Top 10 European BBQ Recipes: Delicious Grilled Meats and More

If there’s one thing that unites Europe, it’s the love of food cooked over fire. From the smoky streets of Spain to the cozy backyards of Sweden, European BBQ brings together juicy meats, fresh marinades, and bold flavors that are impossible to resist.

Whether you’re a grill rookie or a backyard pitmaster, these top 10 European BBQ recipes are your ticket to flavor-packed meals that impress without requiring a culinary degree.

Each recipe is approachable, authentic, and adaptable – perfect for family dinners, weekend parties, or solo indulgence.

Get ready to travel the continent with your taste buds, all from the comfort of your grill.

1. Greek Souvlaki: Tangy, Tender Skewers

Few things scream European BBQ like Greek souvlaki. Picture this: marinated pork or chicken cubes, threaded onto skewers, sizzling over your grill while the aroma of lemon, oregano, and garlic fills the air.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 500g pork or chicken, cubed
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate meat for 2 hours.
3. Skewer and grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 mins, turning occasionally.
4. Serve with tzatziki and pita bread.

Cooking tip: marinate for at least 2 hours, grill over medium-high heat, and turn regularly for even caramelization.

Serve your skewers with tzatziki, warm pita, and fresh salad. The tangy, herby notes cut through the richness of the meat.

Pro tip: squeeze a little extra lemon just before serving – it’s the finishing touch that makes everyone ask for seconds.

2. German Bratwurst: Juicy, Savory Sausage Perfection

Nothing beats the classic German bratwurst on a grill. These plump sausages have a perfect snap and savory flavor that holds up beautifully over high heat.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 4 bratwurst sausages
• 1 onion, sliced
• 100ml beer
• 1 tbsp mustard
•  Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Pre-cook bratwurst over low heat for 10 mins.
2. Increase heat; sear until golden brown.
3. Sauté onions in beer and mustard until caramelized.
4. Serve bratwurst with onions and sauerkraut.

Cooking tip: start over low heat to cook through, then finish on high heat for that golden-brown crisp exterior.

Serve with sauerkraut or a creamy potato salad. The balance of fat, spice, and smoke is what makes bratwurst a staple of European BBQ.

Fun fact: a good bratwurst deserves a cold beer in hand – trust the pitmaster on this one.

3. Spanish Chorizo: Bold and Smoky

If your grill needs a kick of flavor, look no further than Spanish chorizo. These spicy, smoky sausages are perfect for tapas-style grilling.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 300g Spanish chorizo, sliced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Toss chorizo slices in olive oil and paprika.
2. Grill over medium heat for 3–4 mins per side.
3. Serve with roasted vegetables or bread.

Cooking tip: slice into thick rounds for quick grilling or skewer for a party-friendly presentation.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or crusty bread.

The smoky paprika and garlic flavor bursts with every bite, making it a must-try for anyone who loves European BBQ with bold personality.

Pro tip: these are also excellent for skewers with veggies, giving a smoky punch without fuss.

4. Italian Grilled Ribeye: Simple Mediterranean Elegance

Italy proves that simplicity can be spectacular. A grilled ribeye steak, dressed with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil, delivers Mediterranean flavor at its finest.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 500g ribeye steak
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, and rub on steak.
2. Marinate 1–2 hours.
3. Grill over high heat 4–5 mins per side (medium rare).
4. Serve with grilled vegetables.

Cooking tip: marinate for 1–2 hours and sear over high heat for perfect caramelization while keeping the interiorjuicy.

Serve with grilled vegetables or a light arugula salad. The herbaceous notes elevate the natural beef flavor.

Pro tip: don’t overcomplicate – sometimes, the best European BBQ is just high-quality meat, heat, and seasoning.

5. Portuguese Piri-Piri Chicken: Spicy, Tangy, and Juicy

For fans of spicy European BBQ, Portuguese piri-piri chicken is a showstopper. Its marinade packs chili, garlic, and lemon into every bite.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1–2 tsp chili flakes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, paprika, chili, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Marinate chicken 2 hours.
3. Grill over medium-high heat 15–20 mins, turning frequently.
4. Serve with rice or potato wedges.

Cooking tip: baste frequently while grilling to keep the chicken juicy and flavor-packed.

Serve with rice, potato wedges, or a crisp salad. The kick of spice, combined with the tangy citrus, makes this one of the most exciting European BBQ recipes.

Bonus: it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any outdoor gathering.

6. French Herbed Lamb Chops: Elegant and Aromatic

Nothing says “European BBQ sophistication” like French lamb chops. Tender, rich, and fragrant with rosemary and thyme, they bring an elegant twist to any grill.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 6 lamb chops
• 1 tbsp olive oil
•  2 tsp rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub lamb chops with oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper
2. Grill high heat 3–4 mins per side.
3. Rest 5 mins before serving.
4. Serve with roasted potatoes or ratatouille.

Cooking tip: cook quickly over high heat, then let rest 5 minutes to retain juices.

Serve with roasted potatoes or ratatouille. These chops are perfect for a special occasion or a fancy BBQ night, proving that European BBQ isn’t just casual – it can be elegant too.

7. British BBQ Ribs: Sticky, Sweet, and Rich

British BBQ brings comfort and indulgence to the grill with sticky ale-glazed ribs. Slow-cooked, then grilled for a sticky finish, these ribs are crowd-pleasers.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 500g pork ribs
• 50ml ale
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Pre-cook ribs in oven 1 hour at 160°C.
2.  Mix ale, honey, mustard, brown sugar, garlic; brush on ribs.
3. Grill 10 mins, turning, until sticky and caramelized.
4. Serve with coleslaw.

Cooking tip: slow-cook or bake first to tenderize, then grill for caramelization and flavor depth.

Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled corn. The rich sweetness paired with savory pork makes these ribs classic European BBQ indulgence.

Pro tip: sticky fingers are part of the experience – embrace it.

8. Swedish Grilled Salmon: Light, Fresh, and Flavorful

Not all European BBQ is meat-heavy. Swedish grilled salmon delivers clean, fresh flavors perfect for summer nights.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

•  2 salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp butter
•  Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tsp dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub salmon with butter, lemon, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill skin-side down 4–5 mins, flip, grill 2 more mins.
3. Serve with new potatoes or salad.

Cooking tip: grill skin-side down first, then finish gently to avoid overcooking.

Serve with new potatoes and crisp salad. The freshness of dill and citrus highlights the natural flavor of the fish, showing that European BBQ isn’t just hearty – it can be elegant and light.

9. Hungarian Paprika Chicken: Smoky Eastern European Flavor

Hungarian BBQ brings smoky, slightly sweet flavors with paprika-marinated chicken. It’s approachable but full of character.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub chicken with paprika, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate 2 hours.
3. Grill 15–20 mins, turning often.
4. Serve with grilled vegetables or flatbread.

Cooking tip: marinate at least 2 hours for deep flavor penetration.

Serve with grilled vegetables or flatbread. The smoky paprika and gentle sweetness make it a versatile and memorable European BBQ recipe, perfect for spice lovers without being overpowering.

10. Dutch Grilled Vegetables and Sausages: Light, Flavorful, and Fun

Round out your European BBQ with a vegetable-focused option. Dutch grilling emphasizes simplicity and freshness.

Recipe Card

Key ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 300g smoked sausage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and herbs

Instructions:

1. Toss vegetables and sausage with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
2. Grill 8–10 mins until charred but tender.
3. Serve with mustard or dipping sauce.

Cooking tip: toss in olive oil, season well, and grill until charred but tender.

Serve with mustard or dipping sauces. This dish is light, colorful, and versatile, proving that European BBQ isn’t just about meat – it’s about bold, balanced flavors that everyone can enjoy.

Tips for Perfect European-Style BBQ at Home

• Marinate wisely: fresh herbs, citrus, or wine-based marinades.
• Control your heat: medium-high for sear, low for thicker cuts.
• Prep ingredients in advance: makes grilling smoother.
• Pair flavors with side dishes: breads, salads, and sauces enhance the meal.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: ensures proper caramelization and smoky flavor.

These simple strategies make European BBQ recipes approachable for beginners and satisfying for seasoned pitmasters alike.

FAQ – European BBQ Recipes

1. What makes European BBQ different from other styles?

European BBQ often emphasizes regional flavors, fresh herbs, and balanced marinades. Unlike heavy American smoke-based BBQ, it focuses on juicy meats, vibrant seasonings, and sometimes seafood or vegetables, giving a diverse range of flavors.

2. Can I cook these recipes on an indoor grill?

Absolutely. Most European BBQ recipes work on grill pans, electric grills, or stovetop grills. Adjust cooking time slightly and ensure good heat control to get perfect sear and caramelization.

3. How far in advance should I marinate the meat?

Marinating depends on the recipe: most pork and chicken benefit from 2–4 hours, while steaks and lamb can be marinated 1–2 hours. Proper marination enhances flavor and tenderness.

4. Can I make these recipes healthier?

Yes! Use lean cuts of meat, skinless chicken, or grill more vegetables. Swap sugary marinades for citrus, herbs, and olive oil to keep the flavors authentic but lighter.

5. Which side dishes go best with European BBQ?

Classic sides include grilled vegetables, salads, roasted potatoes, flatbreads, and dipping sauces. Many dishes pair well with regional accompaniments – for example, tzatziki with Greek souvlaki or coleslaw with British ribs.

Bring Europe to Your Grill

From Greek souvlaki to Swedish salmon, European BBQ offers something for everyone – juicy, smoky, light, and bold.

Experiment with marinades, techniques, and flavors, and you’ll see that grilling across Europe is as much about creativity as it is about tradition.

Whether it’s weekend gatherings, family dinners, or solo indulgence, these 10 recipes prove that European BBQ can turn any meal into a flavorful celebration. Grab your grill, fire it up, and let your taste buds travel the continent – one delicious bite at a time.

Featured image credit: @thesmokepit