What to make when you need to bring something to the BBQ 

When you ask what to bring to the Barbie you’re invited to, there are usually only two answers given. “Nothing,” or even worse – “Whatever you want to.” Therein sets the anxiety. What ever you want to? What the heck does that mean? A bag of chips? A box of sausage rolls? A roast with all the trimmings??

Never fear, party goers….we have put together a list of some fail-safe things to bring to the BBQ when you need something to bring. 

1. Sliders

Always a winner, sliders are so easy to make and usually suit everyone. They’re small enough to fit in one hand and not big enough to ruin anyone’s appetite. 

Pop into the bakery and get a full slab of a dozen small dinner rolls (you may need to order ahead – I often get in trouble when I turn up and demand a big order with no prep, so don’t be like me!). 

Slice the tops of all in one and pop on a spread of Green Tomato Pickles or some Dijon Mustard and a slice of cheddar cheese (make sure it’s a nice sharp cheddar to compliment the sweet ham). 

Place a couple of slices of ham off the bone on each roll and top with another piece of cheddar. Place the lids of the rolls back on, then brush the tops with salted butter, pop them all onto a piece of parchment paper on a tray and bake for about 15 minutes. Cover with foil to keep warm on your way to the party. You’ll be the most popular person at the party when you walk in with your warm, cheesy ham sliders. 

2. Taco Dip

Taco Dip is loved by everyone and also looks amazing when served in a glass bowl. You can choose to keep it mild or spice it up with Jalapeños. First make the Pico de Gallo topping by chopping up cheery tomatoes, red onion jalapeños, a pinch of sale and a squeeze of lime juice. Then build the layers of the dip. Start with a layer of refried beans, then combine taco seasoning with sour cream and cream cheese and layer this on the beans. Top with a layer of guacamole, salsa then cheese. Top with shredded lettuce and the mixture of pico de Gallo you chopped up earlier. Serve the bowl on a large plate and fill the plate with some nice big round scoopy tortilla chips. Yum! 

3. A good ol plate of sandwiches

Don’t think this old-fashioned party food is too daggy to bring to a party. I can’t tell you the amount of times my plates of sandwiches have been devoured as soon as I arrive. Use a variety of breads from white to brown and multigrain and fill with whatever you like. 

The toppings that I find go first are always egg and lettuce (use free-range eggs for the best flavour), roast beef, tomato and lettuce and – my speailuty – Coronation Chicken. Combine mayo with very finely chopped celery and the breast meat from a BBQ chook. No need for butter – just spread nice and thickly. 

Cut into triangles or – if you’re feeling fancy cut off the crusts and cut into rectangles. A particular winner with the kids, a plate of sandwiches is easy to make and takes little time or fuss. And you can use up what you have in the fridge so it’s a double win. Need a lovely plate to serve it on? Check out our favourites

4. Deviled Eggs

Another classic that’s always a winner. Use a dozen large free range eggs. Boil them up till they’re hard (but don’t overcook or you’ll get a green ring around the yolks). When they cool, cut them in half and place the yolks in a bowl with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and a little apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. 

Mix till creamy then pop back into the waiting whites. Sprinkle with paprika to serve. Pop into your local Salvo’s and see if you can find one of those retro devilled egg serving plates to stop them from sliding around the plate! If you can’t find one – spread shredded lettuce on a plate and place the eggs on top. Watch these disappear – usually the Dad’s will pounce as soon as they see them!  

5. Grilled Corn Salad

I first tasted this salad when I lived in Louisiana. It’s full of southern flavours and is the perfect accompaniment to steak. Grill three pieces of fresh corn on the barbie until they’re slightly charred. Add in finely chopped green capsicum, zucchini, spring onion, a little crushed garlic, white balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, salt, pepper and olive oil. This is a fresh and summery salad that is a definite crowd pleaser. 

So there you have it! 5 easy, crowd-pleasing dishes to take to your next BBQ. But tell me, what’s your go-to BBQ dish? Share your favorites (and any secret recipes!) in the comments below!

As always, thank you for reading! Jen