10 Delicious Family-Friendly BBQ Recipes You Have To Try!
10 Delicious Family-Friendly BBQ Recipes You Have To Try!
We’ve been enjoying one of the hottest summers in recent memory here in the UK. The long, warm days have coincided with the school holidays, making it the perfect time to take cooking outdoors and rely less on the stove or oven. When it’s this hot, quick and easy meals that can be cooked outside are a real lifesaver — especially family-friendly BBQ dishes that everyone will eat.
During heatwaves we often opt for simple “pick plate” style dinners, but firing up the barbecue has been a welcome change. I love BBQ food, yet it’s easy to fall into a routine of the same mains and the same sides — burgers, sausages and a handful of repeat salads.
To keep things fresh, I looked for inspiration for new mains and side dishes the whole family can enjoy. Below is a curated list of ten family BBQ recipes — a mix of mains and sides — that are easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing and suited to family life. Each recipe is straightforward, kid-friendly and can be adapted to suit tastes and dietary needs.
Family BBQ Recipes – Mains
Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers are a big hit with kids and adults alike. Made with flavourful chicken thighs and grated apple, they stay juicy and add a gentle hint of sweetness. Chicken thighs offer more taste than breasts and are often better value, making these patties both delicious and budget-friendly.
BBQ Salmon Skewers
Marinating fish can feel like an extra step, but this salmon skewer recipe keeps it simple and mess-free. The marinade adds flavour without overpowering the fish, and the skewers cook quickly on the grill. They also work well under a hot grill if you prefer that to open flames.
Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are ideal when you’re short on time but craving something tasty. While I often make them in a frying pan for speed, they also grill beautifully on a BBQ. Their thin, crispy edges and melty cheese are a winner with kids who love straightforward, familiar flavours.
Sweet Potato & Chickpea Veggie Burgers
These vegetarian burgers are full of texture and flavour, made from sweet potato and chickpeas with a gentle kick of Cajun seasoning. They’re nutritious, filling and a great way to introduce more plant-based meals at your family BBQ without anyone missing out.
Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers are light but satisfying. The version pictured includes spinach and feta, which adds moisture and a pleasant tang. These patties can be made ahead, stored in the fridge for a day or two, or frozen for a longer shelf life — perfect for planning ahead on busy days.
Easy Lamb Koftas
Lamb koftas are a family favourite, full of aromatic spices and great served with pitta, fresh salad and a cooling yoghurt sauce. They’re simple to prepare and cook quickly, making them an excellent option for a relaxed BBQ where everyone can assemble their own wraps.
Family BBQ Recipes – Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Fries
These garlic butter fries are the ultimate comfort side to pair with burgers or kebabs. They can be cooked in an airfryer or oven and tossed in garlic butter and parsley for irresistible flavour. Pop them on while the mains cook and they’ll be ready together.
Spiralized Salad for Kids
This quick and healthy salad is designed with kids in mind. Spiralized carrots, cucumber and apple add playful texture and subtle sweetness that children love. A light dressing and mild seasoning keep flavours familiar while adding freshness to the BBQ spread.
Rainbow Veggie Rice Noodle Salad
This colourful noodle salad combines crunchy vegetables and tender rice noodles with a mild, kid-friendly dressing. It’s a great way to pack in extra vegetables — offering a rainbow of textures and flavours that appeal to the whole family.
Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza pasta salad blends familiar pizza flavours with pasta to create a fast, family-friendly side. It’s quick to make and travels well, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues and lunchboxes alike. Kids love the combination of cheese, tomato and pasta.
Caramelised Bramley Apple Cous Cous Salad
This summer salad features caramelised Bramley apples paired with wholewheat couscous, Wensleydale cheese and walnuts. The sweet-tart apples add depth while the grains and cheese make it substantial enough to stand alongside grilled mains.