BBQ catering is a versatile and delightful way to bring people together, whether for a casual backyard gathering or a large-scale corporate event. With a variety of Popular BBQ dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, coastal BBQ catering offers something for everyone. From classic beef burgers to elegant grilled shrimp, these dishes can be prepared on-site for that fresh-off-the-grill flavour or cooked in advance for convenience at off-site events. In this article, we’ll explore 20 popular BBQ dishes perfect for both on-site and off-site catering, and provide tips on how to choose the right dishes based on the type of event and season.
How to Choose BBQ Dishes Based on Different Events and Seasons
Selecting the right BBQ dishes for your event involves considering the type of event, the preferences of your guests, and the season. Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:
Types of Events
- Casual Gatherings
- For informal events like family get-togethers or friends‘ hangouts, opt for easy-to-eat and universally loved dishes. Classic beef burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken skewers are perfect as they are crowd-pleasers and easy to serve.
- Include sides like grilled vegetables and corn on the cob to provide a balanced meal without much fuss.
- Corporate Events
- For corporate events or more formal gatherings, consider offering a mix of elegant and sophisticated dishes. Grilled salmon, BBQ brisket, and grilled shrimp can add a touch of class to the menu.
- Provide a variety of sauces and sides such as grilled pineapple and vegetable skewers to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
- Large-Scale Events
- When catering for large crowds, it’s important to choose dishes that are easy to prepare in large quantities and can be kept warm. BBQ pulled pork, BBQ ribs, and sausages are ideal as they can be cooked in bulk and served with minimal hassle.
- Offer a range of sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and grilled fruit skewers to complement the main dishes.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer BBQs
- Summer is the peak season for BBQs, so take advantage of the fresh produce available. Grilled corn on the cob, vegetable skewers, and grilled fruit skewers are perfect summer choices.
- Lighter dishes like grilled chicken skewers and grilled tofu can also be refreshing options for hot weather.
- Autumn and Winter BBQs
- In cooler weather, heartier dishes are more appealing. BBQ brisket, BBQ pork belly, and BBQ turkey legs provide a warm and comforting meal.
- Include warm sides like baked potatoes and roasted vegetables to complement the main dishes.
- Spring BBQs
- Spring is a great time to incorporate fresh and vibrant flavours. Grilled salmon, BBQ lamb chops, and grilled asparagus can bring a fresh taste to your BBQ menu.
- Add sides like fresh salads and grilled fruit to enhance the springtime vibe.
- Special Occasions
- For holidays or special events, tailor your BBQ menu to fit the occasion. For example, BBQ meatballs and BBQ nachos are great for game day parties, while grilled shrimp and beef BBQ ribs can make festive additions to holiday gatherings.
By considering the type of event and the season, you can create a BBQ menu that not only satisfies your guests but also enhances the overall experience of the gathering. With these tips and the following list of popular BBQ dishes, you’re well-equipped to plan a successful BBQ event, whether on-site or off-site.
Here is a table categorizing the 20 BBQ dishes by cooking method, along with suggestions for different events and seasons:
| Cooking Method | Dish | Suitable for Events | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled | Classic Beef Burgers | Casual Gatherings, Large-Scale Events | Summer, Spring |
| Grilled | Grilled Chicken Skewers | Casual Gatherings, Corporate Events | Summer, Spring |
| Grilled | Grilled Vegetables | All Events | Summer, Spring |
| Grilled | Grilled Shrimp | Corporate Events, Special Occasions | Summer, Spring |
| Grilled | Grilled Corn on the Cob | Casual Gatherings, Large-Scale Events | Summer |
| Grilled | Grilled Salmon | Corporate Events, Spring BBQs | Spring, Summer |
| Grilled | Grilled Tofu | Casual Gatherings, Large-Scale Events | Summer, Spring |
| Grilled | Grilled Pineapple | All Events | Summer, Spring |
| Grilled | Grilled Portobello Mushrooms | Casual Gatherings, Corporate Events | Summer, Spring |
| Grilled | Grilled Fruit Skewers | All Events | Summer, Spring |
| Slow-Cooked | BBQ Pulled Pork | Large-Scale Events, Casual Gatherings | All Seasons |
| Slow-Cooked | BBQ Ribs | Large-Scale Events, Special Occasions | All Seasons |
| Slow-Cooked | BBQ Brisket Pack | Corporate Events, Large-Scale Events | Autumn, Winter |
| Slow-Cooked | BBQ Pork Belly | Special Occasions, Large-Scale Events | Autumn, Winter |
| Slow-Cooked | BBQ Turkey Legs | Large-Scale Events, Autumn and Winter BBQs | Autumn, Winter |
| Skewered | Grilled Chicken Skewers | Casual Gatherings, Corporate Events | Summer, Spring |
| Skewered | Grilled Shrimp Skewers | Corporate Events, Special Occasions | Summer, Spring |
| Skewered | Grilled Vegetable Skewers | Casual Gatherings, Corporate Events | Summer, Spring |
| Skewered | BBQ Meatball Skewers | Large-Scale Events, Special Occasions | All Seasons |
| Skewered | Grilled Fruit Skewers | All Events | Summer, Spring |
| Baked | BBQ Nachos | Special Occasions, Casual Gatherings | All Seasons |
| Baked | BBQ Meatloaf | Large-Scale Events, Casual Gatherings | Autumn, Winter |
| Baked | BBQ Chicken Wings | Casual Gatherings, Large-Scale Events | All Seasons |
| Baked | BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Large-Scale Events, Casual Gatherings | All Seasons |
| Baked | BBQ Pork Chops | Corporate Events, Casual Gatherings | Autumn, Winter |
This table helps in planning the BBQ menu by aligning the dishes with appropriate events and seasons, ensuring a delightful experience for the guests.
Grilled Dishes
Grilled dishes are the heart of any BBQ, offering smoky, charred flavours that enhance the natural taste of the ingredients. Whether it’s succulent steaks, juicy burgers, or tender vegetables, grilling brings out a delicious depth of flavour. Popular options include classic grilled corn on the cob, marinated chicken skewers, and charred asparagus.
Charcoal and High Heat
The high heat of the grill caramelizes sugars, creating a perfect blend of crispy and juicy textures. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, grilled dishes are a versatile and essential part of any BBQ menu, providing a delightful culinary experience for all.
1. Classic Beef Burgers
Classic beef burgers are a staple at any BBQ event. These burgers are made with ground beef, seasoned to perfection, and grilled until juicy. They are often served with a variety of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, and pickles, allowing guests to customise their own burgers.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are versatile and easy to serve at any BBQ event. Pieces of marinated chicken are threaded onto skewers and grilled until cooked through. These skewers can be served with a variety of dipping sauces and are perfect for both on-site grilling and off-site serving.
3. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables offer a healthy and delicious option for BBQ catering. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are brushed with olive oil, seasoned, and grilled until tender. These can be served as a side dish or as a main for vegetarian guests.
4. Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp adds a touch of elegance to any BBQ menu. Marinated shrimp are skewered and grilled until they are just cooked through. They can be served as an appetiser or a main dish and pair well with various sauces and sides.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side dish. Corn is grilled until it has a slight char and then brushed with butter and seasoned. This dish is simple to prepare and can be cooked on-site or pre-cooked and reheated for off-site events.
6. Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is a healthy and delicious option for BBQ catering. Salmon fillets are seasoned and grilled until they are flaky and tender. This dish can be served as a main or as part of a seafood platter.
7. Grilled Tofu
Grilled tofu is an excellent option for vegetarian guests. Tofu is marinated and grilled until it has a crispy exterior. It can be served as a main dish or added to skewers with vegetables.
8. Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is a sweet and tangy side dish or dessert. Pineapple slices are grilled until they have caramelised edges. This dish is simple to prepare and can be cooked on-site or in advance and served chilled or reheated.
9. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Grilled Portobello mushrooms are a great vegetarian option. The mushrooms are marinated and grilled until they are tender and juicy. They can be served as a main dish or as a side.
10. Grilled Fruit Skewers
Grilled fruit skewers are a refreshing and light dessert. Various fruits such as peaches, strawberries, and kiwi are threaded onto skewers and grilled until they are slightly charred. These skewers can be served on-site or prepared in advance and served chilled.
Slow-Cooked Dishes
Slow-cooked dishes are a BBQ favourite, known for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth textures and deep, rich flavours. This method involves cooking meats like brisket, pulled pork, or ribs at a low temperature over an extended period, allowing the flavours to develop fully and the meat to become incredibly tender. The slow cooking process breaks down the tough fibres in the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish that’s hard to resist. Perfect for gatherings, slow-cooked BBQ dishes are a surefire way to impress your guests with their sumptuous taste and delightful aroma.
11. BBQ Pulled Pork
BBQ pulled pork is a favourite for its tender, flavourful meat. Pork shoulder is slow-cooked until it can be easily shredded, then mixed with a tangy BBQ sauce. This dish can be served on buns as sandwiches or as a main dish with sides.
12. BBQ Ribs
BBQ ribs are a quintessential BBQ dish, known for their smoky, tender meat that falls off the bone. Ribs are typically slow-cooked with a dry rub and then finished with a BBQ sauce glaze. They can be cooked on-site for that fresh-off-the-grill taste or pre-cooked and reheated for off-site events.
13. BBQ Brisket
BBQ brisket is a beloved dish known for its rich, smoky flavour and tender texture. Brisket is slow-cooked for several hours until it reaches the perfect level of tenderness. It can be sliced and served as a main dish or chopped and used in sandwiches.
14. BBQ Pork Belly
BBQ pork belly is a rich, flavourful dish that is sure to impress guests. Pork belly is marinated, slow-cooked, and then grilled to achieve a crispy exterior. It can be served as a main dish or as part of a mixed platter.
15. BBQ Turkey Legs
BBQ turkey legs are a hearty and flavourful dish. Turkey legs are seasoned and slow-cooked before being finished on the grill. They can be served as a main dish and are ideal for both on-site and off-site catering.
Skewered Dishes
BBQ skewers are a versatile and fun addition to any BBQ menu, offering a mix of flavours and textures in each bite. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, including marinated meats, seafood, and a colorful array of vegetables. Popular choices include chicken, beef, shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, all threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the ingredients, adding a smoky depth that enhances their natural flavours. BBQ skewers are easy to customize and perfect for parties, providing a convenient and delicious option for guests.
16. Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are versatile and easy to serve at any BBQ event. Pieces of marinated chicken are threaded onto skewers and grilled until cooked through. These skewers can be served with a variety of dipping sauces and are perfect for both on-site grilling and off-site serving.
17. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers add a touch of elegance to any BBQ menu. Marinated shrimp are skewered and grilled until they are just cooked through. They can be served as an appetiser or a main dish and pair well with various sauces and sides.
18. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grilled vegetable skewers offer a healthy and delicious option for BBQ catering. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are brushed with olive oil, seasoned, and grilled until tender. These can be served as a side dish or as a main for vegetarian guests.
19. BBQ Meatball Skewers
BBQ meatball skewers are a crowd-pleasing appetiser. Ground meat is mixed with seasonings, formed into balls, and grilled or baked. They are then coated in BBQ sauce and served on skewers.
20. Grilled Fruit Skewers
Grilled fruit skewers are a refreshing and light dessert. Various fruits such as peaches, strawberries, and kiwi are threaded onto skewers and grilled until they are slightly charred. These skewers can be served on-site or prepared in advance and served chilled.
Baked Dishes
Baked BBQ dishes offer a delicious alternative to traditional grilling, combining the smoky, tangy flavours of BBQ with the convenience of baking. Popular options include BBQ chicken, ribs, and baked beans, all cooked in the oven to achieve a tender, flavorful result. By baking, the meat remains juicy and absorbs the BBQ sauce thoroughly, creating a caramelized, sticky glaze that’s incredibly satisfying. This method is perfect for those who prefer a fuss-free approach to BBQ, ensuring consistent results without the need for outdoor grilling. Baked BBQ dishes are a great way to enjoy classic BBQ flavours year-round.
21. BBQ Nachos
BBQ nachos are a fun and shareable dish. Tortilla chips are topped with BBQ meat, cheese, and other toppings and then grilled or baked until the cheese is melted. This dish is best assembled on-site but can be partially prepared in advance.
22. BBQ Meatloaf
BBQ meatloaf is a hearty and flavourful dish. Ground meat is mixed with seasonings and BBQ sauce, formed into a loaf, and baked until cooked through. It can be sliced and served as a main dish.
23. BBQ Chicken Wings
BBQ chicken wings are always a hit at BBQ events. Wings are marinated, grilled, and then coated in a BBQ sauce. They can be served as an appetiser or a main dish. For off-site catering, wings can be prepared in advance and kept warm in chafing dishes.
24. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
BBQ chicken drumsticks are a crowd-pleaser. Drumsticks are marinated, baked, and then finished on the grill for a smoky flavour. They can be served as a main dish or as part of a mixed platter.
25. BBQ Pork Chops
BBQ pork chops are a delicious and satisfying main dish. Pork chops are marinated, baked, and then finished on the grill for a smoky flavour. They can be served with a variety of sides.
These 20 BBQ dishes, categorised by cooking method, provide a wide range of flavours and options for both on-site and off-site catering, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy at your BBQ event.
