Home | Food and Recipes | The Best Summer BBQ Recipes for Grilling Season
Summer is synonymous with backyard BBQs, sunshine, and sizzling grills. Whether you're hosting a gathering, enjoying a family meal, or simply cooking up something delicious for yourself, grilling is the perfect way to bring out vibrant flavors and smoky goodness. From juicy burgers to grilled vegetables and mouthwatering sides, here’s a roundup of the best summer BBQ recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds!
1. Classic Grilled Burgers
No BBQ is complete without a juicy, perfectly grilled burger. The secret to a great burger lies in the meat – use a blend of ground chuck (80% lean, 20% fat) for the best flavor and juiciness. Season simply with salt and pepper, then shape into patties. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness, and serve on toasted buns with all your favorite toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and a smear of ketchup or mayo.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try mixing in a bit of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or smoked paprika into the meat before grilling.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are a versatile BBQ option and can be made with a variety of marinades. Try marinating chicken pieces in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a Mediterranean twist, or use a mix of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired flavor. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, ensuring they’re fully cooked through.
Pro Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
3. BBQ Ribs
When it comes to BBQ, ribs are a crowd favorite, and for good reason! For tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, start by seasoning your ribs with a dry rub made of brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Preheat the grill to low and slow cook the ribs for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping occasionally. In the final 10 minutes, brush with your favorite BBQ sauce and allow the ribs to caramelize.
Pro Tip: Wrap ribs in foil to keep them moist while grilling, or opt for indirect heat to avoid burning while achieving that perfect smoky flavor.
4. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grilled shrimp are a delicious and quick BBQ option. For these shrimp tacos, marinate shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and cumin for about 15 minutes. Thread the shrimp onto skewers or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Serve in soft tortillas with a tangy slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of cilantro lime crema.
Pro Tip: Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime for added zing!
5. Grilled Vegetables
Grilling vegetables is a simple, yet delicious way to elevate your BBQ spread. Zucchini, bell peppers, corn on the cob, mushrooms, and asparagus are all fantastic on the grill. For a great grilled vegetable dish, drizzle your veggies with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then grill until they’re tender and slightly charred.
Pro Tip: For corn on the cob, try grilling it in its husk to keep it moist and smoky. Peel back the husk after grilling and enjoy the tender kernels.
6. Grilled BBQ Chicken
For an easy and flavorful BBQ chicken recipe, season bone-in chicken pieces (like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts) with a dry rub or marinate them in a mixture of BBQ sauce, garlic, and herbs. Grill over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra flavor, brush on more BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to ensure the juices stay locked in.
7. Grilled Sausages with Peppers and Onions
Grilled sausages are a BBQ classic and can be paired with caramelized peppers and onions for a complete meal. Grill your favorite sausages (such as bratwurst, Italian sausage, or chorizo) over medium heat, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. While the sausages cook, grill bell peppers and onions in a foil packet with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender and slightly charred. Serve the sausages in buns with the grilled peppers and onions.
Pro Tip: Try adding mustard or a spicy aioli to the buns for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Grilled Peach Salad
For a lighter and refreshing BBQ side, grilled peaches are the way to go. Slice fresh peaches in half and remove the pit. Brush with a little honey and olive oil, then grill cut-side down for about 3–4 minutes, until lightly caramelized. Serve on a bed of arugula or mixed greens with crumbled feta, nuts (like pecans or almonds), and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Pro Tip: Add a touch of fresh basil or mint for an herbaceous finish.
9. Grilled Flatbreads
Grilled flatbreads are a fun and easy alternative to traditional pizza. Brush store-bought or homemade flatbread dough with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly charred and crispy. Top with your favorite ingredients, like tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, or even roasted vegetables, and grill for an additional 2–3 minutes until the toppings are heated through.
Pro Tip: Try adding a drizzle of pesto or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
10. Grilled S’mores Dip
End your BBQ on a sweet note with a fun and easy dessert! Make a s’mores dip by layering chocolate chips and marshmallows in a cast-iron skillet. Grill over indirect heat until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are golden brown and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.
Pro Tip: For a gourmet twist, use dark chocolate or even add a splash of liqueur (like Baileys or Kahlúa) to the chocolate before grilling.
Conclusion
Grilling season is the perfect time to experiment with bold flavors and enjoy the outdoors while cooking. These BBQ recipes offer something for everyone, from classic burgers and ribs to seafood, veggies, and even dessert. So, fire up your grill and get ready to indulge in these delicious recipes that will make your summer BBQs the highlight of the season!
Happy grilling! 🍔🌭🍉