There's a lot to think about when planning a summer BBQ party. No matter how carefully you prepare, you're bound to forget something. We thought long and hard, and attended a lot of BBQs, to put together this ultimate BBQ party food list. We've included recipe ideas, meat, vegetable and side dishes, sauces and toppings, desserts and drinks on our BBQ checklist. And, of course, we've also added an all-important BBQ equipment list, because there would be no BBQ without the firelighters and tongs.

Tips for the perfect BBQ party

A few of our favourite tips for ensuring an enjoyable and stress-free summer BBQ.

Light your BBQ early

BBQs always take longer to come up to temperature than you think they will. Light it early and get it settled at your cooking temperature so it's ready to go before everyone starts getting hangry.

Prepare the feeding station

A well-organised buffet table is crucial. Leave space for assembling burgers and tacos. Table weights are a good idea for windy days, as they so often can be in the UK.

Snacks on tap

You can never have too many crisps. Or sausage rolls, or potato salad. Keep everyone entertained with nibbles while you cook.

Keep it cool

A cool box is ideal to have on hand while you cook. Otherwise, raw meat can get pretty sweaty sitting out in the sun and close to the BBQ heat. A big food safety no-no. The alternative is frequent trips to the fridge which is a huge hassle. You can also fill cool boxes with a supply of beer. You'll definitely thank yourself for that one.

Use a meat thermometer

Everyone will have a more enjoyable BBQ if they're confident the meat is safely cooked. But not only that, it will also ensure every dish is juicy and perfectly done. A speedy check of your wings and burgers using a meat thermometer is way quicker than cutting into them and feeling doubtful, too. So you can spend more time chatting with your guests and enjoying your delicious food.

Essential BBQ party recipes

Most guests will always be satisfied with the classics: burgers and sausages. But if you want to take your BBQ up a notch, you could really impress your party with a pile of chicken wings, a platter of saucy ribs or some tender slices of a large sharing steak. Check out our favourite recipes and add one or two to your BBQ party food list.

• BBQ jerk chicken
• Classic cheeseburgers
• Ribs and sweetcorn
• Pork chops
• Jerk pork wraps
• T-Bone Steak

BBQ shopping list

Everything you need to add to your shopping list for a BBQ, from plates to potato salad

BBQ tools & accessories:

• Grill
• Grill brush
• Fuel (charcoal or gas)
• Firelighters
• Lighter or matches
• Tongs
• Gloves
• Apron
• Meat thermometer
• Anti-bacterial wipes (to keep hands and utensils clean)
• Skewers for kebabs
• Basting brush

For serving:

• Plates
• Cups
• Napkins
• Cutlery

BBQ food:

• Burgers
• Sausages or hot dogs
• Chicken wings
• Ribs
• Kebabs
• Tacos
• Sharing steaks

Desserts:

• Grilled fruit
• Ice cream
• Strawberries with chocolate sauce
• Toasted marshmallows or smores

Drinks:

• Beer
• Wine
• Pimms
• Soft drinks
• Low-alcohol beer
• Tea and coffee
• Ice

Vegetable dishes and sides:

• Halloumi
• Corn on the cob
• Wedges
• Crisps, nuts and olives
• Coleslaw
• Salad
• Sausage rolls
• Garlic bread
• Potato salad
• Grilled avocado

Sauces and toppings:

• Meat rubs/seasoning
• BBQ sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Burger sauce
• Sriracha or hot sauce
• Chimichurri (for steak)
• Gherkins
• Cheese
• Bacon

Summary

It might seem like there’s an overwhelming amount of things to consider and add to your shopping list for a BBQ party, but when you break it down into smaller checklists it's much more manageable. Make sure to follow our tips to make your day even more relaxed, and always make sure to keep a meat thermometer on hand for a safe, stress-free and delicious BBQ experience. Check out our guide to BBQ thermometers to find the best one for your party.