There’s nothing quite like the smell of a BBQ drifting through the garden on a sunny British afternoon. Whether it’s a spontaneous Saturday grill-up or a big family celebration, one thing’s for sure—no one wants to be the guest who arrives empty-handed. You want to bring something useful, tasty, and genuinely appreciated without adding to the host’s workload.
The good news? There are a handful of crowd-pleasing dishes that are easy to prep, travel well, and always disappear first from the buffet table. These five favourites are your go-to list for every invitation this season.
Meat for the BBQ
It might seem like an obvious contribution, but bringing extra meat is only helpful if you’ve checked with the host first. Not everyone wants last-minute surprises on the grill, especially if they’ve already planned the menu or accounted for dietary needs. A quick message asking if they’d like you to bring something specific can go a long way.
If they’re happy for you to pitch in, you can’t go wrong with easy-to-cook classics like sausages, chicken skewers, or a few well-seasoned burgers. Think practical, not fancy, something that cooks quickly, doesn’t take up half the grill, and works for a crowd. For extra brownie points, arrive with it pre-marinated and portioned, ready to go. When it comes to choosing the best meat for BBQ gatherings, versatility and ease always win.
Loaded Potato Salad With a Twist
Potato salad is a BBQ icon, and for good reason. It’s hearty, it goes with everything, and it holds up beautifully outdoors. A proper loaded version tossed with spring onions, chives, mustard, or even crispy bacon bits can steal the show without trying too hard.
Make it the night before and let the flavours meld in the fridge. Bring it in a sealed container and serve it straight from the bowl. Bonus: it’s filling enough to help balance out all the meat and won’t wilt in the heat like a leafy salad.
Pasta Salad With Charred Veg and Pesto
Bright, colourful, and packed with flavour, pasta salad is a low-effort, high-impact dish that people always go back for. Roasted courgettes, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and a generous spoonful of green pesto take it from filler to favourite.
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