Ultimate Summer BBQ Guide 2026 | Tips & Menu
Summer is BBQ season. From April to September, the grill in the Netherlands is frequently lit. But a good BBQ is not something you improvise. The best BBQs are the best prepared.
In this guide, you'll 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 shopping
Determine how many people are coming and what you'll be making. Calculate 300 to 400 grams of raw meat per person. For the best quality, buy chicken, spareribs, or pulled pork from the butcher, not the supermarket.
Order rubs
The Rub Kitchen prepares fresh on demand. Order at least 3 to 5 days before your BBQ so the rubs arrive on time. Free delivery via DHL throughout the Netherlands.
Clean the BBQ
A clean grill provides better flavor and less smoke. Grease and residues from last time burn and give a bitter taste. Use a wire brush and rinse.
Check thermometer
Check if your meat thermometer is working. Without a thermometer, you're always guessing with chicken. A 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 relaxing.
Take meat out of the 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 layer, and rub the rub in firmly. Cover with foil and place in the refrigerator. Overnight resting is the best investment you can make.
Make side dishes
Coleslaw, potato salad, and tomato salsa improve if they sit in the refrigerator overnight. 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 the table and decorate
Set out plates, cutlery, napkins, and sauces. Arrange the dessert table. Tomorrow you won't have to think about it.
The day itself: the perfect timeline
With this timeline, everything will be on the table at the same time and you won't be sweating at the grill all day.
Meat out of the refrigerator
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 takes more time than gas. Goal: 175 to 185°C for most chicken rubs.
Chicken thighs on the grill
Indirect grilling, 30 to 35 minutes at 175 to 185°C. Lid closed. Flip 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.
At the table
Ready. 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.
Family day with children
Mild and accessible. Carolina Gold or Memphis BBQ, no heat.
Carolina Gold →Friends' evening
Variety and adventure. Korean and Jamaican Jerk for those who like it spicy.
Korean →Romantic outdoor dinner
Elegant and aromatic. Shawarma with flatbread and tzatziki is the best choice.
Shawarma →Large 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 sooner, no later. Everything else is guessing.
Resting time is not optional
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 extend 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 refrigerator before grilling.
Prepare cold side dishes in advance
Make coleslaw and potato salad a day in advance. They taste better and you won't have 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 on demand. Order your rubs at least 3 to 5 days in advance for guaranteed delivery. Free shipping via DHL throughout the Netherlands.
The best summer BBQ starts here
6 handmade flavors. Freshly blended to order. Free delivery throughout the Netherlands.
Starter Pack · 3 flavors View all rubs