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19 Cookout-Worthy BBQ That Delivers the Kind of Real Flavor That Belongs on Picnic Tables and Family Backyards

Every cookout has that one dish that disappears before the first round of cornhole ends; this is a whole list of those. You won’t find anything delicate or complicated here, just BBQ that’s been put through the wringer of backyard birthday parties and survived. These 19 have stood up to direct sun, strong opinions, and the occasional wasp attack.

Shredded Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Smoked Pulled Pork on a white plate.
Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Grilled lime-garlic chicken breasts with visible char marks on a white rectangular plate, with vine tomatoes in the background.
Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Nothing beats the simplicity of a grilled meal, and Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts are no exception. They bring a bold and refreshing twist to picnic tables or backyard gatherings. Focusing on citrusy and garlicky char marks, this recipe works for casual hangouts or special get-togethers. The flavors feel balanced yet impactful, perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Smoked Berry Crisp

A spoon lifts a portion of Smoked Berry Crisp from a bowl.
Smoked Berry Crisp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A smoky twist gives Smoked Berry Crisp a unique edge over traditional desserts. Combining fresh fruit with that extra smoky element makes this recipe perfect for finishing off any BBQ. Whether served warm or cold, it’s one of those dishes that everyone comes back for. It’s a fun way to add dessert into the mix while keeping the cookout theme alive.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Berry Crisp

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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.

Veggies shine unexpectedly in Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce, offering something unique. The combination of smoky radishes and the creamy spiciness of the sauce makes every bite interesting. It’s a surprising addition to the usual BBQ spread that gets people talking. You can’t go wrong adding this quick and fun dish to the table. It balances freshness and heat perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets

A close-up, slightly high-angle shot of a single Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets , seasoned with lemon and dill, still nestled in its aluminum foil packet on a light gray plate, with a silver fork to its right.
Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Seafood takes center stage with Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets, which bring a light and refreshing twist to your BBQ menu. Cooked in individual packs, it locks in all the delicious juices to make every bite mouthwatering. A great choice for guests looking for something lighter yet flavorful. These foil packets are mess-free and make cleanup simple. It’s the perfect balance of efficiency and taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets

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.

When you think of hearty BBQ dishes, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips fits the bill perfectly. They offer a rich and flavorful option that feels both homely and crowd-pleasing. The tender texture and bold flavors make it stand out among other meaty mains. It pairs effortlessly with sides like bread or veggies brought to the table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers

A wooden round serving board is covered with white parchment paper, displaying numerous grilled steak and veggie skewers arranged horizontally across it.
Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers are easy to customize for any crowd. Juicy steak pairs perfectly with fresh veggies to make every skewer a treat. These are great to pass around and keep the party vibes flowing. They’re perfect for a no-fuss BBQ option that’s sure to please. Whether you eat meat or just want veggies, this recipe offers something for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers

Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

Two halves of Texas BLT on a black plate.
Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sandwich lovers will appreciate the innovation in Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT. Combining smoky, crispy, and hearty elements gives this sandwich a standout flavor. It levels up from the classic with extra flair and works well as a meal or snack. Perfect for eaters of all ages, it’s as filling as it is versatile. Adding it to your BBQ makes complete sense for outdoor appetites.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

Grilled Ratatouille

Close-up shot of Grilled Ratatouille on a black plate.
Grilled Ratatouille. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For something veggie-forward, Grilled Ratatouille combines smoky vegetables with classic BBQ fun. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s a colorful option for the table. This dish adds variety while leaning into bold and smoky vibes. You don’t need to miss out on flavor just because it’s veggie-packed. Great for anyone tired of the usual cookout salads.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes served on a white rectangular plate.
Quick Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smokiness enhances this fresh ingredient as Quick Smoked Tomatoes transform simple tomatoes into a BBQ favorite. The charred exterior mixed with the juicy interior creates an unbeatable balance. Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack or added into meals, they remain versatile. They’re proof that sometimes less is more when it comes to BBQ sides. It’s easy, fast, and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Four pieces of Fruit Quesadillas on a white plate.
Grilled Fruit Quesadillas. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Combining sweetness and grilling works perfectly with Grilled Fruit Quesadillas. Warm, grilled pieces of fruit make an unexpected but welcome filling. It’s an easy way to add creativity to BBQ desserts without overcomplicating things. They’re portable, easy to share, and bring something lighter to the BBQ table. Try them if you want dessert without leaning into heavier options.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Skewers go beyond plain options with Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. A blend of sweetness and spice creates something bold and unexpected for BBQs. Bringing a variety of layers with every bite sets this dish apart. Whether paired with light sides or eaten as-is, it leaves an impression. They’re a flavorful way to mix up your usual BBQ setup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Texas-Style Carne Asada

A sliced and grilled Carne asada on a wooden cutting board.
Texas-Style Carne Asada. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Texas-Style Carne Asada is packed with smokiness and bold flavor, perfect for a traditional BBQ vibe. Whether served with wraps or sides, it’s a recipe that brings plenty of versatility to your menu. Preparing it on the grill adds even more depth and makes it a crowd-pleaser. This one’s hard to beat for creating that classic BBQ experience.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Smoked Queso

Smoked queso in a black pot.
Smoked Queso. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Melted goodness with smoky undertones makes Smoked Queso a crowd favorite at picnics or backyards. Whether paired with chips or drizzled over other foods, it feels like a must-have at BBQs. Perfect for laid-back snacking or sharing with a crowd without overcomplicating preparations.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso

Korean Galbi Ribs

Korean Galbi Ribs on a slate platter with red chopsticks beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When ribs come into conversation, Korean Galbi Ribs stand out for their unique profile. They bring a blend of traditions to backyard grills, making meals memorable and distinctive. Guests enjoy how familiar ribs feel updated through smaller details like presentation and flavor notes. Adding these to a BBQ lineup diversifies the usual choices. Rib fans recognize their flair right away.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Traeger Smoked Garlic

Close-up of roasted garlic cloves.
Traeger Smoked Garlic. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Traeger Smoked Garlic is a simple yet bold ingredient to improve your BBQ. It works beautifully with meats, sides, or even on its own with bread. This recipe is one to remember for guests who enjoy the more subtle elements of BBQ. Easy to make but full of character, it’s a fun way to switch up the basics. Garlic lovers will especially appreciate this extra touch.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

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.

A mix of comfort and flavor highlights Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Combining tender pork pieces and crisp green beans turns heads. Over a griddle, its distinctive preparation technique magnifies its flavors. It’s an alternative to the usual BBQ meats and adds variety to the spread. A standout both in flavor notes and popularity.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Layers of smokiness transform Smoked Chicken Al Pastor into a regular spot-stealer. Marinated perfectly, each bite blends traditional techniques with BBQ methods. Great as a filling for tacos or as standalone servings during events. This dish bridges old and new perfectly while stealing the limelight. Adding it introduces depth to ordinary BBQ menus.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Big Mac Tacos

Two Big Mac tacos filled with ground beef, shredded lettuce, and pickles, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, placed on a white plate.
Big Mac Tacos. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Big Mac Tacos take BBQ fun in an unexpected direction by combining burger flavors with taco format. It’s all about mixing the familiar with something new for a menu standout. Easily shareable and fun to eat, they are perfect for cookouts. Traditional burger fans and taco lovers both enjoy this playful take. It’s a conversation starter every time.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Smoked Shrimp

Two pans of smoked shrimp on a table.
Smoked Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing seafood into BBQ plans is simple with Smoked Shrimp. Each bite combines smoky flavor with just the right texture for something light but flavorful. These work well as an appetizer, side, or even a main dish for seafood fans. Quick to cook and easy to serve, they’re great for giving everyone variety. Add them when you need a change of pace from heavier options.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shrimp

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