How to Prepare the Best Ketogenic Fall Barbecue

Photo by Evan Wise on Unsplash

Don’t cover that grill and stow it away for winter quite yet! If you do, you’ll be missing out on one of the best seasons to throw a ketogenic fall barbecue.

More than that, grilling blends perfectly with the ketogenic diet. Cooking low-carb vegetables and meat outdoors imparts a signature smoky flavor no oven can replicate.

Here’s why fall is peak barbecue season and how to host your next get-together in a keto-friendly way.

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Barbecue

Fall is the best time to barbecue for a wide variety of reasons. Many of the insects that nibble at food and guests alike are gone. The weather goes from stick-to-your-seat scorching to pleasantly crisp. People tend to have more energy, scurrying to squeeze in more fun in the sun before hibernating for the winter.

It’s also harvest time. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and turnips come into season and taste divine on the grill. Pumpkins and pears offer ample options for crafting a range of desserts.

Plus, the autumn makes beverage duty easier on hosts. You can invite guests to bring their favorite seasonal and keto-friendly ales and have a tasting. You can also whip up low-carb punch bowls where guests can refill their cups at their leisure.

Granted, you do need some extra planning to throw a successful fall bash. If you’re an urban apartment dweller, you may rent space at a park. Keep the possibility of inclement weather in mind. Select a venue with covered pavilions and nearby parking so guests can easily flee to their vehicles if the weather turns frightful.

If you’re hosting your fall barbecue at home, protect your flooring from dirt and mud by putting throw rugs down in high-traffic areas. For example, line the walkway from your patio to the powder room to keep guests from tracking outdoor grime over carpeting.

Keto-Friendly Recipes for Your Get-Together

Now that you have a firm grasp on why fall is the best time to barbecue, it’s time to plan your menu. Before you head to the store, count the number of attendees. You can make things easier by sending out emailed or printed invitations and requesting people RSVP. Plan for approximately two extra guests just in case.

For example, early fall is the perfect time to serve poultry, as it’s in season. Budget for approximately three drumsticks worth of meat per person or about 10 chicken wings.

Photo by Emerson Vieira on Unsplash

Steak matures later in the season, and you should estimate one steak per adult guest and every two children under 12. Here are some recipes to try.

Poultry

• Low-carb, gluten-free lemon-lime chicken breasts: No-sugar-added lime juice has zero calories and gives each breast tangy zest. The lemon pepper seasoning adds no carbs, making this a keto-dream.
• Looking for the traditional honey-mustard barbecue flavor, try Nature’s Hollow Honey Mustard Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce. Your guests and your chicken will thank you.
• Turkey burger with cranberry relish: Sage and thyme make this dish savory without adding carbs. The orange relish adds a delectable bite.

Meats

• Grilled strip steak with lemon-parsley butter: Give your strip steak some zip with herbed butter with lemon and a touch of gluten-free dijon mustard mix. Tenderizing helps the meat absorb the flavor.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean burgers: What’s a barbecue without burgers? The three strategic olives in this recipe add flavor without a ton of extra carbohydrates. Plus plants in the allium family, like onions, help your body absorb lycopene from tomatoes.

Ketogenic Fall Barbecue Condiments and Sides

• Low-carb, gluten-free, no-sugar ketchup: Did you know store-bought ketchup contains a ton of added sugar? Make this homemade version by Dana Carpender and keep your burger toppings keto-friendly.
• Crunchy low-carb coleslaw with almonds: Coleslaw belongs at any barbecue! Make Dana Carpender’s keto-friendly mayo to mix up a dressing every bit as good as KFC’s without all the sugars and carbs.

Ketogenic Fall Barbecue Vegetarian Chow

• Low-carb, Italian-style sautéed summer squash: Squash comes into season in the fall, meaning you get maximum phytonutrient intake with this recipe. Use vegan butter if you have the veggie set attending your bash.
• Low-carb cranberry relish: Add flavor, not carbohydrates, with this zesty blend that tops burgers and tastes great on its own.

Ketogenic Fall Barbecue Drinks

Sugar-free peach iced tea: You should have non-alcoholic beverages in addition to the alcohol you choose to serve. This low-carb peach tea is appropriate for kids and grownups alike.

Skinny vodka party punch: Selzer water with a touch of fruit makes this beverage refreshing and low carb — and the alcohol gives guests a pleasant buzz. Select high-quality vodka for the best results.

Fall Barbecues Plus the Ketogenic Diet Equal a Win-Win

Fall barbecues combine the wonders of autumn with family and friendship. By following the recipes above, you can throw a fantastic seasonal bash.

More Low-Carb Barbecue ideas.

Dylan Bartlett, aka, “The Regular Guide,” writes about food, health and similar topics on his blog. Check out Just a Regular Guide for more, or follow him @theregularguide on Twitter for frequent updates!