A garden barbecue doesn't need to be complicated, but a little forward-planning can really pay off. These three recipes are easy to prepare and made for sharing, whether your guests eat meat or not. And, of course, they all feature excellent cheese. No apologies for that.
The secret to a great barbecue spread
The difference between a good barbecue and a great one is usually something unexpected. A plant-based dish they’ve never tried before. A burger so ridiculously good that everyone yearns for seconds. A sauce with a herbaceous kick that prompts your guests to ask how you made it. These three dishes cover all of that – plus deeper flavour, smoke from the coals and velvety melted cheese – and they work brilliantly together as a spread.
The Ultimate Cheeseburger
Every barbecue deserves a great cheeseburger, and this one definitely delivers. Crispy smash patties, cooked over hot coals until the edges catch, topped with melted slices of smoky Beech Wood Cheddar. A drizzle of our sweet and spicy Hot Honey. Little gem lettuce, a cool swipe of mayo and a toasted brioche bun holding it all together. Messy, indulgent and a cheeseburger recipe you should keep to hand (your guests will ask for it).
Barbecued spicy butternut squash
Looking for vegetarian barbecue recipes that go beyond a halloumi skewer? This is the only one you’ll need. Halves of sweet butternut squash are cooked slowly over the coals until they take on a gentle smokiness and the flesh turns soft and almost creamy. They’re then filled with spiced chickpeas, folded through mixed grains and lifted with a handful of dried fruit. Next, Black Bomber is grated over the top so it melts into the filling, bringing depth and a savoury richness. Pumpkin seeds add crunch, while fresh herbs and chilli lift every bite.
This one is for the vegetarians at the party – though don’t be surprised if everyone else tucks in too.
Grilled chicken Caesar flatbreads
Classic grilled chicken recipes are brought to life when the barbecue adds smoke and a little caramelisation. Here, chicken breasts are marinated with lemon, paprika and olive oil, then grilled until lightly blistered and sliced into warm, soft flatbreads. Crisp romaine, lightly charred at the edges, brings freshness and bite.
The Caesar dressing is where Green Thunder shines – blended into yoghurt with garlic, lemon and anchovies, it brings roasted garlic depth and herb-led richness that runs right through the dish. A final grating of cheese is the finishing touch, melting slightly into the warm chicken and dressing. It’s light and savoury but satisfying too – and will disappear quickly as it’s passed around.
Tips for hosting the perfect barbecue
Choose a mix of dishes – light salads, chargrilled meats, colourful veggies, fluffy homemade breads – that balance rich, smoky flavours with freshness and zing. And the most enjoyable barbecues are the ones where the host gets to sit down eventually, so a bit of prep goes a long way. Do what you can in advance – make marinades, dressings, fillings – so you’re not trying to do everything once the grill is hot.
Let the food come off the heat whenever it’s ready. Plates get shared, people pick and choose, and nothing needs to arrive in a particular order. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, make extra cheeseburgers – they always disappear first.
Explore all our barbecue recipes here.
