared smoked meat. From juicy sausages and ribs to tender brisket, Goode Co. Shop’s smoked meats are slow-cooked to perfection. Just heat, serve, and watch them disappear.
- Sauce Trio Packs: Bring a trio of Goode Company’s legendary sauces to satisfy every palate, from sweet and smoky to spicy and bold. These versatile condiments pair with everything from the barbeque pit to the plate.
- Texas BBQ Rubs: If you're happy to do your own grilling but insist on that authentic Texas flavor, Goode Co. Shop’s signature rubs offer the perfect shortcut.
- Gift Boxes: Showing up with multiple items? A Goode Company gift box makes an impressive gift for your hosts and enhances the BBQ potluck table with tasty treats.
- Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie: If you want to be the person everyone remembers (and thanks profusely), roll up with one of Goode Company’s legendary pecan pies. It's a dessert hero move that’ll have people coming back for seconds—and thirds.
DIY Dish Ideas to Impress
Are you feeling creative and wish to devise your own BBQ potluck masterpiece? Here are a few Texas BBQ potluck ideas that pair perfectly to elevate your contributions (with a little of Goode Co. Shop’s magic thrown in):
- Mac & Cheese with a Kick: Add diced Jalapeño Cheese Summer Sausage to a creamy mac and cheese for a smoky, spicy twist. Top this with a sprinkle of Goode Co. Shop’s famous Mesquite Mix before baking for an extra flavor boost.
- Cornbread: Nothing pairs better with BBQ than a warm slice of cornbread. Brush it with a little Goode Co. Shop BBQ sauce for a subtle, smoky glaze.
- Texas Tea or Spiked Lemonade: No BBQ is complete without some tasty, cool, and boozy liquid refreshments. Mix a big batch of Texas tea (sweet tea and bourbon) or spike lemonade with whiskey for drinks that are guaranteed to keep spirits high.
Potluck Pro Tips
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned BBQ professional or this is your first rodeo; make sure you’re remembered for all the right reasons by following a few simple rules on what to bring to a BBQ potluck.
- Keep it easy to transport and reheat: Choose dishes that travel well and can survive reheating without losing flavor or texture.
- Bring your own serving utensils: Don’t assume the host has enough to go around—show up prepared and earn extra cool points.
- Label your dish: This is especially important if your food is spicy, contains allergens like nuts or dairy, or if you’ve prepared something vegan or gluten-free.
- Show up on time: Potlucks are all about timing, and it’s always better if all the food is presented simultaneously. Don’t stroll in with your contribution after the brisket’s been sliced!
- Bring a little extra: It’s better to have too much than too little. Leftovers are always eaten eventually, and it demonstrates your commitment to providing for the crew.
A good BBQ potluck guest brings more than just a dish to the party. They bring enthusiasm, heart, flavor, and something that gets folks talking. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for what to bring to a BBQ potluck at the Goode Co. Shop, as well as a host of delicious smoked meats, sides, desserts, and potluck essentials to help ensure your potluck goes off with a bang.
Whether you roll up with a Goode Co. Shop Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie, A beautiful smoked brisket that’s ready for reheating, or a show-stopping homemade mac and cheese with a spicy kick, you’ll be part of what makes the summer BBQ season special. So fire up the grill (or simply place an order), channel that famous Texas spirit, and make the next BBQ potluck one for the books.