A mixed-grill menu-with chicken, steaks, burgers and sausages-is a surefire way to please a crowd. We like to prepare as much as possible in advance, so we can enjoy the evening with guests.

Here are our tips and tricks for putting together a fantastic barbecue menu-starters, mixed-grill mains, sweets and sippers-that comes together seamlessly, leaving you plenty of time to catch up with your guests.

Mouth-watering meats

When it comes to a mixed grill, timing is everything. Before you start cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high.

1. Flattened Chicken

Start off cooking your mixed-grill menu with a flattened chicken slathered in our zesty, summer-fresh Compliments Barbecue Sauce. (Not sure how to flatten a chicken? Ask a Sobeys meat expert to do it for you.) Grilling the chicken whole allows it to retain its tender-moist texture. First, lower the temperature of one side of your preheated grill to medium heat, oil it and arrange the chicken so it’s skin side down. For the best results, turn as needed until cooked through, which usually takes about an hour; when you insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and it reads 185°F (85°C), you know it’s done. Transfer the bird to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and set it aside while you cook the rest of your meat-it’s delicious served at room temperature.

2. Steaks

Start by generously coating Sterling Silver® Top Sirloin Steaks with cracked black peppercorns and coarse salt, and bring to room temperature for up to 30 minutes before grilling. Cook over medium-high heat until done to your liking; for medium-rare, this will take about three to four minutes per side, or until a thermometer reaches 145°F (63°C). Toward the end of cooking, baste with our Compliments BBQ Sauce Mustard Sweet & Smoky to add sweet, smokey-hot flavour. Remove from the grill, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for five minutes before serving. Check our Silver Rules of Grilling for even more tips.

3. Sausages

While the chicken and steaks are resting, grill up some spiced Italian sausages. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re bursting with juicy flavour but no longer pink inside. Serve with a dollop of rich, creamy Aioli bbq dip with Compliments garlic mayo.

4. Burgers

Next, grill the ultimate Handmade Beef Burger, or try a mix of hearty patties, such as our meaty Rib Beef Burger with Compliments and our not-too-spicy Jalapeno Beef burgers with Compliments. Check out 12 Wild Ways to Build Your Burger for topping ideas.

Apps, salads and sides

In-season veggies and simple wings are ideal complements to a mixed-grill menu.

Starter snacks. Just before the party starts, grill up some appetizers so they’re ready for guests as they arrive. Serve Grilled Goat Cheese Spread with a selection of crackers, or make Almond & Olive Hummus the day before and toast some pita on the barbecue and slice into wedges for dipping.

In-season salads. Toss together an Asparagus, Tomato & Goat Cheese Quinoa Salad or keep it simple with ready-to-serve Salad Kit with Compliments .

Grilled veggie packets. Wrap crunchy veggies-like cauliflower florets and green beans-in small foil packets with a pat of butter and a sprinkling of Sensations by Compliments Seasoning Grinders and toss on the grill.

Dessert

We love serving grab-and-go treats guests can enjoy as they mingle.

Backyard s’mores. Keep the grill going for dessert, and make some Maple-Planked Stuffed S’mores. Serve on the plank with whole wafers for scooping and sandwiching.

Serve-yourself treats. Load up a small cooler with ice and a selection of our Ice Cream Bar with Compliments and Compliments Balance Greek Yogourt Bars, so guests can choose their favourites.

Decadent fruit kabobs. Stack lightly sugar-coated doughnut pieces with chunks of ripe peaches on a skewer, then drizzle with rich and gooey caramel sauce just before serving. Or for a grilled option, try Grilled Pineapple with Spiced Fruit Sauce.