Summer barbecues are a classic way to enjoy delicious food with friends and family. There’s something special about the smell of grilled food wafting through the air, cold drinks in hand, and good conversation all around. And it all starts with the best summer barbecue recipes.
Whether you’re hosting a July 4th block party, graduation celebration, or the family reunion, get ready to entertain a crowd this summer with delicious recipes for grilled meats and veggies, salads, dips, and sides.
Summer’s here, which means school is out and the sun is too. There’s no better time to break out the grill and enjoy meal cooked outdoors. You don’t have to be a professional chef or pitmaster to whip up something amazing. With the right plan, and the right recipes, you can feed a crowd and enjoy spending time with your friends and family.
How to host the best summer BBQ
Before you start cooking, it’s important to plan ahead. Get started with our free party planner, and make sure you have all the essentials for a successful barbecue. Here are some of the most important things consider:
- What is the occasion? Is it a patriotic Memorial Day celebration, a luau party, or a casual get-together with friends and family? Make sure everything aligns with the purpose.
- Set up an inviting space. Make sure your outdoor area is clean and tidy with plenty of seating and shade. Don’t forget to add a few simple summer party decorations to make it festive.
- Decide on a menu. Make sure there’s something for everyone, and think about how many people you plan to feed.
- Plan games and activities. Summer barbecues are all about having fun. Try setting up a few summer activities like sponge bombs, cornhole or badminton, and have some music playing in the background.
What do you need for a summer BBQ?
You can make summer gatherings as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Obviously, you’ll need a grill and some charcoal for cooking, plates and utensils for serving, and an outdoor space where everyone can gather together.
There are a few things that make it easier to host the party. Here are some of our favorites:
- Folding tables. You’ll likely have more food than your patio table can handle. Grab a folding table to gather everything into one place to make things easier for both you and your guests.
- Serving trays with handles. Trays like this make it so much easier to bring lots of food from the kitchen out to the party – and make it easier to clean up afterward too. Make sure you have one with comfortable handles for easier carrying.
- Drink dispenser. Dispensers are a great way to serve bulk drinks while keeping them nice and cold, and keeping the bugs out too.
- A good cooler with ice packs. If you plan to serve individual drinks like sodas or beer, this is the cooler we use. It’s perfect for parties, camping, and tailgating.
- Food tents. To keep the pests away from your food, it’s a good idea to have some food tents on hand. Use smaller covers like these for individual plates, or if you really want to protect several dishes at once, grab a bigger tent like this.
Ready for the fun part? Let’s move on to the recipes!
The Best Summer Barbecue Recipes
Easy Appetizer Recipes
Get your summer barbecue off to a great start with you need fantastic appetizers that will whet your guests' appetites and get them in the mood for a feast.
Warm Crab Dip
Warm crab dip is is creamy, flavorful and loaded with fresh crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning. It's the perfect dish to kick-off your barbeque. Keep it warm in a miniature slow-cooker, on a warming tray, or even use a fondue pot to provide guests with a steady supply of warm dip.
Creamy Homemade White Bean Dip
Refreshing, light, and ready in just a few minutes homemade white bean dip is the perfect option for everyone - including your vegetarian and vegan guests. Serve it with crunchy crackers, fresh vegetables, or soft bread for a delicious dip everyone will enjoy.
Tomato & Mozzarella Pesto Caprese Skewers
This easy 4-ingredients Caprese salad skewers recipe with pesto is an appetizer you can make in just a few minutes. A full of flavor, quick and healthy appetizer that’s a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any friends and family gathering!
Armadillo Eggs {Grilling Recipe}
For something a little more adventurous, why not try Armadillo Eggs? These jalapeño poppers wrapped in sausage and bacon make an excellent appetizer or main dish and are sure to be a hit at any summer barbecue.
Easy Guacamole Recipe
Guacamole is a classic appetizer that is always a crowd favorite. Don't forget, it's best made right before serving, so have your ingredients and tortilla chips ready.
Summer BBQ Side Dishes
No summer barbecue is complete without delicious side dishes to accompany the juicy grilled meats. From easy pasta salads to fire roasted peppers, these side dish recipes will delight everyone's taste buds and enhance the entire barbecue experience.
Bolivian Corn Cake (Easy Huminta)
Take cornbread to a whole new level and serve this Bolivian inspired corn cake. Dense, and sweet, one pan serves at least 16-20 people, which makes it perfect for a crowd.
Smoked Tomatoes Recipe
Sweet, juicy tomatoes are infused with a smoky, savory flavor for a surprisingly delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, and salads.
Mexican Elotes Recipe
Guests will love digging into Mexican Street corn at your summer BBQ. With a creamy sauce, salty cheese, and plenty of seasonings, Mexican Elotes are a unique and tasty way to serve up fresh summer corn.
Orange Fluff Salad
In the heat of summer, people crave something cool and citrusy to contrast with their smoky, meaty mains. The juicy mandarin oranges and creamy sauce make orange fluff salad a standout side dish that is light, refreshing, and perfect as a pot luck option.
Fire Roasted Peppers Recipe
Fire roasted peppers are a fantastic addition to any summer barbecue. They are easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and bring a unique bold flavor that is sure to be enjoyed by all.
Crockpot Baked Beans
These Crockpot Baked Beans are full of smoky sweet flavor and a hint of spice. Simmer them in the crockpot until tender and then serve with all your favorite main courses.
Summer Classic Coleslaw Recipe
Sweet tangy and delicious summer classic coleslaw recipe! Made with just a handful of ingredients this slaw recipe is sure to be a keeper!
Easy Rotini Pasta Salad
If you're looking for a side dish that is quick to put together, then the Easy Rotini Pasta Salad is your go-to option. It is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Pesto Orzo Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad is also a fresh and flavorful side dish option. Ready in 20 minutes, simple ingredients and fresh flavors combine to make the perfect complement to any grilled meat.
Chicken Macaroni Salad
Chicken Macaroni Salad, on the other hand, is a filling and delicious option for those looking for a heartier side dish. Made with fresh and delicious ingredients, it's perfect for a picnic or easy lunch.
Loaded Ranch Potato Salad
Loaded Ranch Potato Salad is another crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to put together with minimal ingredients and a deliciously irresistible bacon and cheese dressing.
Roasted Corn and Bacon Red Potato Salad - Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free
Finally, for a gluten-free and dairy-free option, Roasted Corn and Bacon Red Potato Salad is the perfect choice. It is easy to make ahead and pairs well with many grilled meats.
Grill Main Dishes
Pulling out the grill for a summer barbecues is an American tradition. We've got you covered with everything from classic hamburgers and hot dogs to ethnic grilled twists and even a grilled vegetarian option. Take a look at these mouthwatering main dishes that will be the star of any summer get together.
Grilled Steak Tacos
Spicy seasoned skirt steak is grilled to perfection and paired with a bright and fresh cucumber and corn salsa for a perfect summer dinner for those who love a little kick
Grilled Beer Brats
Beer-soaked bratwursts are a must-have at any backyard BBQ. Pair with your favorite sides for the best summertime meal.
Grilled BBQ Burger Recipe
Classic burgers get a juicy upgrade with a well-seasoned burger mix, tasty barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese for the best BBQ burger ever.
Poor Man's Burnt Ends {Super Tender}
Tender, smoked chuck roast is grilled to perfection with a flavorful rub and sweet BBQ sauce. The result is flavorful, bite-sized beef cubes that make a perfect main course, side or appetizer.
Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
Chicken is marinated in a unique spice blend, then skewered and grilled to perfection before getting slathered with your favorite BBQ sauce to create one of Puerto Rico's favorite street foods.
Peri Peri Chicken (Instant Pot and Grill)
This South African inspired recipe is a sweet and savory blend of lemon, honey, garlic, and paprika that make mouthwateringly juicy and flavorful chicken that's perfect for any summer cookout.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Chicken Kabobs with Pineapple is a quick and easy, healthy meal filled with fresh and flavorful ingredients. It takes minutes to make the from scratch marinade and grill it to juicy perfection.
Gourmet Hot Dogs
Make your hot dogs a cut above the rest with 9 different recipes for creative toppings inspired by American and international favorites.
BBQ Pork Chops
Juicy bone-in chops are brined with garlic and spices and basted in BBQ sauce for an easy, impressive and flavorful main dish.
Shortcut St. Louis Ribs slathered with homemade Barbecue Sauce
Enjoy delicious St. Louis Ribs in less time with this must-try shortcut. Topped with a homemade whisky barbecue sauce, they're spicy, tangy, sweet, and delicious!
Grilled Rosemary Shrimp {Whole30 Compliant}
Fresh shrimp infused with rosemary, garlic, and lemon juice makes a healthy and quick summer dish.
Grilled Tofu Skewers with 5 Easy Sauces
Even vegetarians can join in on the grilling fun with these perfectly chewy, charred, and crispy grilled tofu skewers. Pair them with one of five delicious sauces for the ultimate taste experience.
Warm summer days, good food, and great company – there’s nothing better than a good variety of recipes like these for a summer barbecue. With so many delicious options ranging from simple appetizers, grilled burgers, and creative side dishes, there’s no excuse not to fire up the grill and embrace summer cookout season.
This post was originally published on August 30, 2011. It has been updated with new recipes and more helpful tips.
The Blonde Duck says
Popped in from SITS….I want to try all of those!
Leslie says
Thanks for stopping by! I wish we had time to make all of the recipes…and dread trying to choose just one!