We might be halfway through August, but there’s still plenty of time to make the most of outdoor cooking and entertaining. Whether it’s a spontaneous get-together or a preplanned occasion, the HEX Living Buckley Collection is designed to keep preparation, cooking and serving in one place, so you can stay part of the conversation from the first drink being poured to the last plate being cleared.
With everything you need close at hand, there’s no need to disappear indoors to prepare food. Instead, you can create a summer BBQ spread that feels fresh, sociable and a little more special than the usual burgers and sausages.
So, if you’re looking to try something new before summer comes to an end, here are three summery dishes that will bring your outdoor kitchen to life.
Burrata and prosciutto appetiser
To start the occasion, keep things simple with a burrata and prosciutto sharing platter. Creamy burrata and delicate slices of prosciutto come together to create a dish that looks effortlessly rich without requiring hours of preparation.
Simply place the burrata at the centre of the platter, then surround with ribbons of prosciutto, tomatoes and basil before finishing with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve with plenty of bread and let guests tear, dip and build their own bites.
The beauty of preparing a dish like this in your outdoor kitchen is that everything stays outside. With no cooking required it’s the perfect dish to start assembling as guests arrive, making the most of the outdoor preparation space for the get-go.
Barbecued salmon skewers with raita
For the main event, move beyond the traditional BBQ with these easy-to-prepare salmon skewers perfectly suited to social occasions because they are easy to portion and pass around. Bright, fresh and full of flavour, they offer something a little different.
Cut the salmon into generous chunks and thread onto skewers alongside red onions and peppers, or whatever fresh vegetables you have. Before grilling, coat the skewers in a fresh marinade and leave them to soak up the flavours before they hit the BBQ. Serve alongside a homemade raita made with yoghurt, cucumber and mint finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon. The contrast between the creamy raita and the smoky, charred salmon creates a fresh but satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm summer days.
Cinnamon-grilled pineapple
Dessert doesn’t mean the cooking has to stop or everyone must head indoors. Grilled pineapple makes an unexpected but delicious finale, combining juicy fruit with the warmth of cinnamon for a simple BBQ dessert. Cut the pineapple into rings so it’s easy to serve and share. While guests enjoy the main course, sprinkle with cinnamon and place the pineapple on the grill as you clear the plates. There’s no need to worry if time is of the essence or you’ve invited a few more guests than planned; this dessert is quick to prepare and easy to grill for gatherings of all sizes. Its simplicity makes it ideal for outdoor entertaining, while making use of the Buckley Collection right through to the end.
Bring everything together outdoors
These three dishes show just how simple and easy summer entertaining can be, while keeping the whole occasion outdoors. From assembling the first platter to grilling the main course and finishing with dessert, the HEX Living Buckley Collection keeps preparation, cooking and serving together in one space. With layouts designed around different lifestyles, the collection makes outdoor cooking feel less like a task and more like part of the occasion.
So, before summer ends, fire up the grill, invite your guests over and keep the summer going without the usual stress of hosting. With the HEX Living Buckley Collection Outdoor Kitchen, you can cook, serve and socialise while staying at the heart of the occasion.
