Summer Grilling Guide: The Best Meats for BBQ Season
Summer is here, and the heat is on! Flames are kicking up on backyard grills across the country—but what’s on the menu during BBQ season?
Flavor, nutrition, and convenience are all on offer when you grill up Wellshire black forest ham, thick-sliced bacon, and other meats. Wellshire products are hearty, wholesome, and delicious, making them the perfect companion for your next cookout.
So, slip on an apron and grab your tongs—we’re exploring the best meats to barbecue, essential grilling tips, and key food pairings to serve up this summer.
The Best Meat Lineup for Summer Grilling
While you can put almost any kind of meat onto the grill, certain cuts stand up to the intense heat and open flames better than others. To achieve golden grill marks, a savory char, and a perfect cook, choose hearty, thicker meats, like:
- Black forest ham – The light, smoky flavor of black forest ham naturally complements the fiery taste of the barbecue. Plus, whole hams give you the ability to slice slabs as thick or as thin as you prefer.
- Thick-sliced bacon– Thick slices of bacon stand up to the high heat of grills without burning and crumbling apart. Even better? Wellshire’s lineup of flavors lets you experiment with a variety of sumptuous tastes, like applewood smoked bacon, maple bourbon, and more.
- Sausages and hot dogs – Let’s be honest: No backyard barbecue is complete without a few wieners on the grill. Wellshire offers a diverse range of sausage and hot dog styles—including smoked chorizo, smoked polska kielbasa, and uncured beef franks—to please every preference and palate.
Key Grilling Techniques for Different Kinds of Meat
Different kinds of meat require different kinds of prep, cook times, and heat levels. Whether you grill on propane, charcoal, or even over an open flame this summer, be sure to follow these essential grilling tips:
- Cook your bacon in a pan – Bacon is fatty. As it cooks, grease can leak and cause flare-ups on your grill. Stick your bacon in a cast iron pan before throwing it on the barbecue—you’ll prevent grease fires and collect the delicious fat for later use.
- Use a meat thermometer – Certain cuts, such as different kinds of ham and bacon, are precooked and only need to be reheated. Other kinds of meat, however, need to be cooked through before they’re safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to determine your if your food is done. Chops of pork, beef, and other meats must reach a minimum internal temperature of 145℉, while ground red meat (such as that found in sausages) must hit 160℉. All poultry products, such as smoked turkey kielbasa, should be brought to 165℉.
- Keep safety in mind – No matter what you grill, safety is the most important factor in a successful cookout. Follow basic safety guidelines like checking for gas leaks, removing excess grease, and keeping your grill away from any flammable materials. Never leave your barbecue unattended while it’s in use, and keep all pets and kids a safe distance away at all times.
At this point, the meats are sizzling and the guests are getting hungry. Have you decided what to serve alongside your main course?
The Perfect Pairings for Different BBQ Dishes
As satisfying as meat is, your guests will expect a few complementary sides to go with the main dish. The best pairings for your grilled treats depend on what you’re serving up:
- Bacon – Bacon is notorious for pairing with almost any flavor—from sweet to savory and everything in between. You can keep it simple by sliding slices onto a burger or add a little greenery to the equation by grilling asparagus alongside your strips.
- Ham – Ham is also a versatile meat that plays well with a variety of flavors. Consider chopping your grilled slabs and tossing them into a salad or serve them Hawaiian style alongside grilled pineapple rings.
- Sausages and franks – A simple bun with mustard, relish, and your other favorite condiments is the classic partner for any sausage or frank. For a twist, try serving them alongside sautéed peppers and onions on a bed of aromatic rice.
While tasty side dishes are important, the quality of the meat you cook can make or break your barbecue. Choose top-notch, delicious cuts from Wellshire so that every guest leaves with a smile on their face.
Wellshire Meats Make Your Backyard Barbecue Sizzle
Whether you’re after black forest ham, thick-sliced bacon, seasoned sausages, or any other kind of meat, Wellshire is your go-to source for summer grilling.
All Wellshire products are humanely raised with no growth hormones or added nitrates. The result? Fresh, delicious meats that grill up perfectly and offer a juicy, decadent burst of flavor with every bite.
Choose Wellshire for your next barbecue to make your cookout the talk of the neighborhood.
Sources:
United States Food and Drug Administration. Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart.
National Fire Protection Association. Grilling Safety.
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/grilling.
