Summer is almost here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and cook up some delicious BBQ!
BBQ season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some delicious BBQ food. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for some new and exciting BBQ food ideas, I’ve got you covered.
In this post, we’re sharing 47 mouth-watering BBQ food ideas that will have you licking your fingers and coming back for more.
47 Delicious BBQ Food Ideas
1. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cooked pulled pork mixed with BBQ sauce served on a fresh bun is always a winner. Add some coleslaw for extra crunch and you’re good to go.
2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection and served with a zesty dipping sauce is a light and tasty BBQ option.
3. Steak Kabobs
Kabobs are the perfect BBQ food with endless options. Cut steak into cubes and skewer with veggies or pineapple for a delicious meal on a stick.
4. Grilled Corn
Brush fresh ears of corn with butter or mayo and sprinkle with chili powder for a sweet and spicy side dish.
5. BBQ Chicken Wings
BBQ sauce and crispy chicken wings are a match made in heaven.
6. BBQ Brisket
Slow-cooked brisket glazed with BBQ sauce is a hearty BBQ option perfect for a crowd.
7. Grilled Pineapple
Slice and grill fresh pineapple for a sweet and juicy side dish that pairs well with any BBQ main course.
8. BBQ Ribs
Slow-cooked, juicy ribs slathered in BBQ sauce never disappoint.
9. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Skewer your favorite veggies like peppers, zucchini, and onions and grill to perfection for a healthy and colorful BBQ option.
10. BBQ Chicken Salad
Top fresh greens with grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, and your favorite toppings for a light and refreshing BBQ option.
11. Grilled Pork Chops
Season and grill thick-cut pork chops for a hearty and flavorful BBQ main course.
12. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Combine two classics by adding BBQ sauce, chicken, and cheese to a homemade pizza crust and grill until golden.
13. Grilled Salmon
Season fresh salmon with salt and pepper and grill skin-side down until crispy and cooked through.
14. BBQ Burgers
Mix ground beef with your favorite spices, grill to perfection, and top with your favorite toppings for a classic BBQ option.
15. Grilled Zucchini
Slice fresh zucchini lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender and lightly charred.
16. BBQ Potato Salad
Swap mayo for BBQ sauce in your potato salad for a tangy and flavorful BBQ side dish.
17. Grilled Peaches
Cut peaches in half and grill until caramelized and juicy. Serve as a side dish or dessert with vanilla ice cream.
18. BBQ Meatballs
Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and BBQ sauce and grill until cooked through.
19. Grilled Asparagus
Brush fresh asparagus with olive oil and grill until tender and charred.
20. BBQ Pork Chops
Season and grill bone-in pork chops for a hearty and satisfying BBQ main course.
21. Grilled Caesar Salad
Toss fresh romaine lettuce with olive oil, salt, and pepper and grill until lightly charred. Top with grilled chicken and your favorite Caesar dressing for a tasty BBQ option.
22. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Grill chicken and tortillas and top with cheese and BBQ sauce for a delicious and easy BBQ option.
23. Grilled Watermelon Salad
Slice fresh watermelon and grill until lightly charred. Top with feta cheese and balsamic glaze for a refreshing and unexpected BBQ side dish.
24. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cooked pulled pork mixed with BBQ sauce served on a fresh bun is always a winner. Add some coleslaw for extra crunch and you’re good to go.
The tender and flavorful pulled pork is achieved by cooking a pork shoulder low and slow until it’s perfectly tender and easy to shred. Mix in your favorite BBQ sauce for that smoky and tangy flavor.
Serve the pulled pork on a soft bun and top it with some crunchy and creamy coleslaw to balance the richness of the meat.
25. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection and served with a zesty dipping sauce is a light and tasty BBQ option.
Create a marinade with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs and spices. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill them over medium heat until they turn pink and slightly charred.
The smoky flavor from the grill combined with the juicy and succulent shrimp creates a delicious combination. Serve the skewers with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a garlic aioli or a spicy cocktail sauce, for an extra kick of flavor.
26. Steak Kabobs
Kabobs are the perfect BBQ food with endless options. Cut steak into cubes and skewer with veggies or pineapple for a delicious meal on a stick.
Start by marinating the steak in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices.
Alternately thread the marinated steak with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
Grill the kabobs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The combination of tender, juicy steak and charred vegetables creates a mouthwatering meal that is both satisfying and easy to eat.
27. Grilled Corn
Brush fresh ears of corn with butter or mayo and sprinkle with chili powder for a sweet and spicy side dish.
Start by peeling back the husks of the corn, leaving them attached at the base. Remove the silks and spread butter or mayonnaise on the kernels.
Sprinkle with chili powder or your choice of seasoning for an added kick. Pull the husks back over the corn and tie them with kitchen twine.
Grill the corn over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred. The result is a deliciously sweet and slightly smoky corn with a spicy twist.
28. BBQ Chicken Wings
BBQ sauce and crispy chicken wings are a match made in heaven. Start by seasoning the chicken wings with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
Grill the wings over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and crispy. Once they are almost done, brush the wings generously with your favorite BBQ sauce and grill for an additional few minutes to let the sauce caramelize.
The combination of tender chicken, crispy skin, and smoky BBQ sauce creates a finger-licking good dish that is perfect for any BBQ gathering.
29. BBQ Brisket
Slow-cooked brisket glazed with BBQ sauce is a hearty BBQ option perfect for a crowd. Start by seasoning the brisket with a dry rub consisting of a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices.
Place the seasoned brisket on the grill over indirect heat and let it cook low and slow for several hours until it becomes tender and flavorful.
Brush the brisket with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking to add a sticky and sweet glaze. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth brisket with a beautiful smoky crust and a rich BBQ flavor.
30. Grilled Pineapple
Slice and grill fresh pineapple for a sweet and juicy side dish that pairs well with any BBQ main course. Start by cutting a fresh pineapple into rings or spears.
Place the pineapple on the grill over medium heat and cook for a few minutes on each side until you see grill marks and the pineapple caramelizes slightly.
The heat of the grill enhances the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Grilled pineapple is not only a delicious side dish but also a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, burgers, or as a topping for grilled meats.
31. BBQ Ribs
Slow-cooked, juicy ribs slathered in BBQ sauce never disappoint. Start by seasoning the ribs with a dry rub consisting of a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices.
Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat and let them cook low and slow for several hours until the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone.
During the last hour of cooking, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce to create a sticky and flavorful glaze. The result is tender, succulent ribs with a smoky and tangy flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
32. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Skewer your favorite veggies like peppers, zucchini, and onions and grill to perfection for a healthy and colorful BBQ option.
Start by cutting your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating the colors and shapes to create an appealing presentation.
Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
The grilled vegetables retain their natural sweetness while developing a smoky flavor, making them a delicious and nutritious addition to your BBQ menu.
33. BBQ Chicken Salad
Top fresh greens with grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, and your favorite toppings for a light and refreshing BBQ option.
Start by grilling chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices until they are cooked through and have a nice char. Slice the grilled chicken and place it on a bed of mixed greens or your favorite salad base.
Drizzle BBQ sauce over the chicken and add additional toppings such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, avocado, and shredded cheese.
The combination of smoky grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and crisp salad greens creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for a summer BBQ.
34. Grilled Pork Chops
Season and grill thick-cut pork chops for a hearty and flavorful BBQ main course. Start by seasoning the pork chops with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
Grill the pork chops over medium-high heat, turning once, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
The result is tender and juicy pork chops with a beautiful char on the outside. Serve the grilled pork chops with your favorite BBQ sauce or a tangy apple or pineapple salsa for a burst of flavor.
35. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Combine two classics by adding BBQ sauce, chicken, and cheese to a homemade pizza crust and grill until golden.
Start by rolling out your pizza dough and placing it on a preheated grill. Cook one side of the dough until it starts to bubble and develop grill marks, then flip it over.
Spread BBQ sauce over the grilled side of the dough, and top it with cooked chicken, shredded cheese, sliced red onions, and any other toppings you desire.
Close the grill and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a crispy and flavorful pizza with the smoky taste of the grill.
36. Grilled Salmon
Season fresh salmon with salt and pepper and grill skin-side down until crispy and cooked through. Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat.
Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
The high heat of the grill helps to achieve a crispy skin while keeping the salmon moist and tender. Serve the grilled salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite side dishes for a healthy and satisfying BBQ meal.
37. BBQ Burgers
Mix ground beef with your favorite spices, grill to perfection, and top with your favorite toppings for a classic BBQ option.
Start by seasoning the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce. Shape the seasoned beef into patties of your desired size and thickness.
Grill the burgers over medium-high heat, flipping once, until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
Toast the buns on the grill for added flavor and assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and condiments. The result is a juicy and flavorful burger that is sure to satisfy any BBQ craving.
38. Grilled Zucchini
Slice fresh zucchini lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender and lightly charred. Start by preheating the grill to medium heat.
Cut the zucchini into long slices or spears, brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings or herbs.
Place the zucchini slices directly on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have grill marks. Grilling the zucchini enhances its natural sweetness and gives it a delightful smoky flavor.
Serve the grilled zucchini as a side dish or use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
39. BBQ Potato Salad
Swap mayo for BBQ sauce in your potato salad for a tangy and flavorful BBQ side dish. Start by boiling potatoes until tender, then allow them to cool and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
Add the chopped potatoes, along with diced red onions, celery, and fresh herbs, to the BBQ sauce mixture and gently toss until well coated. Allow the potato salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
The result is a smoky and tangy twist on a classic potato salad that is sure to be a hit at your BBQ gathering.
40. Grilled Peaches
Cut peaches in half and grill until lightly charred. Top with feta cheese and balsamic glaze for a refreshing and unexpected BBQ side dish.
Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. Cut ripe peaches in half and remove the pits. Brush the cut sides of the peaches with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the peaches on the grill, cut side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they develop grill marks and start to soften.
Flip the peaches over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Serve the grilled peaches with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delightful combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
41. BBQ Meatballs
Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and BBQ sauce and grill until cooked through. Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped onions, salt, pepper, and a generous amount of BBQ sauce in a bowl.
Mix everything together until well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size. Grill the meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.
The BBQ sauce not only adds flavor to the meatballs but also helps to create a delicious glaze. Serve the BBQ meatballs as an appetizer or as a main course accompanied by your favorite sides.
42. Grilled Asparagus
Brush fresh asparagus with olive oil and grill until tender and charred.
The heat of the grill brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus while creating a slight char for added flavor. Serve as a delicious side dish or chop and toss it into salads or pasta dishes.
43. BBQ Pork Chops
Season and grill bone-in pork chops for a hearty and satisfying BBQ main course. The bone-in pork chops provide extra flavor and juiciness.
Season with your favorite herbs and spices, grill to perfection, and serve with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping.
44. Grilled Caesar Salad
Toss fresh romaine lettuce with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill until lightly charred. Top with grilled chicken and your favorite Caesar dressing for a tasty BBQ option.
Grilling the romaine lettuce adds a smoky flavor to the salad while keeping the center crisp.
45. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Grill chicken and tortillas and top with cheese and BBQ sauce for a delicious and easy BBQ option.
The combination of grilled chicken, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce creates a flavorful filling for quesadillas. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
46. Grilled Watermelon Salad
Slice fresh watermelon and grill until lightly charred. Top with feta cheese and balsamic glaze for a refreshing and unexpected BBQ side dish.
Grilling the watermelon intensifies its sweetness and adds a smoky element to the dish.
47. BBQ Chicken Tacos
Grill chicken marinated in BBQ sauce and slice into strips. Fill tortillas with the grilled chicken, along with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and cilantro.
The combination of smoky BBQ flavors with the freshness of the toppings creates a mouthwatering taco experience.
Try out these delicious BBQ food ideas and enjoy a fantastic outdoor dining experience!
Final Thoughts,
There you have it, 47 delicious BBQ food ideas that are sure to impress at your next cookout.
From classic BBQ ribs to unexpected grilled watermelon salad, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, fire up the grill and get cooking!
