Let Copilot help you grill like a pro

An open grill with charred vegetable skewers, bratwursts, and chicken

A backyard BBQ is a staple of summer party planning, bringing friends and family together over smoky grills and refreshing drinks. But hosting the perfect cookout takes more than firing up the grill—it requires organization, creativity, and seamless execution. Enter Copilot, your AI-powered BBQ planner, ready to transform your backyard cookout ideas into a flawless summer feast. In this article, we’ll show you how Copilot can up your grilling game for a barbecue party everyone will enjoy.

Build a custom BBQ menu with AI help

Every great BBQ begins with a mouthwatering menu. Instead of scrambling to decide what to serve, you can lean on Copilot to generate themed menus curated for your event and guest list. You can even ask for pro BBQ tips to really elevate your grilling game. Whether you’re going for a veggie-forward feast featuring grilled portobello burgers or a family-style cookout with classic burgers and hot dogs, Copilot’s got you covered. Try prompts like the ones below to get started:

My friends are coming over for a barbecue this weekend. Help me create a menu for 10 guests, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
I’m hosting my family from Louisiana next week, and I want to make some of the dishes they love. Can you help me design a Southern-style BBQ menu with ribs, sides, and desserts?
My spouse and I just got back from an international trip, and we want to recreate some of the flavors we tasted on our barbecue. Help me build a menu with Korean barbecue flavor influences.

Generate a shopping list for your backyard cookout

Once your menu is set, Copilot can turn it into a shareable grocery list, so you don’t forget any essential ingredients. No more last-minute dashes to the store or realizing you’re out of charcoal—Copilot can organize a list that’s easy to follow. Whether you need fresh herbs for marinades or the perfect burger buns, Copilot helps streamline the shopping experience so you can focus on grilling with prompts like these:

My friends are putting on a block party, and I’m in charge of getting the ingredients from the store. List all ingredients I need for a BBQ with brisket, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
I’m helping out with my neighborhood’s block party this weekend. Help me create a cost-effective BBQ shopping list for 50-75 people.
My partner wants to have a seafood barbecue next week for our housewarming party. What groceries should I add to my list?

Prep for your BBQ without the stress

Timing is everything when it comes to smoking a juicy brisket or getting the right amount of char on a veggie skewer. Copilot can help you create a prep timeline that ensures every dish is cooked to perfection without feeling rushed. Here are some examples of how you can put your AI companion to work so you can prepare for the best barbecue without breaking a sweat:

I’m smoking my first brisket this weekend. Help me plan a BBQ prep schedule with tasks broken down by day and hour.
My family is coming over for a holiday cookout on Friday. What’s the best way to time grilling, sides, and drinks for a 4 pm event?
I’m hosting family and friends next week for a summer party, and I’m worried I might forget something. Can you make a BBQ prep checklist with timing for marinating, grilling, and serving?

AI art created via Copilot

Make perfectly refreshing drinks

A backyard BBQ isn’t complete without refreshing beverages that complement the meal. From craft beer recommendations to custom cocktail (or mocktail) ideas, Copilot can suggest beverage selections that enhance the flavors of your dishes. Try out prompts like these for refreshing drink ideas:

I want to impress my in-laws with some fancy drinks at our annual family barbecue. Suggest drink pairings for a BBQ menu with ribs, grilled corn, and peach cobbler.
What cocktails go well with spicy BBQ chicken and smoky brisket?
I’m in charge of bringing the drinks for a family-friendly neighborhood barbecue. What are some non-alcoholic drinks that everyone can enjoy?

Send fun, personalized BBQ invites

Get your guests excited before the grilling even begins! Copilot can help you craft catchy BBQ invitations that match your theme, whether it’s a casual backyard hangout or a full-on grill master showdown. With Copilot’s suggestions, your invites can be fun, witty, and perfectly customized to set the tone for an unforgettable gathering. Give prompts like the ones below a try for invitations that will whet your guests’ appetites:

I want to get to know my new neighbors better, so I’m putting together a barbecue. Help me write a casual BBQ invite for neighbors and friends.
I’m throwing a birthday party for my grandma, who loves barbecue. Make a digital BBQ invite with a retro summer theme and RSVP link.
My kids’ school just got out, so I want to throw a fun party to celebrate the end of the school year for their classmates. Help me write a fun BBQ invite for a backyard bash with games, food, and music.

Turn up the heat on your grilling game with Copilot

Gone are the days of stressful party planning—Copilot makes organizing a backyard BBQ a breeze. With AI-powered summer party planning, you can focus on flipping burgers and making memories while technology takes care of the details. Whether it’s building the ultimate grill recipes, keeping your timeline on track, or suggesting drink pairings, Copilot helps you make sure your cookout is one for the books. Ready to fire up the grill? Try Copilot today and become the grill master you were meant to be!

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.