As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, there's nothing quite like the allure of a backyard BBQ. From sizzling meats on the hot grill to refreshing drinks and delicious side dishes, summer cookouts are all about fun and relaxation. Whether you're hosting a Memorial Day bash, a Fourth of July celebration, or simply gathering friends and family for a weekend get-together, having the perfect menu is key to a successful BBQ. In this guide, we'll explore some of our favorite backyard BBQ menu ideas. Enjoy!
Main Dishes
A summer weekend is the perfect time to fire up the grill or smoker and make some good old fashioned barbecue.
BBQ Rule #1: There is no such thing as too much food. Here are some of our best easy BBQ recipes.
Wagyu Smash Burger Cooked in Beef Tallow
When you think of a summer barbecue, hot dogs and hamburgers are always a safe bet if you need some kid-friendly options. For the adults, elevate your burger experience with Wagyu Smash Burgers Cooked in Beef Tallow. This simple recipe is all about burger indulgence, where the rich marbling of Wagyu beef meets the classic technique of the smash burger, all seared to perfection in flavorful beef tallow. This redefines art of burger-making.
Patty Melt
Dive into the world of American comfort food with a classic burger that never fails to satisfy – the Homemade Patty Melt. This timeless, old-school sandwich combines a perfectly seasoned beef patty with caramelized onions and melted cheese, all nestled between slices of grilled rye bread. This sandwich captures the essence of homestyle cooking and the nostalgic flavors in the diners along Route 66 that make the patty melt a lasting favorite.
Roasted Cornish Hens
Add a sophisticated twist to a weeknight dinner with these delicious, easy to make, Roasted Cornish Hens. Create a memorable dinner experience that will leave a lasting impression and make a delightful meal for two. Roasted Cornish hens, the often overlooked cousins to chicken, add a touch of elegance and flavor to the dinner table. In this classic recipe, we'll explore the art of preparing these little birds, infusing them with simple herbs and spices, and baking them to perfection.
Filet Mignon with Bone Marrow Butter
Indulge your carnivore senses in a culinary masterpiece that elevates the classic filet mignon to new levels – the Filet Mignon Steak with Bone Marrow Butter. This recipe combines the tender perfection of a perfectly-cooked filet mignon with the rich, velvety essence of bone marrow butter. This recipe may forever change how you like your filet mignon prepared.
St. Louis Spare Ribs
There is nothing quite like the sweet smell of perfectly smoked St. Louis Spare Ribs on the barbecue. If you are a rib enthusiast, you know that St. Louis style ribs are bigger and meatier than their baby back cousins. They are easy to make using the 3-2-1 method and are great for a large crowd.
No Bean Texas Style Chili
In the heart of Texas, chili is more than just a dish, it's a cultural icon. Here in Austin, the chili has a reputation for being bold, spicy and full of robust flavors that capture the essence of the Lone Star State. Say goodbye to the beans and embrace true Texan chili with our No Bean Texas Style Chili featuring prime tenderloin and a medley of six chiles. This recipe pays homage to the Lone Star State's big and bold culinary heritage, where hearty chunks of meat and an array of chiles come together to create a chili that's as robust as the Texan spirit.
Reverse Seared Beef Tenderloin
In the world of barbecue experiences, there is nothing quite like a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin. This exquisite cut of meat, renowned for its tenderness and marbling, is perfect for the reverse seared cooking method. This technique, a departure from traditional searing methods, will take your tenderloin to new levels of tenderness and flavor. Follow along as we delve into the Reversed Seared Beef Tenderloin, unlocking the secrets to a perfect melt-in-your-mouth roast that is sure to be the star of your next barbecue.
Homemade Texas Hot Links
Experience the bold flavors of Texan cooking with a dish that's sure to spice things up, Homemade Texas Hot Links. Barbecue is big in Texas and hot links are a quintessential part of Texas barbecue culture. They are a staple item in any Texas BBQ joint worth its salt. This hot link recipe is an exploration of the smoky, spicy, and bold flavors that define the Lone Star State's love affair with barbecue. These hot links are a bit spicy, full of flavor and slow smoked to perfection. The best part is that they are really easy to make.
Baby Back Ribs
There's something special about the mouthwatering aroma of tender, smoky, Baby Back Ribs sizzling on the grill. For backyard BBQ guys like me, cooking perfect, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs is like unlocking the gates to BBQ paradise. In this post, I'll discuss the modified 3-2-1 method, a tried-and-true technique that guarantees juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Smoked and Reverse-Seared Tri-Tip
A tri-tip is a triangular roast cut from the bottom sirloin that has an incredible, beefy flavor and is a great cut of beef to put in a smoker. Try a Smoked and Reverse Seared Tri-Tip and you will be amazed at how juicy it is. In this recipe, the roast is smoked low and slow for about an hour and then seared over a hot fire.
Smoked Dino Bones with Bourbon BBQ Sauce
In the world of barbecue ribs, there is one rib that commands attention and captivates the taste buds – Smoked Beef Dino Bones. Dino bones are the beef version of baby back ribs and they are the biggest, meatiest ribs available. Fred Flintstone would have loved them. In this recipe, we explore the art of smoking giant beef ribs and accentuating their taste with a luscious homemade bourbon barbecue sauce.
Smoked Brisket and Burnt Ends
In the world of barbecue, few dishes command as much respect and attention as perfectly Smoked Brisket and Burnt Ends. Slow-cooked barbecue brisket, with its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and smoky flavor, promises to satisfy even the most discriminating palates.
Seared Tomahawk Steak - A Double Cut Bone-In Ribeye
The tomahawk is the granddaddy of steak. It's a very large double-cut ribeye with the bone in. A Seared Tomahawk Steak is big, beefy and is a carnivore lovers dream steak.
Peach-Glazed Pork Chops
Peach-Glazed Pork Chops are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. This recipe combines perfectly seared pork chops with the sweet flavor of delicious homemade peach glaze. It's a wonderful twist on a classic dish that your family will love.
Smoked Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food. There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, golden brown, chewy sandwich, oozing with melted cheese. In this post, we'll share step-by-step instructions on how to make the best Smoked Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a griddle in your smoker.
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
If you're a fan of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors all wrapped into one delicious bite, then you're in for a treat! Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends, often referred to as "meat candy," are delicious bites of cubed pork belly that are tossed in a dry rub, smoked low and slow, then slathered in barbecue sauce and finished in a hot smoker. In this post, we'll guide you through the best way to smoke pork belly burnt ends. We will also share some tips to help you make the best smoked pork belly burnt ends you've ever tasted. They are easier to make than beef brisket burnt ends and are absolutely delicious.
Grilled Carne Asada
There are few things as satisfying as the aroma of marinated meat being seared on an open flame. Join us in experiencing an array of flavors and textures with our Grilled Carne Asada recipe. This recipe is a journey into the art of grilling, where the simple ingredients meet a hot grill, creating a dish that is both humble and extraordinary.
Smoked Pulled Pork
Smoked Pulled Pork is one of those go-to dishes that comes to mind when you think of great barbecue. It's a barbecue classic. Simply seasoned and smoked to perfection, pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Read on to learn how to pick a roast, season it, smoke it, and make it tender and juicy smoked pulled pork that falls off the bone.
Smoked Chicken Wings
Plump, juicy, smoky and crispy. That's the best way to describe these Smoked Chicken Wings with a big Texas attitude. There are a couple of things that make these smoked hot wings extraordinary. First they're brined in beer and hot sauce overnight. This makes the wings plump and juicy and helps keep them from drying out in the smoker. Then, they are sprinkled with a spicy Texas-style rub and smoked low and slow for three hours. They are finished at 350°F for 30 minutes to make them nice and crispy. Prefer chicken thighs to wings? They work just as well.
Reverse Seared Texas T-Bone Steak Recipe
There's something special about sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked, Reverse Seared Texas T-Bone Steak. This famous cut combines the rich flavor of the New York strip with the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the filet mignon, making it a favorite among steak lovers.
Reverse Seared Smoked Pork Loin
In the world of barbecue, where smoke and fire transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary meals, the Reverse Seared Smoked Pork Loin stands out for its sophisticated simplicity. The pork loin is first butterflied, spread with fresh herbs and garlic inside of the loin, then rolled up and tied tight. It then undergoes a unique cooking process that imparts a rich smokiness while ensuring a perfect, juicy interior.
Smoked and Braised Beef Short Ribs
This Smoked and Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe marries two cooking techniques where the smokiness of a low and slow barbecue meets the rich embrace of braising in red wine with beef tallow. Yum!
Double-Cut Pork Chops - Brined, Smoked Then Grilled
Tender and juicy Double-Cut Pork Chops are brined then smoked and grilled. They are incredibly tender, juicy and easy to make.
Delicious Side Dishes
Great barbecue all about family and great food. Here are some of our favorite side dish ideas to go with that BBQ.
Texas-Style Creamed Corn with Poblano Pepper
Texas-style Creamed Corn is first grilled, then creamed, and then mixed with poblano peppers and lots of rich cheesy sauce. Try this perfect easy side dish at your next backyard BBQ.
Ultimate Barbecue Baked Beans
It's easy to make really good Barbecue Baked Beans from canned beans. Here's how to do it.
Beef Tallow French Fries - Double Fried in Wagyu Beef Tallow
There are a few things that make these Beef Tallow French Fries truly incredible. The fries are soaked in a sugary solution and fried, then allowed to rest a bit. Then they are fried a second time in hot oil with some Wagyu Beef Tallow. The beef tallow imparts a deep and rich taste to the fries that is just unbeatable. This is how some truly famous restaurant chains used to make their fries.
Tex-Mex Charro Beans Made in a Smoker
Beans are a staple item in Tex-Mex cooking. They are also very prominent with BBQ dishes. These flavorful Tex-Mex Charro Beans, also known as frijoles charros, and Mexican cowboy beans are big-step up and are made in a smoker.
Grilled Garlic Bread
Grilled Garlic Bread is so easy and so good. Try this and you will never make it in the oven again.
Texas Mac and Cheese With Poblano Peppers
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, loved by the whole family. There is something about a creamy, cheesy mac that warms the heart. Here is an adult mac and cheese dish with a delicious twist on the classic dish. This may well be the best Smoked Mac and Cheese you've ever tasted, featuring a combination of cheeses, poblano peppers and Panko breadcrumbs
Queso Fundido with Chorizo
Need a great appetizer for your next backyard BBQ? Look no further than our mouthwatering Chorizo Queso Fundido, a deliciously cheesy dip that's packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. In this easy recipe, we'll show you how to make the best queso dip you have ever had using a slow cooker or stovetop method.
Creamed Corn Without Cream
Great creamed corn starts with fresh sweet corn, not a can. It's all about opening the kernels and "milking" the juice from the cob. It's easy to do with a neat little device that's easy to find online. Try this Creamed Corn Without Cream recipe and you will never open a can of creamed corn again.
Cheesy Garlic Rolls
Indulge your senses with these irresistible Cheesy Garlic Rolls, a delightful fusion of freshly baked warm rolls, aromatic garlic and gooey cheese. Between the aroma of garlic wafting through the air and the melted cheese inside each roll, these rolls are as satisfying to make as they are to eat.
Cast Iron Skillet Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Bread
There is just something incredibly satisfying about a piece of warm Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Bread straight from the oven. It’s comfort food at its best. Start with an easy corn bread recipe, add a generous helping of cheddar cheese, some fresh sweet corn, and a little kick from a jalapeño then bake it in a cast iron skillet and you have a Texas favorite.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Guanciale
Need some fresh vegetables to go with all of that BBQ? Brussels sprouts are one of those polarizing vegetables that spark a wide range of emotions at the dinner table. For some, they are the unsung heroes of the green vegetable world, full of culinary potential. For others, they invoke memories of little, tasteless boiled cabbages and childhood dinner table trauma. Those in the adamant aversion category have most likely never had Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Guanciale. These little guys are really tasty.
Tex-Mex Pork and Beans with Big Chunks of Pork
Tex-Mex is a wonderful fusion of Texan and Mexican spices and flavors. One dish that demonstrates that fusion is Tex-Mex Pork and Beans. This hearty and flavorful recipe combines tender pork carnitas with savory beans and spices in a way that will change your mind about how pork and beans should be prepared
Smoked Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Stuffed Baked Potatoes are a comfort food favorite. Grilling them over charcoal adds a slightly smoky flavor and a wonderfully crispy skin. In this easy recipe, we'll show you how to make terrific stuffed baked potatoes on a charcoal grill that are perfect as a great side dish or even a main course.
Texas Grilled Corn Ribs
Transform your next backyard barbecue into a Texan fiesta with our Texas Grilled Corn Ribs. This fun and flavorful twist on traditional corn on the cob will be the star of your next backyard cookout. With a marinade of tantalizing spices and a finish of chipotle lime cream sauce and cotija cheese, these grilled corn riblets will have everyone asking for more.
Homemade NY Deli Style Kosher Dill Pickles
If you savor the taste of a great NY deli style kosher dill pickle, you know that store-bought pickles just don't measure up. Homemade Kosher Dill Pickles are packed with flavor and crunch, and they are easy to make. This recipe will guide you through the process to make delicious dill pickles using a pickle fermentation crock.
Rubs & Sauces
Kansas City Barbecue Dry Rub
Kansas City is known for its rich, smoky meats and signature dry rubs that impart the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Whether you're preparing baby back ribs, spareribs or pulled pork, this Kansas City Dry Rub will transform your backyard barbecue into a Kansas City-style feast. Explore the not-so-subtle art of barbecue seasoning, where this rub honors the tradition, flavor and the unmistakable allure of Kansas City BBQ.
Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Great barbecue needs great barbecue sauce. Transform your next barbecue event with this mouth-watering Bourbon Barbecue Sauce. Ditch the store-bought sauces and make the best barbecue sauce that you have ever tasted with the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet.
Desserts
BBQ Rule #2: Always save room for dessert. Here are a few of our favorite summer desserts, including several that are made inside a smoker.
Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce
Bread pudding is an awesome dessert. But dark chocolate bread pudding is on a different level. Top it with some gooey salted caramel sauce and it's just plain amazing. One more thing, cook it in a smoker or charcoal grill over charcoal and it will pick up just a hint of smokiness. It may well be the best thing that ever came out of your smoker. See that picture below? That's Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce y'all.
Peach Fried Pies
Little fried pies are a thing in Texas. They can be found at sporting events, county fairs and even some food trucks. Why not add these Peach Fried Pies to your next barbecue event? They are easy to make and can be filled with just about any pie filling.
Bacon Apple Crisp
Looking for a new dessert that is different, delicious and made in your smoker? Here is a dessert that combines sweet apples and rich guanciale bacon with a crispy topping. Smoked Bacon Apple Crisp with Guanciale is a delicious dessert with a combination of flavors that includes an unexpected hint of smoke from being cooked over charcoal. It’s a great addition to serve at your next backyard barbecue. Don't forget to add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Texas Peach Cobbler
How does a Texan know it's summertime? When Peach Cobbler is on the menu at darn near every restaurant in town, that's how.
Texas Peach Cobbler is often made with a cake batter dough that is poured over peaches and then baked. It creates a dessert where the peaches are suspended in the cake batter. It's certainly good, but we like more peach action than that. This recipe is an adaptation of a recipe from Sally McKenney at Sally's Baking Addiction and it hits the mark. Big pieces of buttermilk biscuit dough are flattened out and placed on top of sweet peaches. When baked, the peaches are separated from the topping almost like a pie and that is what makes this recipe special.
Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies
The next time you fire up your smoker, make something unexpected and transform a classic cookie into a tantalizing treat with these Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies. The subtle smokiness that comes from cooking over charcoal is strangely pleasing and totally unexpected. Yet, these smoked chocolate chip cookies are crazy good. Bet you can't eat just one.
Smoked Blueberry Crisp
How do you take a classic dessert like a blueberry crisp to the next level? Bake it in your charcoal grill, that's how. This Smoked Blueberry Crisp has just a hint of smokiness that makes it special. Add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it really great.
Summer Drinks
The best way to cool off in the hot summer sun is with an ice-cold margarita. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy tequila on a hot summer day.
Classic Margarita on the Rocks
Peach Margarita
Best Skinny Margarita
Watermelon Margarita
Prickly Pear Margarita
Southern Sweet Iced Tea
Summertime in Texas mean that there is always a big pitcher of ice cold sweet iced tea in the refrigerator.
Ice Cold Beer
Hot summer days call for ice cold beer. We always save room for some of our favorite micro-brews.
Final Thoughts
With all of these easy BBQ ideas, your next summer barbecue is sure to be a hit. From juicy grilled meats to delicious side dishes and irresistible desserts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So fire up that backyard grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready for some unforgettable cookouts on those hot summer days. Enjoy!
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