The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Backyard BBQ Dishes: Summer Grilling Recipes & Tips
Summer is synonymous with sunshine, good company, and, most importantly, incredible food cooked outdoors. This year, elevate your backyard cookouts and impress your guests with a collection of truly delicious BBQ dishes that go beyond the usual suspects. From succulent ribs and juicy burgers to vibrant salads and flavorful wings, these hand-picked recipes are designed to take your grilling game to the next level. Get ready to fire up the grill and host the most memorable summer backyard bash yet!
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BBQ Apple Cider Traeger Ribs
These BBQ Apple Cider Ribs are the epitome of a messy, finger-licking good meal, perfect for any backyard BBQ. Cooked on a Traeger grill, these ribs become incredibly juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender, thanks to a delightful twist of apple cider in the marinade. The smoky flavor from the Traeger combined with the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Don’t be shy – get your face covered in sauce; it’s the only way to truly enjoy these sensational ribs! This recipe generously serves 6, making it ideal for family gatherings or a small party.
Smoked Pork Loin
Unlock incredible flavor with this simple yet outstanding Smoked Pork Loin recipe. Requiring just a few key ingredients, this dish delivers the perfect amount of smoky goodness that will have your friends and family requesting it again and again. The tender, juicy cut of meat, infused with tantalizing smoke, is utterly irresistible. It’s an ideal choice for a sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare main course for your next outdoor gathering. Fire up your smoker and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable meal!
Watermelon Feta Salad
When you need a quick, impressive, and incredibly refreshing side dish for your summer dinner table, this Watermelon Feta Salad is your go-to. The vibrant sweetness and juiciness of the watermelon perfectly complement the creamy, salty tang of feta cheese, creating a truly memorable flavor profile. With a burst of fresh herbs like mint or basil and a simple, light dressing, it’s effortless to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. This salad adds a bright, cool contrast to any hot grilled main course.
Grilled Burrata Pizza
Experience a fresh and exciting twist on pizza night with this Grilled Burrata Pizza, perfect for your summer evenings. The pizza dough is masterfully grilled to achieve a deliciously crispy crust, then generously topped with a vibrant tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, savory crispy fried prosciutto, and bursts of tangy sun-dried tomatoes. A scattering of fresh basil adds a fragrant touch, and the pièce de résistance is the soft, creamy burrata, melting gloriously over the hot pizza. This gourmet BBQ pizza is an absolute showstopper!
Easy 3-Ingredient Steak Marinade
Achieve perfectly flavored, tender steaks with this incredibly easy 3-Ingredient Steak Marinade. This simple recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create an exceptional flavor. Ideal for grilling or pan-searing, this marinade infuses your steak with rich, savory notes, ensuring every bite is succulent and delicious. It’s the ultimate secret weapon for elevating your steak to the next level. Plus, it’s highly customizable – feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to build upon this fantastic base!
The Best Steak Seasoning
Crafting the perfect steak starts with the perfect seasoning, and this homemade steak seasoning blend is truly the best. Packed with bold aromatics and a tantalizing hint of spice, this recipe is incredibly simple to whip up using common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It enhances the natural flavors of the beef, creating a beautiful crust and a deeply satisfying taste. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking, allowing you to tailor the spice levels and herb combinations to make it uniquely your own. Elevate any cut of steak with this essential rub!
Salsa Jalapeño Crunch Burger
Ready to revolutionize your burger nights? This Salsa Jalapeño Crunch Burger offers an easy and exciting way to upgrade your grilling game! By cleverly utilizing leftover salsa, zesty jalapeños, and irresistibly crunchy fried onions, these burgers are a symphony of diverse textures and bold flavors. Each bite delivers a fantastic combination of spicy, savory, and crispy elements that will make this a new favorite. It’s a perfect option for those who crave a burger with a little extra kick and an unforgettable crunch.
Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings
Elevate your game day spread or any casual gathering with these irresistible Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings! These spicy and saucy wings are pure culinary magic, offering a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that are incredibly addictive. The best part? You can achieve that desirable crispy texture whether you choose to grill them for an authentic smoky taste or bake them in the oven for a simpler approach. No matter your cooking method, these flavorful wings are guaranteed to disappear in a flash, making them a crowd-favorite appetizer for any occasion.
Easy All Purpose Marinade For Summer Grilling
Make your summer grilling effortlessly delicious with this Easy All-Purpose Marinade. This versatile marinade is designed to work beautifully with virtually any protein, from savory beef and tender pork to juicy chicken. It infuses meats with a wonderful tangy and hearty fresh flavor, locking in moisture to ensure every bite is exceptionally juicy and tender. Say goodbye to dry, bland grilled dishes! Simply marinate, fire up your grill, and prepare to enjoy perfectly flavored meats that are a breeze to prepare.
Miso Glazed Sriracha Burgers with Asian Cucumber Pickles
Take your burger experience to an exotic new level with these Miso Glazed Sriracha Burgers, perfectly complemented by crisp Asian Cucumber Pickles. This recipe offers a unique and gourmet twist on a classic beef burger, transforming it into a thick, juicy, and flavor-packed sandwich. The grilled patties boast a fantastic combination of spicy Sriracha heat and a rich, umami-laden miso glaze that deepens the savory flavors of the meat. Whether you cook them on the grill for that quintessential BBQ char or on the stove, these burgers are guaranteed to be a new favorite, offering an exciting fusion of flavors and textures.
Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos
These Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos are the perfect reason to host Taco Tuesday at home this week! Bursting with fresh, vibrant Mexican flavors and a riot of color, you’ll want to add this easy and healthy recipe to your weekly rotation. From the incredibly flavorful honey-lime marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, to the spicy charred corn salsa and creamy avocado, every single element of these tacos provides an exciting combination of textures and ample punches of delicious flavor. They are ideal for a light yet satisfying summer meal.
Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings
Prepare for the ultimate summer wing experience with these Bourbon Peach Grilled BBQ Wings! These aren’t just any wings; they’re a perfect harmony of tangy, deliciously sticky, subtly sweet, and just a touch of heat. The rich bourbon and sweet peach notes combine with classic BBQ flavors to create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, ensuring crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat underneath. They are, without a doubt, the best wings to serve for any summer gathering, promising a mouthwatering sensation that will have everyone reaching for more!
Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers
Move over, traditional baked potatoes! These Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers are truly the ultimate grilled side dish for summer. Everyone loves the comforting flavors of a good baked potato, and this recipe offers a thrilling new way to enjoy them right off the grill. Golden, tender potatoes are skewered and grilled to perfection alongside crispy, savory bacon. They are then generously drizzled with a luscious roasted garlic aioli, cool sour cream, and fresh chives. This innovative side is a perfect pairing for any grilled main, especially dad’s favorite steak, making it a must-try for your next BBQ.
Easy Smoked Traeger Brisket
Don’t let the thought of cooking brisket intimidate you! This Easy Smoked Traeger Brisket recipe delivers a deeply smoky, incredibly tender, and absolutely delicious result that will become the star of any meal. If you’re looking for an epic, show-stopping dish that truly impresses, this brisket is the way to everyone’s heart. Cooked low and slow on a Traeger grill, it develops a beautiful bark and melts in your mouth. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll gain the confidence to master this classic cut of meat, proving that a perfect brisket is within reach for any home cook.
Grilled Salmon with Charred Corn Avocado Tomato Salsa
Bring a vibrant burst of flavor and a touch of healthy spice to your summer menu with this Grilled Salmon, perfectly paired with a fresh Charred Corn Avocado Tomato Salsa. This dish is a simple yet elegant way to highlight the best of fresh summer ingredients. The salmon is grilled to flaky perfection, seasoned robustly, and then crowned with a bright, zesty salsa featuring smoky charred corn, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes. It’s a guilt-free, incredibly flavorful meal that’s sure to become your new go-to summertime dinner, offering both taste and nutrition in every bite.
Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings
Prepare for perfectly crispy and deliciously saucy wings with this Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings recipe, making your favorite snack easier than ever! These wings are a dream come true for any BBQ enthusiast, offering that irresistible combination of sweet and tangy honey BBQ flavor infused with a smoky grilled taste. They’re fantastic for sharing at parties or enjoying as a satisfying meal. Serve them with your favorite creamy dip for an ultimate flavor experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This is a hassle-free way to achieve restaurant-quality wings right in your backyard!
BBQ Grilled Blooming Onion
Experience your favorite steakhouse appetizer with a delightful and slightly healthier twist: the BBQ Grilled Blooming Onion. When you dig into this beautifully fanned onion, generously glazed in tangy BBQ sauce and grilled to tender perfection, you’ll discover a savory sensation that’s both familiar and exciting. This recipe offers the easiest way to bring the iconic “blooming onion” experience outdoors, infusing it with smoky flavors that only grilling can provide. It’s an impressive yet simple starter that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next barbecue party or casual outdoor meal.
BBQ Glazed Grilled Bratwurst with Spicy Peach Bacon Salsa
Celebrate the best of summer with this simple yet incredibly flavorful BBQ Glazed Grilled Bratwurst, crowned with a vibrant Spicy Peach Bacon Salsa. This recipe is a symphony of big, bold flavors that are perfectly balanced for an unforgettable outdoor meal. The grilled brats are coated in a sweet and savory BBQ glaze, achieving a wonderful caramelized crust. This richness is perfectly complemented by the smoky, spicy, and fruity notes of the homemade peach bacon salsa. It’s an ideal dish for those end-of-summer celebrations, offering a gourmet twist on classic grilled sausages.
Dry Rub Wings with BBQ Blue Cheese Sauce
Discover the absolute easiest way to make wings with this incredible Dry Rub Wings recipe! All it takes is a fantastic, flavorful seasoning blend to infuse your grilled or baked chicken wings with an explosion of taste. These wings boast a perfect crispy exterior and tender interior, thanks to the magic of a well-chosen dry rub. You can enjoy them as is, letting the rich seasoning shine through, or take them to the next level by pairing them with a creamy, tangy BBQ blue cheese dipping sauce. Perfect for game day, parties, or a casual dinner, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit!
Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ignite your taste buds with these Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers – a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and smoky flavors! Succulent pieces of chicken are threaded onto skewers with colorful veggies and crispy bacon, then basted with a ridiculously easy 3-ingredient chipotle BBQ sauce until cooked to delicious perfection. The smoky char from the grill, combined with the zesty kick of chipotle and the sweet tang of BBQ, creates a flavor explosion. These kabobs are incredibly fun to make and eat, guaranteed to rock your summer grilling world and become a family favorite.
Grilled Pulled Pork Tex Mex Stuffed Avocados
Prepare to be amazed: grilling avocados is indeed a thing, and it’s absolutely wonderful! These Grilled Pulled Pork Tex Mex Stuffed Avocados offer a delightful and unexpected twist on dinner that everyone will eagerly gobble up. Halved avocados are lightly charred on the grill, enhancing their creamy texture and adding a subtle smoky note. They are then generously stuffed with tender, flavorful pulled pork and a zesty Tex-Mex filling. This creative dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect healthy and hearty option for your next outdoor gathering or weeknight meal.
Cacio e Pepe Grilled Wings
Indulge in the iconic flavors of your favorite Italian pasta, Cacio e Pepe, transformed into a sensational, shareable appetizer with these Grilled Wings! This innovative recipe captures the simple yet profound combination of salty Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, perfectly seasoning crispy grilled chicken wings. The result is a savory, peppery, and incredibly addictive snack that’s ideal for a party or a casual dinner. These wings offer a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food, making them a standout dish that everyone will love to chow down on.
Grilled Vegetable Egg Rolls
Break out the grill for an unexpected and absolutely delicious appetizer: Grilled Vegetable Egg Rolls! These aren’t your typical fried egg rolls. Instead, they feature a hearty blend of beautifully charred vegetables and a savory spice blend, all wrapped in crisp, golden egg roll wrappers. Grilling the vegetables beforehand infuses them with a wonderful smoky depth, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to this already fantastic recipe. Perfect for a summer gathering, these flavorful and texturally rich egg rolls offer a fresh take on a classic, making them an exciting starter for any occasion.
Beer Brined Beer Can Chicken
Get ready for a double dose of delicious beer-infused flavor with this Beer Brined Beer Can Chicken, resulting in an incredibly juicy whole bird! The initial beer brine works wonders, tenderizing the meat and locking in moisture and flavor before it even hits the grill. Then, grilling the chicken upright with a beer can ensures that the inside stays exceptionally moist and succulent, while the skin crisps up to a beautiful golden perfection on the outside. This method is a fantastic way to achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken that will be a showstopper at any backyard BBQ or casual dinner.
Spicy Ginger Grilled Chicken Thighs with Avocado Salsa
Prepare for a burst of vibrant flavor with these Spicy Ginger Grilled Chicken Thighs, perfectly complemented by a creamy, fresh Avocado Salsa. This juicy and flavorful grilled dish is incredibly versatile, offering countless ways to enjoy it! Serve the perfectly grilled thighs as a standalone main course with the cooling salsa, shred the tender meat to create delicious tacos, or even make impressive crostini by topping toasted bread with the chicken and salsa. The spicy ginger marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty kick, while the avocado salsa adds a refreshing counterpoint, making this an ideal summer recipe for any occasion.
Build Your Own Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar!
Creating your very own Gourmet BBQ Burger Bar couldn’t be simpler, yet it delivers an impressive feast that caters to every taste! This concept allows everyone to customize their perfect burger, embracing all the delicious BBQ flavors you crave. The secret to making this burger bar truly stand out lies in offering a variety of simple yet unique toppings. Think caramelized onions, gourmet cheeses, a range of sauces, fresh herbs, and even unexpected crispy elements. It transforms a basic burger into an interactive and exciting culinary adventure, ensuring a fun and satisfying experience for all your guests at your next backyard cookout.
Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken
Enjoy a light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal with this Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken, a vibrant summer take on the beloved Caprese combination. Tender grilled chicken is generously topped with creamy avocado slices, fresh mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with a rich balsamic reduction. This easy recipe is perfect for your busy weeknight dinner routine, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at your next summer patio party. The fresh ingredients and balanced flavors make it a refreshing and satisfying dish that truly captures the essence of summer dining.
French Onion Burger
Imagine all the rich, savory flavors of your favorite French Onion Soup, but in a burger! This French Onion Burger is an absolute game-changer for your summer grilling menu. Juicy, perfectly grilled burger patties are crowned with luscious, deeply caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese, mimicking the iconic flavors of the soup. The combination creates a killer gourmet burger that’s brimming with umami and a satisfying richness. It’s a surprisingly simple way to elevate your backyard BBQ fare, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food that will leave your guests utterly delighted.
Grilled Beer Marinated Chicken Wings
Say hello to your new favorite way to cook wings! These Grilled Beer Marinated Chicken Wings are exceptionally juicy and bursting with flavor, promising to be the only method you’ll ever want to use again. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: a straightforward beer marinade that is incredibly easy to prepare. This marinade infuses the chicken with a wonderful depth of flavor and tenderizes the meat, resulting in succulent wings every time. It also pairs beautifully with virtually any BBQ sauce you can imagine, allowing you to customize your wings to perfection. Get ready for a delicious grilling experience!
My Must-Haves for Backyard BBQs
Many of the incredible recipes featured above truly shine with a grilling element! If I had to pick just one favorite grill to recommend, it would hands down be a Traeger wood pellet grill. What makes Traeger grills exceptional is their incredible versatility; they allow you to both grill and smoke your recipes, infusing everything with a rich, authentic wood-fired flavor that’s hard to beat. You can experiment with so many different flavors of wood pellets to customize your smoke profile, but if you’re new to pellet grilling and unsure where to begin, I highly recommend starting with the Traeger grill signature pellets for a balanced and delicious taste.
Beyond the grill itself, having the right tools makes all the difference for a seamless and enjoyable BBQ experience. Here are some of my additional grilling favorite items that will make your outdoor cooking sessions easier and more successful:
Grilling Favorites
Grill Basket: Essential for grilling smaller items like chopped vegetables, shrimp, or delicate fish without losing them through the grates. It ensures even cooking and a smoky flavor for everything.
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Grill Brush: A good quality grill brush is paramount for keeping your grill grates clean. This ensures food doesn’t stick and prevents old residue from impacting the flavor of your new creations. Regular cleaning also prolongs the life of your grill.
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Grill Prep and Serve Trays: These are invaluable for food safety and organization. Use one set for carrying raw meat to the grill and a separate, clean set for bringing cooked food back to the table, preventing cross-contamination.
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Grill Tongs: Long-handled, sturdy grill tongs are a must-have for safely flipping and moving food on a hot grill. Look for a pair with a good grip and locking mechanism for easy storage.
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Grill Cleaner: A specialized grill cleaner helps remove grease and grime, keeping your grill in top condition and ready for its next delicious task. It’s an easy way to maintain hygiene and extend the life of your equipment.
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Dry Pellet Bin: For pellet grill owners, a dry pellet bin is crucial. It keeps your wood pellets protected from moisture, ensuring they burn efficiently and produce consistent smoke flavor without clumping or degrading. This is key for optimal grilling and smoking performance.
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In addition to these specialized grilling accessories, don’t forget the basic cooking supplies that are essential for any kitchen, especially when preparing for a BBQ. Always have a sturdy cutting board or carving board for safe food preparation and serving, a sharp chef’s knife for efficient chopping, durable metal mixing bowls for marinades and salads, and accurate measuring cups and measuring spoons to ensure your recipes turn out perfectly every time.
Just One More Thing… Complete Your BBQ with Perfect Drinks!
If you’re planning to throw an unforgettable backyard party, you’ll definitely need some refreshing cocktails to perfectly complement all this amazing food. To keep with the relaxed and joyful theme of a summer backyard BBQ, here are some of my favorite easy-to-make cocktails that are absolutely ideal for serving when the weather is warm and spirits are high:
- Vodka Strawberry Lemonade: This drink is a true taste of summer – fresh, delightfully fruity, and with just the right amount of booze to get the party started. Its vibrant color and refreshing flavor make it a popular choice.
- If you’re looking for an incredibly easy, four-ingredient cocktail that balances tart and sweet perfectly, this Raspberry Margarita is your best bet. It’s simple to whip up in batches and always a crowd-pleaser with its bright berry notes.
- For a sophisticated yet simple option, hop on the Italian train by whipping up this delightful Limoncello Spritz! It’s effervescent, zesty, and perfectly light for a hot day, transporting your guests straight to the Amalfi Coast.
For even more fantastic drink ideas to quench every thirst at your gathering, you can always check out my comprehensive cocktails recipe page. It’s packed with inspiration for every palate!
And while the grill is heating up and filling the air with enticing aromas, consider setting out a beautiful summer charcuterie board. This provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone to graze on an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers. It’s a stylish and easy way to keep your guests happy and satisfied before the main BBQ feast is ready, ensuring continuous enjoyment throughout your perfect summer bash.