Barbecue party ideas: Barbecue with friends

A barbecue party with friends is always a great idea! Whether in the garden, on the balcony, or in the park, there’s hardly anything better than grilling together and enjoying the summer atmosphere. To make your barbecue party a complete success, I’ve put together a detailed guide for you. From the best grilled dishes to the perfect drinks – here you’ll find everything you need for an unforgettable barbecue party.

Table of Contents
What belongs at a barbecue party?
How much grill food do I need per person?
What does a barbecue party cost?
Checklist for your barbecue party
The Tastiest Recipes for Your Grill Party

What belongs at a barbecue party?

When you think of grilling, juicy steaks and crispy sausages often come to mind first. But the options have become so diverse that there’s something for every taste – whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan.

Meat:

Chicken: Marinated chicken skewers are a classic. You can marinate them in various ways, from spicy and tangy to exotic with coconut milk and curry.
Pork: Pork steaks or chops are always popular. Slow-grilled spareribs are also a highlight.
Beef: A good beef steak or burger from the grill is, of course, a must. Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, they’re a real treat.
Lamb: For a special flavor, you can offer lamb chops or lamb skewers. A marinade with garlic, rosemary, and lemon works especially well here.
Sausages: Whether bratwurst, Thuringian, or Krakauer – sausages are always a hit and quick to prepare.

Vegetarian and vegan:

Vegan Sausages: There’s now a wide range of vegan alternatives that can even convince non-vegans.
Grill Cheese: Halloumi or other types of grill cheese are perfect for the grill and a great addition.
Vegan Grill Patties: These plant-based alternatives to meat patties are juicy and flavorful.
Vegetables: Eggplants, zucchinis, corn on the cob, bell peppers, and mushrooms are perfect for grilling. Just slice, season, and onto the grill.

Salads – Fresh companions to grilled food

A good salad should never be missing at any barbecue. Refreshing, light, and a great complement to hearty grilled dishes.

Potato Salad: Classic with mayonnaise or lighter with vinegar and oil – potato salad is a must-have.
Pasta Salad: With vegetables, cheese, and a delicious vinaigrette, it’s always a favorite.
Leaf Salad: Fresh leafy greens with a light dressing make a great side dish.
Couscous Salad: With mint, lemon juice, and crunchy vegetables, it’s not only tasty but also healthy.

Bread – Crispy sides

What would a barbecue party be without bread? It goes with everything and is perfect for dipping sauces and dips.

Baguette: Crispy on the outside and soft inside – a true classic.
Flatbread: Especially good for grilled vegetables or as a base for small grill pizzas.

Grill sauces – The finishing touch

The right sauces can really complete a dish. Here are some must-haves:

Ketchup: The classic, plain and simple.
BBQ sauce: Smoky and spicy – perfect with meat.
Chili sauce: For those who like it a bit spicier.
Herb butter: Homemade with fresh herbs tastes especially good.

Drinks – Something for everyone

Good drinks are key to a successful barbecue party. Remember to offer non-alcoholic options too.

Water: Still or sparkling, definitely a must-have.
Beer: Whether classic or craft beer – beer just belongs.
Non-alcoholic beer: For those who prefer alcohol-free.
Wine: White, rosé, or a light red wine go well with grilled dishes.
Cola and lemonade: Especially refreshing in summer heat.

Dessert – Sweet finish

Dessert shouldn’t be missing either. Here are a few ideas:

Cake: A simple cake or muffins are perfect for sharing.
Cupcakes: Beautifully decorated, they’re not only tasty but also eye-catching.
Mousse au Chocolat: For all chocolate lovers.
Fruit: Fresh fruit or fruit salad is a light and refreshing alternative.

Decor – Creating a nice atmosphere

The right decoration sets the mood. String lights, colorful tablecloths, and nice napkins can make a big difference. A few flowers or plants on the table also add a lot and create a cozy atmosphere.

How much grill food do I need per person?

Planning a barbecue party isn’t just about the right recipes and drinks, but also the quantities. Nothing’s worse than having too little food – or way too much in the end. Here you’ll find a guide on how much to plan per person so everyone goes home full and happy.

Category	Amount per person	Note
Meat / Fish / Cheese / Vegan grill patties	approx. 250g	More if there are few or no side dishes and vegetables
Grilled vegetables	approx. 350g (only vegetables)	When there are only vegetables
	approx. 100g (as a side)	As a side dish to meat or fish
Bread / Potatoes / Pasta	approx. 100g
Salad	approx. 100g
Drinks	approx. 1.5l
For children	About half the amount	About half of the adult portions each

With these amounts, you’re well prepared and can celebrate relaxed without worrying that someone will stay hungry. Of course, there can be small adjustments depending on preferences and the number of guests, but these guidelines help you roughly estimate the quantities.

What does a barbecue party cost?

The costs for a barbecue party can vary greatly depending on how many guests you expect and how elaborate the menu is. To give you an overview, I’ve created a rough calculation for a barbecue party with 10 to 30 people. Prices can of course vary depending on the region and shopping options, but this table gives you a rough idea of what to expect.

Let’s assume you’re planning a party with average ingredients and drinks that you buy at the supermarket or discount store. The calculation includes meat, fish, cheese, vegan grill patties, vegetables, bread, salad, and drinks.

Cost per person	10 people	20 people	30 people
Meat / fish / cheese / vegan grill patties (250g per person at €5/kg)	€12.50	€25.00	€37.50
Grilled vegetables (100g per person at €3/kg)	€3.00	€6.00	€9.00
Bread / potatoes / pasta (100g per person at €1/kg)	€1.00	€2.00	€3.00
Salad (100g per person at €4/kg)	€4.00	€8.00	€12.00
Drinks (1.5 liters per person at €1/liter)	€15.00	€30.00	€45.00
Total costs	€35.50	€71.00	€106.50

This calculation is a rough estimate. The actual costs can vary depending on the choice of food, quality, and regional price differences. For example, special types of meat, high-quality cheese, or exotic vegetables could increase the costs. Likewise, prices can rise due to special drinks like craft beer or premium wines.

If you need to get additional items for the party like decorations, dishes, or charcoal, you should also factor in these costs. A tip is to ask guests to contribute by bringing salads, bread, or desserts. This way, you can share the costs a bit and at the same time offer a varied selection of dishes.

Checklist for your barbecue party

Here is your comprehensive checklist to make sure nothing goes wrong at your barbecue party. You can also find it as a download at the end of the chapter. Just print it out, check off the items, and enjoy a relaxed celebration!

□ Invite guests

□ Create WhatsApp group or send Doodle poll

□ Ask about food preferences (allergies, vegan/vegetarian)

□ Document RSVPs and cancellations

□ Inform neighbors

□ Organize additional dishes / glasses if needed

□ Shopping

□ Groceries

□ Drinks

□ Decorations

□ Grill lighter

□ Charcoal or gas

□ Disposable or reusable dishes

□ Chill drinks

□ Clean up / prepare the location

□ Prepare food

□ Prepare potato salad, pasta salad, dips, etc. the day before

□ Prepare marinades for meat just before grilling

□ Light the grill

□ Wait for guests, enjoy & celebrate

Download Checklist for Your Grill Party (PDF)
Download Checklist for Your Grill Party (DOCX)

With this checklist, you’re perfectly prepared and can fully enjoy your grill party. Simply use our list or add your own tasks, then check off each point one by one. Have fun grilling!

The Tastiest Recipes for Your Grill Party

A grill party stands or falls with the dishes you serve your guests. To help you be well prepared, we’ve put together some of our best recipes here. From hearty meat dishes to creative vegetarian and vegan options, plus delicious sides and refreshing drinks – nothing will be missing. Just follow the links to our homepage and discover a variety of grill ideas that will make your party unforgettable.

Here you’ll find a selection of our favorite recipes:

On our recipes page, you'll find many more delicious grill dishes! Just click through our recipe links and find exactly the right one for your grill party. Nothing stands in the way of your next grill party. Have fun trying them out and enjoy your meal!

Ready for the next grill party? Get more tips and recipes in our other articles to create the perfect BBQ!

The Best Grill Recipes: From Savory to Sweet
Grilling with Cast Iron: From the Griddle Plate to the Dutch Oven
Winter Grilling: Tips and Recipes
Petromax Grill Gadgets: How to Get the Most Out of Your Grill Night