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Original poster

Please critique my first ever bbq menu

283 replies

Liud · 14/04/2025 11:58

Hosting my first bbq this weekend in my first home.
Sadly the weather looks a little iffy but we’ll have a laugh regardless.

This is my menu. We have a few vegetarians. I think it’s a very easy menu as I can give dh the skewers I’ve premarinated. And the rest can be prepared in advance.

The only thing that really requires effort is the focaccia (I don’t love making bread but I love the recipe).

Its probably a bit carb heavy but I’ve done it that way with the vegetarians in mind.

Pasta salad
Homemade focaccia
Greek salad
Bombay new potatoes (dishoom recipe)
Butter herb new potatoes (for ppl who don’t like coriander)
Halloumi skewers
Veg skewers
Tandoori style chicken skewers (tastes better than takeaways imo)
Mint lamb kofte
Corn on the cob

Homemade mint chutney
tamarind sauce
Mango chutney

Crisps and shop bought dips
Nuts

Key lime pie
Profiteroles

Wine
Beer

OP posts:
Gribbie · 14/04/2025 15:33

My two suggestions that are tasty and veggie friendly:

Long red peppers - half and remove seeds, put a layer of boursain inside and cook. You can add breadcrumps & parmeasan on the top if you want.

Cowboy cavier: www.dinneratthezoo.com/cowboy-caviar/

doodleschnoodle · 14/04/2025 15:31

It sounds lovely but I would definitely do more meat. Doesn’t have to be burgers and sausages (although I bloody love a sausage on the bbq!) but I’d up the ratio of meat to sides a bit, or add some prawns or something? I like to eat mainly meat with some salad, not much in the way of carbs, at a barbecue, and there’s not much choice of meat. I’d personally add some sausages or burgers as they always get eaten but if avoiding those I’d do some different flavour skewers, a couple more different meats and maybe some prawns.

But I would happily eat what’s on offer and be grateful for it, so I don’t think you need to do anything. But if I were organising a barbecue, I would have more meat (my husband and pals’ husbands are big carnivores though!).

Staringatthestars · 14/04/2025 15:24

Nice.

Where's the actual bbq food though?

ChangeisntalwaysfortheBetter · 14/04/2025 15:24

Simplepink · 14/04/2025 15:22

I think it sounds gorgeous.
and also not really carb heavy, if you did me potato’s two ways you would be heavily praised

I'd just be happy with some dirty wedges and sour cream. 😂

Hoppinggreen · 14/04/2025 15:22

BitterTits · 14/04/2025 15:21

Sounds bloody great. Just add some green salad.

And a burger?
😂

Simplepink · 14/04/2025 15:22

I think it sounds gorgeous.
and also not really carb heavy, if you did me potato’s two ways you would be heavily praised

BitterTits · 14/04/2025 15:21

Sounds bloody great. Just add some green salad.

ChangeisntalwaysfortheBetter · 14/04/2025 15:18

Gall10 · 14/04/2025 12:10

1 pasta salad
1 potato salad
1 big bowl pre bought greet stuff
1 type meat kebab
1 veg kebab
loads of burgers & buns
pre bought dips & crispy snacks
white chocolate magnums
anyone who can’t get a good meal from that lot can bring their own!
Dont overdo yourself…you want to enjoy the day as well!

White chocolate magnums? That's overly specific 😂 I'd go for mix minis! White chocolate is a sin to sweet IMHO! A mix caters for more tastes I suppose.

ChangeisntalwaysfortheBetter · 14/04/2025 15:12

Where's the burgers? 🤣 I'd maybe do a chilli, or something a bit different. Your menu seems to have similar dishes to each other. I'd simplify it.

Silvers11 · 14/04/2025 15:09

Liud · 14/04/2025 14:46

I think it’s strange how people think there’s only one way to do a barbecue - ie sausages, burgers, coleslaw, jackets

The world is a big place with lots of different ideas!

I'm not knocking that kind of barbecue I do that regularly

@Liud You asked for a critique and that's what people are giving you? There is very little meat unless it has spices or mint with it - and not everyone likes either of those things. The vegetarians are well catered for. Most people would at least expect Sausages and burgers as well, which is what a lot of people are telling you. You know your guests, so if you think they will all be happy with your offering, that's fine. You know your guests and we don't!!

RampantIvy · 14/04/2025 15:08

Liud · 14/04/2025 14:46

I think it’s strange how people think there’s only one way to do a barbecue - ie sausages, burgers, coleslaw, jackets

The world is a big place with lots of different ideas!

I'm not knocking that kind of barbecue I do that regularly

There are clearly a lot of fussy eaters people with conservative palates on this thread.

AprilBunny · 14/04/2025 15:05

Sounds lovely, skewers are very popular in our household. As others have said maybe ditch one of the potato dishes.

Hoppinggreen · 14/04/2025 15:00

Doggymummar · 14/04/2025 14:59

Where's the meat and fish? Or are people bringing there own? Steaks, chicken legs, ribs, sausages burgers salmon. Jacket potatoes and corn on the cob

Edited

There is chicken
BBQ's don't have to be meat heavy

Doggymummar · 14/04/2025 14:59

Where's the meat and fish? Or are people bringing there own? Steaks, chicken legs, ribs, sausages burgers salmon. Jacket potatoes and corn on the cob

Original poster
Liud · 14/04/2025 14:59

Felinnefine · 14/04/2025 14:48

I think it’s more about providing options for your many guests… it’s not all about what you’d like, given you are inviting many people. Still, your bbq your rules!

Show quote history

Yes a lot of people have been wonderfully helpful with suggestions. But others have been a little overly prescriptive in what constitutes a bbq

OP posts:
roofingtooting · 14/04/2025 14:57

I do BBQs quite often. I no longer do salads. They just aren’t eaten. Neither are puddings. I just offer a magnum or ice lolly these days. Sometimes a fruit platter too.

Burgers, sausages, some form of chicken with rolls, bread, crisps and dips are good. Chips or wedges go down well. Randomly, pick n mix is a huge hit here too.

Hoppinggreen · 14/04/2025 14:56

roseymoira · 14/04/2025 13:24

I’ve never been to a BBQ without sausages and burgers

And we have never had one with sausages and burgers
We don't eat them normally so why would be at a BBQ?

MorningSunlight · 14/04/2025 14:55

Liud · 14/04/2025 14:46

I think it’s strange how people think there’s only one way to do a barbecue - ie sausages, burgers, coleslaw, jackets

The world is a big place with lots of different ideas!

I'm not knocking that kind of barbecue I do that regularly

But you asked people to critique it so they are! Did you just want everyone to tell you what a fabulous cook you are or actually want a discussion? Do you think burgers and sausages arent good enough for your guests? I think your food sounds delicious but they are what people tend to expect and that's why so many people have said it.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 14/04/2025 14:55

That seems a lot of food (and preparation).

Just how many people are coming? I read somewhere that you could feed five thousand people with five fishes and two loaves - and that will deal with the vegeterian's requirements too.

There's also a trick with passing water off as wine, but I can't remember how you do that.

NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 14/04/2025 14:54

it sounds utterly delicious - especially love halloumi 🥰 and handmade focaccias sound so wonderful don't change a thing OP

wandawaves · 14/04/2025 14:52

Liud · 14/04/2025 14:46

I think it’s strange how people think there’s only one way to do a barbecue - ie sausages, burgers, coleslaw, jackets

The world is a big place with lots of different ideas!

I'm not knocking that kind of barbecue I do that regularly

I can't even remember the last time I had a burger at a BBQ.
I think your BBQ sounds great. (As long as you add a cheese platter).

Felinnefine · 14/04/2025 14:48

Liud · 14/04/2025 14:46

I think it’s strange how people think there’s only one way to do a barbecue - ie sausages, burgers, coleslaw, jackets

The world is a big place with lots of different ideas!

I'm not knocking that kind of barbecue I do that regularly

I think it’s more about providing options for your many guests… it’s not all about what you’d like, given you are inviting many people. Still, your bbq your rules!

Original poster
Liud · 14/04/2025 14:46

I think it’s strange how people think there’s only one way to do a barbecue - ie sausages, burgers, coleslaw, jackets

The world is a big place with lots of different ideas!

I'm not knocking that kind of barbecue I do that regularly

OP posts:
Felinnefine · 14/04/2025 14:37

Sounds delicious, lovely bbq. I’d add a big green salad with dressing, jacket potatoes, coleslaw and grated cheese. Some garlic king prawns. Vege and halloumi kebabs. I’d also have some bowls of crisps / nuts and a cheeky bowl of gummy sweets (for people like me!)

Supporthelittleguys · 14/04/2025 14:31

Sounds delicious. I’m vegetarian and I would save myself for a bbq and haveeee… from your menu…

halloumi skewers
pasta
the bread with a dip
Greek salad
Bombay potatoes

in drooling now. Just 2.5 hours till dinner 😭😂

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