Organizing a winter BBQ? We give you tips & recipes

Barbecuing is no longer something that only can be done in the summer. Even in winter, it is a good idea to light up the barbecue. So we at Grate Goods have always been fans of BBQ’ing in the winter.

Why organize a winter BBQ?

We are excited to convince you why a winter BBQ is just as fun, or even more fun, as a barbecue in the summer:

  • The atmosphere: compared to a summer BBQ, you can create a cozy atmosphere with a winter barbecue. Lantern lights on, plenty of wood on the fire pit and a nice winter tune in the background. Have you already checked out the Grate Goods playlist on Spotify?
  • New recipes: from fresh salads to rolled roasts. During the winter BBQ, we go for different pieces of meat and winter vegetables, such as pumpkin and celeriac.
  • No smell in your house: in winter, gourmetting is very popular, especially during Christmas. The downside to this is that it will make your whole house smell. With a winter BBQ, you won’t have to deal with this 😉
Kalkoenborst - baconjam

Which barbecue is best to use for a winter BBQ?

Not every barbecue is suitable for winter BBQ. Typical summer barbecues are often made of thin material. This lets the heat escape quickly. It is therefore recommended to use a ceramic barbecue. It is very important that your barbecue has a lid that seals properly.

American BBQ - rook

In addition, the location of the barbecue also has an effect. Put it in a place with very little or no wind. Just keep in mind not to place the barbecue too close to a wooden fence or a wall with a plastic downspout. Also, make sure there is no snow around the barbecue. When this snow melts and then freezes again it becomes dangerously slippery!

Kalkoenborst Brisket Style recept

5 tips for a successful winter BBQ

What do you really need to keep in mind when hosting a winter BBQ? We give you 5 tips to make your barbecue a success:

  1. Fire up your BBQ big time. Because the difference in temperature is bigger now than in summer, it takes longer to get and keep the barbecue up to temperature. Make sure the BBQ is out of the wind.
  2. Keep the lid closed, so the heat stays in the barbecue. Don’t forget to get enough coal in stock.
  3. Make sure to stay warm. You do this by dressing yourself warmly and putting extra blankets outside. What should definitely not be missing is a nice glass of mulled wine. Besides being nice to drink, it is also a wonderful warm-up and ice-breaker.
  4. Turn on the fire pit for extra ambiance (and warmth, of course). Cute candles, lights and torches add even more coziness and light. Besides, you don’t want your guests to get cold. A fire basket is the ideal solution, but a patio heater is not an unnecessary luxury either.
  5. Good preparation is half the battle. Make sure all the (side) dishes are just about ready so you don’t have to miss any of the fun.

Why winter barbecue at Christmas?

Of course, Christmas involves good food. Some make a luxurious three-course dinner, others prefer gourmet meals. Have you ever thought of lighting up the BBQ at Christmas? The barbecue is perfect for preparing a nice piece of meat or fish and therefore great for preparing several courses. From smokey BBQ chicken to hot smoked salmon. These dishes definitely deserve a place on your winter BBQ menu.

Delicious winter BBQ recipes from Grate Goods

To make your winter BBQ complete, we have listed our favorite winter barbecue recipes for you: