Ultimate Summer BBQ Guide 2026 | Tips & Menu
Summer is BBQ season. From April to September, the grill is regularly fired up in the Netherlands and Belgium. But a good BBQ is not something you improvise. The best BBQs are the best prepared.
In this guide, you will find everything you need for a perfect summer BBQ: preparation, shopping, the timeline on the day itself, the best menu, and which rubs to use when.
Preparation: the week before
A good BBQ doesn't start on the day itself but a week earlier. These are the things you arrange well in advance.
Plan your purchases
Determine how many people are coming and what you're making. Count on 300 to 400 grams of raw meat per person. Buy chicken, spareribs or pulled pork from the butcher, not the supermarket for best quality.
Order rubs
The Rub Kitchen prepares fresh to order. Order at least 3 to 5 days before your BBQ so the rubs arrive on time. Free delivery via DHL.
Clean the BBQ
A clean grill gives better flavour and less smoke. Grease and remnants from last time burn and give a bitter taste. Use a steel brush and rinse.
Check thermometer
Check if your meat thermometer is working. Without a thermometer, you're always guessing with chicken. Core temperature of 74°C is the only certainty.
For more than 8 people: make two types of meat with different rubs. One mild, one spicy. This way, there's something for everyone and you double the experience without complicating logistics.
The day before: what to do
The evening before your BBQ is the most valuable preparation. Everything you do now will make the day itself relaxed.
Take meat out of freezer
If your meat is frozen, let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Never thaw outside the refrigerator.
Apply rub
Pat the meat dry, apply the binder, and rub in the rub firmly. Cover with foil and refrigerate. An overnight rest is the best investment you can make.
Make side dishes
Coleslaw, potato salad, and tomato salsa get better if they stand overnight in the refrigerator. Prepare them now, no stress tomorrow.
Chill drinks
Chill beer, lemonade and water overnight. A full cooler is always a good idea for a BBQ.
Set and arrange the table
Prepare plates, cutlery, napkins and sauces. Set up the dessert table. You won't have to think about it tomorrow.
The day itself: the perfect timeline
With this timeline, everything comes to the table at the same time and you won't be sweating over the grill all day.
Meat out of the fridge
30 to 45 minutes before grilling. Room temperature ensures even cooking and shorter cooking time.
Light the BBQ
Give the BBQ 20 to 30 minutes to come up to temperature. Charcoal needs more time than gas. Goal: 175 to 185°C for most chicken rubs.
Chicken thighs on the grill
Grill indirectly for 30 to 35 minutes at 175 to 185°C. Keep the lid closed. Turn halfway through.
Add wings and vegetables
Chicken wings take 20 to 25 minutes. Vegetables go on 10 minutes before the end.
Finish directly
Everything goes over direct heat for the last 5 minutes for the bark. Thermometer check: 74°C core temperature.
Rest
5 to 8 minutes under aluminum foil. Side dishes on the table, pour drinks.
To the table
Done. Enjoy.
The perfect summer BBQ menu
This menu works for 6 to 8 people, can be fully prepared in advance and combines two rub profiles for maximum variety.
| Dish | Quantity | Rub | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 2 kg | Carolina Gold | 160-175°C | 30-35 min |
| Chicken wings | 1.5 kg | Korean | 175-185°C | 20-25 min |
| Grilled corn | 6 cobs | Pinch of Tex Mex | Direct | 10 min |
| Grilled bell pepper | 4 pieces | Oil and salt | Direct | 8-10 min |
| Coleslaw | 500g | Day before | Cold | 5 min prep |
| Potato salad | 1 kg | Day before | Cold | 15 min prep |
| Grilled pineapple | 1 pineapple | Cinnamon and sugar | Direct | 4-5 min |
One mild and accessible (Carolina Gold), one spicy and exciting (Korean). This way, everyone at the table has something that suits them: children with Carolina Gold, adventurers with Korean wings.
The complete shopping checklist
Print this or save it. Everything you need for a BBQ for 6 to 8 people.
Which rub for which occasion?
Not every BBQ is the same. Here are our recommendations per type of summer occasion.
Romantic dinner outdoors
Elegant and aromatic. Shawarma with flatbread and tzatziki is the best choice.
Shawarma →Big garden party
Variety for everyone. The All-in Pack with all 6 flavors. Everyone chooses their favorite.
All-in Pack →Father's Day or birthday
Something special. Memphis BBQ or the All-in Pack as a gift and as a menu.
Memphis BBQ →First time BBQ
Start mild. Carolina Gold is accessible, forgiving and always delicious.
Starter Pack →The 5 golden rules of a good summer BBQ
Always a thermometer
Chicken is cooked at 74°C core temperature. No earlier, no later. Everything else is guessing.
Resting time is not an option
Rest for 5 to 8 minutes after grilling. Juices redistribute and meat becomes noticeably juicier. Never cut immediately.
Lid closed
Every time you open the lid, you lose heat and prolong cooking time. Trust the process and look less.
Chicken at room temperature
Cold meat on a hot grill cooks unevenly. 30 minutes out of the fridge before grilling.
Prepare cold side dishes
Make coleslaw and potato salad a day in advance. They taste better and you won't have any stress on the day itself.
Two zones on the grill
Always a direct and an indirect zone. Start indirect, finish direct. This way you always have control.
Ready for summer?
The Rub Kitchen prepares fresh to order. Order your rubs at least 3 to 5 days in advance for guaranteed delivery. Free shipping via DHL within the Netherlands.
The best summer BBQ starts here
6 handmade flavors. Freshly mixed to order. Free delivery.
Starter Pack · 3 flavors View all rubs