Garden – Al Fresco Dining at Home: 7 Easy BBQ Recipes That Don’t Need a Grill

There’s nothing quite like the joy of al fresco dining during the warmer months – the scent of sizzling food, the clink of glasses, the laughter of friends and family echoing across the garden. 

But what if you don’t own a grill or the unpredictable British weather plays spoilsport? 

Worry not – you can still enjoy BBQ-inspired dishes without firing up the barbie. Here are seven easy BBQ recipes that bring the flavours of summer to your plate, no grill required.

1. Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Juicy, sticky, and full of smoky flavour – these chicken thighs are baked to perfection in the oven. Marinate in your favourite BBQ sauce with a touch of smoked paprika, garlic, and honey, then roast until caramelised and golden. Serve with coleslaw and buttered corn for the full experience.

2. BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders

For a plant-based twist on pulled pork, try jackfruit. Cook tinned young green jackfruit in a skillet with onions, garlic, and a smoky BBQ sauce. Shred with a fork and serve in soft brioche buns with crunchy slaw and pickles. Ideal for garden parties and meat-free Mondays alike.

3. Smoky BBQ Chickpea Salad

Toss roasted chickpeas in a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder for a crispy protein-packed topping to your summer salad. Mix with grilled halloumi (pan-fried indoors!), rocket, roasted peppers, and a drizzle of lemon tahini dressing for a bright, bold dish.

4. BBQ Cauliflower ‘Wings’

Cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy BBQ batter and baked until crisp are a real crowd-pleaser. Coat them in more sauce and pop them under the grill for a final blast of heat. Serve with a ranch dip and celery sticks for an irresistible finger food.

5. Foil Packet BBQ Veggies

No grill? No problem. Wrap chopped courgettes, peppers, mushrooms, and red onions in foil with a drizzle of oil, a splash of vinegar, and your favourite BBQ seasoning. Bake in the oven or cook over a hob-friendly griddle pan. Bonus – barely any washing up.

6. BBQ Sausage & Pepper Skillet

Use a heavy-based frying pan to sizzle your favourite sausages alongside strips of sweet red and yellow peppers, onions, and a glug of BBQ sauce. It’s like a summer kebab – no skewers required. Serve with flatbreads and yoghurt-mint dip.

7. BBQ Bean-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Roast whole sweet potatoes until tender, then split and stuff with a warm mix of BBQ baked beans, grated cheddar, and spring onions. Top with sour cream or vegan alternative for an effortless and filling BBQ-inspired dish.

Tips for an Al Fresco BBQ Vibe Without the Grill

Serve picnic-style with colourful bowls, gingham napkins, and string lights.

Infuse your drinks with fresh herbs like mint or rosemary for a garden-to-glass touch.

Add a smoky note using smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or chipotle chilli paste in your recipes.

Play some laid-back tunes to set the summer mood.

You don’t need a grill to enjoy BBQ favourites. With these simple, flavour-packed recipes, your garden can be the setting for easy, delicious, and memorable meals all summer long. So dust off your patio table, grab a chilled drink, and tuck in – rain or shine!