Summer is synonymous with barbecues, and firing up the grill is a quintessential part of the season. But if you’re looking to move beyond the standard burgers and sausages, it’s time to explore a world of exciting Bbq Food Ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a barbecue newbie, we’ve curated a list of mouthwatering recipes that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to transform your backyard into the ultimate grilling destination with these top-rated and expertly crafted bbq recipes.
Upgrade your chicken game with this incredibly flavorful sticky barbecue chicken recipe. Utilizing budget-friendly chicken thighs and drumsticks, this dish is both economical and delicious. For ultimate convenience and flavor development, you can prepare the chicken up to two days in advance by roasting it, and the luscious barbecue sauce can be made a week ahead. When grilling time arrives, simply brush the homemade sauce generously over the chicken and grill until perfectly browned and irresistibly sticky. This is one of the best bbq food ideas for a crowd-pleasing main course.
Discover more cost-effective grilling options with our collection of budget barbecue recipes.
Looking for quick and satisfying bbq food ideas? These speedy halloumi burgers are your answer, ready in just twenty minutes! These vegetarian burgers are incredibly filling and packed with flavor. Thick slices of halloumi cheese are grilled to perfection and then assembled in toasted buns with creamy hummus, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato. It’s a fantastic vegetarian option that everyone will love.
Explore more vegetarian-friendly grilling recipes with our vegetarian barbecue recipes.
Spice up your barbecue with this top-rated Korean chilli, sesame & honey chicken, bursting with bold and exciting flavors. The star is the sweet and spicy glaze, enriched with gochujang, a fermented Korean red chilli paste that adds depth and umami. Chicken thighs are skewered, generously coated in the glaze, and grilled until beautifully cooked through and caramelized. This recipe is a standout among unique bbq food ideas.
Find more inspiration for chicken dishes with our barbecue chicken recipes.
For barbecue perfection, slow cook our stickiest ever BBQ ribs to achieve incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone results. The process begins with roasting the ribs in the oven for two to three hours while you prepare a rich barbecue sauce on the stovetop. After marinating in the flavorful sauce, the ribs are finished on a hot barbecue grill until crispy and caramelized on the outside. Serve these ultimate bbq ribs with a cool and creamy chive dip for the perfect contrast. These are truly some of the most satisfying bbq food ideas.
For more rib inspiration, explore our barbecue ribs recipes.
No summer barbecue is complete without classic beef burgers, and these Swedish meatball burgers offer a delightful twist. Create flavorful burger patties using beef mince, breadcrumbs, eggs, and onions, reminiscent of Swedish meatballs. Grill them on the barbecue until cooked through, then melt cheddar cheese on top for extra richness. Assemble these delicious burgers with lettuce and tomato for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Classic bbq food ideas with a flavorful upgrade!
Explore more beef burger inspiration in our beef burger recipes.
Don’t forget dessert! Satisfy your sweet tooth and delight the whole family with these fun barbecued banoffee splits. Bananas are stuffed with a delicious mixture of butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract, then wrapped in foil and grilled until soft and caramelized. Serve these warm and gooey treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a perfect bbq dessert. These sweet bbq food ideas are a must-try.
Complete your barbecue feast with more BBQ dessert recipes.
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with these tempting sticky chicken & chorizo skewers. Bite-sized pieces of chicken, thick slices of spicy chorizo, and whole padron peppers are threaded onto skewers and coated with a flavorful garlic, honey, and thyme glaze. Grill until perfectly cooked and serve these delightful skewers with homemade fluffy olive oil flatbreads for a complete and satisfying meal. Skewers are always great bbq food ideas for easy grilling and serving.
Discover more skewer options with our barbecue skewer recipes.
Transport your taste buds to Greece with this flavorful chicken souvlaki, inspired by classic Greek cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a vibrant blend of herbs and spices, including oregano, mint, cumin, coriander, and paprika, infusing it with incredible aroma. Marinate the chicken for up to 48 hours for maximum flavor, then skewer and grill to perfection. Serve in warm pita wraps with a cooling tzatziki dip, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion for a fresh and healthy bbq meal. Greek-inspired bbq food ideas are always a hit.
Find more simple and delicious recipes with our easy barbecue recipes.
Catering to vegan guests? Make a big batch of these easy vegan burgers – they are so good, even meat-eaters will enjoy them! Packed with sweet potatoes, polenta, and sweetcorn, these plant-based burgers are full of texture and flavor. You can even freeze some for future sunny afternoon barbecues. Serve them in buns with a dollop of salsa, sliced onion, and fresh salad leaves for a satisfying vegan bbq feast. Vegan bbq food ideas are becoming increasingly popular and delicious.
Discover more vegetarian recipes in our vegan barbecue recipes.
Our five-star rated Greek chicken kebab recipe uses chicken thighs to ensure extra tender and succulent results. After an overnight marinade in flavorful Greek spices and lemon, the chicken is threaded onto skewers and grilled for about 45 minutes until perfectly cooked. Let the kebabs rest for 20 minutes before serving with warm pitta bread and a refreshing fresh salad. These Greek chicken kebabs are fantastic bbq food ideas for a flavorful and satisfying main course.
Find more kebab inspiration with our kebab recipes.
Elevate your bbq dessert offerings with this sweet and zesty spiced grilled pineapple with maple sesame brittle. After the main grilling is done and the coals have died down a bit, char slices of pineapple seasoned with ginger and mixed spice until caramelized. Serve this tropical treat with a crunchy homemade maple syrup and sesame seed brittle for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Grilled fruit is a surprisingly delicious and healthy addition to bbq food ideas.
Find inspiration for more family BBQ desserts.
Discover the versatility of jackfruit and transform it into a mouthwatering vegan ‘pulled’ meat substitute with this vegan pulled BBQ jackfruit recipe. Using only ten common storecupboard ingredients and ready in just 5 minutes of active cooking time, this is a quick and impressive vegan bbq option. It’s perfect for stuffing into bread rolls, topping nachos, or enjoying with all your favorite barbecue sides. Jackfruit is a fantastic ingredient for innovative bbq food ideas.
Explore more ways to use jackfruit in our easy jackfruit recipes.
Add a delicious and healthy side dish to your barbecue spread with these barbecue sesame sweet potatoes. Serve these glazed sweet potato wedges as a side, or toss them through handfuls of rocket or watercress to create a vibrant summer salad. The glaze, made with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and lime juice, provides a perfect umami balance to the sweetness of the potatoes. Top with sliced chillies and fresh spring onions for an extra kick and burst of freshness. Creative side dishes are essential bbq food ideas.
Create a lovely spread with more of our barbecue side recipes.
Unlock the secrets to mastering BBQ chicken like a true pitmaster with our straightforward next level BBQ chicken recipe. Designed for even novice barbecuers, this recipe guarantees chicken so tender it practically falls off the bone. Our marinade boasts a delightful harmony of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, creating a truly unforgettable bbq chicken experience. Perfecting chicken is key for essential bbq food ideas.
Discover more chicken cooking inspiration with our chicken drumstick recipes and chicken wing recipes.
Expand your barbecue repertoire beyond meat with this aromatic BBQ mackerel dish. Delicately coated in a vibrant ginger, chilli, and lime drizzle, this recipe is quick to prepare in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for entertaining a crowd as it can easily be doubled or tripled to satisfy even the largest appetites. Adding fish to your menu broadens your bbq food ideas.
Explore more seafood options with our barbecue fish recipes.
This vegan BBQ teriyaki tofu is a fantastic meat-free alternative that’s both quick and incredibly easy to prepare. Simply whisk together your teriyaki marinade ingredients and let the tofu soak up the flavors for at least an hour, or even longer for a richer taste. Grill the marinated tofu until beautifully caramelized and serve with grilled vegetables for a complete vegan bbq meal. Tofu is a versatile ingredient for exciting bbq food ideas.
Discover more tofu recipes – perfect for barbecues, stir-fries, and more in our tofu recipes collection.
Cool down on a hot summer day with our delightful eton mess ice cream. Serve this no-churn ice cream in bowls or cones for a nostalgic treat. With creamy vanilla custard, crunchy meringue, and fresh strawberries, it’s also a great gluten-free dessert option, perfect for ending your bbq on a sweet note. Ice cream is always a welcome addition to bbq food ideas, especially for dessert.
Beat the summer heat with more of our ice cream recipes.
Embrace those balmy summer days with a refreshing jug of sangria. This classic Spanish drink is a lovely sharing cocktail, made with red wine, Spanish brandy, sparkling water, cinnamon, and plenty of chopped fruit. Sangria is the quintessential summer bbq beverage. Don’t forget drinks when considering bbq food ideas!
For a lighter option, try our white wine sangria, or explore more variations in our sangria recipes.
Is it truly British summertime without a glass of Pimm’s in hand? Make up a jug of this iconic fruity punch with lemonade, fresh mint leaves, cucumber, orange slices, and strawberries. Pimm’s is a must-have for any British-style barbecue. Drinks are essential bbq food ideas for a complete experience.
Check out more Pimm’s recipes, from cocktails to even cakes!
If you find yourself with lingering heat on your barbecue and are craving a sweet and simple finale, why not try our marshmallow & strawberry kebabs? This is a fun and interactive activity for kids to join in, helping with chopping skills and watching the marshmallows toast to golden perfection. Drizzle with caramel sauce once cooled for an extra touch of sweetness. These sweet kebabs are fun and easy bbq food ideas for all ages.
Discover more of our moreish marshmallow recipes.
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