12 Grocery-Store Foods Every Vegan Barbecue Needs
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
Gathering your friends for a barbecue is a hallmark of summer, but finding vegan foods that everyone at the table will enjoy can be a bit dicey. What's the best meatless sausage, and can you really find a veggie burger that'll taste good? Look no further than these 12 items. Add 'em to your shopping list, and you'll be all set for entertaining.
Hilary's Eat Well Root Veggie Burger ($4): Certain soy-free meatless patties are soft and mushy, but Hilary's Root Veggie burgers get nice and crispy on the outside, thanks to the sweet potatoes.
Upton's Naturals Barbecue Jackfruit ($6): Pulled "pork" doesn't have to be off the table for vegans. Barbecued jackfruit piled on a bun with plenty of coleslaw will sate anyone's cravings for this summertime classic.
Follow Your Heart Vegan Thousand Island Salad Dressing ($5): Give your vegan burgers a little something extra with a generous dose of thousand island dressing, which is the "secret sauce" often used in fast food burgers.
Sweet Earth Veggie Burger ($5): It's always exasperating when a veggie burger falls apart on the grill. That's just one of the reasons why we love Sweet Earth's burgers; they can stand up to a sauté pan or hot coals without crumbling. Another perk? They come in unique varieties.
Field Roast Chao Vegan Slices Creamy Original ($7): Chao melts pretty successfully on top of burgers, giving you that cheesiness you crave. You also don't have to worry about a greasy texture or any funky flavors like you can find in other brands of vegan cheese.
Tofurky Beer Brats ($5): Treat these Tofurky brats just as you would the traditional meaty counterpart. Simmer in beer until heated through, then finish on the grill to get caramelized bits in every bite.
Just Ranch Spread ($5): People occasionally complain that vegan food is bland, but with a generous spoonful of ranch dressing, even broccoli tastes like crave-able junk food.
Daiya Cheezy Mac Deluxe Cheddar Style ($5): Is it really a barbecue without a dish of mac and cheese on the side? Velveeta-style Daiya Cheezy Mac should be on everyone's plate at your next get-together.
Field Roast Vegetarian Frankfurters ($6): Field Roast products are pretty much always a safe bet, and its hot dogs are definitely a cut above other brands. They have a smokey, savory flavor that's only enhanced by a trip to the grill.
Beyond Meat The Beyond Burger ($6): If you're grilling in mixed company (veg-heads and carnivores alike, that is), the Beyond Burger should definitely be on your menu. It's texture is uncannily like that of real meat, so everyone will leave the table satisfied.
So Delicious Dairy Free Almondmilk Vanilla Dessert Sandwiches ($6): Embrace your inner child by serving ice cream sandwiches at the end of your night.
Daiya Key Lime Cheezecake ($9): Finish your meal with a tropically inclined dessert.
Get more vegan entertaining ideas by following us on Pinterest.
Get more vegan entertaining ideas by following us on Pinterest.
(Photos via Instacart)
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.