Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some tasty BBQ dishes. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas for your next cookout. From classic burgers and hot dogs to creative chicken and veggie recipes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
These 30 BBQ recipes will help you make the most of grilling season and impress your family and friends. You’ll find quick and easy options that can be ready in under 30 minutes, as well as more complex dishes for when you want to spend extra time at the grill. Get ready to explore new flavors and cooking techniques that will take your BBQ game to the next level.
Smoky BBQ ribs are a crowd-pleasing favorite. The key to perfect ribs is cooking them low and slow. This method ensures tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone.
Start by coating your ribs with a flavorful dry rub. Let them sit in the fridge overnight to absorb the spices. When you’re ready to cook, smoke the ribs at a low temperature for several hours.
During cooking, you can baste the ribs with apple juice for extra moisture and flavor. In the final stage, brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce. This creates a sticky, caramelized glaze.
The result? Mouthwatering ribs with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Your guests will think you’re a BBQ master!
Grilled chicken skewers are a tasty BBQ favorite. You can make them easily with a few simple ingredients.
Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a marinade. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 20 minutes.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. You can add veggies like peppers and onions too. Grill the skewers for 8-11 minutes, turning often.
For extra flavor, brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the skewers while grilling. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for your next cookout.
If keeping the husks, peel them back and remove the silk. Then fold the husks back over the kernels. For a husk-free method, wrap the corn in foil with butter and seasonings.
Grill the corn over medium-high heat for about 15-20 minutes. Turn it often for even cooking. The kernels should be tender when done.
For extra flavor, brush the cooked corn with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also try different spice blends or a squeeze of lemon for variety.
Texas-style brisket is a BBQ classic. You’ll need a whole beef brisket, salt, and black pepper. That’s it for the seasoning – simplicity is key.
Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch. Coat the meat evenly with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for an hour before cooking.
Smoke the brisket at 225°F for 1-1.5 hours per pound. Use oak or hickory wood for authentic flavor. Wrap the brisket in butcher paper when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 203°F. Let it rest for an hour before slicing against the grain. Enjoy your tender, smoky Texas-style brisket!
Memphis dry ribs are a BBQ classic. You start with baby back ribs and coat them in a flavorful dry rub. The rub usually contains salt, brown sugar, paprika, and other spices.
You can cook these ribs in the oven or on the grill. If grilling, aim for a temperature around 250°F. Cook the ribs for several hours until tender.
Unlike saucy ribs, Memphis dry ribs don’t get basted with sauce. Instead, you sprinkle on more dry rub right before serving. This gives them a crispy, flavorful crust.
Hawaiian BBQ pizza blends sweet and savory flavors for a tasty twist on traditional pizza. Start with a pizza dough base and spread BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce.
Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add cubed ham and pineapple chunks for the classic Hawaiian toppings. Sliced red onions provide a zesty crunch.
Bake the pizza at 450°F for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some cilantro leaves and red pepper flakes on top after baking. You can also brush the crust with olive oil before baking for a crispy finish.
Spicy BBQ shrimp brings bold flavors to your grill. You can create this dish using ingredients like cayenne, Sriracha, or chipotle peppers for heat.
Start by marinating the shrimp in a spicy sauce. Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, and your choice of hot peppers or sauce. Add lemon juice for brightness.
Grill the shrimp over medium heat for just a few minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them.
For a New Orleans twist, bake the shrimp in a buttery, spice-filled sauce instead of grilling. This version is often served with crusty bread for dipping.
Whether grilled or baked, spicy BBQ shrimp makes a great main dish or party appetizer. The kick of heat and rich flavors will impress your guests.
BBQ chickpea burgers are a tasty vegetarian option for your next cookout. To make them, start by mashing chickpeas in a bowl or food processor.
Mix in grated onion, carrot, and garlic for added flavor and texture. Add oats or chickpea flour to bind the mixture together.
Spice things up with barbecue sauce, paprika, and mustard. Shape the mixture into patties and cook them in a skillet or on the grill.
These burgers are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and extra BBQ sauce.
A grilled vegetable platter is a tasty and colorful addition to your BBQ menu. You can use a variety of veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions.
Brush the vegetables with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the vegetables directly on the grates and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they’re nicely charred.
Arrange the grilled veggies on a platter. You can serve them with a yogurt mint sauce or chimichurri for extra flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also a healthy option for your BBQ guests.
BBQ beef kebabs are a tasty grilled dish perfect for summer cookouts. To make them, cut beef into cubes and marinate for 4-6 hours in the fridge. A good marinade includes BBQ sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, and spices.
Thread the marinated beef onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
Grill the kebabs for about 2 minutes per side, turning to cook all sides evenly. Baste with extra marinade as you cook for added flavor.
Let the kebabs rest for 3 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat. Serve your BBQ beef kebabs hot off the grill for a delicious meal.
BBQ tofu skewers are a tasty vegetarian option for your next cookout. Start by pressing firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.
Mix BBQ sauce with spices like garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. Coat the tofu cubes in this flavorful marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated tofu onto skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for a few minutes on each side, brushing with extra BBQ sauce as you flip them.
Look for nice grill marks and a slightly charred exterior. The result is smoky, tangy tofu bites perfect for summer gatherings.
Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and your favorite BBQ sauce for a quick marinade. Let the mushrooms soak for about an hour.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the mushrooms gill-side up on the grates. Grill for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
The mushrooms are done when they’re tender and have nice grill marks. Serve them whole or sliced on a bun as a vegetarian burger alternative.
Baby back ribs are a BBQ favorite. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
Mix a rub with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and other spices. Coat the ribs evenly with the rub.
Preheat your grill to 300°F. Cook the ribs over indirect heat for about 2 hours. In the last 15 minutes, move them to direct heat and brush with BBQ sauce.
Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, giving you tender, flavorful meat.
Cauliflower steaks are a tasty veggie option for your BBQ. To make them, cut a head of cauliflower into thick slices, keeping the core intact.
Brush the steaks with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This adds flavor and helps them crisp up on the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the cauliflower steaks directly on the grates. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until tender and nicely charred.
Be gentle when flipping to keep the steaks together. The result is a smoky, flavorful vegetable dish that can be a main course or side.
BBQ pulled jackfruit is a tasty vegetarian alternative to pulled pork. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor.
To prepare, drain and rinse canned jackfruit. Shred it with a fork or your hands. Season the jackfruit with BBQ spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder.
Cook the seasoned jackfruit in a skillet with oil until it starts to brown. Add BBQ sauce and a splash of water. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For extra crispiness, spread the jackfruit on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a delicious plant-based BBQ sandwich.
Grilled sweet potatoes with a maple glaze are a tasty BBQ side dish. Start by cutting sweet potatoes into wedges about 3/4 inch thick.
Boil the wedges for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and let them cool. Brush the wedges with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grill the sweet potatoes over medium-high heat for about 45 seconds per side. Be careful of flare-ups from the oil.
Mix melted butter with maple syrup. Brush this maple glaze over the grilled sweet potatoes. Return them to the grill for another 30 seconds to caramelize the glaze.
The result is sweet potatoes with a crispy exterior, soft interior, and delicious maple flavor.
Turkey burgers are a tasty, leaner option for your BBQ. Mix ground turkey with barbecue sauce, breadcrumbs, and spices like chili powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Shape the mixture into patties and press a small dimple in the center. This helps them cook evenly on the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the turkey burgers for 6-7 minutes per side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
For extra juicy burgers, try adding grated onion or a bit of mayonnaise to the meat mixture. You can also top them with cheese in the last couple minutes of grilling.
Hickory-smoked sausage adds rich flavor to many BBQ dishes. You can grill it whole or slice it for recipes.
Try adding sliced hickory-smoked sausage to a skillet with garlic and butter. Cook until browned, then stir in cream and Parmesan for a quick pasta sauce.
For an easy appetizer, cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Grill or pan-fry until heated through. Serve with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauce.
You can also toss hickory-smoked sausage into soups, stews, or casseroles. It pairs well with potatoes, beans, and vegetables.
Grilled watermelon with feta is a tasty summer treat. Cut a watermelon into thick slices and brush them with olive oil. Grill the slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until you see grill marks.
Let the watermelon cool slightly, then top it with crumbled feta cheese. For extra flavor, drizzle some honey and lime juice over the watermelon and feta.
This dish combines sweet and salty flavors. The grilling process caramelizes the watermelon’s natural sugars. The feta adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the sweetness.
You can serve this as a side dish or a light dessert at your next BBQ. It’s sure to surprise and impress your guests.
BBQ baked beans are a classic side dish for any barbecue. You can make them in the oven or smoker for great results.
Start by cooking bacon until soft, then add diced onions and peppers. Mix in canned beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with more bacon slices if desired. Bake at 350°F for about an hour until bubbly and thickened.
For extra smoky flavor, cook the beans in your smoker at 275°F instead. The low, slow heat will infuse them with delicious barbecue taste.
Serve your homemade BBQ baked beans hot alongside grilled meats and other sides. They’re sure to be a hit at your next cookout.
Grilling Techniques
Mastering grilling techniques is key to becoming a BBQ pro. These skills will help you cook food evenly and achieve the perfect flavor.
Direct vs. Indirect Heat
Direct heat grilling means placing food directly over the flames. This works best for thin cuts of meat, vegetables, and foods that cook quickly. Put burgers, steaks, and chicken breasts right over the fire for a nice sear.
Indirect heat involves cooking food next to, not over, the heat source. This is ideal for larger, tougher cuts that need more time to cook through. For a whole chicken or thick steak, light only one side of the grill. Put the food on the unlit side and close the lid. The heat will circulate like an oven.
Try using both methods for different parts of your meal. Grill veggies over direct heat while a roast cooks slowly with indirect heat.
Temperature Control
Controlling grill temperature is crucial for tasty, safe food. Use a grill thermometer to check the heat level. For most grilling, aim for medium-high heat (375-450°F).
Adjust the vents on your grill to control airflow and temperature. Open vents let in more air, raising the heat. Closed vents reduce air and lower the temperature.
Create heat zones on your grill. Have a hot area for searing and a cooler spot for finishing food or keeping it warm. This gives you more control over cooking times.
For gas grills, use the burner knobs to adjust heat. On charcoal grills, spread coals evenly for direct heat or pile them to one side for indirect cooking.
Popular BBQ Sauces
BBQ sauces add flavor and excitement to grilled meats. They come in many styles, from tangy to sweet to spicy. You can find regional favorites across the US or make your own at home.
Regional Variations
Different parts of the US have their own BBQ sauce styles. Kansas City sauces are thick and sweet, using molasses or brown sugar. Memphis sauces are thinner and tangy, with a tomato and vinegar base.
In the Carolinas, you’ll find vinegar-based sauces. Eastern North Carolina uses a thin, spicy vinegar sauce. Western North Carolina adds some tomato. South Carolina is known for its yellow mustard-based sauce.
Texas BBQ often skips sauce, but when used, it’s usually thin and spicy. Alabama white sauce is mayo-based with vinegar and spices, great on chicken.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought
Making BBQ sauce at home lets you control the ingredients and flavor. Basic homemade sauce starts with ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to taste.
Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or liquid smoke can boost flavor. For heat, try hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Cook the mixture on low heat until it thickens.
Store-bought sauces offer convenience and consistency. They come in many flavors and styles. Read labels to avoid high fructose corn syrup if that’s a concern. Some artisanal brands use high-quality ingredients for gourmet results.
Essential BBQ Tools
The right tools make grilling easier and more enjoyable. Quality equipment helps you cook food perfectly and safely while keeping your grill in top shape.
Must-Have Gadgets
A sturdy pair of long-handled tongs is vital for flipping and moving food. Look for tongs with a good grip and locking mechanism. A spatula with a wide, flat surface works well for burgers and delicate fish.
A meat thermometer ensures food safety and perfect doneness. Digital models give quick, accurate readings. A chimney starter lights charcoal quickly without lighter fluid. It’s a simple but game-changing tool.
Grill brushes keep your grates clean. Choose a brush with stiff bristles and a long handle for safety. Silicone basting brushes apply marinades and sauces evenly. They’re easy to clean and won’t melt.
Heat-resistant gloves protect your hands when handling hot items. Look for gloves rated for high temperatures.
Maintenance Tips
Clean your grill after each use while it’s still warm. This makes the job easier and prevents buildup. Use a wire brush to scrub the grates, then wipe them with a damp cloth.
Check your propane tank regularly if you have a gas grill. Keep a spare tank on hand so you don’t run out mid-cook. Inspect hoses and connections for leaks before each use.
Cover your grill when not in use to protect it from the elements. This extends its life and keeps it clean. Replace worn parts promptly to maintain safety and performance.
Oil your grates before cooking to prevent sticking. Use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Apply a thin layer to clean, cool grates.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
