25 Flavorful Backyard BBQ Recipes You Won’t Want to Miss

No one shows up to a BBQ for small talk and bottled water. With these 25 backyard BBQ recipes, the food does the heavy lifting while everyone else acts like they planned the whole thing. Some plates look like someone’s uncle put serious effort in, even if it was a lucky guess. This mix keeps things casual, generous, and just a little competitive.

Grilled Hot Dogs

A cookout isn’t complete without Grilled Hot Dogs. Throw them on the grill, and you’ve got a backyard staple that always delivers. They’re great for feeding a crowd and easy to customize with toppings. Perfect option that pairs well with chips, salads, or any side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Juicy and perfectly charred, Grilled Chicken Thighs are a BBQ favorite. They’re easy to handle and packed with flavor. Perfect for small gatherings or family dinners outside. Great balance of smokiness and tenderness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled Shrimp

Skewers loaded with Grilled Shrimp are always a hit at outdoor parties. They’re quick to cook and go well with many dipping sauces or fresh sides. You get a light protein that can be seasoned a hundred ways. Smart choice for grilling when you want something quick and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

A Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a simple option that everyone loves. Pair a toasted bun with smoky grilled chicken, and you’ve got something easy yet filling. It’s versatile and perfect for endless topping combinations. Perfect way to upgrade any quick BBQ meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Nobody gets bored of Grilled Shrimp Kabobs when they hit the grill during a cookout. The mix of shrimp and veggies on skewers adds variety to the table. Easy to share and a fun way to mix proteins and sides together. Great for any group size without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Grilled Steak Pinwheels

Grilled Steak Pinwheels bring a wow factor to the backyard BBQ spread. Filled with savory layers of goodness, they’re a crowd-pleaser for steak fans. They stand out but are easy enough to grill up just right. Great mix of boldness with tender bites in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Pinwheels

Grilled Lobster Tail

Special occasions call for Grilled Lobster Tail as the star of your plate. Grilling transforms this seafood dish into something smoky and perfect outdoors. It’s an option that feels fancy without too much work. Pairs nicely with simple sides like melted butter or light greens.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lobster Tail

Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Skewers loaded with juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs are perfect for the backyard grill. You can easily mix in veggies or season them any way you like. Compact, easy to eat, and great for sharing without utensils. Quick, versatile, and guaranteed to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

You can’t go wrong with a mix of smoky, grilled vegetables and a cool, refreshing pasta dish. It’s light yet packs enough heft to stay satisfying at any BBQ table. Perfect as a side or even a meat-free option, everyone’s grabbing a scoop. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies fits in anywhere, from casual cookouts to big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Craving bold, smoky heat at your next BBQ? Chipotle Grilled Chicken delivers just that, with the perfect amount of char and smokiness. It’s great as a main dish or sliced thin for tacos or sandwiches. Pair it with sides, and you’ve got a solid meal everyone will be excited to dig into.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled Vegetables

Whether you’re grilling for flavor or just looking to add variety, Grilled Vegetables always get the job done. They’re easy to make, pair well with everything, and taste way better cooked over open flames. You can add them to wraps, bowls, or serve them as they are. This is one BBQ staple you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

If you want something fun and easy to share, try Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. They’re packed with bold, layered flavors that stand out at any get-together. Serve them with dipping sauces or enjoy them straight off the stick. Either way, they’ll disappear fast once you put them out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Nothing says BBQ season like Grilled Corn on the Cobb straight off the grill. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with toppings, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Grilling it brings out its natural sweetness with a hint of smokiness. Plus, it’s a great way to fill the table without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Grilled Salmon

Tender, smoky, and perfect for seafood lovers, Grilled Salmon is always a hit. It’s a great centerpiece at any BBQ and pairs well with simple sides. Add a little seasoning or marinade to enhance that natural freshness. It’s a dependable option that feels wholesome and hearty, without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon

Grilled Zucchini

For a quick and healthy side, Grilled Zucchini is hard to beat. It comes out charred, tender, and has a slightly sweet flavor that keeps it interesting. Whether you’re piling it on plates or mixing it into other dishes, it stands out on its own. Plus, it’s a perfect option for anyone skipping the meat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Grilled Tri Tip

When it comes to feeding a crowd, Grilled Tri Tip is the way to go. It’s juicy, tender, and perfect for slicing thin and serving in sandwiches or alongside plated sides. Cooked just right, the natural smokiness puts it over the top. Every bite guarantees solid BBQ vibes without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tri Tip

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled just enough to keep a little crunch, Grilled Asparagus makes for a quick and easy addition to your BBQ menu. It’s a little smoky, slightly earthy, and goes with almost anything on the table. Serve it as a side or keep it simple as a veggie snack. This is one of those dishes that works just about everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Cheeseburger

There’s nothing quite like a backyard classic. Cheeseburger takes center stage at any BBQ and never disappoints. Packed with everything you love between two buns, it’s a meaty masterpiece. Whether grilled to medium, well-done, or anywhere in between, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Even non-vegetarians love how versatile these are. Grilled Veggie Kabobs are loaded with a mix of roasted veggies that get that char right where it counts. They’re perfect for dipping, pairing, or eating straight off the stick. Toss some on the grill for a fun side or main dish that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

When you need something crispy and packed with bold seasoning, these are it. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings combine a smoky, spiced profile with juicy, tender chicken. They’re not saucy, but they don’t need to be, the rub does all the work. They’ll be the go-to option for anyone who loves wings with heat and depth.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Grilled Eggplant

If you haven’t tried this yet, you’re missing out. Grilled Eggplant brings something unique to BBQs that’s meaty but still light. Its smoky grilled edges and soft center go great with nearly any sides. It’s a versatile dish that shines anywhere from sandwiches to plates full of veggies.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

Copycat Smash Burger

Sometimes classic burgers just don’t cut it. A Copycat Smash Burger hits differently with its crispy, seared edges and juicy middle. Made to mimic those famous fast-food versions, it’s all about layering simplicity and grilling perfection. This one is sure to have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Grilled Peppers

This side dish is low-effort but always stands out. Grilled Peppers char just enough to bring out natural sweetness and a smoky bite. They’re a great option to throw on the grill and serve with steaks, burgers, or kabobs. Whether already a fan or not, you’ll find these are a winner every time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Veggie Burger

Not just for vegetarians anymore, these are way better than you think. A Veggie Burger packs tons of texture and just the right balance of grilled goodness. Forget dry patties—this one is anything but boring on a bun. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a BBQ option people won’t skip over.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Tomahawk Steak

Few cuts of meat demand this much attention. Tomahawk Steak is an absolute showstopper, perfect for grilling when you want to go all out. Known for its dramatic presentation and deep flavor, it’s a choice for steak lovers who want to do it big. Keep it simple and let the meat speak for itself.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak