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70 Best BBQ Recipes for a Whole Summer of Cookouts

We've got you covered, from weeknight dinner to tailgating parties.

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a big table full of barbecue food
Hector M. Sanchez

When spring finally squishes away and summer's heat arrives, we celebrate by spending as much time outside as possible. This year, we're aiming for an #OvenFreeSummer by grilling as much as we can. If you're new to grilling or feeling a little rusty, check out some essential grilling tips, and then pick some recipes off this list! There are plenty of vegetable dishes and summer salads to enjoy, too, and lots of summer drinks and easy summer desserts as well.

1

Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs

saltandpepper bbq ribs
Hector M. Sanchez

Real Talk: You don't need a lot of crazy flavors to make high-quality ribs taste delicious.

Get the recipe for Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs.

2

Jalapeño–Sour Cream Cornbread

jalapeño–sour cream cornbread
Hector M. Sanchez

This sweet-spicy cornbread is perfect for mopping up bbq sauce!

Get the recipe for Jalapeño–Sour Cream Cornbread.

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3

Toasted Seed Coleslaw

toasted seed coleslaw
Hector M. Sanchez

This crunchy side dish gets a big burst of flavor from a bevy of toasted seeds.

Get the recipe for Toasted Seed Coleslaw.

4

Four Great Grilling Sauces

four barbecue sauces
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Whether you're grilling steak, chicken, or pork, the meat tastes good cooked over a fire. But these sauces will make it even better. From Alabama's signature white barbecue sauce to a green steak sauce that can't be beat, it's worth keeping one (or more) of these in your fridge.

Get the recipe for Chimichurri Sauce.

Get the recipe for Meyer Lemon Relish.

Get the recipe for Pico de Gallo.

Get the recipe for Alabama White Sauce.

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5

Smoky Grilled Dry-Rub Pork Chops with Peach Relish

smoky grilled dryr ub pork chops
Hector M. Sanchez

This may be, hands down, the best pork chop we've ever had.

Get the recipe for Smoky Grilled Dry-Rub Pork Chops.

6

Sausage Pinwheels with Marinated Peppers and Grilled Broccolini

sausage pinwheels with marinated peppers and grilled broccolini
Hector M. Sanchez

These impressive sausages are a breeze to grill, and easily feed a crowd.

Get the recipe for Sausage Pinwheels with Marinated Peppers and Grilled Broccolini.

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7

Kebabs, 4 Ways

kebabs
Hector M. Sanchez

Kebabs really are a genius cooking method. As everything is cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked together, you ensure it's cooked evenly, and everyone gets what they want.

Get the recipe for Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs.

Get the recipe for Teriyaki Beef-and-Mushroom Kebabs.

Get the recipe for Tofu, Tomato, and Zucchini Kebabs.

Get the recipe for Shrimp, Pepper, and Chorizo Kebabs.

8

Slow Cooker Baked Beans

slow cooker baked beans
Hector M. Sanchez

This hearty hands-off barbecue side dish practically makes itself.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Baked Beans.

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9

Spatchcock Chicken with Piri Piri Sauce

spatchcock chicken with piri piri sauce
Hector M. Sanchez

This spicy bird is a surefire centerpiece at any summer barbecue. Spatchcocking, which gives it that flat look, helps it to cook evenly. And the sauce is fiery!

Get the recipe for Spatchcock Chicken with Piri Piri Sauce.

10

Grilled Corn, Three Ways

grilled corn, three ways
Hector M. Sanchez

Summer hasn't fully happened until you've had at least one ear of grilled corn. We love it as-is, or with a little butter. But these toppings make it even better.

Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Red Pepper Jelly Glaze

Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Mexican "Street Style" Topping

Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.

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11

Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese

ritzy ranch mac ’n’ cheese
Hector M. Sanchez

A couple simple additions — crackers and a packet of powdered ranch — makes this staple barbecue side dish crazy good.

Get the recipe for Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese.

12

All-Purpose Strawberry-Cabernet Barbecue Sauce

strawberrycabernet barbecue sauce
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This unbelievably tasty sauce blends the tart sweetness of fresh berries with the rich depth of red wine. And it comes together in 20 minutes! Slather it over everything!

Get the recipe for Strawberry-Cabernet Barbecue Sauce.

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13

Cucumber Salad

cucumber salad
Brian Woodcock

Problem: You want something green on the table, but lettuce wilts so quickly at a BBQ. Solution: This lime-mint salad, which holds up and tastes refreshingly good with all manner of proteins.

Get the recipe for Cucumber Salad.

14

Grilled Mushroom Panzanella with Tomato Vinaigrette

grilled mushroom panzanella with tomato vinaigrette
Hector M. Sanchez

This grilled bread and mushroom salad is practically a meal by itself!

Get the recipe for Mushroom Panzanella.

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15

Salmon in Foil with Vegetables

salmon in foil with vegetables
Ian Palmer

These neat little packets can be baked, but they're perfect for the barbecue: There's no mess, and they can be made individually, so picky eaters only get what they want!

Get the recipe for Salmon in Foil with Vegetables.

16

Rancharita Cocktail

rancharita cocktail
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Every party needs a drink! You can make a big pitcher of this easy-to-scale cocktail, or serve them one at a time from a shaker.

Get the recipe for Rancharita Cocktail.

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17

Orzo Pasta Salad

orzo pasta salad
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Do yourself a favor and put this veggie-packed pasta salad on the menu — then watch as it's the first to disappear.

Get the recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad.

18

Bibb Salad with Pickled Onion, Fennel, and Plums

bibb salad with pickled onion, fennel, and plums
Hector M. Sanchez

Drizzled in green goddess dressing, this summery salad is perfect for picnics and cookouts.

Get the recipe for Bibb Salad with Pickled Onion.

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19

Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey

grilled apples with prosciutto and honey
Hector M. Sanchez

Even a bbq can use h'ors d'oeuvres! You can whip these up while the grill is heating, then plate them and set out to serve while you cook the main course(s).

Get the recipe for Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey.

20

The Best Creamy Potato Salad

the best creamy potato salad
David Tsay

Bring this classic to the bbq and you'll be taking home an empty bowl.

Get the recipe for The Best Creamy Potato Salad.

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