It’s bank holiday season and Summer is nearly here, which means it's time to fire up the grill and enjoy some mouthwatering barbecued delights with friends and family. But before you can dive into the sizzling goodness, you need to make sure you have everything you need.
That's why we've compiled the ultimate BBQ shopping list, ensuring that you have all the essentials to create a memorable and delicious outdoor feast.
From meat and marinades, to BBQ drinks, salads, and desserts, let's explore the must-have items that will make your BBQ party a roaring success.
The Best Meats For A BBQ
No BBQ is complete without a tantalising array of meats. When it comes to choosing the best cuts, consider a variety of options to cater to different preferences. Some popular choices include:
- Beef: Opt for succulent steaks like ribeye, sirloin, or T-bone. Ground beef is essential for burgers.
- Chicken: Go for boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for grilling. Chicken wings and drumsticks are perfect for finger-licking appetisers.
- Pork: Ribs, chops, or pork tenderloin are excellent options for those who love pork. Sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage add variety.
- Seafood: Grilled shrimp, salmon fillets, or tuna steaks are ideal for seafood enthusiasts.
Don’t forget any vegetarian friends and family! There’s a great number of plant-based burgers and sausages to choose from in most large supermarkets.
BBQ Marinades and Sauces
To infuse your meat with mouthwatering flavours, marinades and sauces are essential. Prepare homemade marinades using a mix of herbs, spices, and oils, or explore pre-made options available in stores. Popular marinade flavours include teriyaki, garlic and herb, citrus, and spicy barbecue.
Condiments and sauces are the perfect accompaniments to enhance the flavours of your BBQ creations. Some must-haves include:
- BBQ Sauce: From tangy and smoky to sweet and spicy, there are countless BBQ sauce options available.
- Ketchup and Mustard: Classic condiments that are a staple for burgers and hot dogs.
- Mayonnaise: Ideal for making creamy and flavourful sauces for sandwiches or dipping.
- Pickles and Relish: Add a tangy crunch to your burgers and sandwiches.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like an extra kick, keep a bottle of hot sauce handy.
The Best Vegetables For BBQ Skewers
While meat takes centre stage at a BBQ, it's important not to overlook the vegetarian options. Fresh vegetables can be grilled to perfection and make excellent sides or main dishes for anyone to enjoy. Once arranged on the skewers, brush the below vegetables with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and place directly on the grill:
- Corn on the cob
- Bell peppers
- Courgette
- Mushroom
- Red onion
- Tomatoes
Delicious & Refreshing BBQ Drinks
When hosting a BBQ, it's essential to have a variety of drink options to cater to different preferences and ensure everyone stays hydrated.
The perfect soft drink for a family BBQ is one that's refreshing, flavourful, and caters to all ages. All of our drinks are perfect for BBQs, offering a delicious and thirst-quenching experience for anyone to enjoy on those hot Summer days.
Sparkling Bottles
Our Spectacular Sparklers come in glass bottles, with screw-cap lids, and five fruity and botanical flavours to choose from. It's a great option for those who want a non-alcoholic sparkling drink that's not loaded with sugar and artificial flavours.
Fruit Juice Fusions
Our Fantastical Fusions range feature your favourite fruit juice combinations, mixed with a splash of water for a delightfully fruity and refreshing drink.
Sparkling Pressé
Packaged in a convenient recyclable 250ml can, our brilliantly bubbly Pressés are the ultimate Summer soft drink and are perfect for a beach BBQ!
Fruit Juice
For a no-fuss drink, ideal for kids, our range of Jubilant Juices are a great choice. Made from the finest fruits, with no added nasties, they are available in nine different flavours from classics such as Orange and Apple, to the more exotic Pink Grapefruit or our unique Bumbleberry Juice.
Did you know, with Frobishers you can build a custom box of delicious soft drinks and choose a delivery date that suits you - perfect for ordering ahead of time for the BBQ.
For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, offering a selection of drinks can elevate the BBQ experience, we recommend picking a few from the below:
- Beer
- Wine
- Cider
- Cocktails (check out our library of cocktail recipes here)
Finally - don't forget ice for all your drinks. Get an ice bucket to keep all your drinks cool on a hot day, we love this one from Outside Gang.
Essential Buns and Bread
No BBQ is complete without some delicious buns and bread to hold your grilled masterpieces. Make sure to have a variety of options including:
- Burger buns
- Hot dog hubs
- Soft rolls or bread for sandwiches
- Gluten-free alternatives
BBQ Salads and Side Dish Ideas
Complement your BBQ spread with a selection of fresh salads and sides. Some popular choices include:
- Classic Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Coleslaw: Creamy and refreshing, coleslaw is a classic BBQ side that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Potato Salad: Whether it's a creamy mayo-based version or a tangy mustard-based one, potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Pasta Salad: A simple pasta salad always goes down a treat, or why not mix it up with a BBQ Chicken Pasta salad - try this recipe from Dinner Then Dessert
- Grilled Vegetables: Use your fresh vegetable selection to create a delicious grilled vegetable medley seasoned with herbs and olive oil.
The Best BBQ Desserts
No meal is complete without something sweet to end on a delightful note. Consider these BBQ-inspired dessert ideas:
-
Roasted BBQ Bananas: We love this Chocolate Baked Banana recipe from BBC Good Food
- Homemade Ice Lollies: Perfect for keeping little ones cool on a hot day, try our 5 favourite quick and easy Ice Lolly recipes
- Pavlova: A classic British Summer dessert, whip this recipe up ahead of the occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Ice Cream: Serve ice cream cups or cones with a variety of toppings such as chocolate sauce, nuts, and sprinkles.
With this ultimate shopping list for a BBQ, you'll be well-prepared to host an unforgettable outdoor feast. From high-quality meats and marinades to condiments, sides, and desserts, this comprehensive list ensures that you have everything you need for a successful BBQ party. So fire up the grill, invite your loved ones, and get ready to savour the flavours of summer!
