As the sun shines bright and warm, there’s no better way to savor the essence of summer than through the art of BBQ.
The perfect blend of sizzling grill marks, savory flavors, and infectious aromas brings people together like few other culinary experiences can. From succulent meats slathered in tangy sauces to char-grilled vegetables that burst with smoky sweetness, BBQ recipes are the ultimate symbol of summer dining.
GRILLED TOMATOES
There’s nothing quite like the taste of tomatoes during the summer months. In fact, I’d argue they’re even more delightful than a day spent lounging on the beach or watching the sun set over the horizon. While I do enjoy them raw with a pinch of salt or as part of a classic bruschetta, grilling takes them to a whole new level.
The subtle bitterness that comes from the char adds a welcome balance to their natural acidity and sweetness, while the direct heat coaxes out deep umami flavors reminiscent of rich tomato sauces – all without sacrificing their tender texture.
SALT-AND-PEPPER BBQ RIBS
Backyard gatherings aren’t complete without a delicious, slow-cooked BBQ rib feast. The tender, fall-off-the-bone texture is achieved by cooking the ribs low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. After that, a quick grilling session adds a satisfying char, elevating the dish to a whole new level of mouth-watering goodness.
SURF AND TURF KEBABS
Transform your kebab game with these exceptional Surf and Turk Kebabs, paired with a zesty Chimichurri Sauce. This mouth-watering dish showcases succulent steak and shrimp cooked to perfection, then elevated by the tangy charm of authentic chimichurri. With its impressive presentation and delectable flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
GRILLED POTATOES
Indulge in the flavors of sweet and savory meals by trying out our delectable Crispy Grilled Potatoes recipe, topped with a hint of freshness from parsley and rosemary. This quick-fix side dish is perfect for accompanying your summer meat entrees and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal addition to your meal routine.
GRILLED BEER BRATS
While savoring the warm weather of summer, I find myself craving casual gatherings with friends and family, reminiscent of effortless tailgating and backyard BBQs. The simplicity of grilled beer brats has piqued my interest, as it seems like a perfect addition to any outdoor celebration. Essentially, all you need to do is cook the sausages until they’re nicely charred, then simmer them in a flavorful broth made with onions, peppers, and, of course, beer.
This straightforward recipe requires little cooking expertise, making it an ideal option for a summer afternoon spent socializing and enjoying good company.
GRILLED BRANZINO
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this quick and easy recipe for Grilled Branzino accompanied by a zesty Preserved Lemon Gremolata. This delightful dish can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. The star of the show is Branzino, a mild fish with flaky white flesh that’s ideal for grilling or roasting and adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
GRILLED APPLES WITH PROSCIUTTO AND HONEY
Savoring the Flavors of Fall: Fresh Fruit Delights
As the leaves change colors and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s no better time to showcase the abundance of fresh fruit that comes with the season. This delectable snack or appetizer is a fantastic way to make the most of nature’s bounty, elevating your gatherings and making memories that will last long after the harvest is done.
GRILLED SALMON WITH HERB BUTTER
With its quick cooking time and versatility in terms of flavor profiles, grilled salmon is an excellent summer dinner choice that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The key to achieving a juicy and flaky texture lies in the herb butter rub, which brings out the natural flavors of the fish. Grilling salmon is a straightforward process that allows for endless experimentation with seasonings, herb butters, or marinades, making it a delightfully flavorful meal option.
GRILLED PIZZA
Experience the thrill of summer with a twist on traditional cooking – no oven required! Grilled pizzas are a game-changer, offering an effortless and satisfying meal option. By skipping the pizza stone, you can simply place the dough directly onto the grill, yielding a beautifully charred crust that’s both crispy on the outside and chewy within. The perfect accompaniment to this delight is melted cheese atop the pizza, adding a rich and creamy element to each bite.
MARGARITA GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with these mouthwatering Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers, where succulent shrimp are perfectly charred to bring out their natural sweetness. This quick and easy recipe is a surefire way to achieve juicy, tender, and oh-so-tasty grilled shrimp that will leave you craving more! For more seafood-inspired culinary delights, be sure to check out our collection of Best Shrimp Soup Recipes.
THAI GRILLED EGGPLANT SALAD
A refreshing twist on traditional salads, the Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad is a treat that’s surprisingly easy to create. With its tangy dressing crafted from fresh lime juice and fish sauce, this healthy delight will transport your taste buds to the heart of Thailand. And the best part? It can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal. Plus, with some simple modifications, you can easily make it vegan-friendly.
Serve it alongside fragrant jasmine rice for a truly memorable dining experience.
HONEY GARLIC ASIAN CHICKEN KABOBS
Experience the sweet and savory delight of Damn Delicious’s honey garlic marinade. By marinating your meat overnight, followed by a quick grilling session whenever you’re ready to indulge, you’ll be treated to a culinary experience that’s as effortless as it is impressive.
BLACKBERRY-GLAZED CHICKEN
Kick-start your grilling experience and elevate your usual chicken dinner by incorporating the natural sweetness of fresh blackberries. This unique fusion of flavors can be achieved by cooking up a fruit-infused chicken recipe that combines the juiciness of blackberries with the smokiness of a grilled meal.
GRILLED HALLOUMI
For a standout offering at your next backyard bash, consider grilling up some Halloumi for a truly memorable culinary experience. One of the most distinctive features of this Cypriot cheese is its unusual texture, often likened to a ‘squeaky’ or rubbery sensation when bitten into. This peculiar property actually adds to the charm of Halloumi, making it an excellent choice for adventurous eaters and foodies alike.
ROSEMARY GARLIC STEAK KEBABS
I’m thoroughly enamored with these Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs – they’re an absolute delight! The combination of tender and succulent steak, tangy marinated tomatoes, and crispy baby potatoes, all perfectly grilled together, is a winning formula that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner party, these kebabs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
VEGAN PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGER
Indulge in the rich flavors of this vegan Portobello Mushroom Burger, infused with an Asian-style grilled twist that explodes with savory umami notes. This delectable dish comes complete with a creamy Asian-inspired Guacamole spread, a revitalizing cucumber ribbon salad, and a crunchy carrot slaw topping – all carefully crafted to delight your taste buds while catering to vegan preferences. The best part?
This culinary masterpiece is not only a feast for the senses but also an exercise in healthy indulgence.
GRILLED OYSTERS
While shucking raw oysters may be a skill mastered by some, it’s not always an easy feat for everyone. For a more effortless experience, consider grilling oysters instead. This culinary twist offers a delightful alternative to traditional oyster preparation, making it perfect for contemporary backyard gatherings like barbecues. Pair grilled oysters with other crowd-pleasing options like grilled pizza and ‘steaks’ made from cabbage for a well-rounded and satisfying start to your meal.
GRILLED FAJITA VEGETABLE SKEWERS
Indulge in the flavors of summer with this vibrant recipe for Grilled Vegetable Kabobs. These vegetarian skewers are bursting with fresh, seasonal vegetables and infused with the richness of ‘fajita butter.’ A perfect and nutritious side dish for any picnic, these kabobs will add a pop of color and excitement to your outdoor gatherings.
GRILLED MANGO CHICKEN
Grilling up a tropical storm of flavors, this Grilled Mango Chicken recipe relies on a mouthwatering marinade crafted from succulent mango, zesty lime, and a medley of spices. As the chicken sizzles on the grill, the aromatic blend transforms into a rich caramel that elevates each bite’s flavor profile. This refreshing summer treat is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering or backyard bash.
BLOOMIN’ GRILLED APPLES
Inspired by Outback’s popular Bloomin’ Onion, we experimented with applying the same innovative cutting technique to create a sweet treat – grilled apples! With this simple approach, you can have perfectly prepared apples in under 10 minutes, defying their appearance as a savory dish.
CHILI LIME GRILLED SALMON
Indulge in the flavors of the season with this mouthwatering Grilled Salmon recipe, a true delight for warm weather gatherings! In just 30 minutes, you can have this succulent salmon dish ready to devour. A harmonious blend of chili and lime spices up the fish, which is then grilled to perfection. But that’s not all – our recipe takes it to the next level with a refreshing Mango Avocado Salsa topping.
This vibrant, nutritious meal is perfect for families and friends alike, making it an excellent choice for summer evenings.
BACON WRAPPED GRILLED CORN
This summer, give your classic corn on the cob a savory twist by incorporating crispy bacon into the mix. The combination of a rich, smoky flavor and satisfying crunch will elevate this summertime staple to new heights.
GRILLED LOBSTER TAIL
Indulge in the timeless charm of a perfectly grilled Delish, elevated by the pungency of garlic herb butter. This delectable dish can be prepared in a mere 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for whipping up a show-stopping meal that’s sure to delight your guests.
SWEET HEAT CHEERWINE BABY BACK RIBS
Indulge in the sweet and tangy charm of Country Living with a mouthwatering twist: crispy grilled baby back ribs smothered in a rich, Cheerwine-infused glaze that’s impossible to resist. Be prepared for a messy yet satisfying experience, as every bite will leave you craving more – and don’t forget those napkins!
BBQ SMOKED SAUSAGE BITES
Indulge in the flavors of summer with these mouthwatering BBQ smoked sausage bites that are simplicity itself to prepare. As they sizzle and caramelize on the grill, you can’t help but crave a few more as the aroma wafts through the air. On a day like any perfect California afternoon, with not a whisper of wind to disturb your outdoor grilling experience, the joy is all the more intensified.
GRILLED PINEAPPLE COLESLAW
Elevate the classic combination of Coleslaw and barbecue by incorporating unexpected flavors. A simple yet effective way to do this is to add some excitement to your slaw by incorporating grilled pineapple and a tangy citrus dressing. This twist adds a sweet and refreshing element that perfectly complements the smoky richness of the barbecue, resulting in a harmonious fusion of flavors.
GRILLED OCTOPUS
With minimal effort, you can transform the flavors of grilled octopus into a culinary delight. If you’re already familiar with cooking calamari and looking for a new culinary adventure or if you’ve savored grilled octopus on your travels and want to replicate that experience at home, then take the plunge! The process is surprisingly straightforward, and the end result will be well worth the attempt.
GRILLED SUCCOTASH
Savoring the Flavors of Country Living: This delectable grilled side dish harnesses the essence of fresh summer produce, combining the sweetness of corn, the juiciness of tomatoes, the pungency of basil, and the creaminess of lima beans to create a truly satisfying culinary experience that embodies the spirit of country living.
GRILLED MAHI MAHI WITH AVOCADO SALSA
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and colors presented by this grilled mahi mahi recipe, effortlessly adaptable to either an indoor or outdoor grill setup. The dish’s aromatic appeal stems from its careful seasoning, while the addition of a vibrant mango and avocado salsa adds a tangy and visually stunning twist, making for a truly satisfying seafood experience.
GRILLED SCALLOPS
Indulging in the warmth of home-cooked meals has never been more enticing than with grilled scallops. As a quintessential summer delight, this quick and effortless dinner option is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The refreshing essence of these tender morsels can be effortlessly woven into a delectable meal, ready to savor in no time.
GRILLED CHICKEN KABOBS WITH PEANUT SAUCE
Looking to elevate your next outdoor gathering? Consider whipping up some mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Peanut Sauce – a match made in culinary heaven! Not only do they tantalize the taste buds, but they’re also an excellent choice for a light and refreshing summer barbecue. As an added bonus, this recipe is perfect for those following a THM S, low-carb, or Keto-friendly diet plan.
GRILLED WATERMELON
Elevate your watermelon game this summer by experimenting with the art of grilling it. When exposed to the smoky heat, the fruit’s texture becomes transformed and its natural sweetness takes on a new level of depth, much like grilled peaches and pineapple. For an added twist, toss cubed grilled watermelon into a refreshing salad alongside crumbled feta for a flavor combination that’s as easy-going as it is delightful.
GRILLED FRUIT KABOBS
Elevate your summer gatherings by incorporating grilled fruit kabobs into your BBQ menu. This sweet and savory treat is sure to delight both kids and adults alike, offering a refreshing twist on traditional BBQ fare.
COFFEE AND BROWN SUGAR CRUSTED SKIRT STEAK
When it comes to adding flavor to your outdoor grilling endeavors, Virginia Willis recommends a clever trick: using a country-inspired spice mix as a rub for meats. This blend is particularly well-suited for pork chops, rack of lamb, and even delicate filets of salmon – the results are nothing short of impressive. For a satisfying meal, consider serving this spice-crusted goodness alongside some crispy Grilled Okra and spicy Jalapeños.
GRILLED BOURBON PEACH BBQ CHICKEN
The culinary masterpiece, dubbed sweet and sticky bourbon peach BBQ chicken, is a true showstopper. The journey begins with a meticulous seasoning of the chicken using a carefully crafted spice rub, setting the stage for the forthcoming flavor explosion.
A tangy glaze, expertly prepared by combining fresh peaches with rich barbeque sauce, brings everything together in a harmonious union that will leave you craving another bite and struggling to contain your enthusiasm – the sweet and sticky goodness is simply irresistible!
GRILLED POUND CAKE
As the sun sets on a warm summer evening, there’s no better way to cap off an outdoor dinner party or barbecue than with a delectable grilled fruit dessert. A rich pound cake smothered in tangy sour cherries makes for a match made in heaven, and is sure to be a hit with your guests. But the magic of BBQ recipes doesn’t stop there – they’re the key to unlocking a world of flavors and sensations that will leave you craving more.
Whether it’s the sweet and smoky taste of perfectly grilled meats or the tangy zip of a well-crafted sauce, every bite is an invitation to savor the moment. So as you fire up the grill this summer, remember that BBQ is not just about cooking – it’s about creating memories that will last long after the flames have died out. And who knows, you might just find yourself saying ‘cheers’ to another season of sizzling good times!
