15 BBQ Recipes to Sizzle Up Your Summer Gatherings

Barbecue is more than just cooking; it’s a way to bring people together and enjoy delicious flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, there are countless BBQ recipes that can suit any taste and occasion. You can create mouthwatering dishes that will impress your family and friends at your next cookout.

From tender ribs to smoky chicken, the options are endless. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can elevate your backyard gatherings into memorable feast experiences for everyone. Get ready to explore a variety of BBQ recipes that will fire up your grill and delight your taste buds!

1) Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a tasty treat for any BBQ. The sweet, smoky flavor makes it a perfect side dish.

You can easily prepare it in just a few steps.

To get started, you’ll need fresh corn. First, remove the husks and silk. Some people like to soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps keep it moist.

Heat your grill to medium-high, around 450°F (232°C). Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn the corn occasionally for even cooking.

When the corn is tender and has nice grill marks, remove it. You can add butter and your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Fresh corn on the cob
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Remove husks and silk from the corn.
2. Soak in water for 30 minutes (optional).
3. Preheat the grill to 450°F (232°C).
4. Place corn on the grill.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Remove and add butter, salt, and pepper.

2) Smoky Beef Brisket

Smoky beef brisket is a favorite for barbecue lovers. It’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for gatherings or family meals.

To start, you’ll need to choose the right cut of brisket. Look for a well-marbled piece for the best results. A simple rub of salt and pepper creates a classic taste.

You’ll want to smoke it low and slow. Maintain a temperature of around 225°F (about 107°C) for several hours. This process allows the meat to absorb the smoky flavor and become tender.

After smoking, let the brisket rest. This helps the juices redistribute for a moister bite. Slice it against the grain to serving.

Ingredients

• 1 whole beef brisket (about 10-12 pounds)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Wood chips for smoking

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the brisket by trimming excess fat.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
4. Smoke the brisket for 12-15 hours.
5. Let it rest before slicing and serving.

3) BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza. You’ll love how the smoky BBQ sauce combines with tender chicken and gooey cheese.

Start with your favorite pizza crust. You can use store-bought or make your own. Pre-bake the crust lightly for a crispier base.

Spread a layer of BBQ sauce on the crust. Top it with shredded cooked chicken mixed with more BBQ sauce. Then, add sliced red onions and mozzarella cheese.

You can also throw in some chopped cilantro for freshness. For a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños. Bake your pizza at 475°F (245°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• Pizza crust
• BBQ sauce
• Cooked shredded chicken
• Red onion, sliced
• Mozzarella cheese
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Diced jalapeños (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Pre-bake the pizza crust for 6 minutes.
3. Spread BBQ sauce over the crust.
4. Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and spread on top.
5. Add red onions and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake until bubbly and golden, about 12-15 minutes.

4) Honey-Glazed Ribs

Honey-glazed ribs are a delicious treat you can enjoy at any barbecue. The combination of sweet honey and savory spices makes for a mouthwatering dish. You can use either pork or beef ribs based on your preference.

For this recipe, you will need simple ingredients that are easy to find. The glaze adds a sticky finish that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Ingredients

• 1-2 racks of ribs (beef or pork)
• 1 stick of butter
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey
• Rub of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 300°F (150°C).
2. Apply the rub generously to the ribs.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and mix in brown sugar and honey.
4. Brush the glaze on the ribs.
5. Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down.
6. Grill for about 3 hours, basting with extra glaze every 30 minutes.
7. Serve and enjoy!

5) Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers are easy to make and perfect for summer cookouts. You can marinate the shrimp for added flavor, making them juicy and delicious.

To start, peel the shrimp and remove the tails. You can mix lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl to create your marinade. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for about 15 minutes.

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers and grill them over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and devein the shrimp.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp and marinate for 15 minutes.
4. Soak wooden skewers in water.
5. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
6. Grill at 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes on each side.

6) Smoked Pulled Pork

Smoked pulled pork is a favorite for BBQ lovers. It starts with a pork shoulder, which you can also call a Boston butt. This cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking and develops great flavor.

Start by seasoning the pork with a dry rub. A mix of brown sugar, salt, pepper, and spices works well. This adds taste and helps create a tasty crust.

Cook the pork in your smoker at 225°F (about 107°C). The low and slow method makes the meat tender. It usually takes about 8 to 10 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (about 90°C).

Once done, let it rest before shredding. Serve it on buns with your favorite barbecue sauce for a delightful meal.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 pound pork shoulder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• Your favorite BBQ sauce

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the pork shoulder with a dry rub.
2. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
3. Place the pork in the smoker.
4. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
5. Let it rest and then shred before serving.

7) Sweet and Spicy BBQ Wings

Sweet and spicy BBQ wings are a fantastic addition to any gathering. They provide a great blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. The balance of sweetness and heat makes these wings a crowd favorite.

To make these delicious wings, start with your choice of chicken wings. Toss them with a marinade that includes ingredients like brown sugar for sweetness and gochujang for a spicy kick.

Cook the wings until they’re golden and crispy. You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes.

For an extra layer of flavor, brush on a homemade sweet and spicy BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings
• Brown sugar
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, gochujang, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Coat the wings in the marinade.
4. Place the wings on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, turning midway.
6. Brush with BBQ sauce and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve and enjoy!

8) Beer-Can Chicken

Beer-can chicken is a fun and tasty way to grill a whole chicken. This method keeps the meat juicy and adds great flavor.

To start, choose a can of beer and a whole chicken. You can also use other drinks like soda for a different twist. The steam from the can helps cook the chicken evenly.

Place the chicken upright on the grill over indirect heat. Cook it at around 375°F (190°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This gives you crispy skin and tender meat.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before you carve it. Enjoy this delicious meal at your next BBQ!

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 1 can of beer (or alternative beverage)
• Your favorite rub or seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken with rub, salt, and pepper.
3. Open the beer can and take a few sips.
4. Place the can inside the chicken cavity.
5. Set the chicken upright on the grill.
6. Close the grill lid and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours.
7. Let the chicken rest before carving.

9) Barbecue Baked Beans

Barbecue baked beans are a delicious side dish that everyone will love at your next cookout. They are sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor. You can use canned beans for convenience, making this recipe quick and easy.

To start, you’ll want to cook some bacon until it’s crispy. This adds a rich flavor to the dish. Then, mix in onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft.

Next, combine your beans with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar. The sweet and tangy flavor is what makes these beans special.

Bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour. Stir occasionally to make sure they don’t stick.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans of beans (like kidney or pinto)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the bacon in an oven-proof pot until it becomes crispy.
3. After the bacon is done, add onions and garlic. Cook until they become soft.
4. Stir in the beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.
5. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

10) Tangy Coleslaw

Tangy coleslaw makes a perfect side dish for BBQ meals. It adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of grilled meats.

To make it, start by whisking together your dressing. You’ll need apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of sugar for sweetness. Adding mustard and celery seeds can enhance the flavor.

Next, chop up green cabbage and carrots. Toss them in with the dressing and mix well. Let it chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Ingredients

• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, mustard, celery seeds, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl.
3. Toss everything until well combined.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

11) Smoked Sausage Links

Smoked sausage links are a delicious addition to any barbecue. They offer a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of sauces.

To start, gather your ingredients. Smoked sausages are typically seasoned with spices like paprika and red pepper flakes. This gives them a nice kick.

You can prepare them easily on a smoker. Set your smoker to around 180-200°F (82-93°C).

Place the sausage links in the smoker and let them cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

The low temperature allows the flavors to deepen while keeping the sausages juicy.

Feel free to serve them with buns or alongside your favorite barbecue sides.

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage links
• Barbecue sauce (optional)
• Your choice of seasonings (like paprika, garlic powder)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 180-200°F (82-93°C).
2. Place the sausage links on the smoker.
3. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Serve and enjoy!

12) Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops

Spice-rubbed lamb chops are a tasty choice for your barbecue. The seasoning adds a deep flavor that makes each bite delicious. You can grill them quickly for a perfect meal.

To prepare, start with fresh lamb chops. You can use a mix of spices like garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper for a nice rub. Coat the lamb chops evenly with the spice mixture.

After seasoning, let the chops sit for a little while to absorb the flavors. Grill them on high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (about 63°C) for medium-rare.

Ingredients

• Lamb chops
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix spices for the rub.
2. Coat the lamb chops with the spice mixture.
3. Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
4. Preheat your grill.
5. Grill lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Check for doneness at 145°F (63°C).

13) Classic Potato Salad

Classic potato salad is a must-have for any BBQ. It’s creamy, tasty, and complements grilled foods perfectly. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

To start, you need a few key ingredients. Use fresh potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, onion, and celery. You’ll also need mayonnaise and a bit of seasoning for flavor.

Ingredients

• 6-7 medium russet potatoes
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes in water until fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Drain the water and let them cool.
3. Once cool, peel and chop the potatoes.
4. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, eggs, onion, and celery.
5. Add the mayonnaise and dill, mixing well.
6. Chill for 3-4 hours before serving. Enjoy!

14) Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers are a fun and tasty appetizer for any BBQ. They consist of fresh jalapeños stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and often wrapped in bacon. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a favorite at gatherings.

To make these poppers, you can use cream cheese and cheddar cheese for the stuffing. The creaminess balances the heat of the jalapeños. Wrapping them in bacon adds a crispy exterior that many love.

Grilling them is a simple way to enhance their taste. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with the peppers’ heat. Serve them hot from the grill for the best experience.

Ingredients:

• 12 fresh jalapeños
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 slices of bacon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice jalapeños in half and remove seeds.
3. Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each filled jalapeño with bacon.
6. Grill for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy.
7. Enjoy while hot!

15) Grilled Veggie Platter

A grilled veggie platter is a colorful and healthy choice for your BBQ. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings. You can use a variety of vegetables to suit your taste.

Start by selecting your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and eggplant all grill beautifully. Make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.

Toss your vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.

Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F (175°C).

Grill the vegetables for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crisp-tender.

Once done, arrange them on a serving plate and drizzle with your favorite marinade for added flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends!

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Asparagus
• Eggplant
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cut vegetables into similar sizes.
2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat grill to 350°F (175°C).
4. Grill vegetables for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve on a platter and drizzle with marinade.