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Winter Comfort Food BBQ Ideas: What to Cook Outdoors When It's Cold

Just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean your BBQ has to go into hibernation. In fact, winter is the perfect time to fire up your outdoor kitchen, slow things down, and embrace heartier, more comforting flavours.

From tender lamb shanks to smoky root vegetables and a pot of mulled wine gently simmering on the side burner—here are our top picks for winter BBQ recipes that’ll warm your hands and your appetite.

BBQ Lamb Shanks – Low and Slow Perfection

Few dishes say “comfort” like a tray of fall-apart lamb shanks. Use your BBQ like a slow cooker by searing the shanks over high heat first, then transferring them to a covered roasting tray with red wine, garlic, rosemary, and stock.

Close the BBQ lid and cook over indirect heat for 2–3 hours. The result? Rich, warming lamb with a smoky BBQ edge that’s perfect with mash or grilled polenta.

Baked Potatoes – Crispy Skins, Fluffy Centres

You can’t go wrong with classic baked potatoes, especially when they’re done BBQ-style.

Wrap in foil and cook them in the coals or on the hotplate with the lid down. After 45 minutes to an hour, they’ll be soft inside with that perfect jacket crisp.

Top with sour cream, cheddar, bacon bits or caramelised onions for the ultimate winter side.

Charred Root Vegetables – A Smoky Twist on Roast Veg

Swap the oven tray for a grill basket and roast your winter veg right on the BBQ. Think:

Carrots
Parsnips
Pumpkin
Beetroot

Toss them in olive oil, garlic and herbs, then grill until charred and tender. Finish with a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for extra winter magic.

Mulled Wine – Made on the Side Burner

While the food cooks, why not warm up with a pot of spiced mulled wine?

Using your side burner or a heat-safe BBQ tray, gently heat red wine with:

Orange slices
Cinnamon sticks
Star anise
Cloves
A splash of brandy (optional)
Brown sugar to taste

Simmer (don’t boil!) for 20–30 minutes and serve in heatproof mugs. It’s the ultimate BBQ-season antidote to winter chills.

Why BBQ in Winter?

Using your outdoor kitchen in winter has serious perks:

No heating up the whole house for slow-cooked meals
That unbeatable BBQ flavour (especially great for rich, slow dishes)
Cosy outdoor dining with the help of a firepit or patio heater
It gets you outside—even when it’s cold

So, rug up, pour a glass of something warm, and take your winter comfort food to the grill.

Ready to Winter-Proof Your Outdoor Kitchen?

If you’re keen to make the most of your outdoor space year-round, we can help. From built-in heaters to weatherproof cabinetry, we design BBQ areas that work in every season.