BBQ tips from celebrity chefs for this Father's Day.

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How to host the ultimate Father’s Day BBQ – tips from celebrity chefs

Why celebrity chef advice matters for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a time to honour dads with something heartfelt and delicious few things say appreciation better than a perfectly grilled meal. Whether Dad’s a fan of juicy steaks, smoked ribs, or grilled seafood, the key to an unforgettable BBQ lies in technique, timing, and atmosphere.

To ensure your celebration goes off without a hitch, we’ve gathered practical and flavour-packed tips from some of the world’s most trusted celebrity chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, Ainsley Harriott, Jamie Oliver, and Caribbean grill master Levi Roots. These aren’t fluff TV soundbites; they’re real techniques used by professionals who understand how to impress any crowd.

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Master the BBQ setup like Gordon Ramsay

Start with the right grill

Gordon Ramsay stresses the importance of knowing your equipment. Whether you’re using gas or charcoal, make sure the grill is clean and preheated properly. Charcoal adds that smokey flavour ideal for steaks and chicken, but gas grills offer better control for delicate items like vegetables or fish. Ramsay recommends a two-zone cooking setup one side hot for searing, the other cooler for slow-cooking and resting meats.

Invest in quality meat

“Don’t mess around with cheap cuts,” says Ramsay. Look for marbled ribeye, organic chicken, or butcher-prepared sausages. Let your meat come to room temperature before it hits the grill to ensure even cooking. He also recommends patting meat dry with a paper towel to encourage a good sear.

Use simple seasonings

According to Ramsay, overcomplicating flavour is a rookie error. A simple mix of sea salt, cracked pepper, olive oil, and fresh herbs does the job for most meats. Apply seasoning generously before grilling and let the natural flavours shine.

Add Caribbean flavour with Levi Roots

Jerk it up

Levi Roots, famous for his Reggae Reggae Sauce, believes no BBQ is complete without a touch of Caribbean spice. For the ultimate jerk chicken, make a marinade from fresh thyme, allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, onion, lime juice, and brown sugar. Marinate overnight if possible. Grill over indirect heat and baste frequently to build a sticky, smoky crust.

Think beyond meat

Levi suggests adding grilled plantains, breadfruit, or callaloo-stuffed mushrooms to your BBQ menu. “A great Father’s Day feast needs balance,” he says. “Offer something spicy, something sweet, and something fresh.”

Make it a vibe

Reggae music, colourful décor, and chilled drinks like sorrel or ginger beer add to the Caribbean BBQ ambience. As Levi puts it, “You’re not just feeding your dad—you’re celebrating him.”

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Jamie Oliver’s tips on sides, sauces and salads

Seasonal sides are a must

Jamie Oliver champions local and seasonal ingredients. For Father’s Day, he suggests a grilled corn salad with red onions, lime, and coriander. Another easy winner? Sweet potatoes sliced into thick rounds, lightly oiled and grilled until caramelised.

Homemade sauces win every time

Ditch the store-bought condiments. Jamie’s go-to BBQ sauce includes tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey. Blend and simmer until thick, then slather it on ribs or serve as a dipping sauce.

Salads should pop

A zingy slaw made with cabbage, carrot, apple, and a mustard vinaigrette cuts through the richness of grilled meats. “Contrast is key,” says Jamie. “You want freshness to balance out the smokey heaviness.”

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Ainsley Harriott’s guide to perfect timing and presentation

Don’t overcrowd the grill

Ainsley Harriott warns against putting too many items on the grill at once. This drops the temperature and causes uneven cooking. “Give everything space,” he advises. “It’s not a rush job—it’s theatre.”

Know your timing

Chicken thighs need about 20–25 minutes, sausages about 12–15, and medium-rare steaks around 4–6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Ainsley recommends using a meat thermometer to avoid guesswork. “It’s about confidence and control,” he says.

Presentation is half the meal

Serve food on rustic wooden boards or enamel platters. Garnish with grilled lemons, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil for visual impact. “People eat with their eyes first,” Ainsley notes.

Setting the atmosphere: Beyond the grill

Lighting and layout

Set up your BBQ area with thought. String lights, shaded seating, and a good playlist elevate the event. Make sure there’s a dedicated drinks station with coolers or a self-serve table to keep guests hydrated.

Kid-friendly options

Offer mini burgers, chicken skewers, and corn on the cob for younger guests. Set up lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga to keep them entertained while the adults relax.

Plan for all weather

Even if the forecast looks good, have a Plan B. A tent or gazebo can save the day if the weather turns, and indoor platters can be prepped in advance for quick relocation.

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Drinks and desserts with a celebrity touch

Drink pairings

Levi Roots recommends pairing jerk meats with a cold Red Stripe or a rum punch. Jamie Oliver favours elderflower spritzers or gin and tonic with cucumber for something lighter. Gordon Ramsay suggests red wine for beef and crisp white wine or rosé for chicken and seafood.

Simple, impressive desserts

Grill pineapple slices and serve with coconut ice cream. Or go traditional with brownies or a trifle. Jamie suggests a rustic pavlova with berries and cream, while Ainsley offers grilled bananas with spiced rum caramel.

Father’s Day BBQ checklist: Essentials from the experts

To simplify your prep, here’s a checklist combining the top tips from all four chefs:

Grill prep: Clean, oil and preheat
Meat: Quality cuts, room temperature before cooking
Marinades: Start the day before, use fresh herbs and spices
Cooking zones: Sear hot, finish slow
Sides: Seasonal veg, grilled or cold salads
Sauces: Homemade is best
Drinks: Mix alcoholic and non-alcoholic options
Ambience: Music, lighting, décor
Weather plan: Tent or backup indoor space
Dessert: Grilled fruit or make-ahead sweets

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Make Father’s Day count with a BBQ he’ll remember

A Father’s Day BBQ is more than just a meal it’s a gesture of gratitude. When you incorporate tried-and-tested tips from celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Levi Roots, Jamie Oliver, and Ainsley Harriott, you’re bringing years of culinary experience straight to your backyard. With quality ingredients, balanced flavours, good timing, and a warm atmosphere, your celebration will be worthy of the man you’re honouring. So fire up the grill, set the tone, and cook up something he’ll never forget.

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