As we step into the glorious month of July, there is no better way to celebrate the sunshine than by firing up your barbecue. Not only is July a time to experience hot temperatures but it is a month when sports takes centre stage. Today marks the first day of the Wimbledon Championships (3rd-16th July) with the Women’s FIFA World Cup following shortly after on the 20th July – it is a month filled with thrilling moments and global camaraderie! So, with these in mind, why not elevate your viewing experience by serving up some delicious, sports-inspired BBQ recipes at your watching events? Whether you’re a pub owner, caterer, or a hardcore sports fan who loves a good BBQ, we have got a game plan that will make your sports events even better.
Deuce Drumsticks
BBQ drumsticks are a winner when it comes to starters, as they are jam-packed full of flavour, quick to make, and easy to eat! Especially if you are catering for hundreds of guests, barbecue drumsticks are a fantastic crowd-pleaser. When grilling your drumsticks, make sure to turn them frequently to ensure the skin turns crisp and brown and the inside remains soft and succulent. You can season your chicken with any herbs and spices that you wish, however, we recommend this recipe by Cook at Home Mom for BBQ flavours that everyone will enjoy! Marinated in a rich spice blend that caramelises the chicken perfectly, these drumsticks will be the star of any game-day gathering. You can accompany your drumsticks with a BBQ sauce of your choice.
Match Point Skewers
With the UK experiencing high summer temperatures, why not try a delightful BBQ dish inspired by the refreshing flavours of Greek cuisine? Lamb souvlaki skewers are a perfect choice for Wimbledon events, as they are convenient and can be accompanied by an array of sides that can serve hungrier guests. Barbecued tender cuts of lamb bursting with Mediterranean flavours will leave your guests craving more! Served alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, grilled vegetables or a Greek salad, this dish is the perfect balance of savoury and freshness.
This recipe by My Greek Dish contains a beautiful marinade of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic herbs, to infuse deep into the lamb.
Wimbledon Strawberries and Cream
For dessert, you cannot host a Wimbledon-watching event without serving strawberries and cream. Every year, around 1.92 million strawberries are picked for Wimbledon, so why not add to that and purchase some punnets to serve at your pub or tennis garden party? Whilst strawberries and cream cannot be cooked on the BBQ, it is a traditional dessert that will end your 3-course meal perfectly.
Goal-scoring Garlic Prawns
To kick off the women’s FIFA World Cup, garlic prawns are a showstopping summer dish that will go down a treat at your football gathering. Prawns are incredibly easy to cook, becoming soft and juicy with only a few minutes on the grill. We recommend cooking your prawns in a simple garlic mixture which is quick to make but loaded with flavour. This prawn recipe by Simply Delicious includes the most mouthwatering garlic butter sauce.
If you are not hosting a sit-down BBQ event, you can also add the prawns to a wooden skewer, so they are easier to eat.
Half-time Pulled Pork Burgers
After 45 minutes of gripping game time, your guests are bound to be hungry during half-time, so we suggest a big, juicy burger to put the tummy rumbling to rest. Although beef burgers are a fan-favourite amongst many, why not set yourself apart with pulled pork? Pulled pork burgers are a great twist on a BBQ classic, offering a combination of textures and flavours that will allow your guests to truly indulge. Slow-roasted pork, smokey barbecue sauce, and a selection of refreshing toppings – these burgers are a great half-time main.
If you need some help with seasonings and cooking times, this recipe by BBC Good Food contains all the steps and ingredients you need for a tasty pork burger.
Football Cake Pops
Cake pops are a fun and delectable dessert that will bring the spirit of the game to your table. Shaped and decorated into footballs, cake pops are sure to score big points amongst football fans of all ages. Due to their lollipop shape, these treats can be served throughout the entire game or after the main, making them an all-around fantastic choice!
You can also create multiple cake flavours to cater for all, whether your guests prefer vanilla, chocolate, lemon, or red velvet – the list goes on. For a basic cake pop recipe, check out Sally’s Baking Recipes for sweet and moist bite-sized cake treats.
High-quality Barbecue Equipment
Here at Cinders, we are UK manufacturers of reliable barbecue equipment, supplying grills that are made to last. Whether you’re a chef, pub owner, or someone wanting to host a sports-inspired BBQ party, our barbecue equipment will ensure your Wimbledon and FIFA events are a success! If you only require a grill for the sporting occasions, we offer a local search for barbecue rental service for temporary requirements.