The grill’s been calling, and now there’s actually a reason to answer. With 27 different meals lined up, the backyard started feeling less like a chore and more like a weekend hangout spot. These recipes didn’t need much, but they kept people around the table longer than expected. Somehow, it all came together without needing a plan that involved stress.
Grilled Shrimp
Skewered seafood is hard to resist when it comes off the grill. Grilled Shrimp sits perfectly between juicy and smoky, making it a BBQ favorite. A few minutes over the fire, and it’s ready to be the star. It’s super versatile, great for quick gatherings or full-on spreads.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Layers of char-grilled poultry on bread are a BBQ classic. The heart of a Grilled Chicken Sandwich is the smoky flavor sealed in each bite. It works as both a quick bite or a meal centerpiece. Add-ons or not, it’s always a winner for backyard meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled vegetables can be just as exciting as the main courses. Grilled Asparagus, in particular, comes out smoky and tender, with a fresh-off-the-grill flavor. You can pair it with almost any dish, or enjoy it on its own. It’s a dependable side that always shines.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Grilled Steak Pinwheels
Thin cuts of steak rolled up with other goodies make this a standout meal. Grilled Steak Pinwheels bring a mix of flavors with every bite. The grill adds that perfect charred touch. This one’s fun to serve and even more fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Pinwheels
Grilled Hot Dogs
BBQ gatherings often feel incomplete without this go-to classic. Grilled Hot Dogs are quick to prep yet still pack that smoky punch. Dress them up or keep them basic—they’ll be a hit either way. They also work great for feeding a crowd without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Thigh meat always holds up well on the grill, keeping juicy and tender. Grilled Chicken Thighs come out with that perfect balance of smoky and savory. These are excellent as a main or shredded for other dishes. Perfect for a no-stress cookout centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Seafood tastes even better skewered with a blend of vegetables over open flames. Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are colorful, quick to prep, and grill evenly. Bite-sized and easy to share, they fit any gathering. Perfect whether you go light or add sauce after.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
For something chilled to beat the heat, this mix is a great pick. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies adds smoky depth to your usual BBQ spreads. It’s perfect for prepping ahead and works as a light yet filling side. Balances hearty grilled mains nicely.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Tomahawk Steak
Thick-cut and bone-in for maximum flavor, this is a true crowd-pleaser. Tomahawk Steak on a grill gets that perfect crust while staying juicy. This is one for sharing—a treat built for meaty backyard BBQs. Serve it sliced for easy portions that everyone can grab.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak
Grilled Vegetables
Putting your veggie mix on the grill transforms it from simple to bold. Grilled Vegetables are smoky with just enough char to upgrade a BBQ spread. You can mix and match options, so it’s never boring. Keep it as a side or make it a main for a no-meat option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings
Recreate a restaurant favorite right from your grill. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings bring smoky heat that pairs perfectly with that BBQ char. These go just as great as appetizers or mains. They’re an all-around great BBQ addition.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings
Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Fresh corn gets a major upgrade with a grill’s smoky touch. Grilled Corn on the Cobb is simple yet always a crowd favorite. Whether you butter it up or leave it plain, it’s a no-fail addition to any backyard cookout. Easy to prep and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Copycat Smash Burger
This flat-to-grill method keeps everything packed with flavor. A Copycat Smash Burger gives you those irresistible crispy edges while staying juicy. It’s the kind of burger everyone wants seconds of. This one earns its spot at any BBQ gathering.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger
Grilled Zucchini
Quick to cook and delicious right off the grill, zucchini’s an underrated BBQ addition. Grilled Zucchini scores with that lightly smoky flavor that pairs with everything. Slice it thick to keep it sturdy while cooking. It’s simple prep yet adds lots to the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini
Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Spice blends and char come together perfectly in this grilled favorite. Chipotle Grilled Chicken is smoky with a hint of warmth from the fire. A top pick for mixing into salads, sandwiches, or just on its own. Grill a bunch because it goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Grilled Salmon
Seafood always stands out, but grilling gives it another level of great flavor. Grilled Salmon gets that mix of smoky and fresh, making it a BBQ standout. Serve it up as a main or flaked into other sides. A lighter option that’s still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon
Greek Chicken Kabobs
Skewered pieces of poultry cooked just right make this a sure hit. Greek Chicken Kabobs bring something different to the table with their simple yet tasty combination of meat and grill char. Easy to share or serve as a main. Great for pairing with sides or standalone eating.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Kabobs
Cheeseburger
Few things beat this BBQ classic, especially when cooked right on open flames. A grilled Cheeseburger locks in smoky flavor that melts perfectly with each bite. Go classic or experiment with extra toppings. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with this BBQ favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These skewered poultry bites are BBQ staples for a reason. Grilled Chicken Kabobs let you easily mix flavors while serving up a smoky char. They fit in with your sides or shine solo on the table. Perfect for group meals or quick individual bites.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Eggplant
Whole or sliced, tossing this veggie on a flame gives it a smoky upgrade. Grilled Eggplant pairs great with nearly everything on your BBQ table. It’s lightweight yet satisfying, making it a hit for variety seekers. Add it as a side or spotlight it as a veggie main.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Sticking veggies on a skewer gives them a fun BBQ twist. Grilled Veggie Kabobs feature a smoky finish you only get from open flames. Mix and match your favorite veggie combos, and they’ll always fit in. They’re easy to prep, pair with everything, and cook quickly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Grilled Tri Tip
This triangular beef cut loves a slow cook on open flames. Grilled Tri Tip gives you a juicy, tender result that’s big on smoky flavor. Serve it straight up or thinly sliced for sandwiches. Works well as a centerpiece for meat lovers at any BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tri Tip
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Poultry with a twist brings an exciting option to BBQ setups. Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers mix in the smoky touch along with fun flavors. Versatile enough for mains or sides depending on how you serve them. The grill brings it alive in just the right way, with a bite-sized approach.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Veggie Burger
A non-meat option that’s just as satisfying straight off the grill. Veggie Burger holds its own with that mix of smoky and charred flavors. It’s a solid pick for vegetarians or those who want something lighter. Standard toppings work as well as creative add-ons.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger
Whole Baked BBQ Chicken
Cooking up an entire bird on open flames creates a richer flavor. Whole Baked BBQ Chicken gets a smoky touch in every layer. This option’s great for serving a crowd or carving leftovers later. With patience, you get moist, tender pieces every time.
Get the Recipe: Whole Baked BBQ Chicken
Grilled Peppers
Putting these on the grill softens their texture while boosting flavor. Grilled Peppers bring smoky depth while keeping their natural sweetness intact. They work well mixed into other dishes or served as a side. Simple to prepare and adds something fresh to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers
Grilled Lobster Tail
Seafood enthusiasts know this one’s a star on the BBQ. Grilled Lobster Tail turns that delicate meat into a smoky, juicy hit. It’s perfect for serving when you want to show off or just enjoy something special. A quick cook, but the flavors take it up every notch.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lobster Tail
