LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Tia Mowry attends the Premiere of Netflix’s “Swapped” at Netflix Tudum Theater on April 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Summer cookout season is almost here! With Memorial Day around the corner, it’s time to get your essentials ready for hosting. To help you, actress, foodie and mom Tia Mowry talks summer hosting, her dad’s legendary grill game, and why Bounty has been a staple in her kitchen for over 30 years.
ESSENCE: Are you, or are you not someone people can confidently call on for the potato salad at the cookout?
Tia Mowry: Okay, well, I’m just going to keep it real. Maybe not, because I don’t like potato salad. I don’t know what it is. My son, he loves it, but not me. So don’t call on me.
That’s fair! So what is your signature thing to bring when you host a cookout?
My wings. I really throw down on some honey barbecue wings, which are definitely finger-licking good, but you don’t have to use your fingers because we have Bounty. It is definitely essential whenever it comes to any of my cookouts. Even if I’m just cooking in the kitchen, cleaning in the kitchen, hosting a barbecue in the backyard, or just passing out plates around a table, Bounty is my go-to when it comes to any type of cleanup.
Beyond the wings, what else makes your cookouts feel like yours?
Music has to be a part of it. Just have lots of music playing in the background, all types, dancing — I want people to get a line dance in there, which is always a lot of fun. My dad’s short ribs, whenever we have a cookout, are always on the list. Games, board games, cards — always great to keep the entertainment going. When I think of a cookout or any type of get-together, it’s about bringing people together and having people connect, really slow down, and just make wonderful, memorable memories. Whenever I want to slow down and just connect with my family and friends, food is always a part of it.
Is your dad the one you call from your circle to be on the grill in the sandals?
Of course. I had an incredible grilling memory. I had to have been about six to eight years old. I was living in Hawaii at the time because that’s where I grew up, and both of my parents were in the army. We were stationed there, but my parents would always have these cookouts on the beach. And what was really cool was my dad just wouldn’t put the short ribs on the grill — he would actually go out and fish himself. He would get a spear, go out there and swim, catch eel, throw the eel on the grill, oysters on the grill, short ribs on the grill. He’s just amazing at grilling.
I see your videos on social media, you doing your thing and making your own little music videos. What are some of the hits that have to be on your playlist for these gatherings?
“Summertime” by Will Smith, that’s definitely one. And then “California Love.” Those are always some fun sounds. It brings everybody together, gets everybody dancing and grooving and having a good time.
How do you preserve your Bounty during the cookout so nothing goes to waste?
It’s just all about readiness. My go-to is the Mega Roll. It’s four rolls in one, and what I love about it is it’s one and done. More messes with fewer sheets. One sheet can go a long way.
As we approach Memorial Day and head into summer, what does the season look like for you beyond the cookouts?
We are a huge beach family. There’s just something about being near the water. I love packing up our snacks — fruit, protein, chips, popcorn, Bounty, music, and towels — and just chilling by the water. My son is born in July, I’m born in July, so we are definitely outside when there’s warm weather. Last year we all went as a family to the Caribbean, to The Bahamas. It was their first time being there and just being on the beach, having that sun hit our skin and just chill, it was fantastic.”