Best Grill Recipes: The Ultimate Summer BBQ Guide

Fire up the grill and gather your favorite people—because nothing says summer like a sizzling backyard BBQ! To start, one standout recipe can take your cookout from average to unforgettable. With smoky, savory flavors and juicy, flame-kissed bites, it brings serious backyard vibes. Whether you’re hosting a weekend bash or a casual family dinner, this dish delivers every time. So, get ready to turn up the heat and channel your inner grill master!

You Might Also Be Interested In:

• Try These Easy Summer Burger Recipe Alternatives At your Next Cookout

• Easy Plant Based Recipes to Make This Summer

• 5 Summer Vegetarian Burger Recipes

This article is sponsored by Long Fence

Your Ultimate BBQ Lineup: 20 Crowd-Pleasers for the Grill

Get ready to fire up the grill! Starting with juicy mains and moving on to smoky sides, this ultimate BBQ lineup features 20 crowd-pleasing grill recipes that will make your next cookout unforgettable.

Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers

These tangy, juicy chicken skewers get their bold flavor from a marinade of dill pickle juice and ranch seasoning. Toss them on the grill until perfectly charred, and you’ve got a BBQ twist your guests won’t forget.

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Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Coat these baby back ribs in a savory spice rub, then slow-smoke them until they’re tender and fall-off-the-bone. This flavorful dish is the kind of showstopper every backyard barbecue needs.

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Texas Brisket

This Texas-style brisket sticks to the basics—just a simple rub, steady smoke, and hours of low-and-slow cooking to unlock juicy, flavorful perfection.

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Rosemary Flank Steak With Pineapple

Marinate flank steak in sweet pineapple juice and fresh rosemary for a flavorful upgrade. Then toss it on the grill until it’s tender, juicy, and infused with herby goodness.

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Pineapple Bacon Burgers

Grill up juicy burgers and pile them high with crispy bacon, caramelized pineapple, and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce. This sweet-and-savory combo delivers big flavor—perfect for any summer cookout.

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BBQ Bacon Burger

Stack this bold, smoky smashburger with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a splash of tangy BBQ sauce. Finish it with Samuel Adams Summer Ale beer-battered onion rings for serious backyard flavor and an irresistible crunch

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Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Soak chicken thighs in a zesty mix of sweet chili sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and lime, then grill them until juicy and tender. This quick, flavorful weeknight meal is sure to satisfy.

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Margarita-Brined Chicken Thighs

Marinate boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a zesty citrus and tequila brine, then grill them alongside caramelized orange and lime halves. This combination delivers a juicy, smoky, and subtly sweet flavor—perfect for summer grilling.

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Grilled Stuffed Peppers

First, char bell peppers on the grill, then stuff them with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, and melted cheese. This smoky twist on a classic comfort dish will surely impress.

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Honey Lime Grilled Corn

First, grill the corn on the cob to juicy perfection, then brush it with a zesty honey-lime butter infused with jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and oregano. This flavorful side makes the perfect addition.

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Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)

First, slather the grilled corn on the cob with a creamy blend of mayonnaise and Mexican crema. Then, top it with chili powder, crumbled cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to deliver the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors—a true classic of Mexican street food.

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Barbecue Pulled Mushroom Sandwiches

Shredded grilled maitake mushrooms are tossed in tangy barbecue sauce and piled high on brioche buns. Finished with a crisp vinegar-based slaw, this smoky, meat-free option is perfect for summer cookouts.

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Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

This lighter, low-carb take on a classic features grilled eggplant slices topped with fresh mozzarella. Finished with a charred tomato and shallot sauce and a sprinkle of basil, it’s a flavorful dish that won’t weigh you down.

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Grilled Caesar Salad

Grilled romaine hearts and rustic bread slices bring a smoky twist to this classic Caesar salad. Served alongside creamy homemade dressing and charred lemon halves, it’s bursting with bold, zesty flavor.

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Grilled Peaches and Cream

Peach halves brushed with oil and grilled to perfection make a quick, easy dessert. Topped with a dollop of honey nut cream cheese and drizzled with clover honey, this treat highlights the natural sweetness of the fruit for a delightful finish to any summer meal.

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Grill-Baked Apple Galette

This rustic, free-form apple tart is baked directly on the grill, showcasing a flaky crust filled with lightly sweetened, spiced apples. Capturing the smoky essence of outdoor cooking, the galette offers a delightful and aromatic dessert perfect for summer gatherings.

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Cherry-Vanilla Clafoutis

Sweet cherries baked in a custardy batter infused with vanilla bean and lemon zest create this rustic French dessert. Grill-baked for a subtle smokiness and made with whole-wheat flour for a nutty twist, this clafoutis is a delightful way to end any summer meal.

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Skillet Graham Cake with Peaches and Blueberries

Chicago chef Stephanie Izard’s skillet cake is baked on the grill, gaining incredible flavor from graham crackers folded into the batter and sprinkled on top as a crumbly streusel. This combination creates a deliciously textured and flavorful dessert.

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Brownies on the Grill

Baked in a buttered cast-iron skillet right on the grill, these rich, fudgy brownies take on a subtle smoky flavor. They boast a moist, tender center and a slightly crisp, caramelized edge—making them perfect for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

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Grilled S’mores Pie

This decadent pie boasts a buttery graham cracker crust filled with silky chocolate ganache and crowned with gooey toasted marshmallows. Baked on the grill, it captures the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores while adding a subtle smoky twist.

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As the sun sets and your guests enter a collective food coma, take a bow—you’ve officially earned your grill-master badge. Whether it was the perfectly charred burgers or the fact that you didn’t set anything on fire (we’ll call that a win), this BBQ is one for the books. Cheers to summer, sauce-stained smiles, and being the hero of dinner—one grilled masterpiece at a time!