Saturday’s the Fourth, and if your plan is still “figure it out Friday night,” this episode — and this post — is here to save you that scramble. I went back through my copycat seasoning blends this month, rewrote a handful of them, and realized they line up perfectly with a cookout. Four blends, what to put each one on, and a make-ahead dessert so the oven isn’t competing with grill time on the actual day.
The Lineup
For steak — and burgers, and honestly grilled potatoes too — reach for the Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning — https://thisoldbaker.com/copycat-kinders-buttery-steakhouse-seasoning and for chicken, the Buttery Garlic & Herb Seasoning — https://thisoldbaker.com/copycat-kinders-buttery-garlic-and-herb-seasoning/ is softer and herbier, so it doesn’t fight the char you get off the grill. Works on thighs, breasts, or a whole butterflied chicken if you’re feeling ambitious.
If you want something smokier for vegetables and corn on the cob, the Woodfired Garlic Seasoning — https://thisoldbaker.com/copycat-kinders-woodfired-garlic-seasoning reads like it’s been sitting near a fire even on a regular gas grill.
And for the wildcard — pork chops, shrimp, popcorn later that night — keep The Blend — https://thisoldbaker.com/copycat-kinders-the-blend-mix in the cabinet by the back door. It’s the one you reach for when someone hands you something and says “season this.”
Dessert’s handled too. Make the Oven Rice Krispie Treats — https://thisoldbaker.com/oven-rice-krispie-treats for Thursday or Friday, cut them Saturday morning, and they’re one less thing pulling your attention away from the grill.
Why This Works
This is the whole point of building a pantry system — you’re not scrambling on the day of. You made the decisions ahead of time, and Saturday you just get to enjoy it. Between these four blends, you’ve got steak, chicken, vegetables, and a wildcard covered without a single extra trip to the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best seasoning blend for grilled steak?
A steakhouse-style blend with garlic, onion, and cracked pepper holds up well to high heat and works on burgers and grilled potatoes too, not just steak.
Can I use the same seasoning on chicken and steak?
You can, but a softer, herb-forward blend suits chicken better — it won’t compete with the char the way a heavier steakhouse blend can.
How do I get a smoky flavor on a gas grill?
A seasoning blend built around smoked or roasted garlic notes gets you there without needing an actual wood fire — it works especially well on vegetables and corn.
What desserts can I make ahead for a cookout?
No-bake or bake-ahead treats like rice krispie treats are ideal — make them a day or two before so the oven isn’t in use on the day you’re grilling.
How far ahead can I season meat before grilling?
Most dry seasoning blends can go on meat several hours ahead, or even the night before if refrigerated, which makes cookout-day prep faster.
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