Summer cookouts are my love language, and I’ve gathered 29 ridiculously easy BBQ recipes to make this your tastiest season yet. Think smoky brisket, fall apart ribs, and all the sides and desserts you could dream of. I’ve got your entire menu right here, so let’s fire up that grill.
1. BBQ Rub
I’m convinced the soul of any amazing barbecue lives right in the spice mix. This dry rub is my absolute essential, non negotiable. With paprika, garlic powder, sugar, and cayenne pepper, it lands in that perfect zone of
2. Marinated BBQ Grilled Vegetables
Need a scrumptious side dish? Fresh grilled veggies are always the answer.
I load up the grill with zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, bell peppers, asparagus, and red onion. Here’s a little twist: you’ll add the marinade only after they come off the heat. These cook in a flash right over direct heat, and you really want that gorgeous char to make them extra tasty.
3. Grilled Peppers
These yummy grilled peppers are ideal piled onto a sandwich, tucked into fajitas, or served right alongside that brisket recipe. Keep the pieces nice and big and throw them straight onto the grates, or use a grilling basket. Either way, you’ll love every sweet, charred bite.
4. Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
These brown sugar glazed pineapple slices are an essential dish for any summer dinner. No fresh pineapple on hand?
Don’t sweat it. Canned pineapple rings work beautifully here and still give you that same incredible sweet, caramelized taste.
5. Grilled S’mores Pizza
This fun, creative recipe takes grilling desserts to a whole new level of yum. Instead of building s’mores over a campfire, we’re turning them into a pizza right on the grill. It’s loaded with Nutella, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows, an absolute treat you have to try.
6. Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs
These tender kabobs are coated in a homemade sauce that’ll have you coming back for more. Sweet and tangy, sticky and satisfying, they deliver everything you want in juicy grilled chicken.
They’re a guaranteed crowd pleaser. If you like a little fire, go ahead and drizzle on some Sriracha.
7. Grilled Mushroom Burgers
Need a vegetarian dinner option that still brings the meaty satisfaction? You can’t beat these grilled mushroom burgers.
I promise even the most devoted meat lovers at the table will go crazy for them. Be sure to marinate those mushrooms for an extra punch of flavor, then go wild piling on all your favorite toppings.
8. Brisket
Brisket is such a stunning cut of meat, but it’s easy to accidentally overdo it. Luckily, this recipe is totally foolproof and delivers some of the most tender, moist meat you’ll ever try.
Like most great barbecue, it starts with a dry rub, then needs about three hours on the heat. This one calls for a little planning ahead, and it’s worth every minute.
9. BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Out of all the barbecue recipes on this list, this char siu pork might just be my personal favorite. I love that you can make it any time of year, and it’s wonderfully simple to pull off. It’s inspired by a traditional Chinese style recipe, giving you pork perfection in every single mouthful.
10. Grilled Pineapple Barbecue Chicken
Nothing screams summer quite like this grilled pineapple barbecue chicken. The heat draws out the pineapple’s natural sugars, turning every piece even more sweet and tangy.
It’s that irresistible sweet and savory combo the whole family will devour. Make extra, because everyone is going to ask for it.
11. Baja Style Mexican Hot Dogs
How insanely good do these Mexican hot dogs look? Between the charred sausages, spicy aioli, and fresh cucumber salsa, they are completely impossible to resist.
Top them with creamy avocado slices, a generous squeeze of lime juice, and a shower of fresh cilantro. Wow.
12. Marinated Pork Ribs
If you’re after pork ribs that release a flood of juices with every single bite, this recipe is calling your name. These bad boys are loaded with incredible flavor and take backyard barbecuing to a whole new level.
The key is all in the marinade, and the longer that pork sits in it, the more flavor it soaks up. Patience here pays off in the most mouthwatering way.
13. Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
This gluten free, protein packed recipe is ideal for scorching hot afternoons by the pool. The crispy edges of the meat paired with the fruity burst of the pineapple is a fantastic combination. Add some grilled veggies on the side, and dinner is done.
14. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Say goodbye to boiling and hello to the smoky magic of grilled corn. Finish each ear with butter and salt, or go all out with spices and extras.
I love mine dusted with Tajín. You can also easily turn it into Mexican street corn with a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Yum.
15. Marinated Grilled Salmon
I am completely obsessed with grilling salmon during the warm summer months. It’s basically the closest I can get to the ocean right in my own backyard.
The marinade here is a simple, incredible mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and olive oil. Every flaky bite is pure coastal bliss.
16. Grilled Steak Tacos
If plain old beef is starting to feel a little predictable, it’s time to shake things up with these delicious steak tacos. This dish is ideal for entertaining because it’s completely customizable for everyone at the table. Juicy grilled steak, warm tortillas, and all the fixings make for a perfect meal.
17. Steak Kabobs
I’m convinced kabobs are one of the best things you can make during summer, super simple and equally delicious. Load those skewers up with tender steak and plenty of colorful veggies. The result is a mouthwatering dish that cooks in minutes and tastes like pure sunshine.
18. Grilled Brownies
You can totally bake this recipe in the oven if you prefer, but it sure is a showstopper on the grill. Imagine warm, fudgy brownies paired with fresh strawberries and a cloud of whipped cream. It’s an absolute delight that feels both rustic and special.
19. Grilled BBQ Chicken
When it comes to grilling, I always come back to the classics, and this BBQ chicken is one I’ll never get tired of. Sure, there’s a subtle little twist that keeps things interesting, but it’s still that familiar favorite you crave.
You can use almost any cut you have on hand, but I’m partial to drumsticks. They turn out juicy, charred, and impossibly delicious every single time.
20. Grilled Fruit Skewers
Forget meat and veggie skewers for a moment, these grilled fruit skewers are on a whole new level. Finish them with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of vanilla yogurt, and you’ll become instantly addicted. It’s the easiest, most refreshing dessert you’ll make all season.
21. Crazy Amazing (and easy) BBQ Short Ribs
I go a little gaga for short ribs, and these beauties are no exception. Thick, meaty, and melt in your mouth tender, they’re pretty much as good as grilled meat gets. Slather them in plenty of homemade sauce and serve with cornbread to mop up every last drop of those incredible drippings.
22. Grilled Steak
I know beef can feel like a splurge, but it never tastes better than after a spin on the hot grill. I mean, just look at that gorgeous thing. It looks like something straight off a cooking show, and luckily, it tastes every bit as incredible as it looks.
23. Coffee Rubbed Homemade Burgers
Remember I mentioned adding coffee to a dry rub? Here’s the recipe built just for that.
Trust me, these coffee rubbed burgers are sure to be the talk of your next party. You’ll even whip up a stunning homemade sauce with ketchup, Dr Pepper, apple cider vinegar, ancho chili powder, and brewed coffee.
24. Barbecued Burgers
I dream about the deeply caramelized, crunchy exterior on these barbecued burgers. As far as BBQ ideas go, you’ll never miss with a good burger, it’s just a fact.
But these beauties have a secret ingredient tucked inside that guarantees pure perfection. You’re going to crave that crispy, juicy bite again and again.
25. Grilled Pork Chops with BBQ Rub
Looking for a main dish to serve alongside those baked beans? You absolutely cannot go wrong with these grilled pork chops.
I mean, who doesn’t love thick, juicy chops fresh off the grates? The real star here is the dry rub, a mouthwatering blend of brown sugar, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, mustard, and cayenne. It’s sweet, smoky, and has just the right little kick.
26. Grilled Bananas
My mouth starts watering just thinking about these warm, caramelized grilled bananas. Once the hot dogs and burgers are done, it’s time to move on to dessert. Load the bananas up with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a flavor that is totally out of this world.
27. BBQ Chicken Sandwich
This fun barbecue chicken sandwich comes together in just 30 minutes and is surprisingly easy on the wallet. Pile it high with rich, creamy coleslaw and you’ve got a heavenly match. The meat is so yummy on its own, but it also slips beautifully into wraps or salads for an easy, versatile meal.
28. BBQ Chicken Salad
This barbecue chicken salad is loaded with a ton of different veggies and toppings for a healthy summer meal. It’s my homemade spin on those beloved burrito bowls we all adore. Once you taste it, you’ll seriously question how you ever spent fifteen bucks on something you can whip up at a fraction of the price.
29. Grilled Zucchini
If your backyard is anything like mine, summer means zucchini overload. Before you start leaving them on every neighbor’s doorstep, let this recipe save the day.
This Middle Eastern inspired dish is loaded with za’atar, garlic, and lemon for a phenomenal side. You’ll be hoping for an overgrown harvest just to make it again.