If you think a British BBQ and an American Cookout mean the same thing, you’re in for a shock. Here's everything you need to know before grilling season starts.
A Quick Lingo Lesson: Grill vs BBQ
Never was the phrase “two nations truly divided by a common language” more obvious than when it comes to outdoor summer cooking. Invite an American over for a "BBQ in the garden" and watch the confusion unfold as they try to picture a roasting pig in a carrot patch. Turn it around and tell a Brit you're hosting a "backyard cookout for the block," and you'll get a very similar blank stare in return!
With that in mind, let’s start with a quick lingo lesson:
American Backyard Cookout = British Garden BBQ
Back home in the UK, a BBQ refers to an event - something that happens on one of those rare glorious weather days over a bank holiday weekend. It's a treat, typically a spread of burgers, steaks, sausages, and salads enjoyed al fresco, cooked simply over a charcoal BBQ. Here in the US, however, "BBQ" or "barbeque" refers more often to a style of cooking, not just the occasion itself. Think low and slow: indirect heat used for large, tough cuts of meat like brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs, often smoked for hours until fall-apart tender.
An outdoor social gathering in the USA is more commonly called a cookout (or a tailgate if you're at a sports event). So if an American invites you to a cookout, expect a relaxed outdoor spread with a variety of grilled food and good company. But if they invite you over for BBQ? You're in for a serious meat feast.
The Grill and The BBQ are Not The Same Thing
Here's where it gets a little confusing for Brits. In the UK, "the grill" is the part of your oven that blasts heat from above, but Americans call that “the broiler”. So when an American says they're going to "grill something," they’re talking about cooking outdoors over direct heat.
An American grill is most typically a large gas-powered outdoor setup, think full outdoor kitchen vibes, built for anything: hot dogs, burgers, thin steaks, chicken thighs, veggies and even rotisserie.
What is “Grilling Season” in the USA?
Two bookend holidays frame the heart of the American summer and “the grilling season: Memorial Day weekend in late May and Labor Day in early September, with the Fourth of July right in the middle.
Unlike in the UK (where Brits bake all year round), many American households move their cooking outside and leave their indoor ovens off for the season.
Grilling season is less of a strict calendar event and more of a state of mind, differing from state to state. In warmer southern and western states like Texas, Florida, and California, grilling is very much a year-round affair. For those folks, there is no "season”, the grill simply never goes away.
What is a Cookout?
A “cookout” - no space, no hyphen - is the famous American equivalent of a casual British BBQ . A relaxed social gathering with the grill at the centre of the event, with food being cooked and served throughout.
Generally speaking, British BBQ’s tend to have food cooked and served at a specific time and then enjoyed together simultaneously around tables or chairs in the garden, whereas American Cookouts tend to be more of a continuous flow of foods, enjoyed over a longer period of time more casually, whilst standing, seated or even round the pool.
A cookout offers the perfect event for introducing some classic, authentic British meats to your American friends.
Our Favourite British Foods to Serve at Your All-American Cookout
Now you know your cookout from your BBQ, it’s time to plan a cookout menu with our top British food picks, all of which can be cooked to perfection on your American grill.
British Sausages (aka Bangers)
So much better than a hot dog. When it comes to proper British sausages, we can’t be beaten. Our whole range can be cooked on your outdoor grill, eaten by themself or paired with our perfectly sized Petite French Baguettes for a sensational British-style hot dog. Our range of flavours includes pork and leek, pork and apple, pork and herb and a good old Lancashire sausage, all of which can be grilled in minutes.
The instantly recognisable Cumberland Sausage; a British icon for all the right reasons. Not only does it look like a show stopper, but it tastes like one too. Great to serve alone at a cookout straight from the grill or pop in a bap for a hearty sandwich, this will be the unsung cookout hero.
Yes, you read that right. Bacon on the grill. American streaky bacon is best cooked on the broil, but proper British back bacon is perfect for grilling. A few minutes each side, or longer if you want a nice crisp, pop it in a bun, and you’ve got a proper bacon butty straight from the grill.
If you want to scream ‘I’m British’ at your cookout, go all out and cook a full English Breakfast on your grill. Yep, eggs too. Pick your favourite sausages, English bacon, some black or white pudding and fry off some eggs and you’ve just created a whole meal on your grill - welcome to grilling season!
The Extras
A cookout isn’t complete without all the (very important) added extras.
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Petite French Baguettes: We designed our special Petite French Baguettes to be the exact perfect size for one of our British Sausages and a couple of rashers of bacon. Add a dollop of HP Sauce, and you’ll be transported home at every bite.
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Sauces: Be prepared to divide opinions with your sauce of choice. Keep it classic with a touch of Coleman’s English Mustard, go a bit rogue with some HP (great for bacon) or keep it plain and enjoy straight from the grill.
Cookout Food from Jolly Posh Food
Seen enough? Order your favourite British meats online for delivery straight to your door and welcome in grilling season with British foods for your American cookout.
