Barbecue Archives - Butcher Boy

Sizzle & Smoke: Mastering Outdoor Cooking

For a lot of people, there’s nothing like outdoor cooking. From the beckoning aroma of food sizzling on the grill to the casual vibe of gathering with friends and family, moving meal prep from the confines of the kitchen just seems to make everything taste better. That’s true, whether you’re using gas, charcoal, or wood smoke. Whether you already are a pro at the basics or you’re looking to perfect your methods, we can provide some reminders and help you take your skills to the next level.

Step Up Your Grilling Techniques

The most common way to grill is through direct heat. That’s when you cook the food directly over the flame. It gives your meat those familiar grill marks, and is the right method for foods that cook quickly, because if you have to keep it on the grill too long to ensure it’s cooked through, it will dry out.

Indirect heat requires grilling adjacent to the heat course. Cooking on the hot grates and letting the heat circulate around the meat is less intense – more of a slow and steady approach. It works best on large cuts of meat, such as whole chickens, roasts, and briskets, that need more time to cook perfectly at lower temperatures.

An experienced grill master knows how to manage two heat zones. Keeping direct heat and indirect heat sides of your grill gives you flexibility to cook various foods at once. For instance, you can sear your veggies or burgers over a flame, then move them to the cooler side so that they stay hot but don’t burn while other items continue cooking.

Have you heard of the reverse sear? Home cooks are discovering this method, and word is slowly spreading that it’s a near perfect way to grill a steak with tender, flavorful results. The trick is the two-zone combination of direct and indirect heat. Start the steak on the indirect side, low and slow, to bring the meat up to temperature and cook evenly to your taste. This technique calls for patience because it will take longer than traditional grilling. The last step is to hit the steak with a high flame on the direct heat side, to give it that charred crust, without burning because you know the inside is already done.

Smoking 101

An alternative to a gas or charcoal grill is a smoker. The main differences between the two are the cooking time required and cooking temperature. But those loyal to smokers know it’s not as simple as that. Smokers use the smoke from burning wood to slowly cook and infuse the meat with flavor.

Choosing the right smoking wood depends on the meat you choose and the flavor profile you’re aiming to match. First, decide on chips versus chunks versus small logs. Wood chips are best for short cooking times, for things like fish and smaller cuts of meat, because they burn up quickly. Wood chunks and splits are good for hours of cooking time. Larger cuts of meat such as pork shoulder, brisket, and ribs fall into that category.

Fruit woods provide mild, sweet flavor. Choose apple or cherry wood for poultry, pork or fish.

Hard woods add more intense flavor. Hickory gives beef and pork some spice, while maple gives a sweeter smoky flavor best for pork and poultry. Oak is one of the most popular woods and its milder flavor goes with just about anything you want to cook. The most concentrated, bold flavors is mesquite, and works best on large cuts of meat.

Beyond Burgers: Upping Your Culinary Game

Hamburgers and hot dogs are standard summer cookout fare, but you could kick things up a notch with some variety in your grilling menu. Check out our Summer Order Guide for a look at all the marinated beef, chicken, pork, and sausages we offer to please a hungry crowd. When you want to throw steaks on the grill, but aren’t sure which cuts are best for cooking outdoors, we can help you decide!

Don’t forget the power of herbs and spices in the cooking process. Marinades, rubs, and glazes are another way to give your outdoor meal a punch. Marinades are a combination of spices, oil, and some kind of citrus or vinegar. Using them helps tenderize your meat. Butcher Boy has a wide variety of flavors to choose from, conveniently made fresh so you don’t need to mix the ingredients: steakhouse, teriyaki, sweet bourbon, lemon pepper, garlic ginger and cajun are just a few of the options you’ll find here. Like the name implies, dry rubs are made with only dry ingredients. The flavors infuse the meat when it’s rubbed onto the surface.

Do you feel ready to take on the challenge of the grill? Remember that Butcher Boy is your one-stop shop for pre-made side dishes, desserts, and beverages. We’ll help you find the perfect wine, local brew, and non-alcoholic options to go with your menu.

Flavor Your Summer with Marinades

A good marinade can give beef, poultry, fish, and vegetables a kick of flavor. If you’re looking to maximize the benefits of marinating, check out these tips before you fire up the grill.

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor. Some of the best cuts of beef to marinate are flank steak, London broil, kabobs, and sirloin tips. Most recipes for marinating meat and poultry recommend a minimum of six hours or up to 24 hours. Always marinate your meats in the refrigerator. Leaving it at room temperature for long can allow dangerous bacteria to grow and lead to foodborne illness. Recipes will also advise you to discard the used marinade once it has soaked in, but you can brush on a new, bottled sauce or marinade while you’re grilling for added flavor.

Every marinade should include an oil, but make sure it’s one with a high smoke point, such as canola or safflower oils in your marinade if you’re grilling. Oils help the flavors absorb into the meat and high smoke point oils are flame — and grill — friendly. High smoke point oils include peanut, canola, avocado, or sunflower.

Start with pre-marinated meats and leave all the prep work to us. You can mix your own marinade, or buy the bottled stuff, but Butcher Boy has more than 15 types made in-house for a delicious, fresh homemade taste.

Our most popular flavor is the steakhouse for beef tips. Coming in second is lemon pepper chicken. Italian-style Francesco also is a favorite. Other popular varieties in our butcher case are sweet bourbon, burgundy, teriyaki, and cajun, garlic ginger. And don’t forget buffalo wings! We also offer barbeque baby back ribs. If you’re not sure how long to cook them, follow this guide for grilling time and method.

Add a tossed salad, maybe some sauteed or grilled veggies, and rice or baked potato, and you have an easy meal for summer. Stop by for all of your lunch or dinner menu needs. What are your favorite summer flavors for the grill?

Grilling Essentials For Summer Meals

Some of the best meals of the summer season are prepared on the grill. Anything can be cooked to perfection outside, if you know even just the basics. Whether you’d like a refresher on techniques or some advice to improve your grilling game, along with some mouthwatering recipes, Butcher Boy is the place to come.

Gas vs. charcoal vs. wood smoker. Those loyal to charcoal swear the flavor is better. But gas grillers enjoy the convenience of temperature control. For true barbeque, fans of smokers say there’s no other way to go. No matter which kind of grill you have, or if you want to try something new, we compiled tips and recipes for the most popular types of grills.

Preheating is important. Just like your kitchen oven, your grill needs to warm up in order to cook most efficiently. Set a gas grill on high to preheat. It normally takes about 10 minutes for a gas grill to reach 500 degrees. It’ll take longer for a charcoal grill to heat up and burn off any lighter fluid you may have used. You’ll know it’s ready when the coals are covered with gray ash, and you can’t hold your hand comfortably over the grate for more than a few seconds.

Avoid putting cold meat on the grill. Whatever is on the menu — chicken, beef, pork — take the meat out of the fridge about a half hour before you’re ready to cook. That will ensure it cooks more evenly, and that’s especially important for thicker cuts of steak.

Know when to use direct versus indirect heat. Cooking our meat or vegetables placed directly over the heat source is what we normally think of as traditional grilling. It’s a great technique for typical cookout food, such as burgers, steaks, chicken breasts or wings, pork chops, sausages, and hot dogs. But grilling over indirect heat is best for larger pieces of meat that requires more time to cook, similar to slow cooking ribs, whole chickens, or roasts in the oven. If you want a charred crust and those tell-tale grill marks, start those meats on high heat first for a good sear, then move to lower, indirect heat to allow it to cook more thoroughly without overcooking the outside.

This can be accomplished whether you have a gas or charcoal grill. When cooking with gas, turn on just half the burners, and place foods on the unlit side. With charcoal, place the hot coals to one side of the grill, and put foods on the empty side of the grate.

Resist the temptation to move the food around or flatten it. You should only flip your steaks or burgers once. More than that will give you drier, less tasty results. Be careful when you flip: doing it too soon can cause the meat to stick to the grill. You’ll know it’s time to turn them over when they slide easily off the grate. Don’t squeeze the juicy flavor out of those delicious burgers by squeezing them with your spatula. In addition, be sure to use a spatula or tongs — not a fork! — to flip or remove meat to ensure the juices stay inside.

Now that you’re ready to fire up the grill, what do you want to cook? We have some suggestions for any kind of menu to feed groups large and small.

Inspiration and Recipes for Simple & Quick Grilling

Pick up a bag of marinated chicken or pork at Butcher Boy and toss them on the grill with sliced veggies from our fresh produce aisle such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a simple and light weeknight meal.

If you prefer dark meat chicken, one of the tastiest, juiciest cuts is the drumstick. This recipe will give you the step-by-step instructions for great results.

Beef kabobs are a fast, flavorful meal. Even easier than assembling them yourself, let us do the prep for you! Pick up a few ready-for-the-grill kabobs at Butcher Boy on your way home.

For the Long, Lazy Days of Summer

Is there anything better than a steakhouse meal made at home? Try these grilled smoky ribeyes for a dinner in.

Perfect for a weekend evening, pork ribs are a favorite, especially when they are sweet, tangy, and fall off the bone. Don’t be intimidated by the process – they’re easy to make if you put in the time.

If you’ve cooked a beef brisket indoors and aren’t sure how to get the same results on the grill, you can learn! This is another one that takes time, so it’s best reserved for your day off or a weekend. Use a smoker if you have one, but you can cook it on your gas or charcoal grill, too. Served with your favorite sides like potato salad, mac and cheese, or beans, and you can’t go wrong.

Grilling a whole chicken looks pretty fancy, but it’s easier to do than you’d think. Spatchcocked chicken has been split and flattened out. It’s a great way to reduce the cooking time and make sure it grills evenly. Save the effort and mess of removing the backbone of the chicken yourself and pick up your Bell & Evans spatchcocked chicken at Butcher Boy before the weekend.

To Feed a Hungry Crowd

Butcher Boy carries burger patties that we make in-house so you can simply toss them on the grill, flip and cook to perfection to get them to your guests even faster.

Hot dogs are fine, but how about some sausage that can also be grilled in large quantities? Visit Butcher Boy and choose from all the varieties that we make fresh in-house, from sweet and hot Italian to garlic and cheese, tomato, and even chicken or turkey sausage for guests who prefer an alternative to beef or pork. Sausages can be cooked earlier in the day, stored in the refrigerator, and heated back up in a foil tray at the start of your party. They’ll smell and taste great, and you’ll have more time to spend with friends and family away from the grill.

Wings are always a party favorite. You’ve probably baked them or fried them, but they’re just as delicious grilled. They cook up fast, and your family and friends will love this buffalo version on the grill.

What are your favorite summer grilling recipes? Let us know!

4th of July Cookouts – A New Spin On Classics

As the fog of the past year continues to lift, this season’s biggest summer celebration deserves a little extra special attention. While we always love a good old-fashioned cookout with burgers, sausages, and corn on the grill, we think this year is a great time to kick it up a notch with some unexpected specialties. But hey, if you’d prefer to elevate your event by simply setting out some fancy ketchup and mustard options with those burgers, that’s great too.

We’re always on the lookout for new, unexpected, and delectable ways to prepare your favorite Butcher Boy steaks, ribs, and chicken. If you’re looking for a little fancier, out of the ordinary, and delicious recipes, here are a few ideas that caught our attention for this Independence Day:

3-Ingredient Grilled Steak, Pineapple, and Avocado Salad

Sweet and Spicy Ribs

3-Ingredient Pesto-Grilled Chicken with Peaches

If your idea of a 4th of July cookout is a classic delicious, juicy steak on the grill, then, of course, a great steak speaks for itself. If you’re less than confident on the grill, check out our steak-grilling guide here. Let our butchers know how many people you’re feeding and how you’d like to present it (sliced on a platter? individual steak tips, or small cuts for each guest?), and we’ll help you select the best size and cut. Need more inspiration? Check out some of our July 4th favorites.

Or to our earlier point, up your condiment game with these eye-opening toppings that put ketchup and mustard to shame. Then round out your menu with ease – pick up potato or pasta salad, baked beans, antipasto platters – fresh produce for grilled veggies, or a garden salad.

Need another fresh idea to “amp up” the day and make it memorable?

Add an Independence Day-themed cocktail to your menu. Try this Red, White, and Blue Margarita and include the kids by letting them mix up their own patriotic drink, the Red, White, and Blue non-alcoholic layered drink. You can pick up everything on your list at Butcher Boy. We carry beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages for simple, one-stop shopping. And don’t forget the dessert. We have a delightful variety of pastries, pies, and cakes to choose from.

This July 4th, Butcher Boy can help you discover some new favorites, as well as savor some classic summer foods, and again, enjoy each other’s company.

Summer Celebrations & Milestones

The season of renewal is a great time to catch up on all the celebrations we likely missed over the last year. Creating an outdoor oasis or hosting a backyard bash doesn’t have to be labor intensive. You want to enjoy time with your guests outside in the sunshine and fresh air, not in the kitchen prepping, chopping, and cleaning up. We found a few ideas that can transform your backyard into a worthy escape from the everyday.

It’s graduation season! For a creative way to keep drinks for a crowd chilled, go inflatable. These trays are perfect for tabletops, or the grass, or anywhere you want to give easy access to cans and bottles that will stay cold for hours. Fill them with a variety of beverages from Butcher Boy’s selection of seltzers, soft drinks, beers, and wine while you’re shopping for your meal. The best part is, the trays simply drain, deflate, fold and store for future use without taking up too much space.

Celebrating a baby shower, engagement, or wedding shower? Set up a garden party atmosphere and use a floral theme for everything from decorations to food and beverages. Container plants around the deck or patio provide greens and color to brighten things up. How about putting some blossoms on stir sticks? Even the ice bucket can get dressed up, with fruit, herbs and flowers.

It’s easy to turn even an ordinary weekend evening or any occasion into an al fresco party with string lights. Use as many or as few as necessary to get just the right vibe.

When it comes to the menu, think simple finger foods, such as sliders and small sandwiches, grilled steak or chicken on skewers, or cut fruit. Now that New England’s weather is cooperating, it’s time to fire up the grill any day of the week and go all-in with steaks, marinated chicken, pork, and veggies. Don’t worry about needing extra groceries to make your own side dishes. You’ll find prepared sides of every variety at Butcher Boy. Choose from potato salad, pasta salad, mixed veggies, and so much more — all are available at Butcher Boy. To give your party the sweetest ending, pick up cakes, pies, and pastries from our bakery.

What are you celebrating this summer? Share your favorite party menu items and easy decoration tips with our community on Facebook or Instagram.

Easy Weeknight Grilling

Sometimes it takes a while for our New England weather to catch up to the season, but now that the days are getting warmer and longer, it’s finally time to uncover the grill and take a break from standard kitchen cooking duty. Why wait for weekends? Make the most out of the sunshine with easy grilling recipes, even on your busiest evenings during the workweek.

Burgers are usually a quick family favorite. Butcher Boy has the freshest ground beef for the best-tasting hamburgers. Shop with us for the buns as well as your favorite toppings and sides, like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, coleslaw, or potato salad. Our selection of prepared sides can take the stress out of cooking a full meal on nights when you’re short on time.

Grilled sausages are another easy option, especially in foil packets with peppers and onions to make clean-up a breeze. Sub rolls make for an easy grab-and-go meal or grill up any leftover veggies you have on hand and toss them together with the sausages on a bed of rice for a well-rounded dinner. How about ready-to-cook chicken in a variety of flavorful marinades to choose from? We’ve got a well-stocked case of customer favorites ready for you to pick up. Pair that with a salad and some grilled potatoes for a simple meal any night of the week.

Up your weeknight game with steak tip skewers. Simply pop some plain or marinated steak tips onto wooden skewers, with veggies in between. When you stop in at Butcher Boy, we’ll help you choose the best cut for your kebabs. Enjoy time on the deck or patio and out of the kitchen while your skewers grill by picking up a salad from our deli.

No matter what you choose for your protein main entree, fresh mixed vegetables on the grill always go well together. Toss zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, broccoli florets, cauliflower — or anything, really — in some olive oil and garlic and cook them up in a grill basket.

Don’t save dessert for weekends, either. After a long, cold winter, it’s time to make these ordinary days a little sweeter. Take advantage of later sunsets and comfortable temperatures when you have a chance to pull yourself away from work and school devices. A springtime meal outside can be just the thing to brighten up your week. We have a bakery stocked with all your favorites, from small cakes and pies for sharing to individual pastries, cupcakes, and other treats.

What are your easy grilled favorites? Share what you love…and don’t forget to visit us for all of your ingredients!

Entertaining Basics to Celebrate the Good Times

Summer is a wonderful time for celebrations, whether it’s an impending wedding, birth of a baby, a graduation, or other milestones and accomplishments. When you want to bring family and friends together for the occasion, Butcher Boy can help. Any of our appetizers, entrées, side dishes, salads, platters, desserts, and more can be ordered and picked up. Simply tell us how many guests you’re expecting, and we’ll guide you on quantities.

More about the menu in a bit, but what about arranging the other elements of your party?

Make a Plan

Whether you are having a handful of people over or the entire graduating class, outlining a plan will take some stress off your shoulders. Set the date, determine the guest list, decide on the type of invitation – electronic or paper – and budget. Do you need music, party game ideas, or other entertainment?

Think Inside the Box

If you’re hosting more than one party within the next couple of months, repurpose as many supplies as you can get away with. Store trays, glassware, and serving utensils in a plastic container till you need it. Purchase disposable plates and napkins in bulk and in a color that will last you through several celebrations to avoid running out or having too many for any one event. We have a variety of styles in paper plates, cups, serving utensils, décor, and more so you can pick up everything you need in a single trip.

Decorating Details

A little goes a long way when it comes to decorations. A touch of color here and a hint of texture there will be enjoyable and memorable to the guests. If the weather cooperates, you can extend your gathering to the outdoors, and simple strings of lights when the sun sets can create nice ambience. You can get creative with where and how you string them for each event. If the party is staying indoors, you can turn down the overhead lights and string your lights indoors to create a welcoming atmosphere. Festive details like flag garland or table decorations are fun. Depending on how many children will be at the event, unscented candles are a subtle touch. Small bunches of flowers in mason jars make nice centerpieces and accents.

Satisfy Every Appetite

There are many options for feeding your party guests, depending on the size of your crowd, time of day, weather, and the mood of your gathering. Would you prefer to serve finger foods and appetizers, or is an entrée better with a few side dishes and snacks beforehand? If the sun and temperature make eating anything heavy too uncomfortable, maybe cool salads, fruits and sandwiches will hit the spot. Grilling can be easier for smaller groups, and we can help you select some of the best meats and marinades to impress your guests. We’ve got some steak recipe suggestions, too. If you’d rather leave the cooking to us, don’t forget to browse our extensive catering menu. Swing by our wine and spirits aisle and stock up on all of the ingredients for a signature cocktail and other beverage options.

Be Prepared

The better prepared you are before the day of the event, the more fun you will have hosting it. Create your music playlist ahead of time, test the speakers and have your charger nearby just in case. Make as many food items as you can or pick up your order the day before. If you are using the grill, be sure you have enough propane. Remember the ice! Another thing to remember is the placement of your food and drinks. Be sure that the path and space for serving won’t get too crowded as your guests serve themselves. Set the tables up ahead of time to ensure you have enough space. And don’t forget to delegate some tasks so you can mingle and enjoy yourself, too!

Every Party Has a Beginning and an End

Once the majority of guests have arrived, you can kick off the festivities with a special toast or ice breaker activity. As a party winds down, sometimes people aren’t sure when it’s okay to leave or if they are going to miss out on anything else if they do. Signal the end of a celebration with a group photo or a final toast to the guest of honor.

Whatever the celebration, enjoy your time to eat, drink and be merry. Spring parties are a great way to gear up for summer cook-outs! Butcher Boy will be here, with everything you need.

Make July 4th a Real Blast

The most American of holidays is upon us. You could celebrate our nation’s independence with a basic cookout or picnic of burgers and hot dogs…but why not kick it up a notch or two with some of these recipe suggestions that will impress everyone on your guest list?

Spicy Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Parsley

Skin on and bone-in, this grilled chicken is a true summertime favorite. Brown the chicken on direct heat first before cooking thoroughly on indirect heat without burning it. If you don’t have smoked Spanish paprika, no problem! Create the desired smoky flavor yourself by adding a dash of cumin or one of these other alternatives to regular paprika. View recipe here.

Bourbon-Glazed Baby Back Ribs

Low and slow is the key to fall-off-the-bone ribs. This easy recipe starts off with the ribs in the oven, then browning them on the grill and basting with glaze. The chili paste adds heat to the sweet bourbon, but there are a few good spicy substitutes to consider if you don’t have it on hand. View recipe here.

Smoked Chicken Wings

When you want to add some finger food to the grill menu, this is one to go for. Switch up the barbeque sauce for a homemade marinade. Or, check out Butcher’s Boy’s selection of marinated chicken that you can just toss onto the grill. Satisfy multiple preferences by cooking up a variety of flavors! View recipe here.

Porterhouse Steak with Summer Vegetables

Season this cut of beef liberally and make sure you bring the steak up to room temperature before putting it on the grill. A porterhouse is thick, and that will ensure even cooking. When it’s just the way you like it, carve the steaks off the bone, then slice the strip and the tenderloin into 1/4-inch slices for the crowd to share. View recipe here.

Grilled Filet Mignon with Brandy Mustard Sauce

This recipe will give your 4th of July party a more upscale taste. The sauce ingredients are easy enough to throw together in a skillet. You can finish it off while the steaks are resting off the grill. View recipe here.

Looking for some ideas more suited to honoring the red, white and blue of the occasion? Revisit our 5 Patriotic Dishes suggestions to celebrate America. If a side dish is what you need to round out the main courses, try Mexican grilled corn, a delicious alternative to basic steamed or boiled corn on the cob.

Have a safe, fun and happy 4th of July!

Cook-Out for a Crowd

A warm breeze, the tantalizing smell of grilled meat, the sunshine on your face. Is there anything better than a summer cook-out? This is an occasion best experienced with friends and family, which means a lot of mouths to feed. Steak is always a crowd-pleaser, and you’re going to want to select a larger cut like a London Broil or flank steak to fill those stomachs. We carry pre-marinated Burgundy London Broil, ready for immediate grilling.

You’ll be tempted to invite the entire neighborhood to show off your grilling skills with these recipes:

Flank Steak Recipes

1) Grilled Korean Flank Steak with Spicy Cucumber Salad

Delish‘s Korean marinade recipe is anything but typical. Sweetness found through honey and sugar, and spice from Sriracha are masterfully combined for the marinade, cucumber salad dressing, and sauce for drizzling on the cooked steak. Plate the steak after letting it rest and garnish with scallions.

2) Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri

A good homemade chimichurri adds a freshness and zing to grilled meats, and Skinny Taste promises plenty of zing with the self-proclaimed “best” homemade chimichurri recipe out there. First, the flank steak is prepared with a dry rub made with garlic powder, cumin, and oregano, with salt and pepper to taste. After grilling, let the steak rest and transfer to a cutting board. Slice the meat across grain, top with the chimichurri, and prepare to be satisfied.

3) Bourbon Marinated Flank Steak

This Bourbon-Marinated recipe is adapted from Garlic & Zest‘s old family recipe, and is one of their favorite meals. Bourbon and packed brown sugar mix beautifully with soy sauce, olive oil and herbs to add a sweet and mellow flavor to the steak. The longer you marinade, the more the taste will penetrate the beef. Let the marinade juices really soak in by letting the steak rest before slicing and serving.

London Broil Recipes

1) Grilled Marinated London Broil – Madness Style

Grilled London Broil Madness Style — via Chili Pepper Madness

You’ll go mad for this “Madness Style” London Broil recipe from Chili Pepper Madness. The boom-factor comes straight from the homemade chili paste. This is a steak marinade for heat lovers, the level of which depends entirely on the selected chili pepper. Combine the chili paste with the rest of the ingredients to make the marinade, rub into the steak, and refrigerate six hours to overnight before grilling.

2) Grilled Marinated London Broil

In this recipe, The Creative Life in Between shows how fresh ingredients make for a flavorful marinade. Fresh garlic, basil, and lemons are whisked with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce to make a marinade that will enhance and tenderize the meat. Slip the beef into a resealable plastic bag with the sauce and turn over one to two times over an eight hour period before grilling.

3) Grilled London Broil with Corn Salsa

Summer is only here for another month, so it’s important to take the time to savor the flavor of it. Cilantro, corn, and tomato are brought together in Nutmeg Nanny‘s recipe to complement a herb dry-rubbed London Broil. The dry-rub is extremely simple, with only three ingredients. The grilled beef serves as the perfect base for the colorful topping. The salsa is extremely tasty, so you may want to make extra for all your guests.

Happy Grilling!

Want more cook-out ideas?

Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Recipes for a Picnic-Perfect Memorial Day

Memorial Day is almost here. It’s a time to of thanks and remembrance of those who gave their lives to serve our great country. One of the things we find beautiful about the holiday is that it’s so often celebrated with our communities, and the thing that always brings people together: good food.

As we enjoy the sunshine and long weekend, we share this food with our families and friends. That’s why we carry hotdogs, pre-made hamburgers, and sliders for your grill, as well as a variety of salads and sides ready for you in-store. Complete your picnic and spruce up your sliders with these memorable recipes:

1) The Best Ever Homemade Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

You simply cannot have a barbecue without cool, creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing. Whether drizzled on a salad, or in a bowl for dipping pleasure, this chunky dressing from Domestic Superhero will have guests clamoring for more. Domestic Superhero recommends crumbling the blue cheese yourself, and letting the dressing sit in the fridge for four hours for optimal deliciousness.

2) Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Ranch

This unique salad from Peas and Crayons may look straight out of a gourmet bistro, but it is easily thrown together from ingredients already found in your fridge. Ripe avocado, blueberries, baby spinach, chopped broccoli, and crumbled feta make up the main part of the salad, with dried cranberries and sunflower seeds sprinkled through-out, creating little flavor pops. Make your own dressing with the included poppy seed ranch recipe.

3) Easy Potato Salad with Eggs

Melanie Cooks‘s potato salad has a special secret ingredient: sweet pickle relish. The depth of flavor the relish and tangy mustard brings to the creamy dressing will have everyone craving seconds. Use red or yellow potatoes, as the sturdy starch and thin skin makes the best salad possible. Sprinkle paprika on top for a dash of color and extra flavor.

4) Mediterranean Pasta Salad

There’s nothing better than a good pasta salad. Whip up Gimmie Some Oven‘s delightful, light Mediterranean Pasta Salad to pass around your picnic table. Grab your favorite type of pasta and mix with kalamata olives, cucumbers, feta cheese, tomatoes, and red onion. Toss in the zesty lemon-vinaigrette to complete this guaranteed crowd-pleaser of a dish.

Slider Topping Recipes:

1) Bourbon Burgers

As drool-worthy as ketchup and lettuce are, sometimes it’s good to mix it up with your toppings. Call Me PMC‘s cheddar, caramelized onions, bacon, and bourbon-spiked barbecue sauce burger will have your family licking their lips and fingers. If your party is alcohol-free, use the slow cooker recipe for the sauce instead.

2) Smoky Avocado Burgers with Pineapple Pepper Relish

Smoky Avocado Burger with Pineapple Pepper Relish — via Joyful Healthy Eats

Who knew avocado and pineapple would pair so well? Mouthwateringly juicy, this colorful burger recipe from Joyful Healthy Eats is creamy and spicy from the chipotle pepper mayo sauce. Blend the spices together to make a spicy rub for the patty, then grill to your liking. Mix up the pineapple pepper relish, and mash up the avocado with lime juice and garlic powder. This burger is a meal in itself, so don’t be surprised if your guests neglect the sides.

3) Smoky Avocado Burgers with Pineapple Pepper Relish

Blue Cheese and fried onion burgers — via
Jo Cooks

Jo Cooks considers her crispy fried onions burger a happy accident. S/he was aiming for caramelized onions, but when they were left in the pan a little too long, they became crispy, and a new burger was born. With spicy mustard, blue cheese slices, tomatoes, and baby arugula, you’ll be silently thanking Jo’s absentmindedness when eating this beautifully topped burger.

Happy Memorial Day from Butcher Boy, and thanks to all those who serve!

Want more Memorial Day ideas?