Ah, sweet summer time in Iowa. The beautiful warm weather, enjoying the outdoors, and cookouts with family and friends are some of our favorite summer activities. Our coffee, whether hot or iced, fuels us for our fun summer days. But who says coffee is just for drinking? There’s plenty of other ways to use coffee, such as in a delicious cookout. Below, we included some exciting coffee recipes so you can throw your own coffee themed cookout! Cooking with coffee is a great way to use your favorite coffee beans.
Coffee Rub
Making a simple coffee rub will perfectly season and marinate your favorite proteins and veggies. You’ll find you have most of these ingredients already, and you can store any extra rub in a jar to use for later. This recipe is from Oklahoma Joe’s, but feel free to get creative with your rub and craft it to match your taste preferences.
In a bowl, mix together the following:
- 2/3 cup ground Verena Street coffee (we recommend Julien’s Breakfast Blend®)
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons paprika (try hot paprika if you like more spice)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
I love the flavor and smoothness of Julien's Breakfast Blend. - Dawna, verified customer
Coffee BBQ Sauce
We’re going to need some delicious sauce, next! What’s a summer cookout without barbecue sauce? Here’s a delicious recipe from The Spruce Eats. It’s quick & easy to make, and it’s delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of strong dark coffee (we recommend Nine Mile Sunset®)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 fresh seeded jalapeños
- 2 tablespoons dry hot mustard, mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small pot on the stove, and simmer over medium-high heat.
- Once simmering, lower the heat and let the sauce cook on low for about 20 minutes.
- Next, puree the sauce in a blender.
- Enjoy!
I like a dark, strong coffee, and Nine Mile Sunset hits the mark. - Jennifer, verified customer
Affogato
No summer cookout is complete without a delicious dessert. Have you tried an affogato before? It’s creamy, sweet, and decadent. This is a perfect summer treat for coffee lovers. All you need to do is place a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream in a coffee cup, then pour delicious espresso over the top. We recommend vanilla bean ice cream and Shot Tower® Espresso. Yum!
Shot Tower Espresso is full bodied but remains smooth tasting throughout the entire cup. I love it! - Gary, verified customer
Brewing Up New Recipes With Coffee
If you make any of these recipes, let us know! Do you have your own coffee recipes? Share them with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.
FAQs About Cooking with Coffee
What can I cook with coffee besides drinking it?
Coffee can be used in rubs, sauces, and desserts to add rich flavor. It’s great for marinating meats, enhancing barbecue sauces, or making creamy treats like affogato. Ground coffee and brewed espresso are both versatile cooking ingredients.
How do you make a coffee rub for grilling?
To make a coffee rub, mix ground coffee with brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and coriander. Rub it onto meats or veggies before grilling for a bold, smoky flavor. Store extra in a jar for future use.
Can you put coffee in BBQ sauce?
Yes! Strong brewed coffee adds depth and complexity to BBQ sauce. Combine it with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, onions, garlic, jalapeños, and spices. We recommend using a dark roast like Nine Mile Sunset® for the best flavor.
What’s an easy coffee dessert for summer?
Affogato is an easy and decadent summer dessert. Just pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Try it with a bold espresso like Shot Tower® for a rich, smooth finish.
What kind of coffee is best for cooking?
Dark roast or espresso blends are ideal for cooking because their strong flavors hold up in rubs and sauces. Use a breakfast blend for sweet, mellow recipes and a rich roast like Nine Mile Sunset for barbecue sauces or marinades.
Can I use leftover coffee in recipes?
Yes, leftover brewed coffee can be used in sauces, marinades, and even baked goods. Just make sure it's unsweetened and fresh. It’s a smart and flavorful way to reduce waste in the kitchen.
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@verenastreet Verena Street Coffee Co.
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