Make the Most of Bonfire Night with a Brilliant BBQ
Bonfire night, or Guy Fawkes night, is one of the most popular events on the UK calendar. With fireworks lighting up the sky and bonfires crackling around the country, it’s a great opportunity to gather outdoors with friends and family.
A personal gathering is more intimate than going to a big display, which might only last 45 minutes.
And in this way, your grill becomes a big part of a perfect evening.
While traditional foods like jacket potatoes and toffee apples are a given, incorporating your BBQ adds the combination of smoky flavours, hearty dishes, and the look and feel of a warming grill. It’s a perfect fit for any bonfire night celebrations.
So, below you can discover why using your BBQ is actually a fantastic way to spend Bonfire Night, what dishes to serve and how to keep the outdoor BBQ vibe cosy and inviting.
Of course, it goes without saying, keep your fireworks safely in a metal tin and well away from the grill.
Why Your Grill is Perfect for Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night is all about getting outdoors with friends, watching fireworks, wrapping up warm and having comforting food.
Hosting a BBQ in your back garden ticks all these boxes.
The smoky, grilled flavours of BBQ dishes match the rustic feel of the bonfire (or in this case your grill), creating an unforgettable autumn experience. Grilling also makes the night more interactive and social. Guests can gather around the grill, staying warm as they wait for fireworks to start.
And as well as creating the perfect bonfire night atmosphere, grilling is practical too. You can cook large batches of food right in the heart of everything without needing to carry dishes back and forth from the kitchen. Plus, the fire from the BBQ adds an extra source of warmth on a chilly night.
BBQ Dishes Perfect for Bonfire Night
When it comes to your Bonfire Night menu, simplicity and heartiness are key. Here are some BBQ dish ideas that will help your night go with a bang:
Smoky Sausages and Burgers
Sausages and burgers are quick, easy, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Grill up a variety of options and include veggie burgers and sausages too. Serve them in soft rolls with mustard, ketchup, and caramelised onions for a simple but amazing bonfire night treat.
If you’re feeling more adventurous go for a pigs in blankets toad in the hole.
Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-cook pulled pork on the BBQ earlier in the day. When the time comes, simply shred the meat and serve in slider buns with a tangy BBQ sauce. These are easy to hold while watching the fireworks too.
Jacket Potatoes
For a classic bonfire night favourite, wrap jacket potatoes in foil and toss them on the BBQ or even in the embers of the fire. Serve with butter, cheese, and sour cream for a comforting side dish.
For an extra warming twist try our baked potatoes with chili con carne recipe.
And don’t forget the sides
Serve your mains with a side of corn on the cob. Simply, grill the cobs until they’re slightly charred, then brush them with butter and sprinkle with sea salt or chilli powder for extra flavour.
Toffee apples are a bonfire night tradition, and you can add a BBQ twist by lightly grilling the apples before dipping them in toffee. This gives them a slightly caramelised, smoky flavour.
Or try these smoky BBQ beans.
Tips for BBQ Cooking in Autumn Weather
Cooking outdoors in the autumn can be a bit tricky, but with a bit of planning, your Bonfire Night BBQ will be a success.
Preheat the grill earlier than you normally would. The colder air takes longer to get the BBQ to the right cooking temperature.
And when you’re cooking make sure the grill hood stays closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature. This helps your food cook evenly. If it’s safe, set up windbreakers or position your BBQ in a sheltered spot if there’s any wind.
On those dark autumn nights make sure to have plenty of light available so you can see what you’re doing on the grill. A BBQ handle LED light can be handy, for example.
Keep your guests warm while they wait for the food with heat lamps or portable heaters nearby.
If you’re a fan of traditional BBQs, burning charcoal adds atmosphere and smoky flavours that fit the atmosphere of bonfire night.
Creating a Cosy Bonfire Night BBQ Atmosphere
A huge part of any bonfire night is the cosy, warm atmosphere that contrasts with the cooler autumn air. You can create a really cosy set-up too.
If you’ve not built a bonfire, try a fire pit where guests can gather for warmth and as a focal point for the get together. It adds a rustic feel to the night.
An inviting glow from outdoor fairy lights or lanterns will also create an inviting atmosphere. String lights around the garden or use lanterns to give off an inviting light.
If you can, provide outdoor blankets and cushioned seating for guests to relax while enjoying the food and the fireworks.
BBQ Drink Pairings for Bonfire Night
Pairing your BBQ dishes with the right drinks is often overlooked but really adds to the experience. Try these in additions to your usual soft drinks, wine, beers and cider:
- Mulled Cider: Warm, spiced, and incredibly comforting, mulled cider is the perfect match for any BBQ dish. The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and apple adds to the festive autumn atmosphere.
- Dark Ales: Rich, full-bodied ales with malty flavours work beautifully with grilled meats, especially pork and beef.
- Spiced Rum Cocktails: Keep the chill at bay with spiced rum mixed with warm apple juice or ginger beer. This drink will warm everyone from the inside out.
Final Thoughts
A BBQ is a fantastic way to celebrate bonfire night with friends. The combination of fireworks, smoky flavours, the cosy outdoor vibes and hearty food makes it a perfect out of summer get-together. Add some of these tips and a few bonfire-night-special BBQ dishes, you’ll have an unforgettable night of fireworks and fun. Get the grill sparked up.
