Top 20 BBQ ideas

Plus, find even more recipes, reviews and cookery tips in our barbecue hub.

If you're looking to upgrade your BBQ kit, here are some of our tried, tested and top-rated favourites that would come in handy for alfresco cooking.

1. Sticky barbecue chicken

Use up thrifty chicken thighs and drumsticks with this sticky barbecue chicken. Get a head start and roast the chicken up to two days ahead and make the barbecue sauce up to a week ahead. When it comes time to barbecue, simply brush the sauce onto the chicken and grill until they are browned and sticky.

Find more affordable options with our budget barbecue recipes.

2. Halloumi burgers

Get dinner sorted in a flash with these speedy halloumi burgers. These vegetarian burgers are super filling and come together in just twenty minutes. Grill thick slices of halloumi, then assemble with toasted buns, hummus, lettuce, and tomato.

Find more veggie-friendly recipes with our vegetarian barbecue recipes.

3. Korean chilli, sesame & honey chicken

Try this top-rated Korean chilli, sesame & honey chicken, full of bold flavours. The sweet and spicy glaze is loaded with gochujang, a Korean paste made from red chillies and fermented soybeans. Skewer chicken thighs, coat in the glaze and then grill until cooked through.

See more ideas with our barbecue chicken recipes.

4. Stickiest ever BBQ ribs with chive dip

Slow cook our stickiest ever BBQ ribs for a super tender result that falls off the bone. Start by roasting the ribs for two to three hours while making a barbecue sauce on the hob. Marinade the ribs then grill on a hot barbecue until crispy on the outside. Serve with a creamy chive dip.

For more recipes, see our barbecue ribs recipes.

5. Swedish meatball burgers

Beef burgers like these Swedish meatball burgers are essential to any summer barbecue. Make a classic burger patty with beef mince, breadcrumbs, eggs and onions. Barbecue until cooked through then melt cheddar cheese on top and finish with lettuce and tomato.

See our beef burger recipes for more inspiration.

6. Barbecued banoffee splits

Satisfy your sweetooth with these family-friendly barbecued banoffee splits. Stuff bananas with a mixture of butter, light brown sugar and vanilla extract. Wrap the bananas in foil then grill for 15 minutes. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and scatter with chopped pecans.

Finish off your feast with more BBQ dessert recipes.

7. Sticky chicken & chorizo skewers

Embrace the fresh flavours of summer with these sticky chicken & chorizo skewers. Skewer bite-sized pieces of chicken, thick chorizo slices and whole padron peppers, then coat with a garlic, honey and thyme glaze. Serve with a batch of homemade fluffy olive oil flatbreads.

See more options with our barbecue skewer recipes.

8. Chicken souvlaki

This Greek-inspired chicken souvlaki is loaded with herbs and spices like oregano, mint, cumin, coriander and paprika. Marinade the chicken for up to 48 hours then skewer and cook on a hot grill. Make a batch of soft pita wraps and a cooling tzatziki dip. Serve with chopped tomato, lettuce and red onion.

Find more simple recipes with our easy barbecue recipes.

9. Easy vegan burgers

Make a big batch of these easy vegan burgers and freeze some to have on hand for a sunny afternoon. These plant-based burgers are packed with sweet potatoes, polenta and sweetcorn. Serve in buns with a dollop of salsa, some onion and salad leaves.

Discover more veggie recipes in our vegan barbecue recipes.

10. Greek chicken kebab

Our five-star Greek chicken kebab is made with chicken thighs to make it extra tender and succulent. After marinading overnight, thread the chicken on to two skewers and grill for 45 minutes or until cooked through. Let rest for 20 minutes before serving with pitta bread and fresh salad.

Find more ideas with our kebab recipes.

11. Spiced grilled pineapple with maple sesame brittle

Make this sweet and zesty pineapple dessert the next time you have a barbecue. After the coals have died down a little, char some pineapple spiced with ginger and mixed spice and serve with our maple syrup and sesame seed brittle.

Find inspiration for more family BBQ desserts.

12. Vegan pulled BBQ jackfruit

Discover the art of cooking jackfruit and transform it into a delectable vegan 'pulled' meat substitute in just 5 minutes using only ten common storecupboard staples. It’s perfect for stuffing into bread rolls and enjoying with all the barbecue trimmings.

Use jackfruit as a clever meat alternative in our easy jackfruit recipes.

13. Barbecue sesame sweet potatoes

Serve these glazed sweet potatoes as a side dish at a barbecue, or turn them into a summer salad by tossing through handfuls of rocket or watercress. Craft your glaze using a blend of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and lime juice, infusing the perfect umami flavours to balance the sweetness of the potato. Top with sliced chillies and fresh spring onions, delivering an extra kick and burst of freshness to every bite.

Create a lovely spread with more of our barbecue side recipes.

14. Next level BBQ chicken

Unlock the secrets to mastering BBQ chicken like a pro with our straightforward recipe, designed for even the most novice barbecuers to conquer. Experience chicken so tender it practically falls off the bone, while our marinade boasts a delightful harmony of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours.

Discover more of our chicken drumstick recipes and chicken wing recipes.

15. BBQ mackerel

Enhance your barbecue offering with this aromatic mackerel dish, delicately coated in a vibrant ginger, chilli and lime drizzle. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for entertaining a crowd, as it can effortlessly be doubled to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

Throw the catch of the day on the barbecue with more of our barbecue fish recipes.

16. Vegan BBQ teriyaki tofu

This vegan BBQ teriyaki tofu is a great meat-free alternative that’s quick and easy to prepare. Just mix your marinade ingredients and let your tofu marinate for at least an hour, allowing it to absorb the flavours. For an even richer taste, let it marinate for longer.

Discover more tofu recipes – perfect for barbecues, stir-fries and more.

17. Easy eton mess ice cream

Serve our eton mess ice cream in bowls or cones for a feeling of nostalgia. With vanilla custard, meringue and fresh strawberries, it's a great gluten-free dessert option.

Cool down during the summer with more of our ice cream recipes.

18. Easy sangria

Embrace balmy summer days with a jug of sangria. It's a lovely sharing cocktail with red wine, Spanish brandy, sparkling water, cinnamon and chopped fruit.

For an alternative option, try our white wine sangria or check out more of our sangria recipes.

19. Pimm's

Is it British summertime if you don’t have a glass of Pimm’s in your hand? Make up this fruity punch with lemonade, fresh mint leaves, cucumber, orange slices and strawberries.

Check out more Pimm's recipes, from cocktails to cakes.

20. Marshmallow & strawberry kebabs

If you find yourself with some leftover heat on your barbecue and you're craving a sweet finale to your feast, why not give our marshmallow & strawberry kebabs a try? It's a fun activity for kids to join in, honing their chopping skills and watching the marshmallows toast to perfection. Finish off your skewers with a drizzle of caramel sauce once they've cooled.

Discover more of our moreish marshmallow recipes.

Enjoyed these recipes? See more inspiration...

Top 15 family barbecue recipes
The best charcoal barbecues on test
The best healthy barbecue recipes
The best portable barbecues on test
The best vegetarian barbecue recipes
The best gas BBQs
The best Weber BBQs
The best charcoal BBQs

What's your favourite barbecue recipe? Let us know in the comments...