When summer arrives in Wisconsin, grills fire up across backyards, campsites, tailgates, and family gatherings. At All Occasions Catering, grilling isn’t just part of the job, it’s our passion. Our pit crew has spent years grilling and smoking delicious meats for every type of event, from elegant weddings to backyard BBQs and tailgate parties. So naturally they’ve learned a thing or two about what makes great grilled food.
We asked our pit masters to share some of their favorite tips, biggest grilling mistakes, and a few memorable stories from behind the grill.
The Biggest Mistakes Grillers Make
According to our crew, one of the most common grilling mistakes is simple: burning the food.
It sounds obvious, but many people crank the heat too high and end up with food that’s charred on the outside and undercooked on the inside. In fact, our pit masters say that using too much heat is one of the most overlooked mistakes when cooking meat.
Their advice? Use common sense, pay attention to your food, and don’t assume hotter is always better.
The Secret to Better Grilling
If there’s one tool every backyard griller should own, it’s a good meat thermometer.
A thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling and helps ensure meat is cooked safely without drying it out. Another simple trick the crew swears by is letting meat rest after it comes off the grill.
Allowing meat to rest gives the juices time to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
Keep It Simple
When it comes to seasoning, our pit masters don’t believe you need a cabinet full of spices to make great food.
Their favorite flavor combination? Salt and pepper.
Simple seasoning allows the natural flavor of quality meat to shine through—especially when grilling a well-marbled ribeye, which is the crew’s favorite cut thanks to its rich flavor and tenderness.
Don’t Forget the Vegetables
Grilling isn’t just for meat lovers.
For summer vegetables, the crew recommends asparagus and peppers. Both develop excellent flavor on the grill and make a great addition to any backyard cookout.
Crowd Favorites for Tailgates and Backyard Parties
If they’re feeding a crowd at a tailgate or backyard gathering, the answer is easy: brats.
A Wisconsin classic, brats are always a hit and can feed a large group without sacrificing flavor.
Looking to try something different? The crew says lamb is one of the most underrated foods to grill. When cooked properly, it delivers incredible flavor and can be an impressive and memorable addition to your next cookout.
Pit Master Stories from the Grill
Not every grilling experience goes according to plan.
One crew member’s biggest grilling disaster involved a grill catching fire. It’s a reminder that grilling requires attention and respect for the heat involved.
As for the strangest thing they’ve ever grilled? Kangaroo.
While it may not be showing up on our catering menu anytime soon, it certainly wins the award for most unique grilling experience.
What They’re Known For
Ask around the All Occasions Catering team, and you’ll hear one answer repeatedly when it comes to signature dishes: beef brisket.
Slow-cooked, flavorful, and expertly prepared, brisket remains one of the crew’s most popular and celebrated specialties.
Final Advice from the Pit Masters 
For anyone new to grilling, the crew keeps their advice straightforward:
Don’t overcook your food, and don’t walk away from the grill.
Great grilling doesn’t have to be complicated. Pay attention, control your heat, use a thermometer, and give your food time to rest. Follow those simple tips, and you’ll be well on your way to serving up a successful backyard BBQ all summer long.
And if you’d rather leave the grilling to the professionals, the team at All Occasions Catering is always ready to help make your next event unforgettable.
