Barbecuing is a beloved American tradition that brings people together through delicious food and fun outdoor activities. The smell of smoked meats and sweet barbecue sauce wafting through the air is enough to get anyone excited for a cookout.
Barbecuing has a long and storied history in the United States, with regional barbecue styles developing nationwide. In the South, slow-smoked pulled pork and beef brisket reign supreme. A thick, sweet tomato-based barbecue sauce is the star in Kansas City. And in Texas, beef is king when it comes to barbecue. No matter your regional barbecue allegiance, hosting a cookout complete with irresistible grilled foods is the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and bring friends and family together.
Let’s discuss 10 mouthwatering barbecue recipes to make your next cookout a hit. From juicy burgers to fall-off-the-bone ribs, these recipes will please any barbecue aficionado. So fire up the grill and get ready for a great barbecue bash!
1. Juicy Bacon Cheeseburgers
No cookout is complete without a proper burger, and this bacon cheeseburger recipe delivers. Ground chuck is blended with Worcestershire sauce and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before being formed into patties. The patties are then grilled to juicy perfection. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, these burgers are sure to satisfy.
Serve the cheeseburgers on soft buns with all your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and tomato for a truly classic barbecue burger.
2. BBQ Beef Sandwiches
For tender, fall-apart barbecue beef, the instant pot is your friend. This recipe cooks beef chuck roast in the instant pot until meltingly tender before shredding and tossing it with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Piled high on buns and topped with pickles and onions, these instant pot bbq beef sandwiches are sure to be a hit. The instant pot helps break down the collagen in the beef, leaving you with mouthwateringly tender meat that soaks up the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s an easy weeknight meal or cookout crowd-pleaser.
3. Grilled Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers are a cookout staple for a good reason – kids and adults alike love these quick and easy grilled bites.
Marinated in a zesty combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before hitting the grill, the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. You can also alternate pieces of tender chicken with colorful bell peppers and onions for a visually appealing skewer. Offer a dipping sauce like tzatziki or barbecue sauce for even more flavor.
4. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are a barbecue classic, and this recipe coats them in an irresistible homemade barbecue sauce. The sauce contains tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and spices for finger-licking flavor. After marinating the drumsticks in the sauce to infuse them with flavor, they are grilled until the skin is crispy and the meat is fully cooked. Add the charred bits from the grill to give it more depth. Serve the saucy drumsticks hot off the grill alongside creamy coleslaw and potato salad.
5. Grilled Corn with Spicy Mayo
Grilled corn on the cob is a beloved summer treat, and the addition of a spicy mayo makes it even better. Simply coat shucked corn with olive oil and grill until lightly charred all over. While the corn is hot, slather it with a mixture of mayo, lime juice, cayenne pepper, and cilantro. The cool and creamy mayo perfectly complements the smoky grilled corn, while the lime and cayenne add zing. This easy side is the perfect accompaniment to any barbecue meal.
6. Caprese Skewers
Add a refreshing bite to your cookout with these colorful caprese skewers. Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves are threaded onto skewers and drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings. Grill the skewers briefly just to lightly char and soften the mozzarella and tomatoes. The classic Italian flavors pair perfectly with your grilled meats or even stand alone as a light appetizer.
7. Grilled Vegetable Platter
A grilled veggie platter is a healthy and delicious addition to any cookout. Try an array of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, mushrooms, and asparagus brushed with olive oil and grilled until tender.
Offer a dipping sauce like hummus, ranch dressing, or balsamic vinaigrette to complement the smoky grilled vegetables. This vegetable platter makes a great meatless main or side dish.
8. Barbecue Baked Beans
No barbecue is complete without a dish of baked beans, and this recipe is sure to please. Cook the kidney beans until tender in a sweet, smoky sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped bacon. The beans soak up all the delicious flavors and complement your grilled meats perfectly. Sweet, saucy, and smokey, these baked beans are a cookout essential.
9. Grilled Peach Sundaes
For a fun and delicious dessert, grill peaches and serve them over vanilla ice cream for an amazing grilled peach sundae.
Simply cut peaches in half and grill cut-side down until they have nice grill marks. Top scoops of ice cream with the grilled peaches, drizzle with honey or caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped nuts. The sweet juicy peaches perfectly pair with the cold, creamy ice cream. This dessert is sure to steal the show.
10. Watermelon Feta Salad
Cool, refreshing watermelon makes a great cookout side dish when paired with salty feta cheese and mint. Toss the cubed watermelon with crumbled feta, torn fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. The sweet juicy watermelon balances beautifully with the briny feta and vibrant mint. It’s a light, healthy salad that goes well with any barbecue menu.
Conclusion
Great barbecue food is at the heart of every memorable summer cookout. With these crowd-pleasing recipes, you’re guaranteed to host a fantastic barbecue bash. From juicy burgers hot off the grill to sweet and smoky baked beans, there’s something for everyone. Gather your family and friends, fire up the barbecue, and prepare for a great cookout with these sensational recipes. The mouthwatering aromas and flavors of backyard barbecue will have everyone looking forward to your next event.
