Nothing says summer like the smoky aroma of a backyard barbecue. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive celebration, grilling brings people together over flavorful, flame-kissed dishes. From juicy meats to vibrant vegetables and even desserts, the grill is your ticket to a memorable meal. Below, we’ve curated 12 grilled recipes that will elevate your BBQ game, offering a mix of classics, creative twists, and crowd-pleasers. Each recipe is designed to be approachable, delicious, and perfect for your next outdoor gathering.
1. Classic Grilled Burgers with Secret Sauce
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes
The burger is the quintessential BBQ dish, and this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful patties with a tangy secret sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 brioche buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion (for topping)
- Secret Sauce: 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp pickle relish, 1 tsp mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
- Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 patties, creating a slight indent in the center.
- Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach 160°F internally.
- Toast buns on the grill for 1 minute.
- Mix secret sauce ingredients and spread on buns. Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and patties.
Tip: The indent in the patty prevents it from puffing up, ensuring even cooking.
2. Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken Skewers
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes
These sweet-and-savory skewers are a hit with all ages, offering tender chicken with a sticky glaze.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
- Marinate chicken cubes for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium (350°F). Grill skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade.
- Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions.
Tip: Soak skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili-Lime Butter
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes
This vibrant side dish adds a zesty kick to sweet, smoky corn.
Ingredients:
- 6 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Mix butter, chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, and salt to make compound butter.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
- Grill corn, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until lightly charred.
- Slather with chili-lime butter and serve immediately.
Tip: For easier eating, cut cobs in half after grilling.
4. Smoky BBQ Ribs
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours
These fall-off-the-bone ribs are coated in a homemade BBQ sauce that’s tangy and slightly sweet.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub over ribs.
- Preheat grill to low (250°F) for indirect grilling.
- Place ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for 1.5-2 hours, until tender.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and grill over direct heat for 3-5 minutes to caramelize.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach 190°F for perfect tenderness.
5. Grilled Vegetable Platter with Herb Dressing
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes
This colorful veggie platter is a healthy, flavorful addition to any BBQ spread.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
- 2 bell peppers, quartered
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Herb Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp chopped basil, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill veggies for 4-6 minutes per side, until tender and charred.
- Whisk dressing ingredients and drizzle over the grilled vegetables.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: Arrange veggies on a platter for a stunning presentation.
6. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes
These tacos combine smoky shrimp with a refreshing mango salsa for a tropical twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Mango Salsa: 1 mango, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced; 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped; juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, and cumin.
- Preheat grill to high (450°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Mix salsa ingredients in a bowl.
- Warm tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble tacos with shrimp and mango salsa.
Tip: Double-skewer shrimp to prevent spinning during grilling.
7. Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes
This sweet, caramelized dessert is a refreshing way to end your BBQ.
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Brush over pineapple rings.
- Grill pineapple for 3-4 minutes per side, until caramelized.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tip: Cut pineapple into spears for easier grilling.
8. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes
These hearty vegetarian burgers are packed with umami flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 large portobello mushroom caps
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 whole-grain buns
- Arugula, tomato, and avocado (for topping)
Instructions:
- Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. Marinate mushrooms for 10 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
- Grill mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side, until tender.
- Toast buns on the grill.
- Assemble burgers with arugula, tomato, and avocado.
Tip: Scrape out mushroom gills for a cleaner texture.
9. Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes
This pizza combines BBQ flavors with a crispy grilled crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium (350°F) with a pizza stone (if using).
- Roll out dough to a 12-inch circle.
- Mix chicken with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce.
- Brush dough with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes per side to par-cook.
- Spread remaining BBQ sauce on crust, then top with chicken, cheese, and onion.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted. Garnish with cilantro.
Tip: Use a pizza peel to transfer dough easily.
10. Grilled Lemon-Herb Salmon
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes
This light, flavorful salmon is a healthy BBQ option.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F).
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, zest, dill, salt, and pepper. Brush over salmon.
- Grill salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Tip: Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
11. Grilled Potato Wedges with Rosemary
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these wedges are a BBQ must-have.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Parboil potato wedges for 5 minutes; drain and pat dry.
- Toss with olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, and salt.
- Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
- Grill wedges for 8-10 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Tip: Parboiling ensures even cooking.
12. Grilled Peaches with Honey and Yogurt
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 minutes
These warm, juicy peaches are a simple yet elegant dessert.
Ingredients:
- 4 peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium (350°F).
- Brush peach halves with olive oil.
- Grill peaches cut-side down for 2-3 minutes, until charred.
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of pistachios.
Tip: Choose slightly firm peaches for easier grilling.
Tips for a Successful Backyard BBQ
- Prep Ahead: Marinate proteins and chop veggies in advance to save time.
- Control Heat Zones: Set up your grill with direct and indirect heat areas for versatile cooking.
- Keep It Clean: Oil grill grates and clean them after each use to prevent sticking.
- Safety First: Use a meat thermometer to ensure proteins are cooked to safe temperatures.
- Mix and Match: Pair these recipes to create a balanced menu with proteins, veggies, and desserts.
These 12 grilled recipes offer something for everyone, from meat lovers to vegetarians to dessert enthusiasts. Fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the unbeatable flavors of a backyard BBQ.
