There is nothing like a barbecue party to celebrate summer. The warm weather makes you crave cooking outside with a tasty summer BBQ menu. So as soon as the temperature starts to rise, many are itching to fire up the barbecue and make delicious grilled meals for friends and family to gather around.
Barbecuing beautiful, summery ingredients creates dishes bursting with flavour and colour, and you can put together a BBQ menu with almost everything to be put on the barbecue – with everything from delicious starters and snacks to meats, vegetables, side dishes, and desserts. To make it easy for you to decide on a BBQ menu for your next barbecue party, read our inspirational guide, giving you everything you need before inviting friends and family over.
Top 6 essential BBQ menu items
Creating a tasty BBQ menu can be a thrilling culinary adventure. From classic choices to more innovative options, the possibilities are truly endless. Because you can so easily mix and match mains, sides, sauces, and desserts in a myriad of ways, it can be difficult to decide between different BBQ menu ideas. So, we decided to give you an idea of which essential items are a must-have for your next summer garden get-together.
Must have meat for the BBQ
A BBQ menu will often feature one or more types of grilled meat. But with so many options to choose from, where do you even begin?
For starters, beef is an indispensable component of many BBQ menus. A well-marinated steak, whether it is a T-bone, rib-eye, or sirloin, barbecued to perfection, is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Burger patties from high-quality minced beef can also be a hit, allowing you to get creative with various toppings and condiments for the burgers.
Chicken also offers great versatility for a BBQ menu. From chicken drumsticks to thighs to breast fillets, each cut provides a different experience. A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce can transform grilled chicken into a dish that is finger-licking good.
Pork is another BBQ essential. Ribs slathered in a rich BBQ sauce and slowly barbecued until tender are often a popular choice. Lamb should not be overlooked, either. A nicely grilled leg of lamb or lamb chops can be a tasty addition to the menu. Marinating the lamb in a mix of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil before barbecuing will ensure a beautifully aromatic and tender result.
A variety of kebabs also make for good ideas for a BBQ party menu. They can be made using different types of meat – chicken, beef, lamb, or even a mix. Paired with colourful vegetables, they not only taste good but also look appealing.
Delicious fish and seafood to put on the BBQ
Fish and seafood can also be a great BBQ menu idea, for example, the classic to rule them all: grilled salmon. It has a hearty texture and holds up well to grilling, and it has a rich flavour that pairs nicely with a variety of marinades and seasonings. Try grilling salmon fillets or steaks directly on the grill, or for a more delicate approach, grill a whole salmon side on a cedar plank for added smoky flavour.
Tuna steaks are also a good choice with their thick and hearty nature, making them ideal for barbecuing. They are best-served medium-rare and as such require very little time on the barbecue. Another quick seafood option to consider is shrimp. Barbecuing these small delights is quick and easy, especially when skewered.
If you are looking for fancy rather than simple BBQ menu ideas, grilled lobster tails are a decadent option. Brushed with a garlic butter mixture, the tails become incredibly flavourful. As they are grilled, they gain a beautiful char on the meat that will be splendid in an upscale BBQ menu.
Firm vegetables perfect for the BBQ
Firmer vegetables are great BBQ options. They are suitable for this style of cooking because they can withstand high heat without becoming too soft, mushy, or wilted. Fortunately, there is a lot of great seasonal produce to choose from for your summer BBQ menu!
One of the most popular choices is corn on the cob. Even though the kernels themselves are not firm, barbecuing corn in its husk yields sweet, juicy kernels with a slightly smoky flavour. Similarly, onions can also be barbecued with their skin on for a sweet result. If you prefer, you can also remove the skin to get a more caramelised exterior. Just remember to cut them into thick rounds so they do not fall through the grill grates.
Vegetables like pepper, courgette, squash, and aubergine also hold up well on the barbecue. The ones with a spongier texture, such as aubergine, are great at soaking up delicious marinades. If you are looking for something a little crunchier, tender-crisp asparagus is just the thing. The high heat of the barbecue will work wonders on these green delights, especially when bacon is thrown into the mix.
And, for an umami-packed option: mushrooms. Larger varieties like portobello mushrooms are great for barbecuing as they are quite hearty and can be treated almost like a burger bun, or, with a similar texture but smaller in size, cremini mushrooms.
It is important to note that how you cut your BBQ vegetables of choice can significantly affect how well they grill. Larger pieces are generally easier to manage on the barbecue than smaller ones. Also, using skewers or a grill basket can help prevent smaller pieces from falling through the grates.
Pasta, salads, and pasta salads – delicious BBQ menu side dishes
A well-planned BBQ menu must include great side dishes. It is important to choose ones that will complement and enhance the menu in terms of flavour and texture. The sides also need to pair well with the main courses, whether these are meat, fish, or vegetables.
Summer pasta dishes, salads, and pasta salads are some of the most popular sides to include in a well-rounded BBQ menu. These types of dishes, especially salads, are often filled with fresh and bright summer ingredients that offer a nice balance to rich, grilled BBQ menu items. Their lightness also makes them well-suited to heartier grilled courses like steak, ribs, burgers, or the like.
If you want to barbecue every item you can, look no further! It is entirely possible to incorporate grilled elements in your pasta dishes and summer salads. You could, for instance, include some of the brilliant vegetables mentioned above in either of them, either warm or cold. This way, the signature smoky flavour of BBQ food can be incorporated into all parts of your BBQ menu.
Dips, dressings, and BBQ marinades
Different types of BBQ sauces can help make your BBQ menu more flavourful and cohesive. Marinades can, for instance, help make your grilled meats even richer and more sumptuous, while they can also add and enhance inherent flavours. For instance, a sweet marinade used with pork can make the natural sweetness of the meat shine.
Other types of sauce you should include in your BBQ menu are dips and dressings. These may be used in a few different ways. You could, as the names suggest, use them for dressing salads and other dishes and for dipping purposes, for instance with easy picnic snacks and finger foods but with a BBQ twist. They are also delicious as a condiment in wraps, burgers, and sandwiches with grilled meats and vegetables.
No matter how they are used, BBQ sauces have a way of tying a BBQ menu together by bridging the gaps between different flavours and textures. They create a balance that makes even a simple BBQ menu well-prepared and imaginative.
Desserts straight from the BBQ
Though the word desserts typically conjure up images of cakes, pastries, and ice cream rather than BBQ treats, barbecuing does not have to be limited to savoury dishes. You can make some delicious desserts on the barbecue as well!
An obvious choice is the campfire favourite, s'mores, which sandwiches gooey, toasted marshmallows between graham crackers with a piece of dark chocolate. However, if you want something a little different to finish off your BBQ menu, grilled fruits are a nice option when you already have the barbecue fired up.
Many fruits caramelise beautifully when barbecued, leading to a unique and delicious dessert with a wonderful sweetness – something that is very nice after a meal with a lot of rich and savoury BBQ menu items. Bananas, pineapple, peaches, and nectarines are some of the fruits that work well. They can be served as they are or with a dollop of ice cream, whipped cream, or crème fraiche if you would prefer a tangy component for balance and contrast. A drizzle of honey can be used for an extra sweet touch.
If you feel like a dessert that is not grilled, you can always opt for an easy finish to your BBQ party menu from our selection of summer desserts that you can prepare in advance so you simply have to serve it when you are ready. Ones featuring fresh fruits and berries are great as they allow you to highlight the sweet produce of the season.
5 barbecue party menu ideas
If all our different food ideas have made you want to try everything all at once, do not fear! We have put together 5 ready-to-go BBQ party menu ideas for you to peruse. All showcase the best summer foods the season has to offer and consist of three courses sure to leave you satiated.
Menu 1: Spinach quiche, salmon with pasta salad, and lemon tart
Begin with a spinach quiche. It is light and creamy, serving as a gentle start to the meal. It is followed by grilled salmon with salsa verde, which pairs well with a fresh and crunchy pasta salad, offering a balance of flavours. Our tangy lemon tart provides a refreshing finish to this light and vibrant BBQ menu.
Menu 2: Grilled asparagus, grilled cheese burgers with potato salad, and rhubarb crumble
Our second BBQ menu option is a little more robust and heartier. It starts with tender-crisp grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus to be followed by decadent burgers with grilled cheese. The versatile burgers are served with a classic potato salad, which is creamy and fresh at the same time. To round off the savoury BBQ menu in style, we suggest a sweet rhubarb crumble.
Menu 3: Finger sandwiches, grilled pork roast with cabbage salad, and strawberry tartlets
This third BBQ menu features some items that you might not expect to see on this type of list, namely a starter consisting of finger sandwiches with mint and shrimp. Though the shrimp are not grilled, these small sandwiches are too good to leave out of any BBQ menu! Its fresh and light nature leaves you ready for the rich, flavourful grilled pork roast with crispy crackling. This roast goes well with the crunchy pointed cabbage salad with apples. Sweet and fruity strawberry tartlets make a light and sweet end to the meal.
Menu 4: Pimientos de Padrón, lamb skewers with a summer salad, and fried bananas
This BBQ menu is for adventurous BBQ eaters! To start, enjoy a real tapas treat, grilled pimientos de Padrón with flakes of salt. They are a unique and flavourful appetizer that must be followed by more bold flavours. Lamb skewers with fresh herbs and spices perfectly meet this brief. So too does the summer salad with strawberries and salad cheese with which we have paired it. Finally, this special BBQ menu ends with fried bananas for a fun and different style of deliciously caramelised dessert – a true classic for warm summer nights with a barbecue or campfire at full throttle.
Menu 5: Cheese tartlets, grilled spareribs with cucumber and melon salad, and cherry trifle
Start with tasty cheese tartlets with tomatoes that are filled with savoury goodness. The main course consists of sumptuous, rich grilled spareribs paired with a fresh salad with melon and cucumber. The combination of tender meat and crunchy salad is wonderful. So is the classic cherry trifle with which this decadent BBQ menu is ended. This menu has a great balance between rich and savoury dishes and fresh ones, leaving you more than satisfied.
BBQ dinner ideas for family, friends, and large gatherings
Gathering around the barbecue for a nice summer dinner is a wonderful way to bring family, friends, and even larger groups together. Whether you are hosting an intimate family gathering, a casual get-together with friends, or a big summer celebration, there are plenty of BBQ dinner ideas perfect for your needs.
For a family BBQ menu, consider including everyone's favourite dishes. Juicy burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken are always crowd-pleasers when kids are around, especially when accompanied by a variety of condiments and toppings.
When hosting a BBQ party with friends, it is an excellent opportunity to get creative and explore different flavours. Consider marinated flank steak, smoked ribs, or even grilled seafood like shrimp skewers or fish fillets. Pair these main dishes with vibrant salads, grilled corn on the cob, and a range of dips and sauces for a diverse and satisfying meal.
Large gatherings require a well-planned menu that can accommodate different tastes and preferences. A buffet-style BBQ menu can work wonders in such situations. Offer a variety of proteins like grilled chicken, beef, and pork, along with a selection of sides such as baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and grilled vegetables. Consider including interactive stations like a build-your-own burger or taco bar as they can add an element of fun and customisation for your guests.
As you plan your BBQ menu also think about the overall ambience and atmosphere you want to create. Music, outdoor games, and comfortable seating areas can enhance the experience and encourage mingling among your guests.
A few tips on serving a BBQ menu for a crowd
Hosting a barbecue for a crowd can be a delightful yet challenging task. It is not just about firing up the grill and flipping burgers; it requires meticulous planning, smart food choices, and strategic preparation to ensure a memorable feast where you – the host – also have time to relax and enjoy the summertime celebration, too. The key is to serve a well-thought-out, easy BBQ menu that pleases everyone without overwhelming yourself with complicated dishes and last-minute preparations. Here are some tips to ensure you stay calm behind the barbecue, your guests are well-fed, and everyone has a great time.
1. Plan your favourite BBQ menu items – then pare down
Compared to a regular, everyday dinner, a BBQ menu often features a lot of different items. Since there are so many tasty options to choose from when putting it together, it can be hard not to get carried away.
However, choosing too many different dishes is not a good idea. It will require a lot of preparation that can, unfortunately, take much of the fun out of the barbecuing experience. Too many dishes can also quickly become overwhelming for guests – when there is so much to choose from, it can be too much of a good thing. So, it is a good idea to narrow down the number of BBQ menu items, especially when cooking for a large group of people.
2. Think about what to put on the BBQ first – then the side dishes
When you are preparing most of your BBQ menu directly on the barbecue, it will require a bit of planning and coordination. Start by making a list of all the things you will be barbecuing to get an overview. Then arrange the items in order of how much cooking time they need. The ones that require the longest cooking time are the ones you will need to get cooking first. However, you should remember to think about the order of your BBQ menu, too. If a grilled item is being served as a starter, it may need to be bumped up the list, so it is ready in time.
3. Go big but simple on BBQ side dishes
When planning a BBQ menu for a large gathering, it is better to choose a few dishes that are easy to scale up instead of several smaller dishes. This makes cooking for a crowd a lot easier. The feat is easily achieved with great side dishes like salads with lovely summer produce and pasta salads. Great dips with vegetable sticks, chips, or crackers also make for a good side dish that can easily be prepared in large quantities. You can never go wrong with some great bread either. Sides like these are good for any big party but they are especially good ideas for a BBQ menu that will appeal to kids as well as adults.
4. Prep as much as you can before the guests arrive
Before hosting a barbecue for a large group of friends and family, much of the preparation work can be done in advance to save time and reduce stress. Start by marinating your meats overnight, which not only enhances flavour but also saves prep time on the day. Similarly, side dishes like coleslaw, pasta salad, or potato salad can be made a day ahead, allowing their flavours to meld together beautifully.
You can also pre-cut vegetables for grilling, salads, or kebabs and store them in the fridge. Make any dips, sauces, or dressings ahead of time and keep them chilled. You can also pre-cook items like sausages or certain cuts of chicken in the oven and finish them on the grill to save time and ensure thorough cooking.
As for keeping any barbecued foods warm, you can use a cooler lined with aluminium foil. The insulation will trap the heat, keeping the food warm for a couple of hours. Alternatively, a grill with a warming rack or a low-heated oven can be used for the same purpose.
By handling the preparation beforehand, you can focus more on enjoying the BBQ party with your guests rather than last-minute preparations that take you away from the fun in the sun.
