Get some more use out of your grill before you cover it up for the season. Invite your friends and family to a cookout that combines classic casual fare with upscale elements. Treat your summer send-off like a family challenge and encourage everyone to help. With this list of ideas and the help of your loved ones, your Labor Day bash will be unforgettable. Keep these Labor Day 2021 grilling ideas for the whole family at your side as you plan and prep. Happy grilling!
Grilled Veggies
Grilled corn is an absolute must on your grill this Labor Day. Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a few ears of fresh corn. Enlist the family’s help in shucking it. When you’re ready to grill, keep a few ears of corn intact, and snap a few in half for a kid-friendly size. Watch those grill marks appear as you and your crew anticipate drenching your corn in butter.
Got any kebab sticks collecting dust in your silverware drawer? If not, grab a few metal kebab sticks with handles at the end so you can hold them more easily. Brainstorm a few veggies you know your family loves, like red onions and mushrooms. If you’re going for onions, cut the large ones into quarters before tossing them in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add other seasonings if you like. Consult with your family and ask for their favorites. You can even enlist the kids’ help and let them toss the veggies—let them get their hands oily! Once your skewers are stacked with seasoned veggies, place them on the grill and keep a close eye on them. A little charring adds flavor, but too much will render them inedible.
While we’re on the subject of veggies, let’s talk about Brussels sprouts for a minute. They’re often unpopular with kids due to their unique taste. If their first experience with Brussels sprouts is bitter and unpleasant, they may swear never to eat them again. But when cooked and seasoned properly, they’re a delicious addition to any meal. Toss some Brussels sprouts in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, skewer them onto those kebab sticks, and grill them to perfection. You may win those kids back over.
Delightful Main Courses
The meat lovers in your life will arrive to your cookout hungry for hamburgers and hot dogs. Why not give them a little extra treat with gourmet meat? Lone Mountain Wagyu has a wide and surprising selection of delicious Wagyu products. Forgo those grocery-store franks in favor of Wagyu sausage, and either dress it up with hot dog fixings or bite into it on its own. Adults and kids alike will love the exquisite taste and tender texture.
Grilling burgers may be a job reserved for grown-ups, but there’s no reason why the younger ones can’t help set the table. Have them set up a full condiment bar, complete with diced onions and Dijon mustard. (Add homemade options too, like chimichurri or sauerkraut.) While the kids are arranging the ketchup bottles, break out a few Wagyu burger patties and set them on the grill. The famous fat content of Wagyu beef will stand out, and your burgers will be supremely juicy. If your family loves cheese on their burgers, have some classic sliced cheddar, or any cheese you like, on hand. When your burgers are done, don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes before serving them up. If you cut or bite into a burger fresh off the grill, all the juices will spill out and you’ll be left with dry meat.
If you want to get extra creative with your burger artistry, pick up some ground Wagyu chuck and make the patties yourself. That way, you’ll be able to customize them. Incorporate your favorite herbs and spices into the meat before you shape it and slap it on the grill. Smaller hands and mouths may appreciate sliders more than big burgers. You can even make stuffed pub burgers for the hungriest among you! Pub burgers differ from their classic counterparts due to their large ovoid shape. And when your guest bites into one and tastes gooey brie cheese on the inside, they’ll beg you for the recipe.
All Those Extras
It really is the little things that make a meal special. Put extra effort and care into every part of the cookout experience. Instead of plain burger buns, pick up some sourdough rolls. (If you’ve got a baker in the family, those rolls can come from your own oven instead of the grocery store!) Slice them in half, brush them with butter, and lightly grill them to add a little crunch to the burger experience.
Speaking of butter, why not clarify it? You can do it in your own kitchen with a saucepan and a few sticks of unsalted butter. (If you use salted butter, that salty flavor will become more concentrated and affect the taste.) Melt the butter over low heat—don’t boil it!—and watch the milk solids rise to the top. With a slotted spoon, carefully skim off those milk solids. You’ll be left with pure, melted butterfat. Clarified butter works wonders on burger buns and potato salad. (It also keeps well in the fridge for months to come!)
Grilling takes some time, so you’ll want to have snacks and sides on hand for your guests to munch on as they wait for the main course. Chips and dip are a classic go-to, especially if you make those dips yourself. Salsa, queso, and guacamole are popular complements to the humble tortilla chip, and they’re easy to customize.
Remember the condiment table you and the kids set up? A few homemade elements add a personal touch. Make your own sauerkraut if the family likes it on their hot dogs. Chimichurri sauce also makes a perfect complement to a Wagyu sausage or burger, and it’s easy to make at home!
As you prepare to bid this summer adieu, make the send-off a family occasion. Enlist everyone’s help in preparing the meal, and they’ll be proud to bite into it. From grilled onions to Wagyu burgers, add a little extra oomph to every element of the meal. With these Labor Day 2021 grilling tips for the whole family, your loved ones will look forward to keeping the tradition for years to come. Let Lone Mountain Wagyu help you make your cookout a success!
