Howdy everyone. WE are having a tailgate tomorrow and it's going to be uncharacteristically simple. We usually do ribs, loin, etc, but we're sticking with burgers and dogs this time around. However, given the simplicity of our main courses, I'd like to find some unique side dishes. We're not hauling the smoker out there since its just burgers and dogs, so whatever we do will need to be able to be cooked on a grill (charcoal or propane). Thoughts? (Preferably no seafood since there aren't any good options here in Waco for fresh seafood.) Thanks, Brandon
In keeping w/ your keeping it simple theme, I would suggest grilled zucchini and grilled corn on the cob. Slice the squash lengthwise, brush w/ olive oil and sprinkle w/ a little Tony's. Grill approx 5 min ea side, depending on grill temp. Corn - don't do a dang thing to it. Put it in the grill (husk on) but off the main heat. Turn every 10-15 min. Takes about 45 min in a medium grill. Sweetest corn you will ever eat. I'd also saute' some mushrooms and onions for the burgers. I'd probably do a cold but hearty salad tonight. Maybe a Mediterranean style or a cold bean salad. Steve, ideas? Here's your chance to show off. I'm way too far into the Margaritas to think much more than this!
Some good smoked sausage grilled a while with some cattlemans barbeque sauce. Cut it up into bite-size pieces and put it in a bowl next to a box of toothpicks and a cup of cajun brown mustard for dipping. Finest kind.
You could fix your favorite type of beans. Just pop the sauce pan on top of the grill and simmer. You could make a slaw and keep in cold in your cooler.
I make a "stuffed potato" casserole that would be great at a tailgate, but you'd have to cook it before you left home. It has great ingredients like: cheese, butter, and sour cream. Whenever I take it to cookouts, etc, there's never any left.
Your husband tells everyone, "Please serve yourself some and throw it if you don't like it. I just don't want to have to eat that stuff later, at home." BaylorGuy314, don't forget some garlic bread and perhaps some baby back ribs. You could cook the burgers/dogs on 1/2 of the pit and ribs on the other. Don't know how many people you're cooking for but hamburgers, and especially dogs, cook quickly and kids don't mind them warm. Toss 'em off to the side in one of those throw-away roast pans.
