So, by now we’ve hopefully convinced you to start barbecuing in winter and you’re ready for your cool cooking adventures to begin. But what sort of foods do you cook? Do you have to change what you cook due to the cold? What makes good winter barbecue food?
Whether you’re cooking for family, or just felt like having a chilled barbecue on a sunny Saturday, here’s an idea of what foods and recipes to try this winter…
Hearty Root Vegetables
Winter is the season of root vegetables, and the grill can transform these humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Try grilling thick slices of sweet potatoes, parsnips, or beets, and drizzle them with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. The smoky char from the grill enhances their natural sweetness, making them a delicious and wholesome side dish.
We have a selection of vegetarian and vegan meals on our recipes page. You can filter by the type of meal or by specific ingredient too.
How about these Smoky Chipotle Grilled Sweet Potatoes? Tasty and warming, thanks to the double whammy of chipotle flake seasoning and chipotle hot sauce dip. Plus, they’ll go with pretty much anything. You could also try these BBQ Sweet Potatoes with Sour Cream, Bacon and Caramelised Pecans.
Or if sweet potatoes aren’t your thing, we also have this recipe for Baked Potatoes with Chilli con Carne. Add extra chilli to turn up the heat. This recipe also allows you to switch around and choose other toppings. You can even add coffee and chocolate flavours!
Citrus-Infused Seafood
While summer may be associated with seafood, winter offers a unique opportunity to savour citrus-infused grilled fish or shrimp. The zesty brightness of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes pairs perfectly with the smokiness of your grill. Marinate your seafood in a citrusy concoction of your choice, grill it to perfection, and garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant winter meal.
Mexican inspired dishes using shrimp, such as these fajitas or tacos, will enable you to add some warming spice too. Check our full recipes page for more fish and seafood meals.
Winter Squash Varieties
Winter squashes like butternut, acorn, and delicata offer a rich and creamy texture that is perfect for grilling. Cut them into rounds or planks, season with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and grill until tender. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey will caramelize beautifully over the open flame, adding a touch of sweetness to these hearty vegetables.
For seafood lovers, we have the Butternut Squash, Prawn and Coconut Stew.
And for the vegans (and everyone else), there’s the Vegan Black Bean, Charred Butternut Squash and Avocado Salsa Tacos.
Spiced Meats and Sausages
Winter is the time for warming spices, and they can transform your meats and sausages into flavourful delights. Think of marinating your cuts of pork or sausages with a mixture of winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. The grill will infuse these meats with a smoky, spicy aroma that perfectly complements the season.
This dish for Skillet Sausages with Red Cabbage and Apples is perfect for autumn and winter.
Robust Cheeses
Don’t forget about cheeses that thrive in colder weather. A block of sturdy aged cheddar or a wheel of camembert can withstand the grill’s heat and come out with a delectable smokiness. Place these cheeses directly on the grill grates for a few minutes until they have grill marks and a delightful meltiness. Serve with crusty bread and preserves.
Seasonal Fruits for Dessert
Winter may not be synonymous with fresh fruit, but there are still some great options. Try grilling slices of crisp apples or pears to enhance their natural sweetness. Drizzle them with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent winter dessert.
From chocolate and cherry skillet brownie to pineapple upside down cake, take a look at our dessert recipes here.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard are not only packed with nutrients but also sturdy enough to withstand the grill’s heat. A light brushing of olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt can transform these greens into a smoky, crispy side dish that adds a healthy element to your barbecue spread.
Spinach and artichoke are two more leafy greens to try out, and they go great together. Whether you make them now, or save them for next pancake day, here’s a recipe for Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Pancakes.
Rich and Earthy Mushrooms
Mushrooms are at their best during the winter months, and grilling them imparts a deep, barbecue flavour. Portobello mushrooms, for example, can be marinated in balsamic vinegar and garlic, then grilled to perfection. The resulting earthy and savoury flavours make them a fantastic addition to your winter barbecue.
Nuts and Seeds for Crunch
Don’t forget about the finishing touches. Nuts and seeds, like toasted pecans or pine nuts, can add a delightful crunch to your winter grilled dishes. Scatter them over grilled vegetables or salads to elevate the texture and taste of your creations.
A few examples of recipes that utilise the extra crunch of nuts and seeds:
Spicy Winter Sauces
Last but not least, winter sauces with a kick can enliven your grilled dishes. Think of a spicy harissa, a tangy chimichurri, or a warming ginger and garlic sauce to accompany your grilled creations. These bold flavours are a great contrast to the natural smoke flavourings from the barbecue.
Additional Winter Cooking Tips
Remember that low temperatures will have an impact on gas performance, which means that cooking may take longer. Keep this in mind when choosing recipes and selecting ingredients. For temperatures below 10º, propane will perform better than butane.
Get Cooking
Now you have enough winter BBQ recipes to try, it’s time to get cooking. Whether you discover new flavours or old classics – enjoy yourself!
