Do you expect burgers and sausages at a BBQ

[ScenesFromAnItalianRestaurant]

I am planning a BBQ for about 30 people, mostly adults/teens. I am thinking of cooking pulled pork in the oven to finish on the BBQ and also chicken skewers. Plus loads of bread, salad, olives etc.

As a non meat eater I wonder if this menu will meet with everyone's expectation - my main reason is I love cooking and burgers etc are so boring.

If you are invited to a BBQ do you expect traditional food or do you like something a bit different.

I realise pulled pork isn't exactly cutting edge food but my family seem to like it

[liptolinford]

Definitely. Don't think I've ever been to a BBQ without them. I wouldn't mind if they were vegetarian versions, though.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

I'd expect them but only because they usually feature, I wouldn't be at all disappointed not to have any.

[4merlyknownasSHD]

Pork belly is our main BBQ go-to. Also venison steaks which I would cook rare.

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es]

Yes, definitely (for me not just for DCs) - both taste amazing when cooked on a BBQ. Chicken skewers are good too.

Pulled pork - sorry, no thanks, I agree that it is totally overrated. I'd eat it but wouldn't really enjoy it.

[BYOSnowman]

I guess it's about knowing your audience. What do the meat eaters in your family say? I would follow their lead

[WannaBe]

I grew up in SA and there putting burgers on the BBQ is never done. so a BBQ without burgers wouldn't bother me in the slightest, although I do cook them now because DS likes them.

But for me any other kind of meat goes, and possibly one of the best BBQ's I've had was when we had one last year and a friend showed up with marinated lamb for kebabs and tuna steaks. Mmm.

I agree though that pulled pork is overrated and is everywhere. Personally I would go with chicken skewers, or perhaps even lamb ones, belly pork, chicken wings or drumsticks, although make sure you part cook them in the oven first to ensure they're cooked through. Flattened chicken breasts in marinade work as well, lime and ginger for instance works well.

Perhaps fish or prawn skewers, I did prawns last week with onions, peppers and teriyaki marinade.

I would suggest steaks but as you're cooking for that many people I probably wouldn't. but I would chuck on a few packs of sausages because they do get eaten.

And bread, potato salad, kous kous, green salad and you're done. :-)

[idontlikealdi]

I hardly ever BBQ sausages and burgers unless there are kids involved. Nice joint of meat - lamb shoulder or leg, pulled pork, brisket etc much nicer IMO.

I would do the pork on the BBQ the whole way too op - don't bother with the oven.

[gingerboy1912]

If there are kids attending I would chuck a few bland sausages on the bbq it's a cheap filler upper and even the fussiest child will probably eat them.

[pleaseholdyourcallisimportant]

I would want a burger plus any meat and/or fish on skewers with bbq'd veg, and a big bowl of salad.

[Notso]

Burgers and sausages are the reason I dread BBQ's so I'd be delighted not to have to try and eat them.

[ScenesFromAnItalianRestaurant]

Sorry, I got a bit distracted by work.

Thanks for all the suggestions - I have done lamb shoulder before with great success. I like the idea of brisket.

I prefer to use free range/organic meat so the slower cooking cuts tend to be more cost effective. Also I meant burgers are boring as there is no preparation, not boring to eat. Maybe I could make them.

Veggie options likely to be hallomi skewers, baby courgettes stuffed with feta and roasted in foil, or ramiro peppers stuffed with tomatoes, olives, feta and pine nuts, field mushrooms, beetroot and chickpea burgers (vegan).

[bigTillyMint]

IMHE, the teens will expect mountains of burgers and sausages and won't touch the delicious sides/veggie options

[PrimalLass]

Yes, I would. But I'd also love the other stuff and eat it all!

There was a huge thread about this - maybe last summer.

[ScenesFromAnItalianRestaurant]

The chicken skewers were aimed at the teens (the ones who aren't veggies obs) as they always ask for them.

All the food is for everyone, not one of those parties where meat eaters have to hold back In case they dare touch the veggie food. Or child/adult food. Just food.

[BitOutOfPractice]

I'm having a BBQ next weekend for the same number and we are having a mass burger making evening tonight. They are so nice when you make them yourself and you can put different flavours in them to satisfy your foodie inner-self

[PurpleDaisies]

Your menu sounds delicious but I would be disappointed without a burger and/or sausages. I've struggled to get homemade burgers to stay together on the bbq. I wouldn't worry about bought ones being boring. You could make a tomato relish if you want something extra to prepare.

[DeliveredByKiki]

Nope - we tend to do steak and fish as meat options then shit tons of veg (I'm vegan so also make veggie burgers) and salads

I do often get hotdogs in case of fussy children though

Your menu sounds lovely

[ScenesFromAnItalianRestaurant]

BitOutOfPractice can you suggest any combinations? Dh loves chipotle, would that work with beef? Also ras el hanout with lamb perhaps.

Cooking fish worries me, I always think I will over cook it and be dry.

[Statelychangers]

i like something a bit different - been to too many bbq's with burnt or over cooked meat and a distinct lack of salad.

[ScenesFromAnItalianRestaurant]

I just popped into sainsburys on the way home to browse the meat aisle for inspiration. They suggested surf and turf kebabs - so beef and prawns - does that sound good? Also lamb burgers, I thought would go well with the courgette and feta.

[BYOSnowman]

The courgettes sound really good. Will try it!!

[ScenesFromAnItalianRestaurant]

They are, best done with the baby courgettes, it doesn't work with the big ones. I sometimes add chilli and mint as well.

[ScenesFromAnItalianRestaurant]

That sounds boring - pulled pork and chicken skewers? Is that it for the barbecued meat? Bit miserable IMO.

What is it about barbecues that people expect an entire farmyard to animals to be cooked? Maybe I should call it a garden party instead

[Hoppinggreen]

We never have burgers at a bbq and rarely sausages.
Usually have garlic mushrooms, haloumi kebabs, chicken, sometimes a whole fish in foil or a spatchcock chicken ( cooked in the oven first) or a leg of lamb. I don't really like sausages or burgers much and wouldn't normally eat them so why would I at a bbq? Suggests a lack of imagination

[ScenesFromAnItalianRestaurant]

Hoppinggreen I'm inclined to agree. What sort of fish do you do? I like the idea of cooking one big thing.