24+ Delicious Barbecue Tips to Make Your Summer Cookouts Unforgettable
Summer cookouts are the perfect way to gather friends and family around delicious food and great memories. The sizzle of the grill, the aroma of smoky flavors, and the laughter of loved ones create an atmosphere you won’t forget. Explore these barbecue tips to elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with mouthwatering dishes!
This dish is all about juicy, tender chicken bursting with flavor. The marinade seeps deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Boneless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Lemon juice
Herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Salt and pepper
Marinating your chicken for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, makes it incredibly juicy. The combination of garlic and herbs gives it a fresh and savory twist that complements the smoky flavor from the grill. Serve it with a side of grilled veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Colorful and full of flavor, these skewers are a fantastic addition to any barbecue. The vegetables become slightly charred, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Red onion
Cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Grilling veggies on skewers is not only fun but also a great way to add some healthy options to your cookout. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning for a simple yet delicious flavor boost. Plus, they look amazing on the grill, making your cookout as beautiful as it is delicious!
Classic BBQ Ribs
Nothing screams summer like a plate of sticky, sweet barbecue ribs! The slow cooking process ensures they are tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious.
Baby back ribs
Your favorite BBQ sauce
Dry rub (brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder)
Apple cider vinegar
Slow-cooking your ribs allows the meat to absorb all those wonderful flavors, making them incredibly tender. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky coating that’s simply irresistible. Serve these with coleslaw for a classic barbecue experience!
Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos
These tacos bring a kick of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing! The shrimp are marinated in a spicy mix and grilled to perfection.
Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Olive oil
Lime juice
Chili powder
Cilantro
Tortillas
These shrimp tacos are a delightful twist on the traditional barbecue fare. The zesty lime and spicy chili create a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with crunchy cabbage and creamy avocado. Your guests will be begging for seconds!
This classic side dish is a must-have at any barbecue. Grilled corn is sweet, smoky, and oh-so-delicious, especially when slathered with butter!
Fresh corn on the cob
Butter
Salt
Optional toppings (cheese, chili powder)
Grilling corn gives it a unique flavor that boiling just can’t replicate. You can keep it simple with just butter and salt, or get creative with toppings like cheese and chili powder for an extra kick. It’s a fun and interactive side that everyone loves!
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This dish is comfort food at its finest! The pork is slow-cooked until it’s tender enough to pull apart, and it pairs perfectly with a tangy BBQ sauce.
Pork shoulder
BBQ sauce
Coleslaw
Buns
Spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder)
Slow-cooking your pork shoulder allows it to soak up all the flavors, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Serve it on a bun with a generous scoop of coleslaw for a deliciously messy meal that’s sure to be a hit. This is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!
Grilled Peach Salad
Sweet and savory come together beautifully in this refreshing salad. Grilled peaches add a lovely caramelized flavor that pairs wonderfully with greens.
Fresh peaches
Mixed greens
Feta cheese
Walnuts
Balsamic vinaigrette
Grilling peaches enhances their sweetness, making them the star of this salad. The creamy feta and crunchy walnuts add great texture and flavor contrasts, while the balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together. This salad is a delicious way to enjoy summer produce!
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These bite-sized treats are the ultimate party snack! Spicy jalapeños are stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a flavor explosion.
Jalapeños
Cream cheese
Bacon
Cheddar cheese (optional)
Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are always a hit at summer cookouts. The combination of spicy, creamy, and smoky flavors is simply irresistible. They’re perfect for sharing, but you might want to keep a few for yourself!
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon
This dessert is a tropical treat that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. Grilled pineapple caramelizes beautifully, making it sweet and juicy.
Fresh pineapple
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Grilling pineapple brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. A sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar enhances the tropical vibes, making it a perfect summer dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful finish to your cookout!
Smoky BBQ Chicken Wings
These wings are the perfect finger food for any summer gathering! They’re smoky, spicy, and coated in a flavorful barbecue sauce.
Grilling chicken wings allows them to get crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra layer of deliciousness that pairs perfectly with your favorite BBQ sauce. They’re sure to disappear quickly from the platter!
Caprese Salad Skewers
These skewers are a fresh and colorful addition to your barbecue spread! They combine juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella balls
Fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze
Caprese salad skewers are not only tasty but also incredibly easy to assemble. The combination of flavors is classic and refreshing, making them a favorite at summer gatherings. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!
Beer Can Chicken
This cooking technique makes chicken unbelievably juicy and flavorful. The beer steams the chicken from the inside while it grills, resulting in tender meat.
Whole chicken
Beer (your choice)
Olive oil
Spices (paprika, garlic powder, salt)
Beer can chicken is not only fun to make but also provides a unique flavor that you can’t get from traditional roasting. The chicken comes out perfectly cooked with crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s sure to impress your guests and spark some fun conversations!
Grilled Quesadillas
These make for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love! Grilled quesadillas are gooey, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Flour tortillas
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
Sliced bell peppers
Cooked chicken or beef (optional)
Grilling quesadillas adds a delightful crispiness to the outside while the cheese melts perfectly inside. You can customize them with your favorite fillings, making them a versatile choice for any cookout. Serve with salsa or guacamole for an extra tasty treat!
Grilled Stuffed Peppers
These colorful peppers are filled with a savory mixture of grains, beans, and spices. Grilling them adds a unique flavor that’s hard to resist!
Bell peppers
Cooked rice or quinoa
Canned black beans
Spices (cumin, chili powder)
Cheese (optional)
Grilled stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They’re a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping everyone satisfied. Plus, you can easily adjust the fillings based on what you have on hand!
Herb-Infused Grilled Salmon
This dish is light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Grilling salmon infuses it with a smoky richness that’s truly delightful.
Salmon fillets
Fresh herbs (dill, parsley)
Lemon slices
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Herb-infused grilled salmon is not only healthy but also incredibly flavorful. The lemon and herbs complement the fish beautifully, making it a standout dish at any barbecue. It’s a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort!
This steak is rich, flavorful, and perfect for meat lovers. The garlic butter adds a luxurious touch that takes it over the top.
Steak (ribeye, sirloin)
Butter
Garlic cloves
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Salt and pepper
Grilling steak with garlic butter creates a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone flocking to the grill. The butter melts into the meat, making it tender and delicious. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal that’s sure to wow your guests!
Grilled Banana Boat Desserts
These desserts are simple, fun, and so delicious! Grilled banana boats are filled with chocolate and marshmallows, creating a gooey treat.
Bananas
Chocolate chips
Marshmallows
Aluminum foil
Grilled banana boats are a sweet way to end your barbecue. Just slice the bananas and stuff them with chocolate and marshmallows, wrap them in foil, and grill until melted. It’s an interactive dessert that everyone will love!
Grilled Flatbreads
These are perfect for creating your own personal pizzas right on the grill! The flatbread gets crispy and smoky, making it a delicious base for toppings.
Pizza dough or store-bought flatbreads
Olive oil
Your favorite pizza toppings (sauce, cheese, veggies)
Grilled flatbreads allow everyone to customize their own pizzas, making it a fun activity for guests. The grilling process adds unique flavor and texture that you can’t achieve in the oven. It’s a great way to get creative with your toppings!
Smoky Tomato Salsa
This salsa is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. The smoky tomatoes bring a depth that elevates it to a whole new level.
Fresh tomatoes
Onion
Cilantro
Lime juice
Jalapeño (optional)
Smoky tomato salsa is a great way to add a fresh and zesty element to your barbecue. The smoke from the grill enhances the tomatoes, making them even more flavorful. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats!
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan
This dish is a healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite. Grilling the eggplant brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.
Eggplant
Marinara sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil
Grilled eggplant parmesan is a delicious way to enjoy summer produce. The smoky eggplant pairs beautifully with rich marinara and gooey cheese. It’s a dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters!
