When you think of picnics, what do you envision? For us at Rocky Mountain Catering, it’s friends, family, camaraderie, drool-worthy BBQs, and a whole lot of happy memories. That’s why we offer the best BBQ picnic menus in Denver to spread the love (and the real, tasty food too, of course).
Now, not every caterer is going to put in the work to make sure that your catered BBQ picnic spread is from scratch. But as a family-owned and operated picnic catering company, we see the immense importance of creating experiences people can enjoy together. And to be frank, that’s not going to be sparked by frozen potato salad from a plastic container.
Each and every dish on our picnic menus is made from scratch, handcrafted with local ingredients. After one bite, you’ll be able to fully understand the difference—we don’t offer your average picnic catering.
So today, we’re going to share some of our favorite BBQ picnic menus with inspiration for planning your next picnic.
What’s Inside: Local Denver Ingredients
Our menus wouldn’t be the same without the incredible, high-quality local ingredients we’re able to source from Denver bakeries, farms, and vendors who are doing incredible work to make our local food scene sustainable, safe, and seriously delicious.
Here are just a few of the partners we love—and if you go with us as your caterer for a county fair picnic, pig roast, or any meal really, you’ll see them on your menu.
Harvest Moon Bread Products
Denver, CO
Since 2006, they’ve been making the best gourmet rolls in town. Using a little love with family recipes paired with wholesome ingredients and no artificial preservatives, they distribute around the country. We’re lucky to have them in our neighborhood!
Honeycomb Honey – Local Hive
Greely, CO
There’s nothing quite as sweet as artisan honey. This Greely, Colorado company sources raw and unfiltered honey from over 250 beekeepers in the U.S. to bottle up the all-natural goodness in safe, 100% BPA-free containers.
Deby’s Gluten-Free
Denver, CO
For our gluten-free guests, Deby’s is always the go-to. Their country white hamburger buns are so good you can’t taste the difference. Plus, we use their flour for our gluten-free goodies!
Sawatch Artisan Foods
Colorado Springs, CO
Working with local farmers who deliver fresh milk daily, Sawatch has a proprietary dairy-making process that results in the creamiest, most delicious artisan cheeses around. We feature their Pueblo Jack and Chipotle Cheddar in the BBQ menus.
Mountain Man Micro Farms
Franktown, CO
In Franktown, Colorado, you’ll find an impressive aquaponic farm that provides all our nutrient-rich microgreens. Plus, Mountain Man Micro Farms also uses a portion of each purchase to fund and build sustainable aquaponics systems in Africa.
As you can see, the people we work with are doing good for the environment and the world while helping us nourish guests through healthy, sustainable cuisine.
Inspiration: BBQ Picnic Menu Ideas & Themes
Now… how do we use these tasty ingredients?
Let’s take a look at some of our favorite menus for picnics!
🐖 American B.B.Q. Theme
An American B.B.Q. experience is such a great “go-to” for any picnic. We choose the finest quality meats and cook them to perfection. Take our 14-hour “slow & low” brisket; a true BBQ treat! The food will be the star of the show here, with low and slow meats and from-scratch sides that will have guests coming back for seconds (or thirds).
Decor for this package can look like haybales, horseshoes, and those red and white checkered linens, surrounded by the sounds of the best country music the DJ can play! Here’s our menu to get you inspired:
Menu Features:
Meats (Choose 2)
14-Hour “Slow & Low” Brisket
Smoked Red Bird Farms Bone-In Chicken
“Memphis-Style” Pulled Pork
Spicy Smoked Sausage
Sides (Choose 3)
Jalapeno Cole Slaw
RMC Potato Salad
House Potato Chips
Burnt End Baked Beans
Dessert (Choose 1)
Apple, Berry, or Peach Cobbler
🍔Backyard Grill Theme
Being in the Midwest, we know a thing or two about an honest-to-goodness backyard BBQ. You know that everyone’s favorite foods will be on deck for this one. Burgers and hot dogs and delicious sides are just some of what this crave-worthy menu includes.
For décor, we’d recommend having the classic checkered red and white picnic tablecloths with matching grill-inspired centerpieces and hanging decor, like burger honeycomb table toppers. We’ve even seen guests create a fun photobooth with BBQ props like mustard bottle glasses and a chef’s hat. Take a look at what we’ve got:
Menu Features:
Meats (Choose 2)
Beef Hot Dogs
1/3 lb. Burgers
Pulled Sesame Chicken Sandwich, Cucumber Ginger Slaw, Sriracha AioliSides (Choose 2)
Summer Vegetable Succotash
Charred Broccoli Tortellini Salad
House Potato Chips
Watermelon Slices
Caesar SaladDessert
Cookies and Brownies
🌮 Southwest Grill Out Theme
There’s a reason why Southwest foods are some of America’s favorite foods. They’re simply delicious! Who doesn’t love a Chipotle chimichurri beef taco? Yum! To really step up this theme, consider a Southwestern decor flair. Think shades of rust, or earthly palates with geometric prints for tablecloths and furnishings. And why not add a Southwest scene as a backdrop to a photo booth? There are lots of ways to bring the Southwest Grill Out theme to life.
Menu Features:
Meats (Choose 2)
Coriander rubbed bone-in chicken, smoked shallot jus
Milk and citrus braised pork butt, salsa verde
Chipotle chimichurri beef, charred tomato, flour tortillasSides (Choose 2)
Summer Vegetable Succotash
Charred Broccoli Tortellini Salad
House Potato Chips
Watermelon Slices
Caesar SaladDessert
Churro Bites and/or Chili Chocolate Cookies
Hosting a Picnic in Denver?
Let Rocky Mountain Catering Help.
If you’re hosting a picnic in Denver this summer, let Chef Patrick McCreary and the RMC+E team help you. Our skilled team of professionals knows exactly which Denver event venues are best for picnics, plus how to come up with a fun theme that pairs perfectly with our from-scratch BBQ menu items.