16 Dishes Not Allowed at Any Black Cookout This Summer

16 Dishes Not Allowed at Any Black Cookout This Summer

You know better than to show up with potato salad with raisins.

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As we progress further into the summer, it’s time we lay some rules down for one of the most common gatherings Black folks enjoy: the cookout.

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Whether it’s a high school graduation, the 4th of July or just nice weather, we don’t need too many excuses to “throw sum on the grill.” Next thing you know, what began with a party of four turns into a full-fledged family gathering.

With that being said, there’s a set menu of foods to expect on the table. Similar to Thanksgiving, there are some dishes only certain family members are commissioned to make while there are other dishes that are just downright not allowed. If you need a reminder of what NOT to bring to the cookout this summer, check out these 16 dishes for reference.

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Pizza

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Photo: Pixabay

Just lazy.

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3 / 18

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

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Photo: DronG (Shutterstock)

Really? We already got potatoes in the potato salad. It’s too hot for allat.

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4 / 18

Potato Salad with Raisins

Potato Salad with Raisins

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Photo: gkrphoto (Shutterstock)

Why would you ruin the main attraction of the assembly line? Raisins? Nasty work.

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5 / 18

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad

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Photo: Brent Hofacker (Shutterstock)

Ew. A fruit platter will do just fine.

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6 / 18

Vegan Meats

Vegan Meats

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Photo: Antonina Vlasova (Shutterstock)

Don’t you come near the grill with that mess. You want to get on Unc’s bad side? Try your luck.

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7 / 18

Spaghetti

Spaghetti

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Photo: Dana Tentis (Pexels)

Please. Your kids came to this cookout to eat something other than dinner leftovers.

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8 / 18

Mac n Cheese with Breadcrumbs

Mac n Cheese with Breadcrumbs

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Photo: Chris F (Pexels)

Baked cheesey top. Crispy edges. Nothing else.

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9 / 18

Cheese Tray

Cheese Tray

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Photo: Engin Akyur (Pexels)

The dish won’t necessarily get you in trouble. It will just sit there, pretty at the end of the assembly line... untouched. Nice thought, though!

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10 / 18

Anything Canned

Anything Canned

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Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya (Pexels)

We take pride in homemade food. We can tell the difference between the store-bought baked beans and the real deal.

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11 / 18

Gelatin Dishes

Gelatin Dishes

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Photo: Wikicommons

Warm Jell-O? You’re better off throwing some liquor in there and tossing it in the cooler. Then, we can talk.

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12 / 18

Off-Brand Drinks

Off-Brand Drinks

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Photo: Sebastian Coman Photography

I don’t know anyone but Schweppes and Sprite. If they go by another name, they will be shuffled to the bottom of the cooler and remain there by the time the ice melts.

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13 / 18

French Fries

French Fries

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Photo: Dzenina Lukac (Pexels)

If we wanted them, McDonald’s is just a trip down the street. Don’t be childish. (If they’re curly fries... they’ll be on my plate and mine only.)

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14 / 18

Gluten-Free Buns

Gluten-Free Buns

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Photo: Polina Tankilevitch

Bring them for yourself if you need them but don’t force the rest of us to eat them with you.

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15 / 18

Ice Cream

Ice Cream

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Photo: Min An (Pexels)

The dessert everyone will forget about anyway because it’s stored in the freezer so it won’t melt outside.

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16 / 18

Tupperware... for Yourself

Tupperware... for Yourself

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Photo: Greta Hoffman (Pexels)

Greedy! Bring enough for everyone to save a plate.

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17 / 18

Empty-Handed

Empty-Handed

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Photo: Dean Drobot (Shutterstock)

You know better. Run to the store and grab some napkins or cups at least.

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