If you're hosting a casual outdoor event, using barbecue rubs can help add plenty of interest and flavor to basic grilled dishes. For large celebrations, or if you frequently entertain outdoors, consider buying the rubs in bulk from a gourmet food supplier to save both time and money. 

Grilled foods are appropriate for almost any type of laid-back get-together, including birthday parties, wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions, anniversary and graduation celebrations, holiday soirees, and bridal and baby showers. Adding barbecue rubs to your grilling technique will help give your dishes a personalized touch.

Barbecue rubs come in a wide variety of flavors, ranging from smoky and slightly sweet to spicy hot. The rubs typically feature ingredients such as cayenne and black peppers, sea salt, garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, rosemary, parsley and thyme. You can either use a rub alone or combined with another one to create a one-of-a-kind flavor. 

You can use the barbecue rubs to enhance almost any type of meat, including steaks and chicken, as well as vegetables. When planning your party menu, include meatless grilled foods to accommodate the vegetarians in the group, too. 

Here are some additional special event menu ideas including barbecue rubs:

1. Skewers 

For a delicious, easy-to-eat lunch or dinner that guests can enjoy while mixing and mingling, make a variety of grilled skewers. As a tropical twist, add cubed fresh fruit such as mango and pineapple as well chicken breast pieces with a habanero-pepper-based rub and thread them onto a skewer. 

Use an all-purpose barbecue rub to enhance a mix of vegetables, including portobello or white mushrooms, squash, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and cauliflower, and then grill them until tender. The veggie skewers will make appetizing starters or even main courses when served with a salad, rice, or pasta.

2. Fajitas

As a fun, interactive party menu idea, set up a build-your-own fajitas bar featuring grilled steak, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables such as onions and green, red, orange, or yellow peppers. Season both the meat and produce with a cumin- or cayenne-pepper-based barbecue rub prior to grilling for even more flavor. 

Include other fajita essentials, including tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and toppings such as homemade guacamole and salsa. In addition to the fajitas, you can also serve all of the fixings for burritos or tacos to give guests a few different meal options. 

For more ideas for your barbecue menu contact a barbecue rub supplier like Butcher BBQ.