Hosting an event should be about spending time with people you like, not standing by the grill all day. Whether it’s a backyard party, office gathering, or a laid-back wedding, BBQ catering can take a lot of stress off your hands. Houston has a real thing for slow-cooked, smoky meats, and there are plenty of solid catering options that deliver big flavor without you having to babysit the smoker.
Here are six BBQ menus that your guests will love, and you’ll get to enjoy the event too.
1. The Classic Texas BBQ Plate
This is what most people picture when they think of BBQ in Texas. A plate loaded with smoked brisket, sausage links, and pork ribs, along with sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and jalapeño cornbread. It’s simple, filling, and full of flavor. Nothing fancy, just good food that everyone recognizes and actually wants to eat.
People enjoy this kind of meal because it feels familiar. It’s the kind of plate that shows up at backyard birthdays, graduation parties, and weekend get-togethers, and it always disappears fast. The brisket is tender, the sausage has a little snap, and the ribs pull right off the bone. You don’t need to explain it or dress it up. It speaks for itself.
When you’re considering BBQ catering in Houston, this is usually the first option you’ll see. Not because it’s basic, but because it works. You can tweak the sides or add dessert if you want, but most of the time, this plate is exactly what people came for.
2. Pulled Pork Sliders with All the Fixings
Pulled pork sliders are the kind of food that just works at a gathering. The pork is slow-cooked until it’s tender, then stacked onto soft buns that are easy to grab and eat. Guests don’t need a plate and fork. They can keep talking, moving around, and enjoying themselves without stopping to sit down and eat a full meal. It keeps the flow of the event going without making food feel like a chore.
These sliders also give you flexibility. You can serve them with grilled street corn, kettle chips, and a few sauces on the side like classic BBQ, Carolina gold, or something with a little heat. That way, people can build each bite the way they like it. The food feels thoughtful without being over the top.
If you’re thinking about BBQ catering in Houston, this is one of the easiest choices to serve a crowd. Most caterers can deliver it all in ready-to-go trays, so setup is quick and cleanup is simple. But more importantly, pulled pork sliders are something people look forward to eating. They’re warm, flavorful, and easy to enjoy without slowing anything down.
3. Brisket Tacos with a Tex-Mex Twist
Brisket tacos are a good way to switch things up without losing that classic BBQ flavor. Brisket brings deep, smoky richness that holds up well in a taco. It’s tender, full of flavor, and feels a little more special than your usual taco filling. When you put it in a warm tortilla with pickled onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of chipotle sauce, every bite feels balanced and satisfying.
Guests like tacos because they’re easy to eat and easy to enjoy. They can walk around, grab a plate, and build their own if there’s a taco station. That kind of setup keeps the energy casual but still makes the food feel like a part of the event, not just something off to the side.
This is where BBQ catering in Houston really shows its variety. A lot of local caterers offer brisket tacos because they work so well for rooftop parties, outdoor weddings, or any laid-back evening gathering. You can serve them with sides like grilled corn, black bean salad, or chips and guac. It’s a simple spread, but one that people remember
4. Backyard BBQ Brunch
Hosting a brunch but still want that slow-smoked BBQ flavor on the table? A BBQ brunch brings both together in a way that works surprisingly well. You can serve brisket hash with eggs. Or pulled pork breakfast tacos. Or go with smoked bacon alongside mini waffles or biscuits and gravy. These dishes keep the BBQ spirit alive, but with a fun morning twist.
Most people don’t expect BBQ at a morning event, which is why this setup stands out. The mix of rich, smoky meats with familiar breakfast sides keeps things fun, relaxed, and full of flavor. It’s a smart pick for baby showers, the morning after a wedding, or even a Sunday team meeting when you want to offer something a little different without going over the top.
5. Family-Style BBQ Feast
For larger groups, nothing brings people together like passing platters of smoked meats and shared sides across the table. A family-style setup lets you serve brisket, ribs, smoked chicken, and sausage all in one go. Everyone can pick and choose what they like.
Sides could include baked beans, potato salad, pickles, bread rolls, and peach cobbler for dessert. This kind of menu options is ideal for wedding receptions, retirement parties, or family reunions. Look for BBQ catering Houston companies that specialize in full-service setups, including servers to refill platters and keep drinks cold.
This setup encourages connection and conversation, something every host wants to see.
6. Vegetarian-Friendly BBQ Spread
BBQ doesn’t have to mean meat only. If you’re hosting guests who don’t eat meat, it makes sense to offer a few solid plant-based options. Think grilled veggie skewers, smoked jackfruit sliders, BBQ portobello mushrooms, or vegan mac and cheese. These dishes still bring that smoky BBQ flavor, just without the meat.
Including a vegetarian spread shows you’ve put thought into everyone’s experience. More catering menus in Houston now offer plant-based BBQ that actually tastes good and feels like part of the main event—not just a backup option.
You can even set up two buffet lines, one for the traditional BBQ and one for vegetarian dishes. It’s a simple way to make sure everyone feels welcome and has something they’ll enjoy.
What To Consider Before Choosing a BBQ Caterer
Not all BBQ is created equal. Before you lock in a caterer, ask a few important questions:
- Do they cook on-site or bring pre-smoked food? Some events benefit from the added show of a smoker running outside.
- Can they handle dietary restrictions? If you’ve got guests who are gluten-free, vegetarian, or avoiding certain meats, check that your caterer can accommodate.
- Do they include setup and cleanup? Not all caterers offer full-service. Some drop off the food and go, others handle the full experience.
- How flexible is the menu? The best BBQ catering Houston companies let you swap out sides or customize your order to match your crowd’s tastes.
Spending a few extra minutes discussing these details can save you a lot of hassle on the day of the event.
Great BBQ isn’t just about the food. It’s about making people feel good, bringing everyone together, and keeping the mood relaxed and fun. Whether you go with brisket tacos, pulled pork sliders, or the full Texas plate, the right menu can make your event feel special without adding stress.
The best part about hiring BBQ catering in Houston is that you get to enjoy it too. No standing over a grill, no scrambling to clean up. Just good food, good company, and time to actually enjoy both. Houston has plenty of solid BBQ caterers who know how to handle it all, so you can focus on being present.
So let someone else handle the smoker. You’ve got a party to enjoy—and maybe even a second helping of brisket waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common BBQ foods served by caterers in Houston?
When it comes to BBQ catering in Houston, most menus start with the basics: brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage. These are the staples people expect, especially in Texas. Brisket is usually the headliner because of its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture. Ribs and sausage add variety, and pulled pork is always a hit because it’s easy to serve and enjoy.
These meats are typically paired with sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and jalapeño cornbread. It’s a combo that works because it’s filling, familiar, and built around what people actually enjoy eating. You’re not trying to impress with complicated food—you’re giving guests something that feels right at home.
2. What are 10 types of BBQ foods that work well for catered events?
Here’s a breakdown of 10 BBQ items that show up often on catering menus, especially in Houston:
- Smoked brisket – The heart of any Texas BBQ plate. Tender, flavorful, and always the first to go.
- Pulled pork – Slow-cooked until it falls apart, great for sliders or sandwiches.
- Pork ribs – Meaty, sticky, and satisfying. A hands-on favorite for many guests.
- BBQ chicken – A milder option that still picks up that smoky flavor from the pit.
- Sausage links – Usually with a bit of snap and spice. Adds variety to the meat spread.
- Brisket tacos – A Tex-Mex twist that works well for casual or outdoor gatherings.
- Pulled pork sliders – Small, easy to eat, and perfect for events where people want to keep moving.
- Smoked jackfruit sliders – A great meat-free option with BBQ flavor and texture similar to pulled pork.
- Grilled veggie skewers – Colorful and fresh, especially when paired with BBQ sauces or dips.
- BBQ portobello mushrooms – Hearty and smoky, these hold their own next to the meat.
This list gives you flexibility whether you’re serving meat lovers, vegetarians, or both.
3. What kind of BBQ food is best for casual events like backyard parties or office lunches?
For laid-back gatherings, you want food that’s easy to eat and doesn’t slow people down. Pulled pork sliders and brisket tacos are both great because guests can hold them in one hand while still talking or walking around. Sausage wraps or mini sandwiches are also easy to serve buffet-style and don’t require a full sit-down setup.
You can round things out with sides that don’t need to stay piping hot—kettle chips, grilled corn, or black bean salad work well here. The key is to keep things simple, but still satisfying. People should be able to eat without juggling a plate, fork, and napkin just to enjoy the food.
4. What are good vegetarian options for a BBQ catered menu?
Even though BBQ is known for meat, there are actually a lot of good vegetarian dishes that fit right in. Smoked jackfruit, for example, has a pulled texture that makes it a strong stand-in for pork. BBQ portobello mushrooms have that meaty bite, and they soak up smoky marinades really well.
Other solid options include grilled veggie skewers, vegan mac and cheese, corn on the cob, and black bean salads. These dishes aren’t just filler—they taste good and hold up well next to the meat dishes. Some caterers in Houston even offer full vegetarian BBQ packages, so it’s worth asking. It shows your guests that you’ve thought of everyone, not just the meat eaters.
5. Can I mix and match different BBQ items when choosing a catering menu?
Yes, and you should. One of the biggest advantages of BBQ catering is how flexible it can be. Most caterers let you build your own menu by mixing different meats, sides, and even vegetarian options. You don’t have to choose just one type of meat or side. You can put together a spread that works for your guests, whether that’s ribs and brisket for the main table or jackfruit sliders for your vegetarian friends.
Some caterers even offer packages where you can pick two or three meats, a few sides, and dessert. You can also ask to swap things out if a particular dish doesn’t fit your event. The best caterers won’t force you into a one-size-fits-all menu—they’ll work with you to get it right.