As the leaves start to turn golden and the nights grow longer, embracing your grill is the perfect way to make the most out of the colder months. Whilst Halloween may take centre stage with its spooky spectacles, the...
As the leaves start to turn golden and the nights grow longer, embracing your grill is the perfect way to make the most out of the colder months. Whilst Halloween may take centre stage with its spooky spectacles, the entire season calls for smoky delights and ember-kissed BBQ feasts. In this blog post, we have conjured a menu that is sure to bewitch your guests and keep them coming back for more. Nothing says autumn like hearty, comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out – the nostalgic essence of a bonfire, the smoky aroma of grilled food, and the sweet smell of toasted marshmallows. Forget summer salads and fancy meat cuts, now is the perfect time for hearty dishes brimming with joy.
In this blog, we have listed our top autumnal BBQ recipes, along with some tips to ensure your cookout is equipped for the season. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your restaurant menu or want some help in hosting a wholesome barbecue event, you are in the right place!
Pumpkin Soup
When autumn arrives, a warm bowl of pumpkin soup is a go-to. Especially as pumpkin picking has become a popular activity across the UK in preparation for Halloween, you will have an unlimited supply! Whilst pumpkins can be slow-cooked in the oven, we suggest roasting them on the BBQ, giving your soup a new dimension of smokiness. Be generous with additional spices and herbs, and you can easily create a soup that is rich and full of flavour.
This A Grill for All Seasons recipe looks delightful!
Chicken and Butternut Squash
This recipe by Greendale offers a unique twist on traditional autumn dishes, and it is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of tender chicken with the sweet, mellow taste of butternut squash pairs beautifully, and is a perfect dish that celebrates the season. You can keep this dish simple with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and spice, or if you want to try something new, you can experiment with dressings and sauces which match well with the chicken and butternut squash.
Grilled Lamb
During autumn and winter, many people choose to eat meats which are deeper, richer, and more warming in flavour. Some popular choices include duck, venison, and goose, but did you know lamb is also a great option? Whilst lamb is associated with springtime, it can be even more delicious when autumn starts! This is due to the lambs having more time to graze on nutritional pasture, increasing muscle growth, and leading to heavier and wonderfully textured cuts of meat. Jamie Oliver’s spicy barbecued leg of lamb is a fantastic choice, especially if you’re catering for many people. When lamb is cooked on the barbecue, the inside becomes juicy and soft, whilst the outside develops a delicious, charred edge. You can accompany the meat with any sides you like, we recommend roasted vegetables, mashed potato, or even fluffy bread buns for guests to make a tasty lamb sandwich.
Charred Autumn Vegetables
Whether you wish to create a vegan/vegetarian dish or just want to accompany your meat with additional textures and flavours, grilled autumnal vegetables are a great option. There are many autumnal vegetables to choose from; butternut squash, pumpkin, parsnips, carrots, sweet potato, cauliflower, and aubergine, the list goes on! All of these veggies exude a range of flavours when cooked on the grill, from sweet and tangy to earthy and bitter, you can experiment with various flavour profiles. This recipe by How Sweet Eats combines many autumnal vegetables with a creamy butter bean dip.
Barbecue Tips for the Season
Whilst cooking outdoors adds to the barbecue experience, you don’t need to eat there too. On cooler nights or if the weather is particularly wet, cook your dishes outdoors under a gazebo or sheltered area and let your guests enjoy the food in the warmth of your restaurant, pub, or event space. If you do want to eat outside or your event is being hosted under a giant marquee, ensure you have additional heating within the area, whether that be a firepit or portable heaters. A few blankets scattered on chairs can also keep everyone snug and comfortable. Blankets and firepits can be particularly helpful on Halloween or Bonfire Night, adding to the ambience. As British weather is unpredictable, especially in autumn and winter, it is best to keep umbrellas nearby. Even if the weather looks hopeful, you might want to protect everyone from unexpected drizzle. Complete all your food prep indoors ahead of time. This ensures once you're outside, you can fully engage with your barbecue and guests without constant trips inside. Consider dishes or elements that tie into the season, like pumpkin skewers for Halloween or toffee apple desserts for Bonfire Night. The recipes we have listed above will be perfect for any autumnal cookout.High-quality Barbecue Manufacturers
Here at Cinders, we manufacture reliable and trustworthy barbecues in the UK. Our grills are a perfect choice for any cookout, no matter the season! Whether you’re a chef, caterer, or someone looking to plan a Halloween party, our equipment is a popular choice. If you only need a barbecue for your event, we offer a local search for barbecue rental service for temporary requirements.
