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If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing BBQ dishes, this list has you covered. It includes easy salads, dips, tacos, grilled mains, and a few unexpected surprises.
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Hosting a summer gathering for the first time in a long while? Don’t settle for the same old menu. There are so many creative and fun ways to switch things up.
These recipes make it easy and totally worth your time.
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
These corn ribs are a hit with both vegetarians and meat-lovers.
They’re so crisp, juicy, and sweet—something that pairs well with pork sliders and veggie burgers.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Are summer parties even complete without a buffalo chicken dip? This version delivers bold, spicy flavors.
Serve it with bread slices, tortilla chips, and celery sticks.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Big Mac Tacos
Tired of the usual burgers? Try these tacos!
They’re savory, tangy, and cheesy, with layers of ground beef, cucumbers, mayo, lettuce, and cheese slices.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
You can never go wrong with warm, cheesy dips.
Check out this crockpot dip—it’s made with spinach, onions, Parmesan cheese, and mayo.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
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Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
These sliders are a must-try if you want something satisfying and easy to prep for your BBQ.
Slice and stack them on a wooden platter, then pair with BBQ potato chips.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Try something new and unexpected at your next get-together.
These sausage balls are something you can make ahead of time. Make them in advance and store them in the fridge for up to four days.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Asian Cucumber Salad
This salad delivers crunch, tang, and a little heat in every bite.
It’s made with sesame seeds, garlic, soy sauce, green onions, and of course, cucumbers.
Get The Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
These smokies hit all the right notes: sweet, smoky, salty, and buttery.
Bake them until golden and sticky, then pair with spicy pineapple salsa.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is perfect for regular weekdays and special occasions.
This version comes with a gooey combo of Muenster cheese and cheddar, plus pesto and Roma tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Summer Fruit Salad
You’ll love how refreshing and customizable fruit salads are!
This one comes with a citrusy zing, thanks to oranges, kiwis, berries, grapes, and pineapple juice.
Get The Recipe: Summer Fruit Salad
Vegan Baked Beans
Want a rich, smoky side without the meat? These baked beans are for you.
They feature irresistible smoky flavors, balanced with garlic, tomato paste, and molasses.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Baked Beans
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No Boil Mashed Potatoes
Make these mashed potatoes a part of your BBQ spread.
Ingredients include potatoes, vegan butter, garlic, thyme, and almond milk. Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices.
Get The Recipe: No Boil Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are juicy, caramelized, and packed with BBQ flavor.
Just season them, air fry until crisp, then brush with sauce and cook for a few more minutes.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Smoked Pulled Pork
This main dish comes together in around eight hours, but it’s totally worth the wait.
It pairs well with cornbread and grilled pineapple slices. So hearty and delicious!
Get The Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork
BBQ Ribs
If fall-off-the-bone ribs are your goal, this Instant Pot recipe makes it ridiculously easy to get there.
You only need five simple ingredients to make them, from brown sugar to garlic powder.
Get The Recipe: BBQ Ribs
Korean Kimchi Chicken
Explore this Asian-inspired recipe and impress your guests.
It combines chicken thighs with kimchi, rice vinegar, lemon juice and gochujang.
Get The Recipe: Korean Kimchi Chicken
Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
These ideas are exciting, doable, and honestly kind of addictive once you start.
Try this dish next. Grill the steak for just a few minutes per side, then let it rest and top with chimichurri.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Roll Chicken Sliders
Slow cooker meals are easy, family-friendly, and amazing for backyard gatherings.
These chicken sliders are a crowd-pleaser, made with chicken breasts, sugar, garlic, and butter.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Roll Chicken Sliders
Pork Tenderloin On The Grill
This grilled pork is great for when you want something lean but full of flavor.
It has a slightly smoky, subtly sweet profile that pairs nicely with many of your favorite grilled dishes.
Get The Recipe: Pork Tenderloin On The Grill
Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings
Enjoy these chicken wings at your BBQs or even at get-togethers beyond summer.
They’re made with flour, eggs, milk, barbecue sauce, honey, and seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Honey Barbecue Boneless Chicken Wings
Grilled Halloumi
This grilled Halloumi can bring unexpected elegance to your next get-together.
Each bite is warm and chewy with bursts of citrus and crunch. You can garnish it with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Halloumi
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Cauliflower Cilantro Lime Rice
This rice is a lighter, low-carb side that you can make anytime.
And yes, believe it or not, it has a satisfying rice-like texture! Serve it with grilled shrimp and coconut water for a fun meal.
Get The Recipe: Cauliflower Cilantro Lime Rice
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This pizza features chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onion slices. So simple yet delicious!
Go ahead and add your favorite toppings to make it even more flavorful.
Get The Recipe: BBQ Chicken Pizza
Greek Potato Salad
Craving bold Mediterranean flavors? You’ll love this mouthwatering salad!
It comes with a dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
Get The Recipe: Greek Potato Salad
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is for beginners but tasty enough to impress anyone.
Cook the pasta, prep the veggies, mix it all together, and chill before serving.
Get The Recipe: Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
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These BBQ recipes are perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous cravings. Try salads and cold pasta salads first—easy to assemble, no cooking needed, and still a hit!
From there, you can explore more complex dishes like baked beans and grilled chicken.
25 BBQ Sides You Can Whip Up Without Breaking a Sweat
These BBQ sides go way beyond the basics. From tacos and hand pies to salads and cornbreads, you’ll find something exciting for every guest.
Read it here: 25 BBQ Sides You Can Whip Up Without Breaking a Sweat
25 Summer Dip Recipes That’ll Have You Breaking the Double-Dip Rule
Dips are great for summer gatherings and these summer dip recipes bring in some of the best flavors of the season. From sweet summer dips to savory ones, these will have friends and family headed back for seconds.
Read it here: 25 Summer Dip Recipes That’ll Have You Breaking the Double-Dip Rule
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Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more recipes? These summer dishes are easy to prep, big on flavor, and totally satisfying: