33 irresistible BBQ party recipes that will keep guests coming back for more. From smoky meats to refreshing salads, these ideas are sure to impress.
This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, we may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see our full disclosure policy for details.
Get ready to kick your summer barbecues up a notch with this recipe collection. From delicious smoked meats to summer salads and tempting desserts, these recipes are ideal for any gathering, whether it’s a big bash or a cozy family get-together.
You’ll find beloved classics like pulled pork and potato salad, along with unique dishes like mango corn salsa and bacon bourbon chicken. These recipes are guaranteed to leave your guests raving about the food.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
If you love Mexican food, you’re going to adore this Mexican street corn salad (also known as Esquites). It captures the flavors and textures of elote—Mexican street corn—in a convenient, yummy salad.
-by Northern Yum
Ultimate Potato Salad
A classic potato salad with hard-boiled eggs, crunchy celery, and onion tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing! Great for any BBQ, potluck, picnic, or summer outing!
-by The Cookin’ Chicks
Mango Corn Salsa
A flavorful, fresh, and healthy salsa that is the perfect combination of sweet and savory with a little kick. Use it as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for tacos and grilled meats, or a side dish.
-by Vintage Kitchen Notes
Smoked ‘Armadillo Eggs’
These smoked ‘armadillo eggs’ are a unique and flavorful appetizer. Spicy jalapeños stuffed with a cream cheese filling, covered with sausage and wrapped with crispy bacon. This recipe makes a great party snack (and is meaty enough to serve as the main dish).
-by Smoked Meats Sunday
Raspberry Cheesecake Salad
Raspberry cheesecake salad is a delicious cheesecake fluff loaded with raspberries. We love this quick and easy dessert salad for summer barbecues, potlucks, and parties. It only takes 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make!
-by Northern Yum
Italian Pasta Salad
A zesty, flavorful pasta salad with all the flavors of a caprese salad. It’s full of veggies, delicious pasta noodles, fresh mozzarella, and drizzled with an Italian pasta salad dressing. This tasty BBQ side is yummy every time.
-by The Cagle Diaries
Smoked Chuck Roast
This smoked chuck roast will be the hit of your backyard BBQ! It makes fork-tender beef with a great smoky flavor. A great option for sandwiches, tacos, chili, queso, and BBQ plates.
-by Quiche My Grits
Grilled Corn Avocado Salad
This delicious grilled corn salad recipe is a quick and healthy Tex-Mex-inspired dish filled with avocado, charred sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, and feta and topped with a cilantro lime dressing. It’s a delicious vegetable side dish or topping for tacos and perfect for a crowd!
-by Haute and Healthy Living
Dr. Pepper Baked Beans
These Dr. Pepper baked beans make a unique side dish for your next summer barbecue! You can beat the heat this summer by using your crockpot for this recipe. This is a great recipe to serve with hot dogs or hamburgers.
-by Two Pink Peonies
Avocado Tomato Salad
A delightful & refreshing romaine salad with avocado and tomatoes sprinkled with pine nuts and shaved parmesan drizzled with dijon balsamic vinaigrette. It’s loaded with colorful produce and one of our favorites for summer.
-by Northern Yum
Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
This copycat Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad is so easy to make at home! There are no fancy ingredients needed, and it’s quick to make. You can even make this broccoli salad ahead of time.
-by Two Pink Peonies
Grilled Zucchini Salad
Delicious grilled zucchini salad with crunchy zucchini, creamy feta, a splash of lemon juice, and fresh herbs makes a light and satisfying side dish. It’s done in under 15 minutes and made with simple, fresh ingredients.
-by Real Food With Sarah
Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is easy to make and really delivers on flavor! You’ve got the tangy and creamy ranch sauce, smokiness from the bacon, and a dash of fresh zest from the veggies. The protein from the chicken makes this a hearty side dish.
-by Gennifer Rose
Veggie Skewers
Veggie kabobs with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar. They’re brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
-by The Forked Spoon
Cauliflower Ranch Pasta Salad
A refreshing pasta salad loaded with cauliflower and veggies tossed in ranch dressing. It pairs well with barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs. Great for barbecues, potlucks, and parties.
-by Northern Yum
Ninja Foodi Pulled Pork
Learn how to cook a delicious, flavorsome pulled pork in the Ninja Foodi. Using both the Ninja air fryer and the Ninja pressure cooker, this is the best barbecue pulled pork recipe ever.
-by Recipe This
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
A classic Italian pasta salad with tri-colored pasta, fresh veggies, and a healthy homemade Italian dressing! A super easy summer salad that feeds a crowd!
-by Strength and Sunshine
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
The best air fryer mac and cheese! Made with two kinds of cheese and a creamy sauce, it tastes just like baked mac and cheese. It’s so good you’ll want seconds!
-by Recipe This
Easy Pasta Salad
A quick and easy pasta salad made with rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, cheese, and salami, all tossed with a secret ingredient and Olive Garden Italian dressing. This flavorful side dish is a crowd-pleaser.
-by Modern Honey
Tuna Pasta Salad
A quick & easy pasta salad loaded with shell pasta, tuna, cheddar cheese, peas, onions, and a creamy miracle whip sauce. It’s a must-have at our family barbecues.
-by Northern Yum
Chili Pineapple & Shrimp
A mouthwatering medley of flavors, including succulent shrimp, pineapple, and a bold kick of chili. It’s a true fusion of tastes that’ll take your grill game to the next level. Perfect for your next BBQ gathering or when you want a simple yet sensational meal.
-by Chef’s Pencil
Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken
Experience the ultimate flavor fusion with these mouthwatering bacon bourbon barbecue chicken kabobs! Juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce make every bite full of flavor.
-by The Slow Roasted Italian
Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy southern baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food for summer barbecues. You’ll love this old-fashioned mac and cheese with a secret ingredient!
-by Chenee Today
Protein Pasta Salad
This protein pasta salad features Barilla protein+ pasta, seasoned chicken breast, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy marinated artichokes, and creamy sharp cheddar cheese! It’s so refreshing and satisfying.
-by Heavenly Spiced
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeños stuffed with a delicious cheddar and cream cheese mixture, wrapped in bacon, and smoked to perfection. This recipe requires only five ingredients and minimal prep, making it ideal for entertaining friends and family.
-by Northern Yum
Chicken Bell Pepper Bites
These BBQ chicken bell pepper bites make for an amazing appetizer. With the tangy sauce, juicy chicken, grilled bell peppers, and flavorful guac, they are sure to satisfy guests. A go-to recipe for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues.
-by Health Beet
Buttermilk Cornbread
This delicious, fluffy, buttermilk cornbread is soft and pillowy. It’s a great side for BBQs and only requires a few simple ingredients. You and your guests will be devouring it in no time!
-by Raia’s Recipes
Classic Coleslaw
This made from scratch classic coleslaw is literally made in minutes. Fresh and delicious, you’ll never need to buy store-bought coleslaw again!
-by On My Kid’s Plate
Chocolate Chunk Strawberry Cookies
Buttery cookies with perfectly crisp edges and the best combination of chocolate and strawberry. A fun, “summery” twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
-by Liv’s Little Muffins
Monster Cookie Icebox Cake
Delicious, simple-to-make monster cookie icebox cake. Packed full of chocolate, peanut butter, and cream, it tastes just like an ice cream cake! A perfect way to beat the summer heat.
-by Liv’s Little Muffins
S’mores Cookies
Gooey marshmallows, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and melty chocolate in a buttery cookie dough, baked to perfection. If summer had its own cookie – this is it! No campfire needed.
-by Northern Yum
Ice Cream Crunch Cake
A delicious homemade ice cream cake with layers of chocolate crunch, vanilla ice cream, and gooey caramel. If you are looking for something different to make for a backyard barbecue, look no further. Who doesn’t love chocolate, peanuts, ice cream, and caramel?
-by Northern Yum
Sunrise Slush
A citrusy sweet slush made with frozen orange juice, lemonade, and pineapple juice topped with lemon-lime soda. It’s delicious without alcohol, but it’s also fun to make into a cocktail. So yummy for summer.
-by Northern Yum
Get ready for your next summer barbecue with these mouthwatering recipes! Whether you stick to your favorites or try something new, these dishes will make your cookouts unforgettable. So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy delicious food and great times together. Happy grilling!
Favorite Tools for BBQ Parties
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Plate, Cups, Napkins, Utensils, Straws Caddy
Buy Now →
