Are you planning a BBQ party? Check out these 29 easy and delicious BBQ party food ideas! From mouthwatering grilled meats to delicious side dishes, these ideas will help you create a memorable and tasty outdoor feast.
There’s nothing quite like a BBQ party to bring friends and family together for a day of fun, laughter, and, of course, delicious food.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, planning the menu can be one of the most exciting (and sometimes daunting) parts of hosting a BBQ.
The key is to strike the right balance between classic crowd-pleasers and a few surprising twists that will make your party memorable.
To help you create a mouthwatering spread, We’ve put together 29 BBQ party food ideas that are sure to impress your guests.
From savory mains to tasty sides and sweet treats, these dishes will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
1. BBQ Burgers with Bacon & Crispy Onion Strings
A juicy, flame-grilled burger is the ultimate BBQ classic. Use high-quality beef, season it well, and cook to perfection over the grill.
Offer a variety of toppings like cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and caramelised onions so guests can customise their own. Serve on toasted brioche buns for the best experience.
➡️ Get the BBQ Grilled Burger Recipe
2. BBQ Ribs
Nothing says BBQ like fall-off-the-bone ribs coated in a sticky, smoky sauce. Slow-cook them first for maximum tenderness, then finish on the grill for a delicious charred crust.
Whether you prefer a sweet, tangy, or spicy BBQ sauce, ribs are always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve with cornbread and coleslaw for the ultimate combo.
➡️ Get the BBQ Rib Recipe
3. Grilled Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a fun and easy BBQ staple that everyone loves. Grill them until they’re slightly charred, then set up a DIY toppings bar with ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, and even chili or cheese for a loaded dog.
Try different varieties like beef franks, turkey dogs, or plant-based options for variety.
➡️ Get the Grilled Hot Dog Recipe
4. Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers are perfect for BBQs because they’re easy to eat and packed with flavour.
Marinate the chicken in a bold sauce like teriyaki, honey mustard, or a spicy garlic rub for at least an hour before grilling.
Thread them onto skewers with peppers and onions for extra flavour and serve with a dipping sauce.
➡️ Get the Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
5. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Veggie skewers are a must-have for vegetarians and a great way to add colour to your BBQ spread.
Use a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, brushed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Grill until slightly charred and serve with a balsamic glaze or garlic aioli for extra flavour.
➡️ Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a simple but irresistible BBQ side dish.
Brush it with butter, sprinkle with salt, or go all out with Mexican-style toppings like mayo, cotija cheese, and a dusting of chili powder.
For a smoky twist, wrap the corn in foil with a little butter before grilling.
➡️ Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
7. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork soaked in BBQ sauce is perfect for piling onto soft buns.
Cook the pork low and slow until it’s juicy and falls apart effortlessly.
Serve with coleslaw either on the side or as a topping for that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours.
➡️ Get the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
8. Grilled Sausages
Upgrade your BBQ with a variety of sausages like bratwurst, Italian sausage, or spicy chorizo.
Grill them until they have a crispy, golden-brown exterior, then serve with sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavour.
Pair with mustard, hot sauce, or a fresh roll for an easy handheld meal.
➡️ Get the Grilled Sausage Recipe
9. Old Fashioned Homemade Baked Beans
Slow-cooked baked beans with smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and a hint of spice are the perfect BBQ side dish.
They complement grilled meats beautifully and can be made ahead of time to let the flavours deepen. Serve hot with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top for extra indulgence.
➡️ Get the Old Fashioned Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
10. Potato Salad
A creamy, flavourful potato salad is a BBQ essential. Make it the traditional way with mayo, mustard, eggs, and pickles, or try a lighter version with a tangy vinaigrette and fresh herbs.
Either way, it’s the perfect cooling side to balance out smoky grilled meats.
➡️ Get the Classic Potato Salad Recipe
11. Simple Creamy Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast to smoky BBQ dishes, making it a must-have side.
Keep it classic with a creamy dressing made from mayo, vinegar, and a hint of sugar, or opt for a tangy vinegar-based slaw for a lighter, zesty twist.
Either way, it’s the perfect refreshing balance to rich grilled meats.
➡️ Get the Creamy Yogurt Coleslaw Recipe
12. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp grills quickly, making it one of the easiest BBQ appetisers or mains. Marinate in garlic, lemon, and herbs for a fresh, zesty flavour, or spice it up with Cajun seasoning.
Serve with a squeeze of lime and a dipping sauce for a delicious seafood treat.
➡️ Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe
13. Grilled Pineapple Slices
Grilling pineapple caramelises the natural sugars, creating a sweet and smoky flavour that pairs beautifully with savoury BBQ dishes.
Serve it as a side with grilled meats or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra twist, sprinkle cinnamon or drizzle with honey before grilling.
➡️ Get the Grilled Pineapple Recipe
14. BBQ Chicken Wings
Crispy, smoky, and slathered in BBQ sauce—grilled chicken wings are always a hit.
Cook them low and slow on the grill to get perfectly juicy meat with a crispy skin. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and watch them disappear fast!
➡️ Get the BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
15. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are the perfect meat alternative, with their hearty, umami-rich flavour.
Marinate them in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil before grilling to enhance their depth.
Serve as a main dish, in a sandwich, or as a side to complement other BBQ favourites.
➡️ Get the Grilled Portobello Mushrooms Recipe
16. Fresh Watermelon Slices
Nothing beats the refreshing juiciness of chilled watermelon on a hot BBQ day. Slice it up and serve as is, or get creative by grilling the slices for a smoky, caramelised twist.
You can even sprinkle a little sea salt or lime juice to enhance the natural sweetness.
17. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a creamy, comforting side that pairs well with any BBQ spread.
Made with pasta, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Add diced pickles, mustard, or a pinch of paprika for extra flavour.
➡️ Get the Macaroni Salad Recipe
18. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that adds a touch of freshness to your BBQ.
Lightly charred and drizzled with olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a perfect complement to grilled meats and seafood. Sprinkle with parmesan for an extra savoury kick.
➡️ Get the Grilled Asparagus Recipe
19. BBQ Baked Potato Recipe with Pulled Pork
A baked potato straight off the grill is the perfect hearty side dish.
Wrap potatoes in foil, cook them over the coals, then let guests load them up with sour cream, cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chives.
The smoky flavour from the grill makes them even better than oven-baked ones!
➡️ Get the BBQ Baked Potato Recipe
20. Grilled Fish Tacos
Light, fresh, and full of flavour, grilled fish tacos are a fantastic addition to any BBQ.
Use flaky white fish like cod or tilapia, season with lime and spices, then grill until perfectly charred.
Serve in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, salsa, and a creamy lime crema for a taco everyone will love.
➡️ Get the Grilled Fish Tacos Recipe
21. Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad is a refreshing and colourful addition to your BBQ spread.
Made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s drizzled with balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Serve it as a side dish or a light appetiser to complement grilled mains.
➡️ Get the Caprese Salad Recipe
22. Grilled Peaches
Grilling peaches caramelises their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness with a subtle smoky flavour.
Serve them warm as a side dish, in a salad with goat cheese, or as a decadent dessert topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey. They’re simple, elegant, and packed with summer flavour.
➡️ Get the Grilled Peaches Recipe
23. Jalapeño Cheese Cornbread
No BBQ is complete without warm, buttery cornbread. This Southern classic pairs perfectly with smoky grilled meats and baked beans.
Serve it with honey butter for a slightly sweet touch or add jalapeños for a bit of heat.
➡️ Get the Cornbread Recipe
24. Grilled Zucchini Boats
Zucchini boats are a delicious way to enjoy grilled veggies with a fun twist.
Hollow out zucchinis and fill them with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, then grill until golden and tender. They make a tasty and satisfying vegetarian side.
➡️ Get the Grilled Zucchini Boats Recipe
25. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Grilled pizza is a game-changer, and BBQ chicken pizza is a flavour-packed favourite.
Use BBQ sauce as the base, then top with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and red onions. Grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander.
➡️ Get the BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
26. Fresh Pasta Salad
A light and refreshing pasta salad is the perfect BBQ side dish.
Toss cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette for a vibrant and easy-to-make dish.
Make it ahead of time for even better flavour absorption.
➡️ Get the Fresh Pasta Salad Recipe
27. Grilled Garlic Bread
Grilling garlic bread takes it to the next level, adding a smoky crispness to every bite.
Brush slices with garlic butter, toast until golden, and serve warm alongside BBQ meats, pasta salads, or dips.
For extra flavour, sprinkle with parmesan or fresh herbs before serving.
➡️ Get the Grilled Garlic Bread Recipe
28. Grilled Avocado with Toppings
Grilled avocados have a creamy texture with a hint of smokiness, making them a unique BBQ addition.
Serve them with a sprinkle of salt and lime juice, or fill them with salsa, shrimp, or cheese for a flavourful appetiser or side. A simple yet impressive dish!
➡️ Get the Grilled Avocado Halves Recipe
29. S’mores
End your BBQ on a sweet note with classic s’mores. Toast marshmallows over the grill and sandwich them between graham crackers with chocolate for a nostalgic treat.
With these 29 BBQ party food ideas, you’re well on your way to hosting an unforgettable outdoor feast. Mix and match these dishes to suit your crowd, and don’t be afraid to add your own creative spin.
After all, the best BBQs are all about good food, good company, and having a great time!
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