BBQ Catering for Large Groups: How to Make it Easy and Effective

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of barbecued food wafting through the air on a hot summer’s day. It evokes a feeling like no other, where you can soak in the blazing summer sunshine and enjoy some delicious food in great company. Corporate summer events, wedding receptions, family gatherings, and more can be made all the more memorable and enriching with quality BBQ catering, offering the perfect duo of delicious food and relaxed atmosphere that brings people together.

However, that doesn’t change the fact that organising BBQ catering for large groups can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re tackling it alone. Not only do you have to ensure enough grill space, but you also have to consider dietary requirements, cross-contamination, cutlery, side dishes, and more. Underpreparing can turn your BBQ food catering from promising to disastrous.

The good news is, however, that with thorough, proactive planning, you can create an unforgettable BBQ that leaves your guests thoroughly satisfied. At Monster Foods, we know all there is to know about pulling off a BBQ catering event without so much as a hitch!

Why BBQ Catering Works Perfectly for Large Groups

BBQ food is a popular choice for large events, even ones that exceed 100 people, and it’s easy to understand why. Instead of sitting down formally, barbecues create a relaxed, inviting, and inherently social atmosphere where guests can chat, mingle, and socialise while enjoying their freshly grilled food. BBQ service is very much either ‘help yourself’ or ‘order on request’, and you will get the pleasure of watching your food being prepared, which, for many, is reassuring and enticing.

Event organisers often find BBQ catering to offer exceptional value for money, especially for larger gatherings. Food items like burgers, sausages, chicken, corn on the cob, and more can be prepared in batches easily and efficiently, giving guests enough sustenance and taste variety. BBQs are also much more informal and relaxing, meaning there’s less pressure on precise timing. Guests can, instead, eat when they’re ready rather than being confined to a strict schedule.

What to Consider Before Arranging a Large BBQ Event

• Plan your menu: Quality burgers and sausages are staples for BBQs, but consider adding marinated chicken pieces, lamb skewers, or even pulled pork for a variety. These are easy to prepare and give more people options to choose from.
• Offer dietary alternatives: While BBQs aren’t always traditionally inclusive of vegetarian and vegan options, nowadays, it’s important to include them. Consider setting up a separate BBQ to prevent cross-contamination and ensure guests who eat plant-based food aren’t excluded from the same presentation and atmosphere. Consider food like halloumi, vegetable skewers, plant-based burgers or sausages to make sure everyone is included and has enough to enjoy.
• Ensure sufficient space: A large event warrants adequate space for grills and other preparation areas. Most professional BBQ caterers will arrive 2-3 hours before service time to set up gas-powered BBQ grills and also ensure that pre-ordered side dishes can be properly served and replenished with ease. Coverage will also need to be ensured.
• Consider the practicalities: Have you accounted for plates, cutlery, and serving utensils? Will you have enough tables for food service and seating for guests? Most professional BBQ catering services will handle these on your behalf, bringing all the essentials such as condiments, napkins, and more, to make the whole process much easier for you.
• Timings: A common pain point in large BBQ events is service flow. Rather than trying to serve and seat everyone simultaneously, consider staggering service or making the BBQ food buffet-style. This helps to prevent long queues and ensures food reaches guests’ plates while still hot and at its best.

Why Professional BBQ Caterers Make the Difference

Whilst DIY BBQ events have their charm in certain situations, nothing can ever match the convenience and premium quality of expert BBQ catering. For large groups, the difference between doing it yourself and having pros elevate your catering substantially.

Experienced caterers bring the best possible equipment, vast menu knowledge and cooking experience, along with the innate ability to feed hundreds of people efficiently. Professional BBQ caterers also are familiar with food safety and hygiene standards, and how to ensure food is cooked and served safely and to the best standard, which is handy when scaling up recipes.

When searching for BBQ catering services, local expertise proves invaluable. Companies offering BBQ catering services across Sussex, Kent and Surrey, for example, understand regional trends, local supplier networks and are familiar with certain challenges of venues, which can help translate into smoother and more optimised, streamlined events. In turn, you’ll be getting the best possible value.

Making Your BBQ Event Memorable

Great BBQ catering goes well beyond the grill. Consider accompaniments like fresh salads, potato salad, coleslaw, artisan breads, butter, and vibrant dressings to add a bit of depth and versatility to your menu.

As with any event, cleanliness and hygiene know no bounds. Provide plenty of hand sanitiser, napkins, and running water. BBQ food isn’t always the cleanest.

Outdoor events, particularly when the weather exceeds 30°C, benefit greatly from sufficient shade and seating so guests don’t feel like they themselves are cooking as well as their lunch.

Simple, subtle touches like background music, proper lighting (for when the sun goes down), paddling pools, wood-burning fires, and many more can transform a gathering into something truly memorable, surrounded by the people you like and treasure.

Hire BBQ Caterers in Surrey, Kent, and Sussex Today

When considering corporate catering options for your next event, there are very few (if any) options more convenient and hassle-free than BBQ catering. The relaxed atmosphere, the sense of occasion, the (hopefully) positive weather, and good vibes all complement food that’s delicious and professionally prepared. What’s more, doing it yourself often cuts you off from the camaraderie and socialising that goes on, when you want (and deserve) to enjoy being in the moment.

Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying of seeing a large group of people genuinely enjoying great food in the sunshine, and knowing that you made it happen.

At Monster Foods, we cater for events of all shapes and sizes. If you have an upcoming event and would like a free catering quote for a company that can tailor a suitable menu for your expected turnout and specific occasion, then look no further. Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can make your BBQ catering food stand out like no other.