BBQ season is here, and it’s time to fire up the grill. Get ready for mouthwatering meats, flavorful sides, and tasty treats that will make your cookouts unforgettable.
From classic favorites to new twists, there’s something for everyone.
You’ll find 31+ BBQ recipes to help you become a backyard grill master. These dishes range from easy-to-make appetizers to show-stopping main courses.
With options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and even dessert fans, you’ll have plenty of choices to please all your guests.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with your grilling skills this summer.
1. Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce
This smoky chipotle BBQ sauce adds a flavorful kick to your grilled dishes. It combines sweet, spicy, and smoky tastes that will make your taste buds dance.
To make it, you’ll need canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, tomato paste, and maple syrup. The chipotles give it a deep, smoky flavor with some heat.
You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers. For a milder sauce, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds.
This versatile sauce works great on burgers, chicken, pork chops, and ribs. It’s easy to make at home and tastes better than store-bought versions.
2. Texas-Style Brisket
Texas-style brisket is a BBQ classic. You’ll need a whole packer brisket, kosher salt, coarse black pepper, and garlic powder.
Trim the brisket, then season it generously with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple rub lets the meat’s flavor shine.
Smoke the brisket low and slow at about 225°F. Use oak or hickory wood for authentic flavor.
Be patient – smoking can take 12-18 hours depending on the size. The brisket is done when it’s tender and reaches about 203°F internal temperature.
Let it rest before slicing against the grain. Serve your Texas brisket without sauce to truly appreciate the smoky, beefy goodness.
3. Honey Garlic BBQ Ribs
Honey garlic BBQ ribs are a tasty twist on classic barbecue. You’ll love the sweet and savory combo of honey, garlic, and BBQ sauce.
Start by making a dry rub with brown sugar, garlic powder, and spices. Coat the ribs and let them sit for a few hours or overnight.
For the glaze, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a bit of water. Cook this mixture until it thickens slightly.
Bake the ribs in the oven at a low temp for a few hours until tender. Brush on the glaze and finish under the broiler or on the grill for a caramelized crust.
Serve your honey garlic ribs with grilled corn and coleslaw for a perfect BBQ meal.
4. Memphis Dry Rub Chicken
Memphis dry rub chicken is a flavorful BBQ dish that skips the sauce. Instead, it relies on a tasty spice blend to season the meat.
To make it, you’ll coat chicken pieces with oil and sprinkle them generously with a dry rub. The rub usually contains sugar, salt, paprika, and other spices.
You can grill the chicken or cook it in the oven. As it cooks, the sugar in the rub caramelizes, forming a tasty crust.
This style of BBQ chicken offers a nice balance of sweet and salty flavors. It’s a great option when you want BBQ taste without the mess of sauce.
5. Carolina Pulled Pork
Carolina pulled pork is a BBQ classic you’ll love. It starts with a pork shoulder rubbed with spices like brown sugar, salt, and paprika.
You cook the meat low and slow in a smoker or slow cooker for about 6 hours. This makes it tender enough to shred easily.
The key to Carolina style is the tangy sauce. It uses cider vinegar and pepper for a zesty kick. Pour it over the pulled pork before serving.
Serve your Carolina pulled pork on buns with coleslaw. It’s perfect for cookouts or game day parties. Your guests will ask for seconds!
6. Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
Korean BBQ short ribs, known as Galbi, are a tasty and popular dish. You’ll love the sweet and savory flavors of this meal.
To make Galbi, you need to use a special cut of beef short ribs. These are typically sliced thin across the bone or butterflied.
The key to great Galbi is the marinade. Mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other seasonings. Let the meat soak up these flavors for a few hours.
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill. Grill the short ribs for about 5-7 minutes per side. They should be slightly charred and no longer pink inside.
Serve your Galbi hot off the grill. It goes great with rice and traditional Korean side dishes.
7. Tangy Apple Cider BBQ Sauce
Apple cider BBQ sauce adds a zesty kick to your grilled meats. This sauce blends the sweetness of apples with tangy vinegar for a unique flavor.
You can make this sauce at home with just a few ingredients. Mix apple cider vinegar, apple juice, ketchup, and brown sugar. Add some spices like garlic powder and pepper for extra taste.
This sauce works great on chicken, pork, and even grilled veggies. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy finish. You can also use it as a dipping sauce.
Try making a big batch and storing it in the fridge. It’ll keep for weeks, ready for your next BBQ.
8. Barbecue Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Barbecue bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a tasty BBQ snack. You can make them easily at home or on the grill.
Start by cutting jalapeños in half and removing the seeds. Fill them with a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
Wrap each stuffed pepper with bacon. Brush some BBQ sauce on the bacon for extra flavor.
Grill the poppers for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid flare-ups from bacon grease.
These spicy, cheesy bites are perfect for parties or game day gatherings. The mix of heat, smoke, and creamy filling is sure to be a hit.
9. Kansas City Spare Ribs
Kansas City spare ribs are a BBQ classic. To make them, start by removing the thin membrane from the bone side of the ribs. This helps the flavors penetrate better.
Season the ribs with a balanced rub. Mix salt, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne. Apply it evenly on all sides.
Let the ribs rest in the fridge for 3-4 hours. Then grill them over indirect heat for about 2-3 hours. Keep the grill covered to trap the smoke.
In the last hour, baste the ribs with BBQ sauce every 15 minutes. This creates a sticky, flavorful glaze. The ribs are done when they’re tender and have a nice crust.
10. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Skewers bring a taste of the tropics to your grill. You’ll love the sweet and tangy flavors in this easy recipe.
Thread chunks of chicken, pineapple, onion, and bell peppers onto skewers. This colorful combination looks great and tastes even better.
Brush the skewers with a sauce made from BBQ sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and pineapple juice. This gives the chicken a delicious Hawaiian-inspired flavor.
Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning and basting with extra sauce. The result is juicy chicken with a perfect char and glaze.
Serve these skewers at your next cookout for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress. They’re a fun twist on classic BBQ chicken.
11. Garlic Herb Grilled Mushrooms
Grilled mushrooms make a tasty side dish for your BBQ. They’re quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 20 minutes.
Start by marinating your mushrooms in a mix of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This adds deep flavor to the mushrooms.
Grill the marinated mushrooms in a cast iron skillet on your barbecue. The skillet helps retain moisture and lets you add butter and herbs easily.
As they cook, add some butter, chopped garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. The garlic and herbs infuse the mushrooms with extra aroma and taste.
The smoky flavor from the grill combines wonderfully with the garlic and herbs. You’ll end up with juicy, flavorful mushrooms that complement any grilled meat.
12. Spicy BBQ Black Bean Burgers
Spicy BBQ black bean burgers are a tasty vegetarian option for your next cookout. To make them, start by baking black beans in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.
Mash the beans in a bowl. Mix in breadcrumbs, spices, and chopped veggies like onions and peppers. Form the mixture into patties.
Cook the burgers on the grill or in a pan. Brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Top with cheese, grilled pineapple, or onion rings.
Serve your spicy black bean burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato, and extra BBQ sauce. These protein-packed patties are sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike at your next BBQ.
13. Maple Bourbon BBQ Glaze
This sweet and smoky glaze adds a tasty kick to your BBQ dishes. Mix maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, butter, apple cider vinegar, and mustard in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes. Stir often until it gets thick and syrupy.
You can use this glaze on many grilled foods. It works great on chicken, pork, ham, and even salmon. The maple and bourbon flavors blend to create a rich taste that complements smoky barbecue perfectly.
For best results, brush the glaze on your meat during the last few minutes of cooking. This helps it stick and creates a nice, shiny finish.
14. Sweet and Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
Dr. Pepper pulled pork is a tasty twist on classic BBQ. You’ll love how the soda adds sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
To make it, put a pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Add Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, and spices like salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is super tender. Shred the meat and mix with BBQ sauce.
Serve your pulled pork on buns topped with coleslaw. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd at your next cookout or game day party.
15. Cajun Grilled Shrimp
Spice up your BBQ with Cajun grilled shrimp. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
Mix Cajun seasoning with olive oil to create a flavorful marinade. Coat the shrimp and let them sit in the fridge for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, alternating with lemon wedges for added zest.
Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and reach 145°F. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra tang.
16. BBQ Baked Beans with Brown Sugar
BBQ baked beans with brown sugar are a tasty side dish for your cookout. You can make them easily at home.
Start by cooking bacon in a pot. Add onions and cook until soft. Mix in canned beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar.
Stir in some mustard and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Bake the beans in the oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes. Stir them every so often while they cook.
The brown sugar gives the beans a sweet taste that goes well with the smoky barbecue flavor. These beans are perfect with grilled meats or burgers.
17. Hickory-Smoked Sausages
Hickory-smoked sausages bring a rich, smoky flavor to your BBQ. You can find them pre-smoked or smoke them yourself for extra flavor.
Try grilling hickory-smoked sausages and serving them in buns with your favorite toppings. They’re great sliced and added to pasta dishes or stews too.
For a quick meal, you can cook hickory-smoked sausages in an air fryer or slow cooker. They pair well with beans, potatoes, or grilled vegetables.
When shopping, look for high-quality sausages made with real hickory smoke. Store them properly in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.
18. Lemon Herb Grilled Corn
Grilled corn on the cob is a summer favorite. You can make it even better with lemon and herbs.
Start by husking the corn and brushing it with oil. Grill it over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes. Turn it often to cook evenly on all sides.
While the corn grills, mix softened butter with lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped herbs. Parsley, basil, or chives work well.
When the corn is done, brush it with the lemon herb butter. The heat will melt the butter and release the flavors.
This dish is tangy, sweet, and full of fresh flavors. It’s perfect for your next BBQ or summer meal.
19. Alabama White BBQ Sauce
Alabama White BBQ Sauce is a unique twist on traditional barbecue sauce. Unlike red sauces, this one has a mayonnaise base.
You can make it easily at home. Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Common additions include horseradish, mustard, and garlic.
This tangy sauce goes great with grilled chicken or pork. You can use it as a marinade, basting sauce, or dip.
For best results, make the sauce ahead of time. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely.
20. Smoky BBQ Tofu Skewers
Smoky BBQ tofu skewers are a tasty plant-based option for your next cookout.
Start with extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes. This type of tofu holds up well on the grill and absorbs flavors nicely.
Marinate the tofu in a mix of BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and spices.
Thread the cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Grill the skewers until the tofu gets crispy on the outside and has nice grill marks. The BBQ sauce will caramelize, giving the tofu a sweet and smoky taste. Brush with extra sauce while grilling for more flavor.
These skewers are protein-packed and full of bold, savory flavors. They’re a great choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike at your next BBQ.
21. Sticky Honey BBQ Wings
Sticky honey BBQ wings are a crowd-pleasing treat.
To make them, start by patting the wings dry and seasoning with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake the wings at 425°F until golden and crispy.
While they cook, prepare the sauce by combining BBQ sauce with honey.
Once the wings are done, toss them in the honey BBQ mixture. The result is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a sticky glaze that coats each wing.
Serve these wings hot as a tasty appetizer or main dish. They’re great for game day parties or casual gatherings with friends and family.
22. Grilled Pineapple with BBQ Glaze
Grilled pineapple with BBQ glaze is a tasty twist on a classic summer fruit. The sweet and tangy flavors blend perfectly with smoky barbecue notes.
To make this dish, start by cutting a fresh pineapple into rings or spears.
Brush them with a mixture of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of rum for extra flavor.
Grill the pineapple over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. As it cooks, the sugars caramelize, creating a delicious crust.
Brush on more glaze while grilling for an extra boost of flavor. The result is a juicy, caramelized pineapple with a smoky-sweet taste that pairs well with many BBQ mains.
23. Texas-Style Sausage and Cheese Plate
You can make a tasty Texas-style sausage and cheese plate at home.
Start by smoking some sausage on your grill. Use hickory or pecan wood for authentic flavor.
Smoke the sausage at 225°F for about 1-1.5 hours. Cook it until it reaches 160°F inside. Let it rest, then slice it diagonally.
Arrange the sliced sausage on a platter with cubes of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
Sprinkle everything with your favorite BBQ rub for extra kick.
Serve with BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This plate is perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacking. It captures the bold flavors of Texas BBQ in an easy-to-make dish.
24. Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Sauce
This sauce brings a rich, sweet flavor to your grilled meats. You’ll love the blend of brown sugar and bourbon.
To make it, mix ketchup, bourbon, brown sugar, and molasses in a pot. Add vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard for tang.
Spice it up with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. A dash of liquid smoke gives it depth.
Simmer the sauce for about 45 minutes, stirring often. It will thicken and become smooth.
Use this sauce on pulled pork, chicken, or ribs. It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
25. Vinegar-Based Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce
This tangy sauce is a must-try for BBQ lovers. It’s thin and vinegary, perfect for mopping over whole hog or pulled pork.
You’ll need white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce. Mix these ingredients together – no cooking required!
The sauce is spicy and acidic. It helps tenderize meat while adding lots of flavor. You can adjust the heat by changing the amount of cayenne and hot sauce.
Use it to baste meat while cooking or as a dressing for chopped BBQ. It’s especially good on pork, but try it on chicken too.
26. Chipotle Mango BBQ Pork Chops
Spice up your BBQ with these flavorful pork chops. The chipotle mango sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet and smoky heat.
Marinate the pork chops in a brine for at least 4 hours. This helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
To make the sauce, blend mango, chipotle peppers, and BBQ sauce ingredients in a food processor. The result is a smooth, vibrant mixture.
Grill the pork chops over high heat. Brush them with the chipotle mango sauce during cooking. This creates a tasty glaze on the meat.
Serve the pork chops hot off the grill. Add extra sauce on the side for dipping.
27. Spicy Sriracha Grilled BBQ Chicken
Spicy Sriracha Grilled BBQ Chicken adds a kick to your cookout. You mix BBQ sauce with Sriracha for a fiery glaze.
Thin-sliced chicken breasts work best for quick, even cooking. Marinate the chicken first for extra flavor.
Grill the chicken over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Brush on the spicy sauce while grilling.
For oven cooking, bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Use a glass dish sprayed with non-stick spray.
This recipe works with various chicken cuts like wings, legs, or thighs. Adjust cooking times for thicker pieces.
28. Cherry Cola BBQ Pulled Chicken
Cherry Cola BBQ Pulled Chicken is a tasty twist on classic pulled chicken. You’ll love how the sweet cherry cola flavor enhances the barbecue sauce.
To make this dish, place chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Mix barbecue sauce with cherry cola and pour it over the chicken. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours until the meat is tender.
Once done, shred the chicken using two forks. Mix it back into the sauce in the slow cooker. This allows the meat to soak up all the flavors.
Serve your Cherry Cola BBQ Pulled Chicken on whole wheat buns for a delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
29. Memphis-Style BBQ Baked Pork Chops
You can make tasty Memphis-style pork chops in your oven.
Start by mixing a dry rub with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
Coat the pork chops with the rub and let them sit for an hour. This helps the flavors sink in.
Bake the chops in a hot oven until they’re almost done. Then brush them with your favorite Memphis BBQ sauce. The sauce will caramelize as it finishes cooking.
For extra flavor, try adding some wood chips to your oven. Peach wood works well with pork. The smoke will give your chops that authentic barbecue taste.
30. Jamaican Jerk BBQ Chicken
Jamaican jerk chicken brings bold Caribbean flavors to your BBQ.
Start by marinating chicken pieces in a spicy jerk paste. The paste typically includes scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and garlic.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to cook, grill the chicken over medium heat. Turn it occasionally and baste with leftover marinade.
For extra flavor, you can make a jerk BBQ sauce. Mix ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, and jerk seasoning in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened. Brush this sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.
Serve your jerk chicken with rice and peas or grilled pineapple for a tasty tropical meal.
31. Classic BBQ Meatloaf
BBQ meatloaf is a tasty twist on traditional comfort food. To make it, you’ll need ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings.
Mix these ingredients together and shape into a loaf. Top with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze before baking.
The key to juicy meatloaf is using 80-90% lean ground beef. This provides enough fat to keep it moist. You can also use a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor.
Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist texture.
The Science of Perfect BBQ Flavor
Great BBQ flavor comes from a mix of key elements. Marinades, rubs, and smoke all work together to create that classic taste.
Understanding Marinades and Rubs
Marinades and rubs are key to BBQ flavor.
Marinades use acids like vinegar or citrus juice to break down meat fibers. This makes the meat more tender. Oils in marinades help carry flavors into the meat.
Rubs are dry mixes of spices and herbs. They form a tasty crust on the meat’s surface. Sugar in rubs helps create a nice brown color when grilling. Salt in rubs pulls moisture to the meat’s surface, helping it stay juicy.
Try making your own rubs with spices you like. Mix brown sugar, salt, paprika, and garlic powder for a basic rub. Add chili powder or cayenne for heat if you want.
The Role of Smoke in BBQ
Smoke adds a unique flavor to BBQ. Different woods create different tastes. Hickory gives a strong, bacon-like flavor. Apple wood is milder and slightly sweet.
Smoke contains tiny particles that stick to the meat. These particles have flavor compounds that slowly seep in. The longer you smoke, the deeper the flavor goes.
The “smoke ring” is a pink layer just under the meat’s surface. It forms when nitrogen dioxide in smoke reacts with myoglobin in meat. While it looks nice, it doesn’t actually add flavor.
To get good smoke flavor:
- Use dry, seasoned wood
- Keep your fire small and steady
- Don’t over-smoke – too much can make food bitter
Tips for Achieving Perfect Grilling Temperatures
Mastering grill temperatures is key to cooking delicious BBQ. The right heat and tools will help you grill food to perfection every time.
Direct vs Indirect Heat
Direct heat works best for thin cuts and quick-cooking foods. Place these items right over the flames.
Use direct heat for steaks, burgers, hot dogs, and veggies.
Indirect heat is better for thicker cuts and foods that need longer cooking times. Put coals on one side of the grill and food on the other.
This method is great for whole chickens, ribs, and roasts.
For best results, use both methods. Sear meat over direct heat first. Then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning.
This gives food a nice crust with a juicy inside.
Essential Tools for Temperature Control
A good thermometer is a must-have for perfect grilling. Get an instant-read probe to check meat temps quickly.
A grill surface thermometer helps you know when the grates are hot enough.
Use vents to adjust airflow and control heat. Open vents increase oxygen and raise temps.
Closed vents do the opposite.
Two-zone setups let you create hot and cool areas. Put all the coals on one side.
This gives you a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for slower cooking.
Invest in a grill with a built-in temp gauge. This helps you monitor overall heat without lifting the lid.
Remember, every time you peek, heat escapes.