It’s time to expand your barbecue playbook with a culinary lineup that’s anything but ordinary. These 17 dishes showcase the art of BBQ, taking familiar favorites and injecting them with new life and technique. Head-turning meals await those looking to step out of their comfort zone and into a world where barbecue is done just right. No shortcuts, no compromises, just straight-up good cooking with flame and smoke.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
For those moments when craving something unmistakably grilled, these bring a unique twist to a beloved classic. With every bite, you experience a crunch that’s been kissed by the grill, embodying the essence of summer BBQ. Not your average take on corn, it’s a conversation starter at any cookout. It’s all about turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Grilled Greek Chicken
Picture a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with just one bite. This rendition of chicken is all about those herby, tangy flavors that make your mouth water. Marinated to perfection, every piece is juicy and bursting with flavor. It stands out as a testament to the magic of grilling, turning a simple meal into a memorable feast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken
Grilled Veggies
Sometimes, it’s the simplest dishes that steal the show and here, vegetables take center stage. Grilling elevates their natural sweetness, creating charred edges and a tender bite that’s hard to resist. This platter becomes the unsung hero of the BBQ table, complementing any main dish with ease. Who knew that giving veggies a little grill time could unveil such rich, robust flavors?
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies
Kefta Beef Kabobs
When meat hits the grill in this iconic form, it’s clear that mundane is not on the menu. Skillfully seasoned and grilled to juicy perfection, each kabob is a testament to traditional flavors meeting the grill. They’re easy to handle but pack a punch in terms of flavor, making them a surefire hit at any gathering. Plus, the aroma alone is enough to gather a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Beef Kabobs
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Juicy, tangy, and aromatic, these kabobs are what happens when chicken meets the right herbs and a bit of citrus on the grill. It’s a refreshing take that brightens up the typical BBQ fare. Easy to nibble on but hard to stop, they offer a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a straightforward dish that promises and delivers big on satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
For those who like to make a statement with their grill, these chops are the way to go. Featuring a cut that’s impressively meaty, they promise sheer juiciness and flavor that a grill master can take pride in. They’re not just about the size; each bite is succulent, rich, and perfectly seasoned. It’s as visually impressive as it is delicious, a true highlight of any barbecue lineup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
Grilled Corn Guacamole
Kicking up the traditional dip game, this version brings a smoky twist that’s hard to forget. Every scoop is a blend of creamy, zesty, and smoky flavors, thanks to corn that’s spent just the right amount of time on the grill. It’s a side that stands out, perfect for dipping or dolloping on top of your favorite BBQ dish. Once you’ve tried it, regular guacamole just doesn’t quite compare.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings
Merging the sweetness of mango with the smokiness of chipotle, these wings are all about bold flavors. They’re a delicious deviation from the usual, offering a spicy kick with a sweet backdrop. Perfect for those who love their BBQ with a bit of heat. Every wing is a sticky, finger-licking testament to how versatile grilled dishes can be.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Imagine taking two of the most loved grill items and combining them into one mouthwatering creation. These burgers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, wrapped in bacon for that extra flavor punch. They’re juicy, smoky, and utterly irresistible. This dish proves that sometimes, more is indeed more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Grilled Tomahawk Steak
When it comes to making an impression, this steak takes the crown. Its sheer size and the bone extending from it make it not just a meal but an experience. Grilled to perfection, it’s all about savoring each succulent, rich piece. For those dedicated to the art of BBQ, it’s a true masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tomahawk Steak
Grilled Beef Finger Meat
This dish is a deep dive into flavors and textures, ideal for those who love to explore different cuts of meat. The unique preparation ensures that each strip is not only tantalizingly tender but imbued with a deep, smoky essence. It’s a lesser-known cut that steals the spotlight with its surprising deliciousness. Perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
Offering a bold taste paired with the bright, herby chimichurri, this dish is a delightful contrast of flavors. The steak itself is tender and rich, providing the perfect canvas for the zesty sauce. It’s a culinary duo that speaks to the heart of barbecue enthusiasts. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s steak elevated to an art form.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken
Taking on a whole chicken on the grill is an act of love and patience, resulting in a dish that’s beautifully smoky and irresistibly tender. It stands as a centerpiece, inviting everyone to pull their favorite cuts. The smokiness permeates through each bite, enhancing the natural flavors. It’s a communal dish that brings people together, making it a BBQ favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Bringing the essence of Italian summer to the BBQ, this dish offers a refreshing twist on grilled chicken. Topped with a vibrant mix that’s both juicy and flavorful, it’s a light yet satisfying choice. It pairs perfectly with the smoky undertones of the grilled chicken, proving that simplicity can be spectacular. Ideal for those seeking a dish that’s easy on the palate yet full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Grilled T-Bone Steaks
For many, the T-bone steak is the epitome of grilling excellence, combining two beloved cuts in one. Each steak promises a feast of flavors, achieved through skillful grilling to hit that sweet spot of doneness. It’s a testament to the allure of simplicity – meat, heat, and technique coming together flawlessly. Celebrated by purists and food lovers alike, it’s a classic that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Grilled T-Bone Steaks
Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce
Wings and BBQ sauce is a match made in heaven, but add a Jack Daniel’s twist, and you’ve got something extraordinary. These wings get their kick from a sauce that’s both smoky and slightly sweet, coating each piece in a rich glaze. Perfect for sharing, though you might not want to, they’re a surefire hit at any gathering. It’s an example of how a good sauce can transform the familiar into something spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce
Grilled Asparagus
With just a bit of char, grilled asparagus transforms into a dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. It’s a side that effortlessly complements any main, adding a touch of elegance to your BBQ spread. The grill marks not only add visual appeal but also enhance the vegetable’s natural flavors. It’s a simple yet effective way to introduce greens into your grilling repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus