There’s nothing quite like a Southern cookout. The comforting aroma of seasoned, smoked meats on the grill, the sounds of laughter and storytelling, and a table full of hearty sides that taste like home. If you’re planning to host your own Southern gathering, there's no better way to elevate the experience than with Stripling’s smoked meats. Known for our handcrafted flavor and small-town Georgia charm, Stripling’s delivers everything you need to turn a backyard barbecue into a celebration of Southern hospitality.

From bacon-wrapped appetizers to tender country sausage and our legendary BBQ sauce, this guide will walk you through how to host the ultimate Southern cookout Stripling’s style.

Set the Scene for Southern Hospitality

Before diving into the food, it’s important to create the right atmosphere. Southern cookouts are more than just meals; they’re about community, conversation, and comfort. Whether you're gathering in the backyard, at a local park, or near the lake, think about ways to make your guests feel at home. A simple gingham tablecloth can set the tone, and a few mason jars filled with flowers bring a rustic charm. If you’re cooking outdoors in the heat of a Georgia summer, consider setting up fans or umbrellas to keep guests cool. Add a playlist filled with classic country, Southern rock, and blues to tie it all together. With the setting ready, it's time for the real star of the show, Stripling’s smoked meats.

Start Strong with Southern Starters

The best cookouts begin with appetizers that get guests talking and taste buds tingling. Stripling’s isn’t just about smoked meats; we offer flavorful, premium ingredient sides. Start with bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers or asparagus. Using Stripling’s smoked bacon, wrap each piece tightly and grill until the bacon turns golden and crispy. The smoky flavor and salty crunch are sure to be a hit.

Another great appetizer is sausage skewers. Take Stripling’s country sausage, slice it into hearty chunks, and alternate pieces with bell peppers and onions on skewers. Grill them until nicely charred, and then brush with a generous coating of Stripling’s BBQ sauce for a sweet and savory finish. These small bites are packed with big flavor and offer the perfect prelude to your main course. There is no finer starter than Stripling’s smoked meats.

The Main Event: Stripling’s Smoked Meats

When it comes to the centerpiece of a Southern cookout, smoked meats take the crown. Stripling’s smoked meats are crafted the traditional way—slow-cooked over hardwood for hours to develop a deep, smoky flavor that’s unmistakably Southern. These meats are more than just food—they’re a connection to Georgia roots and generations of culinary craftsmanship.

One standout option is Stripling’s ribeye steaks. Hand-cut and expertly marbled, these steaks are a true centerpiece for any Southern cookout. Grill them over medium-high heat to your preferred doneness, allowing the fat to render and the outside to develop a beautiful char. Just before they come off the grill, brush on a layer of Stripling’s BBQ sauce for a rich, tangy glaze that complements the bold, beefy flavor of the ribeye. Let the steaks rest a few minutes before serving to lock in all those savory juices. Be sure to have extra sauce on hand—your guests will be asking for seconds.

Stripling’s sausage dogs bring big Southern flavor to a cookout classic. Made from their signature whole-hog sausage in a hot dog-style link, they’re juicy, boldly seasoned, and grill up perfectly. Serve them on a toasted bun with mustard, coleslaw, or a drizzle of Stripling’s BBQ sauce for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that’s anything but ordinary.

Don’t forget the smoked sausage links. Whether you choose Stripling’s country sausage or our classic smoked links, these are best grilled until they have a satisfying snap. Serve them sliced on a platter or in fresh buns with mustard and sautéed onions. Their bold seasoning and hearty texture make them an undeniable favorite at any cookout.

Southern Sides to Complement Your Smoked Meats

No cookout is complete without soul-satisfying sides to round out the meal. A creamy, baked mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when the top is golden and bubbling. For something green and full of Southern character, try collard greens slowly simmered with a few slices of Stripling’s bacon for a smoky, salty depth of flavor.

Baked beans are another essential, and you can level them up by adding chopped bacon or diced country sausage. The savory meat brings out the richness of the beans and creates a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. And of course, a classic potato salad made with mayonnaise, mustard, and just a splash of vinegar will bring a cool, creamy contrast to your hot smoked meats. These sides aren’t just fillers, they’re staples that celebrate the Southern way of cooking and eating.

Sauces, Condiments & Finishing Touches

Stripling’s BBQ sauce deserves a spotlight of its own. Whether you’re using it as a marinade before grilling, a glaze while cooking, or a condiment at the table, this sauce brings everything together. Crafted with just the right mix of sweetness, tang, and a smoky bite, it enhances the natural richness of Stripling’s smoked meats.

Set up a simple sauce station so guests can customize their plates. Offering a few sauce varieties, including sweet and spicy options, adds a personal touch that encourages people to experiment and savor each bite.

Don’t Forget Dessert

A Southern cookout wouldn’t be complete without a sweet ending. Peach cobbler served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a timeless favorite. Banana pudding with layers of vanilla wafers offers a cool, creamy contrast to your hearty meal, and a slice of pecan pie adds a nutty, indulgent close. Wash it all down with a tall glass of sweet tea or a bourbon cocktail, and let the laughter roll on into the night.

Shop Local or Online with Stripling’s

One of the best parts about planning your cookout with Stripling’s is knowing you’re supporting a family-run business rooted in Georgia tradition. You can visit one of our charming general store locations to pick up everything from smoked meats and BBQ sauce to our handcrafted bacon and country sausage. If you're not nearby, shopping online at striplings.com brings that same authentic Southern flavor straight to your door. Each product is crafted with care and built on decades of know-how. When you serve Stripling’s at your cookout, you're serving more than a meal—you're sharing a tradition.

Make It Memorable with Stripling’s Smoked Meats

Hosting the perfect Southern cookout is about more than great food—it’s about creating an experience. With Stripling’s smoked meats, you don’t have to be a professional pitmaster to bring bold, mouthwatering flavor to the table. Every bite brings warmth, comfort, and a taste of the South. So fire up the grill, invite your friends and family, and let Stripling’s help you create a cookout to remember. 

When it comes to celebrating Southern smoked flavor, nobody does it better.