There’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma of sizzling BBQ goodness; the juicy chicken wings, bubbling melted cheeseburgers and colourful stacks of veggie skewers – it really is something special, don’t you agree?
But when it comes to catering for a larger group, it can be tricky to find the perfect balance between serving dangerously delicious food and keeping it simple so you don’t miss out on any of the action.
In this article, we’re diving deep into our favourite easy yet mouthwatering BBQ recipes that’ll suit all your guests – and keep them coming back for more!
BBQ Recipes 101: Our Favourite BBQ Ideas For A Crowd
Since 2017, we’ve been serving up the hottest BBQ catering in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, from weddings to corporate events. Catering to hundreds of guests at once has become our second nature, so it’s safe to say we’ve learned a thing or two about handling a bigger crowd. Our recommended recipes are just as straightforward as they are tasty – and even better, many can be prepped in advance to save you precious time on the day. So, firelighters at the ready, let’s get going!
Meat-Based BBQ Food Ideas
Our caterers in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas are known for the tastiest wood-smoked meat, from wings and smashed burgers to beef brisket and pulled pork, so when it comes to BBQ ideas, it’s safe to say we’re brimming with ideas. Check out just some of our favourites:
Honey Glazed Chicken Wings
A definite crowd-pleaser and simple to prepare in bigger batches, honey glazed chicken wings are a BBQ feast must-have. Combining honey, soy sauce, ginger, red chilli, spring onion and fresh thyme, this super easy marinade can be generously drizzled over your wings the evening before and infused overnight. We recommend beginning by cooking your wings in the oven and then finishing them off on the BBQ for that delicious smoked taste – don’t forget to keep some marinade left over to coat your wings after cooking for that sticky, saucy finish. Follow this recipe from Jamie Oliver for the ultimate chicken marinade.
Steak Fajitas
All you’ll need for this one is a few rib-eye steaks, warm tortillas and any other tasty fillings you’d like to serve your guests. Seal the steaks in a pan with your marinade of choice before cooking them to your liking on the BBQ for an unmistakable charcoal taste. Once they’re done, slice them up into strips and serve them up to your hungry diners – they can then fill their fajitas with whatever fillings their hearts desire. Some of our favourites have got to be guacamole, salsa, soured cream and grilled pepper strips – finished with a squeeze of fresh lime – you can’t go wrong!
Pulled Pork Brioche Buns
This has got to be one of the most requested BBQ dishes on our event catering menu – and we can totally see why! Taking inspiration from our much-loved Hog Father burger, we recommend serving your pulled pork with a tangy salsa and your chosen sauce in a warm brioche bun.
While we smoke our pork for 12 hours before serving, it is possible to cook your own dish on a charcoal grill for a shorter period of time – or opt for slow-cooking it in your oven instead. Take a look at this step-by-step guide by The Spruce Eats for more information.
Hotdogs
Want to keep it simple with a self-serve approach? These DIY hotdogs are the perfect option. Simply cook as many sausages as you can fit on the grill (regular sausages and American-style hotdogs both work well!) and create a hotdog bar ready for your guests to tuck in. Serve with traditional hotdog buns and a range of toppings – head over to BBC Good Food for some inspiration!
Baby Back Ribs
We had to finish our meaty ideas on a strong point, and baby back pork ribs were the only possible contender to fill the spot. Sweet, smoky and fall-off-the-bone tender, if you want to deliver a real showstopper, a rack of ribs for your guests to dig into will fit the bill perfectly. Be sure to season your ribs well with a spice rub before cooking, and after a few hours of smoking, add a generous coating of BBQ sauce. Ribs are one of our signature dishes here at The Rub BBQ, and while we’re not quite ready to tell all about our secret recipe, we do love this step-by-step tutorial by Once Upon A Chef which can be used to make your own.
Vegetarian BBQ Food Ideas
Gone are the days when meat-free BBQ food meant a few veggies cooked on the grill. There is now a wealth of absolutely delicious vegetarian recipes that can tempt even the most avid meat eaters. Try these at your next get-together and we’re certain they’ll go down a storm.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
If you’re looking for a super easy recipe for your non-meat-eating guests that still looks the part, these grilled shrimp skewers are perfect. We love the recipe by Natasha’s Kitchen, which includes a tasty cajun and garlic marinade, giving the finished shrimp a delicious kick. If you already have main dishes planned, these skewers are ideal for doubling up as a canape or side – simply use mini skewers instead!
Mac ‘N’ Cheese
Another one for the veggies and a BBQ favourite across the pond, mac ‘n’ cheese is incredibly versatile and the perfect accompaniment to any main. Able to be prepared in advance and popped in the oven as your guests begin to arrive, mac ‘n’ cheese is not only a great vegetarian option but can easily be made vegan by using dairy-free alternatives. Check out this gorgeously melty, gooey baked recipe by Recipe Tin Eats, complete with a golden panko breadcrumb.
Halloumi Burgers
Halloumi has become one of the most popular meat alternatives – and we can certainly see why! If you’ve already stocked up on brioche buns for your pulled pork, why not cook up some halloumi burgers for your veggie guests? Simply grill sliced halloumi straight on the BBQ and serve with lettuce, avocado, grilled bell peppers, tomato and a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce to balance the salty taste of the cheese.
Sweet & Sticky BBQ Salmon
A dish that may not immediately spring to mind when thinking about BBQ food is this tasty, sweet, and sticky salmon. Deliciously tender and brimming with flavour, we guarantee seafood lovers will be reaching for this dish first. Cooked simply on the BBQ, wrapped in foil and covered in a gooey honey glaze, it couldn’t be easier to create but will impress even the fussiest of guests. Take a look at All Recipes for a delectable honey marinade to take your salmon fillets to the next level.
Vegetarian Paella
Not every BBQ dish needs to be cooked on a traditional BBQ grill, so why not think outside the box and try a flavour-packed paella? Commonly sold at street food markets, paella is cooked in huge batches, making it perfect for larger groups.
We recommend looking at the generous selection of paella pans from The Tapas Lunch Company to find one suitable for the number of guests you’re hosting. Here, you can even purchase paella burners to set up outside and cook in the garden while you chat with your guests.
The beauty of paella recipes is that they couldn’t be more versatile and can be filled with all of your favourite ingredients. Take a look at BBC Good Food for a host of inspiration.
Ready To Try These BBQ Food Ideas For Large Groups?
If you’ve managed to get to the end of this article without running to the kitchen and satisfying your cravings, then congratulations, you’re stronger than we are! With these BBQ food ideas for large groups, your next get-together is sure to be a success amongst all of your guests. Mix and match your favourite dishes to create a BBQ spread that will leave your neighbours green with envy.
For all things BBQ, don’t forget to keep an eye on our social media for our upcoming street food in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. Our diary is filled with fun events for the whole family, so if you’re a lover of wood-smoked goodness, be sure to visit us!