Italian-Style BBQ: A Summer Tradition Full of Flavor

When the weather heats up, Italians head outside- grills fired up, vegetables sliced, and meats seasoned to perfection. While American BBQ often leans into smoky marinades and heavy sauces, Italian-style BBQ is a celebration of simplicity, letting high-quality ingredients speak for themselves.

In Italy, summer barbecues are all about gathering with friends and family, sipping wine or a cold spritz, and enjoying food cooked over open flames.

The essentials? Great cuts of meat, fresh seasonal vegetables, and a few high-impact condiments to elevate your plate.

Summer Vegetables, Grilled to Perfection

Charred vegetables are a BBQ staple in Italy. Peppers, eggplants (aubergines), and summer squash are sliced, lightly brushed with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and grilled until beautifully marked and tender. Once off the grill, they’re finished with a generous drizzle of EVOO and a splash of aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.

They're amazing served warm or at room temperature- but even better the next day. Try them in sandwiches with hummus and mozzarella for the perfect vegetarian leftover meal you’ll actually look forward to after a BBQ.

Meat, the Italian Way

Forget sugary marinades. Italians treat meat with the respect it deserves. Whether it’s steak, sausage, or juicy burgers, all you need is:

• Top-quality meat
  
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt
  
• A drizzle of EVOO
  
• A dash of real Italian chili flakes (if you like it hot)
  
• And for the final touch- balsamic glaze to add a sweet, complex finish
  
  

For extra depth and a hint of sweetness, add a spoonful of our rich onion jam relish on top- it pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

Less is more. The key is in the ingredients.

Flavored Sea Salt – Small Touch, Big Flavor

Made with all-natural Mediterranean herbs and spices from Sicily, our flavored sea salt adds a fragrant, savory lift to any dish. Sprinkle it over grilled veggies, meat, or even corn on the cob for a burst of herbal goodness. It’s a simple upgrade that delivers bold flavor- no sauces or marinades required.

Recipes & Flavor Boosters 

We’ve added a few simple but bold flavor upgrades in our BBQ  that you can easily recreate at home:

Truffle Mayo – A Burger Game-Changer

Mix our Italian truffle sauce with creamy mayo to create a rich, umami-packed spread. Slather it on a burger bun, top with grilled patties, and don’t forget a handful of peppery arugula for that extra Italian flair.

Onion Jam – Not Just for Cheese

Our sweet-and-savory onion jam brings a whole new layer of depth to your BBQ. Try it on:

• Burgers
  
• Grilled sausages
  
• Sliced steak
  
• Even mixed into a grilled cheese or panino
  
  

Get creative- it’s the kind of condiment that makes everything taste like you know what you’re doing.

Balsamic Glaze – The Finishing Touch

Our balsamic glaze isn’t just pretty- it’s packed with flavor. Use it as a final drizzle on:

• Grilled veggies
  
• Ribeye steaks
  
• Chicken thighs
  
• Even peaches or figs tossed on the grill
  
  

Ready to fire up your grill the Italian way? Watch our videos, shop our Italian pantry staples, and bring a taste of Italy to your backyard this summer.