12 BBQ Foods to Make For Your Next Summer Cookout

June 28, 2018

There’s so much to look forward to over the summer. We love hitting the pool, going on picnics at the park, and vacationing…anywhere! We also go a little crazy for barbecues!

Whether it’s the Fourth of July or just a random Saturday in August, getting out the grill and inviting friends and family over for a BBQ is always a good idea. There’s just something about hanging out together and smelling the amazing aroma of BBQ foods that makes us excited. There’s nothing quite as relaxing or mouth-watering.

And, one of our favorite things to do is to expand our list of BBQ foods each and every year. Yes, we love burgers and steaks, but there’s so much more to a good BBQ. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites, along with some fantastic recipes to try out.

Here are 12 BBQ foods you HAVE to make this summer.

APPETIZERS

There’s no better way to kick off a summer cookout than with delicious BBQ foods for appetizers. After all, the only thing better than delicious food is MORE delicious food.

Deviled Eggs: We love cold appetizers especially on a hot summer day. That’s why we love Classic Deviled Eggs, the perfect American BBQ food. Our favorite recipe is from the New York Times and includes paprika, fresh chives, and Tabasco sauce.
Grilled Shrimp: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with grilling shrimp for an appetizer. In fact, it’s one of our favorite ways to kick off a BBQ food showcase. Grilled shrimp is packed with flavor and finger-licking goodness. And we absolutely love this Honey-Ginger Barbecue Shrimp from epicurious. It’s sweet, tangy, and savory.
Cornbread: You can’t have a BBQ without cornbread, and few people know cornbread better than Betty Crocker. Topped with melted butter, this cornbread melts in your mouth and is a great way to stimulate your appetite for everything to come. You can find the recipe here.

MAIN DISHES

You can’t have a BBQ without some meat as the main dish. Below you’ll find our favorite main BBQ foods for every summer cookout.

Sausages: Whether it’s hot dogs or spicy beef sausages from Germany, sausage has been one of the classic BBQ foods since the beginning. Kids love them, and so do adults. There’s really no way to go wrong. For something a little different, try this Grilled Italian Sausage with Sweet and Sour Peppers and Onions recipe from Serious Eats. It’s both delicious and homey.
Ribs: One of our favorite BBQ foods is a delicious rack of ribs, but not just any ribs. We like ribs that are tender, sweet, and grilled to perfection. That’s why we love these Sweet Cola Ribs from the Food Network. They pack an unexpectedly sweet punch and mouth-watering tenderness. The key is marinating the ribs overnight so that you really lock-in the flavor. Check out the recipe here.
Burgers: Burgers are a BBQ goods staple, so we couldn’t finish our list without mentioning a few of our favorites. For something high-class and unique, try these Pineapple Bun Burgers from Delish. Or, instead of a classic beef burger, try Tyler’s Pulled Pork Barbecue from the Food Network. Finally, there’s the Ultimate Burger from Country Living.

SIDES

What’s a BBQ without a bunch of delicious side dishes? Nothing! That’s what. We’ve compiled our five favorite sides for any meal.

Baked Beans: No BBQ is complete without a side of baked beans. This Black Pepper and Bacon Pinto Beans dish from Country Living is packed full of flavor including spicy poblano peppers, thick-cut bacon, and savory chicken stock. It takes just over 40-minutes to make and yields 8-10 servings.
Coleslaw: Can you call it a BBQ if there’s not coleslaw somewhere? We don’t think so, which is why it’s always one of our first sides. And if you’re looking for a coleslaw recipe that’s both spicy and sweet, look no further than Delish’s Buffalo Coleslaw, made in just 15 minutes.
Potato Salad: Every BBQ lover will agree; meat needs potatoes like flowers need sun. They just go together. It’s impossible to have one without the other. And when it comes to potato salad, The Old Fashioned Potato Salad recipe from allrecipes is impressive. It mixes, eggs, potatoes, celery, and relish for a decadent BBQ food you’ll love.

DESSERTS

To close out your summer cookout, make sure you have some amazing desserts on hand.

S’mores: If you’re hosting your BBQ in the evening, there’s no better way to finish it out than with a fire pit and homemade s’mores. We prefer the class version, roasted over an open fire with melted chocolate, gooey and toasted marshmallow, and crisp graham cracker. Check out this grill recipe from the Food Network.
Pie: Pie is one of our favorite after BBQ foods dessert and with good reason. It brings in all that extra sweet and tangy flavor we’re craving. In particular, we love Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie and Classic Key Lime Pie.
Banana Split: Every BBQ needs some ice cream, and we think you might as well have some fun with it. That’s why we’re big fans of the All-American Banana Split. First created in 1904, it’s still a favorite today.