When most people think of barbecuing, they picture burgers, sausages and the occasional kebab. But modern barbecues are capable of so much more!
From roasting whole chickens on a rotisserie to baking gooey chocolate brownies and grilling fresh summer fruit, a quality BBQ can become a versatile outdoor cooking station that rivals your kitchen.
Whether you're looking to impress guests with the ultimate summer BBQ spread or simply want to make the most of your investment, experimenting with different foods is one of the best ways to elevate your outdoor cooking. You can even bring smaller travel barbecues along with you to camping trips!
At our recent Napoleon BBQ demonstration, we put a selection of gas and charcoal barbecues to the test, cooking a variety of sweet and savoury dishes that showcase just how much is possible beyond the classic burger bun.
Here are eight surprising foods you need to try cooking on the BBQ this summer.
Can you cook more than just burgers on the barbecue?
It’s true, you can’t beat a good burger or juicy sausages in the summer but modern barbecues are capable of much more than simple grilling. A high-quality barbeque allows you to grill, slow roast and smoke food with ease and with a wide range of cooking accessories, such as rotisserie kits, your summer menu is immediately open to a whole new range of dishes.
Is a gas barbecue or a charcoal barbecue better for cooking?
Both gas and charcoal barbecues are capable of cooking far more than burgers and sausages. Whether you're roasting vegetables, baking desserts or cooking a whole chicken, both fuel types offer fantastic versatility.
However, each has its own strengths depending on how you like to cook.
What are the benefits of a gas BBQ?
Gas barbecues, like the Napoleon Rogue SE 425 LPG are popular for their convenience, consistency and ease of use making them a great choice for everyday outdoor cooking.
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Easier temperature control: Gas BBQs allow you to quickly adjust the heat, helping you maintain a consistent cooking temperature. This makes them particularly useful when cooking foods that require precision, such as brownies, pancakes or delicate vegetables.
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Ideal for baking and roasting: Many gas barbecues can function much like an outdoor oven. By cooking with the lid closed, you can bake desserts, roast vegetables and even cook larger cuts of meat with impressive results.
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Convenient for everyday cooking: With fast ignition and quick heat-up times, gas BBQs are perfect for spontaneous midweek meals as well as weekend entertaining. There's no need to wait for charcoal to reach the ideal temperature before you start cooking.
What are the benefits of a charcoal BBQ?
Charcoal barbecues like the Pro 18K Leg BBQ remain a favourite among BBQ enthusiasts thanks to the distinctive flavour and traditional cooking experience they provide.
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Adds a smoky flavour: One of the biggest advantages of charcoal cooking is the rich, smoky flavour it gives food especially on roasted vegetables and grilled fruit.
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Great for slow cooking: Once you've mastered heat management, charcoal BBQs can be excellent for roasting, indirect cooking and slow-cooked dishes. The gradual heat can help develop deep flavours and beautifully caramelised finishes.
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Creates an authentic BBQ experience: For many people, the ritual of lighting charcoal and cooking over glowing coals is all part of the experience. The aroma, flavour and traditional cooking style make charcoal BBQs a popular choice for summer gatherings.
Meat & Savoury BBQ food ideas
Think your BBQ is only for meat? These savoury dishes prove just how versatile outdoor cooking can be.
1.Roasted Butternut Squash
Butternut squash develops a delicious sweet, caramelised flavour when cooked on the barbecue. Simply slice, drizzle with oil, add your seasoning and grill until tender and lightly charred. It's a fantastic side dish for summer BBQs and works equally well as a vegetarian main course.
2.Pitta Bread & Dip
Warm, lightly toasted pitta bread takes on a subtle smoky flavour when cooked on the BBQ. Serve alongside homemade dips such as hummus, tzatziki or whipped feta for an easy starter that guests can enjoy while the main dishes cook.
3.Paneer with Roasted Chickpeas
Paneer is perfect for barbecuing thanks to its firm texture, which holds its shape beautifully over the heat. Served on a bed of crispy roasted chickpeas and fragrant spices, it's a colourful and flavour-packed vegetarian dish that's guaranteed to impress.
4.Rotisserie Chicken
If your barbecue has a rotisserie attachment, a whole chicken is a must-try. Slow rotation allows the meat to cook evenly while creating deliciously crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat. It's a great example of how a quality BBQ can do far more than simply grill burgers and sausages.
The Napoleon PRO 22k Kettle BBQ is perfect for rotisserie chicken!
Sweet BBQ food ideas
Barbecues aren't just for savoury dishes. Did you know you can create a range of delicious desserts? Remember, a BBQ is just a heat source which means you can cook a HUGE range of food items.
5.Mini blueberry pancakes
Who says pancakes are just for breakfast? Cooked on a griddle plate or flat cooking surface, mini blueberry pancakes make a fun and unexpected BBQ dessert. Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for the ultimate summer treat.
6.Gooey chocolate brownie
One of the biggest surprises from our BBQ demonstration was just how well brownies cook on the barbecue. When cooked with the lid closed, the BBQ acts much like an outdoor oven, producing a rich, gooey centre with a perfectly baked crust.
7.Grilled peaches with icecream
Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness and creates beautiful caramelised grill marks. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this simple dessert is elegant, delicious and perfect for summer entertaining.
8.BBQ fruit skewers
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A colourful mix of strawberries, pineapple, peaches and other seasonal fruits can be transformed on the barbecue. The heat naturally caramelises the fruit, intensifying its sweetness and creating a delicious dessert that's even better served with ice cream, yoghurt or melted chocolate.
There’s no excuse just to stick to classic BBQ foods this summer. Why not invest in a multi-purpose barbecue and host the ultimate summer party that your neighbours will be jealous of!