Ten Delicious BBQ Recipes for Your Next Cookout

Last updated on December 22nd, 2023 at 08:44 am

Grilling season is upon us, which means it’s time to fire up the barbecue and get cooking! There’s nothing better than the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors of barbecue to bring people together for a fun outdoor feast. 

This cookout menu covers all the classics, from fall-off-the-bone ribs to juicy chicken, as well as creative sides, appetizers, and desserts that will be sure to impress your guests. With these top ten BBQ recipes, you’ll have everything you need for an amazing cookout.

1. Spicy Grilled Chicken

Chicken is a grill-time favorite, but it can get boring without the right treatment. Liven up your barbecue chicken with a spicy marinade that packs a flavorful punch. 

1. To make the marinade, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place boneless chicken breasts or thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour over the marinade. Seal and let it chill for 1-2 hours, turning occasionally. 
3. When ready to grill, remove Chicken from the marinade. 
4. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. 
5. The spicy marinade will infuse the Chicken with tangy, bold flavor to please even the pickiest eaters. 

Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat. Talking about Chicken, have you checked our grilled chicken with yogurt sauce recipe?

2. Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce

What’s a barbecue without a signature sauce? Whip up this easy homemade version featuring a delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

1. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, mustard, and garlic. 
2. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. 
3. You can add more sugar or vinegar to taste. 
4. Cool and use right away, or store in an airtight container. 
5. Brush over ribs, Chicken, pork, and more for a finger-licking enhancement. 
6. This versatile sauce also makes a great dipping sauce or topping for pulled pork sandwiches. 

Make a double batch so you have plenty on hand for your cookout feast.

3. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Don’t forget about the vegetarians at your next barbecue. These grilled veggie skewers make for a colorful, healthy, meatless option. 

1. Chop zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. 
2. Alternate and thread onto skewers. 
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. 
4. Grill the skewers over direct heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the veggies are charred and tender. 
5. Serve the skewers as is, or pair them with hummus, pesto, or chimichurri sauce for dipping. 

Your vegetarian guests will be grateful for these satisfying skewers!

4. Butter-Lemon Popcorn

Butter-lemon popcorn will add a tangy, addicting snack to your cookout spread. 

1. Toss popcorn kernels with olive oil and grill in a foil pan or cast iron skillet until popped. 
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a pan and stir in grated lemon zest. 
3. Pour the flavored butter over the popped popcorn and toss to coat evenly. 
4. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, if desired. 
5. This popcorn is perfectly sweet, salty, and sour. 

Try other versions using ranch seasoning, hot sauce, or other creative flavors. Alternatively, they are also available prepackaged in various flavors such as dill pickle popcorn. It makes for a great finger food to nibble on all summer long. 

5. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are synonymous with backyard barbecues. 

For juicy pulled pork, start by rubbing a pork shoulder roast with a spice rub of brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. 

1. Sear the roast all over until browned. 
2. Then slow cook it in the oven, smoker, or slow cooker until very tender. 
3. Shred the pork with two forks. 
4. In a saucepan, mix up your favorite BBQ sauce. 
5. Toss the shredded pork with the sauce. 
6. Pile it high onto buns and add desired toppings like coleslaw and pickles. 

The smoky, saucy pork is so moist and full of flavor. It’s sure to satisfy the heartiest appetites at your cookout.

6. Grilled Fish Tacos

Add some variety to your barbecue spread with these flavor-packed fish tacos.

1. Brush firm white fish filets with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and salt. 
2. Grill the fish for 3-4 minutes per side until opaque and flakes easily. 
3. Warm corn or flour tortillas on the grill. Fill them with the grilled fish, tangy lime slaw, avocado, Cotija cheese, and cilantro. 
4. A creamy, spicy sauce like chipotle mayo or crema ties everything together. 

Grilled fish soft tacos make for a lighter and brighter alternative to typical barbecue fare. Switch up the fillings to customize these tacos to suit any taste.

7. BBQ Sweet Corn

Don’t let the veggies play second fiddle to the meat at your barbecue! Grilled corn on the cob is a classic accompaniment. 

1. Soak shucked corn in salted water before grilling for extra flavor. 
2. Grill over direct heat, turning until lightly charred on all sides. 
3. While hot, brush with softened butter and sprinkle with smoked paprika and lime zest. 
4. Other great toppings include cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh herbs. 
5. For an extra smoky infusion, soak corn in water mixed with smoked paprika before grilling. 

BBQ corn adds a pop of color and juicy sweetness to complete your cookout spread.

8. Grilled Pineapple Dessert

After all that smoky, savory barbecue, cleanse your palate with a sweet grilled fruit dessert. 

1. Cut a pineapple into 1/2-inch slices. 
2. Drizzle both sides with honey or brown sugar. 
3. Grill the pineapple slices over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized. 
4. Serve the grill-kissed pineapple warm or at room temperature, topped with ice cream, toasted coconut, and honey or agave. 
5. You can also brush pineapple with teriyaki or bourbon sauce before grilling. 

Grilled pineapple makes for a simple yet impressive summery dessert. Try grilling other fruits too, like peaches, apples, or bananas.

9. Grilled Bruschetta

Before the main event, get the appetites going with this grilled veggie bruschetta.

1. Slice a loaf of country bread into 1/2 inch slices. 
2. Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. 
3. Grill the bread slices for 1-2 minutes per side until toasted with nice grill marks. 
4. Remove and rub with a garlic clove. 
5. Top with a mixture of diced grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers and onions. 

Finish with shredded mozzarella, balsamic glaze, fresh basil, and salt and pepper. This easy grilled bruschetta will have your guests eagerly anticipating the rest of the barbecue feast.

10. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Pizza cooked right on the grill is a fun twist from your typical barbecue lineup. 

1. Start by rolling out fresh or premade pizza dough onto foil or directly onto the grill grates.
2. Grill the dough for 2-3 minutes until starting to firm up. 
3. Remove and brush with barbecue sauce. 
4. Next, top with shredded barbecue chicken, red onion, cilantro, and mozzarella cheese. 
5. Return the pizza to the grill, covered, for 5 minutes until the toppings are hot and the cheese melts. 
6. For an extra smoky flavor, add diced grilled onions, peppers, or pineapple. 
7. Cut into slices and serve this novel BBQ chicken pizza straight from the grill!

With this complete barbecue menu, from appetizers to desserts, your cookout is sure to bring delicious smoky flavors all summer long. Try out new recipes while sticking to the classics everyone loves. Add some chilled infused water and yard games, and your cookout will keep guests coming back year after year!