A party with a spit roast is more than just a meal—it’s a social experience, combining the theatre of live cooking with the irresistible flavour of smoky, tender meat. Whether it’s a backyard birthday, wedding, corporate party, or holiday gathering, a spit roast turns any event into something memorable.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a stress-free, flavour-packed spit roast party.
Why Choose a Spit Roast Party?
Spit roasts aren’t just about food—they create an atmosphere. Guests love watching whole cuts of pork, lamb, or beef slowly rotating, juices sizzling, and aromas wafting through the air. It’s interactive and engaging, and the final result—tender, flavourful meat with crispy skin—is hard to beat.
Don't be fooled by the difference of drop off catering as you will not be able to enjoy the aromas you get when cooked onsite.
For hosts, spit roasts also make serving a crowd simple. Large cuts feed dozens of people, and you can pair the meat with easy sides like salads, roasted vegetables, and fresh rolls for a complete meal.
Choosing the Right Meat
The hero of any spit roast is the meat. Popular choices include:
- Whole Lamb: Perfect for traditional celebrations and Mediterranean-inspired events.
- Whole Pig (Porchetta): Crispy crackling and succulent meat make it a showstopper.
- Beef Cuts: Such as rib roasts or brisket, ideal for hearty, crowd-pleasing meals.
- Poultry Options: Whole chickens or turkeys for lighter, faster cooks.
Work with your butcher or caterer to select the right size based on guest count—choosing the right animal and weight is key to a successful spit roast. As a general rule, one whole lamb can feed 40–50 guests, while a small pig (around 25–30kg) can feed 60–80, depending on sides.
Always ask your butcher for guidance on breed, fat content, and preparation, as these factors affect flavour and cooking time. For quality whole animals, suppliers like Feather and Bone Providore in Sydney (who specialise in ethically sourced whole lamb, pork, and beef for roasting) can prepare your order, even butterflying or seasoning it if requested.
DIY vs. Hiring a Spit Roast Caterer
DIY Spit Roast:
If you enjoy cooking and want to save costs, you can hire or buy a spit rotisserie. You’ll need to:
- Marinate or season your meat well in advance.
- Learn how to manage coals, wood, or gas for even cooking.
- Allocate time—some roasts take 4–8 hours.
- Enlist help for carving and serving.
It’s rewarding but requires effort, attention, and some skill to ensure safe cooking temperatures.
Hiring a Caterer:
A professional spit roast caterer takes care of everything—from marination and cooking to carving and serving. They bring buffet equipment, plates, cutlery and can even supply side dishes, staff, and cleanup. This lets you focus on hosting while ensuring a flawless feast.
Essential Sides and Add-Ons
A spit roast isn’t complete without sides. Popular accompaniments include:
- Fresh salads (Greek salad, coleslaw, potato salad)
- Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables
- Freshly baked rolls and condiments
- Grazing platters for starters
- Desserts like pavlova, fruit platters, or brownies
For drinks, consider a self-serve station with water, soft drinks, and a mix of alcoholic options (or BYO).
Food Safety and Serving Tips
Because spit roasts involve large cuts of meat and long cooking times, food safety is crucial. According to the NSW Food Authority, all cooked meat must reach safe internal temperatures (above 75°C for poultry and 63°C+ for lamb/pork/beef, with resting). Hot food should be kept above 60°C when serving, and leftovers should be cooled and stored quickly. If hiring a caterer, ask if they have a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) certificate to ensure compliance.
Making It a Party to Remember
Beyond the food, atmosphere sets the tone. Consider:
- Outdoor Setup: Spit roasts work best outdoors with plenty of space.
- Seating and Shade: Provide enough tables, chairs, and shelter for guests.
- Music and Lighting: String lights, outdoor speakers, or live music make the event feel festive.
- Entertainment: Lawn games or a casual fire pit can keep guests engaged while the meat cooks.
Final Thoughts
When looking for a spit roast caterer we recommend Graz'n Gourmet at https://grazngourmet.com.au/catering/spit-roast/ to cater to all your spit roast buffet needs!
A spit roast party delivers great food, entertainment, and a sense of occasion that other catering styles can’t match. Whether you go the DIY route for a hands-on experience or hire a professional spit roast catering service, your guests will enjoy a feast they won’t forget. Pair it with fresh sides, plenty of drinks, and some thoughtful styling, and you’ll have a celebration that’s as much about the experience as it is about the food.