Summer Dinner Party: Guys Night In with Snake River Farms
There’s something special about calling the guys over, firing up the grill, and making an evening out of great food, good bourbon, and better company. This is my go-to way to host a no-fuss, high-reward summer dinner party—and with Snake River Farms American Wagyu on the grill, it always turns into something epic.
If you’ve ever wondered what to serve for a solid Guys Night In, this is it: Cowboy Steaks reverse-seared to perfection, bold sides, and a dessert that hits the spot without being fussy. Everything’s easy to prep and even easier to devour.
The Vibe: Laid-Back, Full-Flavored, All Fire
When I’m hosting the guys, I keep the setup simple:
- Cold drinks in a cooler, not a bar cart
- Classic rock or country on the playlist
- Everything served family-style right off the grill or skillet
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One unforgettable main course: thick, juicy, show-stopping Cowboy Steaks
The secret weapon? High-quality American Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms. It does 90% of the work—rich flavor, beautiful marbling, and that wow factor that always gets a “Dude, where did you get this?” reaction.
If you want to elevate the drink setup, check out our Backwoods Bar ideas—a laid-back, rugged way to serve drinks without overthinking it.
Guys Night In Menu for a Summer Dinner Party
This dinner party menu serves 6–8 and balances crowd-pleasing flavors with minimal prep. It’s built around Cowboy Steaks, with sides that hold their own and a cast iron dessert that brings it all home.
"For the person who has everything on your gift list.. SRF Wagyu Cowboy Steak will delight and impress. My friend was absolutely delighted! Thank you!"
- Debi P., verified buyer
Reverse Seared Cowboy Steaks with Chimichurri
Why it works: The SRF Gold® Cowboy Steak is thick, juicy, and dramatic—in the best way. Reverse searing delivers consistent doneness and a steakhouse-style crust.
KEY INGREDIENTS:
- 2 SRF Gold® Cowboy Steaks (2.5 lbs each)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- Finishing salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Salt generously. Let rest for 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven or set up a two-zone grill at 250°F.
- Cook low and slow to internal temp (e.g., 120°F for medium-rare).
- Rest 15–20 minutes. Sear hot and fast for crust.
- Slice, season, and top with chimichurri.
Pro Tip: The reverse sear method is ideal for thick cuts like the Cowboy Steak. Read our full Reverse Sear Guide to dial it in.
Chimichurri Sauce for Steak
This sauce is a blend of five key elements: fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, oregano), aromatics (garlic, shallots), spice (fresh or dried chilis), acid (vinegar) and olive oil. For those who don’t like cilantro, feel free to substitute more parsley.
KEY INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bunch flat leaf (Italian) parsley, finely chopped
- ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (can sub 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes (can sub a chopped
- fresh Fresno or jalapeño chili)
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup (approximately) olive oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Put everything but the oil and vinegar in a bowl and mix to combine.
- Add about ½ the olive oil to the mixture and stir. You want all the dry ingredients to be lightly suspended in oil and the overall consistency to be sauce-like. Add more oil as needed.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the red wine vinegar, then taste. You’re looking for a good balance of herbal and tart. Adjust to suit your taste.
- Taste and do a final adjustment of the salt, chili and vinegar levels.
- Optional: You can put everything in a blender and pulse lightly to chop and combine.
Pro tip: You can make this the day before your dinner. Store in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature about an hour before you serve.
Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Why it works: Rich, salty bacon with crispy sprouts delivers a savory punch. The lime finish adds balance.
KEY INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 4 slices SRF Apple Brined Uncured Bacon
- Olive oil
- 1 lime
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Crisp the bacon. Set aside.
- Sear sprouts in bacon fat until golden.
- Chop and toss with bacon. Finish with fresh lime juice.
Smashed Tallow Potatoes with Spicy Aioli
Why it works: Crispy and rich thanks to SRF Beef Tallow, these potatoes are a crowd favorite with a spicy finish.
KEY INGREDIENTS:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 cups SRF Beef Tallow
- Kosher salt, parsley
- Spicy aioli (mayo + hot sauce)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Boil potatoes until tender. Smash flat.
- Brush with tallow and roast at 350°F until crispy (about 25 minutes).
- Finish with salt, parsley, and aioli.
Cast Iron Berry Cobbler
This dessert is impressive and is amazingly easy to make. You can bake this the day before or have the ingredients ready to go and pop it in the oven at the start of dinner to serve the cobbler warm. Peaches and blueberries are great in this recipe, but use any fruit you have on hand.
Why it works: Sweet, rustic, and simple. Serve with ice cream and a second round of bourbon.
KEY INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups of your favorite in season berries and fruit, washed
- ½ stick salted butter
- 1 pint vanilla bean ice cream
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Place a 10 inch cast iron skillet over medium low heat and add butter. Allow to gently brown, then remove from heat. I do this while I’m mixing the batter and it’s usually ready just as I finish.
- Sift flour, sugar and baking powder together in a mixing bowl.
- Add vanilla extract and buttermilk.
- Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour batter into the cast iron skillet with the brown butter.
- Top the batter with your fruit, spread evenly.
- Sprinkle a tablespoon or so of sugar over the top.
- Place into the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is brown and the edges along the cast iron skillet are crisp.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Bonus Tip: Want to pair your Cowboy Steaks with something that holds its own? We rounded up our favorite bourbon, wine, and cocktail pairings for American Wagyu—because a great steak deserves a great drink.
What to Order for Guys Night In
Make it easy—stock up on these Snake River Farms essentials ahead of your summer dinner party:
- SRF Gold® Cowboy Steaks: The centerpiece of your menu
- SRF Apple Brined Uncured Bacon: Adds depth and flavor to your sides
- SRF Beef Tallow: For ultra-crispy potatoes or next-level skillet cooking
Want to perfect the cooking method? Use our Reverse Sear Cooking Guide for flawless results.
Planning Ahead? Make It a Gift
If your Guys Night doubles as a Father’s Day celebration—or you're thinking ahead for birthdays or host gifts—Snake River Farms makes it easy to send something unforgettable.
Both guides are packed with standout picks that deliver big flavor and even better memories.
"I bought a tomahawk steak for each of my 3 sons as a small gift for their traveling to see us after my wife experienced some medical problems. I just got a message from one son saying the steak was one of the best he has ever had. Our grandkids loved it too. I'll be buying again."
- Breton L., verified buyer
Your Guys Night Starts Here
Great food. Good bourbon. Even better company. That’s what it’s all about. With American Wagyu from Snake River Farms, you’ll pull off a dinner that’s big on flavor and low on fuss—just the way it should be.
So grab the steaks, fire up the grill, and get the guys over. You bring the fire—we’ll bring the beef.
Author Bio
Dave Yasuda has worked with Snake River Farms for over 12 years, cooking virtually every product we sell. He has prepared SRF products for photoshoots, food festivals, company events, and customers. A skilled home cook, Dave has collaborated in the kitchen with award-winning chefs, recipe developers, and content creators to enhance his culinary skills. He has also been a featured guest on numerous food-centric podcasts, including Bon Appetit’s “Dinner SOS” hosted by Chris Morocco.
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