Super Easy Veggie BBQ Options?

picote · August 16, 2019, 10:15:40 PM

We once again over invited for DD's b-day and were planning on getting trays of BBQ from a local place. As I'm looking at the RSVP list, I'm realizing we have a bunch of families coming who will likely be vegetarian. Any super easy suggestions (or things that would be easy to pick up) that won't feel like a mediocre alternative for the kids? I'm realizing, this is why every b-day party does pizza!!

Run Amok · August 16, 2019, 10:23:00 PM

Pizza is hardly safe anymore w/ gluten free, dairy free, etc.

As a vegetarian, I don't really expect people to go out of their way to accommodate me, to be honest. A lot of times BBQ places will have some sides that are vegetarian and I am perfectly happy with that. It's really nice if you can put a little sign out that says things are or aren't veggie (like beans can go either way). But commonly BBQ places will have mac & cheese, baked potatoes, maybe baked beans, & a couple of salads.

Or if you are looking for alternative catering options a taco bar is an easy thing that will please everyone. Qdoba & Chipotle both do a decent job at this.

picote · August 16, 2019, 10:57:38 PM

Quote from: Run Amok on August 16, 2019, 10:23:00 PM
Pizza is hardly safe anymore w/ gluten free, dairy free, etc.

As a vegetarian, I don't really expect people to go out of their way to accommodate me, to be honest. A lot of times BBQ places will have some sides that are vegetarian and I am perfectly happy with that. It's really nice if you can put a little sign out that says things are or aren't veggie (like beans can go either way). But commonly BBQ places will have mac & cheese, baked potatoes, maybe baked beans, & a couple of salads.

Or if you are looking for alternative catering options a taco bar is an easy thing that will please everyone. Qdoba & Chipotle both do a decent job at this.

Oh, I like the Mac and cheese option! We were already planning some veggie sides, but nothing that seemed substantial enough. That's perfect!

We unfortunately included the BBQ on the invite—they're legendary here. If we hadn't, I'd be all over switching it up. It's going to be far more expensive than we expected!

Run Amok · August 16, 2019, 11:03:27 PM

They might also do baked potatoes. Baked potato bar is also great!

diablita · August 17, 2019, 01:00:48 PM

A friend did a grits bar (crockpot) once that was fantastic. That would go with BBQ and be super easy to make. Shredded cheese, chopped green onion, bacon (or fake-on) and whatever else you like to put on grits.

BonitaApplebum · August 17, 2019, 02:11:28 PM

Quote from: diablita on August 17, 2019, 01:00:48 PM
A friend did a grits bar (crockpot) once that was fantastic. That would go with BBQ and be super easy to make. Shredded cheese, chopped green onion, bacon (or fake-on) and whatever else you like to put on grits.

Ooooh great idea!

I am a latecomer to grits, but now an ardent fan.

diablita · August 17, 2019, 03:38:43 PM

same here...though we had "mameligah" growing up which is Romanian polenta so very similar.

fabulous grits are an art. my fave have green chilis and goat cheese. mmmm

BonitaApplebum · August 17, 2019, 03:59:32 PM

Quote from: diablita on August 17, 2019, 03:38:43 PM
same here...though we had "mameligah" growing up which is Romanian polenta so very similar.

fabulous grits are an art. my fave have green chilis and goat cheese. mmmm

Oh yeah!!! I make a version of that (I call it polenta though, because I have zero southern cred), goat cheese is really good in grits.

Having proper shrimp and grits was a revelation to me.

ihop · August 19, 2019, 01:16:53 PM

I love the grits idea. YUM.

Total comfort food to me.

picote · August 19, 2019, 02:32:44 PM

Quote from: diablita on August 17, 2019, 01:00:48 PM
A friend did a grits bar (crockpot) once that was fantastic. That would go with BBQ and be super easy to make. Shredded cheese, chopped green onion, bacon (or fake-on) and whatever else you like to put on grits.

Oh, that would be good! I'm taking the completely easy way out and going to pick up a couple of ready to bake mac & cheese containers from costco--too much planning to do and not enough time!

diablita · August 20, 2019, 09:00:13 PM

Quote from: ihop on August 19, 2019, 01:16:53 PM
I love the grits idea. YUM.

Total comfort food to me.

Absolutely. She also does the meatballs in jelly thing that's so popular at potluck meals.

ihop · August 28, 2019, 09:54:18 AM

Quote from: diablita on August 20, 2019, 09:00:13 PM
Absolutely. She also does the meatballs in jelly thing that's so popular at potluck meals.

Yes! Grape jelly! My MIL makes this for parties. And cheese balls.

rocketgirl · August 28, 2019, 11:58:58 AM

The ex-boyfriend makes a dip that is cream cheese, chorizo, rotel, and a bunch of taco seasoning that is always popular. He often makes it with vegetarian chorizo because prep is simpler. Nobody call tell the difference. He microwaves things to a certain consistency and then mixes it in the crockpot. Serve with tortilla chips or corn chips.

diablita · August 28, 2019, 09:21:45 PM

The same friend puts that out too!

But not with veggie chorizo.

Quote
Yes! Grape jelly! My MIL makes this for parties.

yes!

rocketgirl · August 29, 2019, 01:16:42 PM

Veggie chorizo crumbles are really good. The flavor and texture are really close to real chorizo, without the grease. (And without having to strip it out of the casing and cook thoroughly and make a mess part). They are also good on pizza.

radial · August 29, 2019, 01:57:08 PM

Quote from: rocketgirl on August 29, 2019, 01:16:42 PM
Veggie chorizo crumbles are really good. The flavor and texture are really close to real chorizo, without the grease. (And without having to strip it out of the casing and cook thoroughly and make a mess part). They are also good on pizza.

Good to know. I like the flavor of chorizo, but not the fuss and mess.

merigayle · August 29, 2019, 02:31:57 PM

Quote from: rocketgirl on August 29, 2019, 01:16:42 PM
Veggie chorizo crumbles are really good. The flavor and texture are really close to real chorizo, without the grease. (And without having to strip it out of the casing and cook thoroughly and make a mess part). They are also good on pizza.

i've used the soychorizo in recipes with positive reviews.

diablita · August 29, 2019, 07:45:53 PM

yes, there are a few good ones out there (and yummy salt!) My fave is the No Evil Foods Zapatista and it's not crumbles, but worth it to work with.

rocketgirl · August 30, 2019, 12:11:34 PM

I have no idea the brand. Just that they carry it at Publix.

Rejaneration · September 02, 2019, 07:58:09 AM

Quote from: rocketgirl on August 29, 2019, 01:16:42 PM
Veggie chorizo crumbles are really good. The flavor and texture are really close to real chorizo, without the grease. (And without having to strip it out of the casing and cook thoroughly and make a mess part). They are also good on pizza.

I like them. I love them in a Mexican quiche, but also for tacos. Easy, healthy and good for leftovers as well.

ETA: I have had the Lightlife and Morningstar Farms brands. Both are good.