Not every meal has to win an award, but these 21 BBQ eats know how to work a backyard crowd without trying to be the star of a cooking show. There’s nothing complicated here; just food that does its job and keeps the folding chairs filled. The kind of bites that make you wonder if you really need a main dish when this side of the grill exists.

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side. — Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Lime and garlic combine for a mix of bold and simple in grilled chicken breasts. They pack a punch with smoky flavor that complements backyard cookouts perfectly. Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts are a reliable choice that balances tang and smoothness in every bite. Perfectly cooked, they add variety to any BBQ spread without stealing the show.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Smoked Asparagus

Smoked Asparagus has a flavor profile that stands out without being overpowering. These spears are hearty enough to offer a unique eating experience for both veggie lovers and meat fans. They’re easy to serve and make an effortless addition to your grilling sessions. You’ll find guests reaching for these unexpectedly bold bites.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

A plate with grilled radishes, a bowl of creamy dipping sauce, lime halves, jalapeño, and a striped cloth on a white surface. — Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Radishes are often overlooked, yet Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce prove they can hold their own at a BBQ. The smoky grilling process changes their texture and taste in the best way. Pairing them with jalapeño dipping sauce adds a kick that surprises and pleases everyone. It’s a great starter or side that brings variety to the outdoor table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

Smoked and glazed peach-chipotle chicken wings on a black plate. — Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining fruit sweetness and smoky spice changes the usual wing game. Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings deliver an exciting balance that works for big and small gatherings. These wings are bold without taking away from the BBQ classics. They show how a twist in ingredients can keep everyone coming back for more plates.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

Grilled Feta

Cheese isn’t often thought of for grilling, but Grilled Feta shows why it should become a staple. The grill transforms it into something melty and perfectly charred on the outside. It’s a versatile option that pairs well with veggies, bread, or grilled meats. Adding grilled cheese takes a BBQ spread into new territory.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs on a cutting board with tomatoes. — Smoked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken thighs keep things juicy with every bite, even more so when smoked. Smoked Chicken Thighs are flavorful and tender, giving BBQ enthusiasts a strong option to enjoy. They’re ideal for those who prefer deeper flavors from slow cooking methods. It’s a safe but improved choice to please a mix of guests.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

A close-up of a dish featuring colorful tortellini mixed with meatballs, spinach, and chopped red bell peppers, topped with melted cheese, served in a white bowl. — Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta isn’t usually a BBQ dish, but putting it on a grill changes things completely. Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs brings a creamy, hearty dish to the table in a grill-friendly way. Guests get the comfort of carbs and the texture of seared meat on one plate. It’s a good way to add variety beyond grilled vegetables and proteins.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Smoked Mac & Cheese

Smoked dishes often rely on their aroma for impact, and this twist on a classic doesn’t disappoint. Smoked Mac & Cheese turns a comfort food staple into something deeper, thanks to the grill’s flavors. The texture remains creamy while gaining that rich, smoky hint. It fits nicely alongside BBQ dishes without overshadowing the main event.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

Tender beef is always a centerpiece, and Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak is one of those cuts you don’t forget. The grill locks in everything you want from its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s satisfying but pairs beautifully with any BBQ spread, making it a catch for meat lovers. This steak forms its own headline without needing fancy sauces or sides.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

Smoked Beef Kabobs

Kabobs bring versatility and ease to backyard grilling setups, making them hard to skip. Smoked Beef Kabobs turn simplicity into bold bite-sized options for the crowd. Their smoky flavors match perfectly with the char that grilling creates. Guests can pick up and move around with them easily, keeping the energy alive at your barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Kabobs

Steaks on the Blackstone

A steak on a cutting board with butter on it. — Steaks on the Blackstone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Steaks cooked outdoors hit differently, and Steaks on the Blackstone show why. These cuts are seared to perfection, locking in juices and all the flavor you expect. Cooking over the Blackstone adds something extra, making these steaks stand out from traditional grilling. For steak fans, this cooking method delivers precisely what they want from BBQ fare.
Get the Recipe: Steaks on the Blackstone

Smoked Lamb Chops

Lamb chops pair wonderfully with the smoky element of grilling or smoking. Smoked Lamb Chops invite flavor that’s memorable and bold, keeping them in rotation for barbecues. They balance tender meat with that signature smoky aroma that always gets attention. Lamb chops tend to feel special and improve any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Lamb Chops

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate. — Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fresh tastes belong on the BBQ table, and Grilled Corn Guacamole brings it in style. Grilling the corn adds layers of flavor that make this guacamole anything but ordinary. It’s perfect with chips, as a side, or even topping off grilled meats for a fresh take. This dip gets people reaching for more every time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Over the Top Chili

Chili often takes a slow-cooked route, but mixing it with grill elements adds new flavor layers. Over the Top Chili features bold choices that stand apart from typical recipes. These chili bites take center stage at BBQ gatherings that call for unique meals. It’s a terrific way to serve something hearty while mixing textures.
Get the Recipe: Over the Top Chili

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side. — Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs combine traditional street food ideas with BBQ techniques. Their layers of grilled char crunch make them easy to snack on while mingling. This dish gives unique presentation points without being overly complicated. A BBQ addition sure to intrigue first-time guests.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Chicken kabobs grab attention on a grill when done right, and Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs deliver big. The flavors aren’t what you expect from typical BBQ chicken, offering brightness mixed with grill love. They’re easy to enjoy, compact enough to be handheld, and perfect for large groups to share.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Finger meat makes tackling steak fingers fun and flavorful in equal parts. Grilled Beef Finger Meat goes well at simple gatherings when ease meets impact. They hit charred notes nicely while staying portion-friendly for grab-and-go plates. These bites are hearty without taking up space on the grill or in your stomach.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate. — Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Burgers become an instant menu star when wrapped in bacon. Bacon-Wrapped Burgers ensure that juicy meat meets crispy edges at every bite. This upgrade to a classic adds something unexpected while being crowd-friendly. It’s a quick way to make things feel beyond the everyday grill setup. People will keep coming back to these hands-on plates for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Grilled Vegetables

Vegetables don’t have to be overly complex to win hearts during BBQ rounds. Grilled Vegetables hold their textures without losing freshness under heat. Char marks alone bring out deeper flavor in what may get overlooked otherwise. They’re versatile, pairing well with mains or standing alone as go-to sides.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with chives on a white plate. — Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips are like bringing restaurant-quality straight to the grill at home. These grills let their tenderness shine as flavor builds layer by layer. It’s hard to ignore how well these work across plates for casual or significant events. Another sure win for those asking, “What really stands out?” during the BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets

Seafood cooked tightly sealed turns every bite into something special. Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets keep flavors locked in and blend well during time on the grill. These easy packs mean fewer messes and plenty of quality flavor for all ages. Unwrapping these adds a bit of anticipation to backyard meals, making everyone curious.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets