Help me plan this BBQ.

[OperationMalena]

I am hosting 15 people in the summer for a BBQ. It is for extended family who are coming here from overseas.

I want to do a very nice BBQ with a British twist. I don't want to cook things like sausages and burgers and I am happy to spend on this occasion as this is the only time in my life I have ever hosted like this, and I doubt they'll be back.

Can anyone recommend some dishes such as salads or side dishes for such a BBQ? What meat would you cook for everyone? Desserts?

To pick I'd do big platters crudités with a couple of nice home made dips. Make a big tray of baked pita strips - literally pita's chopped into fingers put on a baking tray drizzle with oil and season generously and bake until crunchy. I always do loads of these and there's never any left. Some bowls of olives, spiced nuts (providing no allergies). Nice crisps.
If you are fairly confident on the bbq a side of salmon would be great.

This beef fillet is amazing, I'm not going to lie, you may need to remortgage the house to afford the meat but worth it for a special occasion!

Spatchcock tandoori style chicken is great on the barbecue. Goes down well with naan bread, also done on the barbecue. I like to put pork ribs to slow cook in the oven early in the morning and bring out plates of them while the other food is cooking.

Delia’s roast vegetables with couscous and harissa is a perfect hearty salad, which can be prepared a day in advance- just throw the leaves on top when people are ready to eat. This frees you up to drink more Pimms on the day!

Eton mess to finish up.

This thread has made me so hungry!

I too would be a bit sad without a burger at a BBQ - I make my own juicy Lucy burgers and they’re very easy and very delicious. Basically mix mince with caramelised onion bisto best powder and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, shape into into thin burgers then fold a slice of burger cheese into quarters and pop in the middle of two thin burgers and seal the edges… so good!

Sounds like an exciting BBQ event! If you want a British twist, how about serving classics like a roasted leg of lamb or beef with Yorkshire pudding? You could consider a traditional potato salad, coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber and mint salad for side dishes. You can include grilled vegetables or corn on the cob to add variety. Check out these team name examples if you decide to have barbecue teams. I hope you like it!