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Hot Off the Grill: Summer BBQ Ideas

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This season, we're ditching the same old burgers and hot dogs for a mouthwatering lineup of creative and delicious Summer BBQ Ideas.

From unexpected grilled dishes to refreshing sides and show-stopping desserts, we've got everything you need to transform your backyard cookouts into unforgettable feasts.

Craving even more goodness? Don't miss the full collection of other easy grilling recipes that will keep your taste buds happy all season long!

A collage of 7 different types of main dish grilled recipes.

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Fire up the grill and get ready to take your backyard barbecues to the next level!

Whether you're hosting a crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these recipes and tips will make your summer sizzle with flavor. Get ready to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the grill!

Don't forget dessert! Check out my collections of Peach Dessert Recipes, Pie Recipes or my Summer Dessert Recipes.

Table of Contents

How Long to BBQ Chicken Legs?

The grilling time for chicken legs depends on several factors, including the size of the legs and the heat of your grill.

Generally, drumsticks take about 30-35 minutes on direct heat, while thighs take slightly longer at 35-40 minutes. If you're using indirect heat, expect both drumsticks and thighs to take around 45-60 minutes.

However, the most reliable way to determine doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken legs are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Check out my easy recipe for Grilled Barbecue Chicken Legs and Thighs.

What Cheese goes with BBQ Chicken?

Several types of cheese pair beautifully with Summer BBQ Ideas for chicken. Here are three of my favorite:

Cheddar: My go-to choice for most recipes is cheddar cheese. It complements the sweetness and smokiness of BBQ sauce. You can choose either a sharp or extra sharp cheddar for the most robust flavor.

Pepper Jack: My husband loves Pepper Jack cheese! It adds a spicy kick that balances the richness of the BBQ sauce.

Monterey Jack: This mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully and provides a smooth contrast to the bold flavors of BBQ chicken.

What Side Dishes go with BBQ?

The perfect side dishes for BBQ can elevate your cookout to a whole new level. When I'm hosting an outdoor party, I like to choose classic options like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and or my mother's recipe for Corn Pudding Casserole.

I also enjoy serving my Oma's Cucumber Salad or my sister's Creamy Pasta Salad. And if our garden is producing tomatoes, I will prepare my Tomato Salad.

Corn on the cob is another favorite. I love when my daughter makes it grilled in the husk for about 30 minutes and coated with butter and spices.

And don't forget to add crunchy elements like pickles, chips, and crackers to complement the rich flavors of the main course.

A collage of 7 side dishes to serve for a backyard barbecue.

Top Tip

When planning a barbecue, try to prep as much as possible ahead of time – marinate meats, chop veggies, and make sides – to maximize your enjoyment of the party itself.

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Before You Begin!

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Appetizers

Patriotic Salad Recipe in Mason Jar
Patriotic Salad in a Mason Jar
Celebrate in style with this eye-catching Patriotic Salad Recipe in a Mason Jar! Its vibrant layers of red, white, and blue ingredients make it a festive and healthy addition to any holiday gathering, while its easy preparation ensures a stress-free celebration.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Warm Caprese Toast
Warm Caprese Toast
Indulge in the simple elegance of Warm Caprese Toast, where ripe tomatoes, garden-fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella come together in a symphony of flavors. This delightful dish is perfect as a light meal or an enticing appetizer.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Homemade Dill Dip in small bowl with vegetables for appetizer.
Easy Appetizer Dip with Veggies
Elevate your snacking game with my homemade dip, a creamy blend of sour cream and mayonnaise infused with the vibrant flavors of seasoned salt, dried minced onion, parsley flakes, and dill weed. Whether you're entertaining guests or treating yourself, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Corn Pico de Gallo
Corn Pico de Gallo
Brighten up your next outdoor celebration with this vibrant corn pico de gallo! It's the perfect appetizer to kick off any gathering, bursting with the sweetness of corn, the juiciness of tomatoes, the zest of onions, and the freshness of cilantro.
VIEW RECIPE HERE

Side Dishes

Best Broccoli Crunch Salad with Bacon and Honey Mayonnaise Dressing
Best Broccoli Crunch Salad with Bacon and Honey Mayonnaise Dressing
Prepare to make this Broccoli Crunch Salad with Bacon and Honey Mayonnaise Dressing your go-to side dish! This salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring fresh chopped broccoli, salty bacon bits, crunchy sunflower seeds and cranberries, and a tangy red onion crunch.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Easy Grilled Potatoes in Foil
Easy Grilled Potatoes in Foil
These Easy Grilled Potatoes in Foil with Garlic are your new go-to side dish! Combining simple ingredients in a foil packet, they grill to perfection, delivering a burst of flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Scalloped potatoes baked.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes: a symphony of tender, thinly sliced potatoes nestled in a luscious homemade cream sauce, baked to golden perfection for an irresistible cheesy delight.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Southwest Pasta Salad With Chipotle Dressing
Southwest Pasta Salad With Chipotle Dressing
Spice up your outdoor celebration with this Southwest Pasta Salad! This flavor-packed side dish boasts a zesty chipotle dressing, crispy bacon, and melty cheese for a crowd-pleasing combination that's sure to disappear quickly.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
BBQ Pasta Salad
BBQ Pasta Salad
Every good cookout needs a good pasta salad to go with the grilled meats. Most pasta salads are fairly mild in flavor, sometimes just acting as a plate filler. Not this one, though. By adding in the bbq seasoning mix to the dressing, you get a burst of flavor with every bite. This easy zesty BBQ Pasta Salad is a fun flavor twist on your traditional pasta salad.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Bourbon Baked Beans
Bourbon Baked Beans
Baked Beans are such a great side dish. They go with burgers, any type of grilled meat, chicken, steak, ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, tri-tip, cue Bubba (because I could go on and on) – lol. They are also great for just about any type of potluck event. This recipe for Bourbon Baked Beans also comes with an incredible sauce that can double as a perfect BBQ sauce.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad with Zucchini
Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad with Zucchini
Summer is the season of fresh, sweet corn, bountiful zucchini, and refreshing salads. That’s what makes this corn and black bean salad a perfect companion for any summer vegetarian bbq. Nothing beats the smoky, grilled flavor of corn and zucchini mixed with the heartiness of black beans and finally topped with luxurious feta.
VIEW RECIPE HERE

Grilled Chicken Recipes

grilled chicken kabobs on blue plate.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Vegetables
Looking for a flavorful and healthy meal to share with loved ones? Look no further than these Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Vegetables. This simple recipe combines tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with colorful peppers and onions, creating a delightful dish perfect for dinner. Serve alongside a crisp tossed salad or atop a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Enjoy the juicy flavors of this Balsamic Grilled Chicken any time of year! Its simple, few-ingredient marinade is the secret to a quick, effortless, and incredibly delicious meal.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Carolina Grilled Chicken
Carolina Grilled Chicken
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Carolina Grilled Chicken, a mouthwatering masterpiece slathered in a sweet, tangy, and spicy mustard BBQ sauce. This simple yet flavorful recipe is your ticket to the perfect cookout or picnic dish!
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Smoked Chicken Quarters
Smoked Chicken Quarters
Smoked Chicken Quarters: experience the irresistible combination of plump, juicy meat and perfectly crisp, roasted skin. Our guide will show you how to achieve this mouthwatering perfection, whether you're using a smoker or a grill.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders
Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders
These BBQ chicken sliders are the ultimate summer meal! The secret's in the homemade sauce slathered over tender rotisserie chicken. Try our easy slider recipe for the perfect backyard bash!
VIEW RECIPE HERE

Beef

Honey Bourbon Steak
Honey Bourbon Steak
Indulge in the succulent flavors of Honey Bourbon Steak, a juicy and delicious grilled masterpiece. This easy steak recipe features a mouthwatering honey bourbon marinade that infuses every bite with irresistible flavor.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Sirloin Steak
Sirloin Steak
Indulge in our succulent Sirloin Steak, infused with a vibrant red wine vinegar and garlic marinade, then lovingly pan-seared in butter for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Traeger Smoked Burgers
Traeger Smoked Burgers
Get ready to elevate your burger game with these epic Smoked Burgers! They're insanely delicious, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to become your new go-to cheeseburger recipe.
VIEW RECIPE HERE

Other Protein Options

BBQ Pork Tenderloin
BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Experience the incredible flavor of this BBQ Pork Tenderloin, crafted with simple ingredients for a juicy, sweet, and smoky masterpiece. Whether you choose to grill it or bake it in the oven, you're guaranteed the most tender and delicious pork you've ever tasted.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Zesty Garlic Lemon Prawns
Zesty Garlic Lemon Prawns
Bursting with zesty garlic and lemon flavor, these succulent prawns are ready in just 15 minutes! Don't miss out on these garlicky, buttery delights at your next BBQ.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon
Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon
Cedar plank grilled salmon is a foolproof way to achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful fish every time. The cedar plank infuses the salmon with a subtle smokiness while the grill imparts a delicious char, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.
VIEW RECIPE HERE

Vegetarian Option

Easy Vegan Couscous Salad
Easy Vegan Couscous Salad
Take a trip to the Mediterranean with this vegan couscous salad! Its refreshing flavors, colorful presentation, and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect addition to your menu. Whether you're serving it as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit!
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
These Grilled or Roasted Portobello Mushrooms are the perfect vegetarian option for any fun gathering. The marinade makes these perfectly smoky and delicious!
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Vegan Tropical Tofu Skewer with Avocado and Mango Recipe
Vegan Tropical Tofu Skewer with Avocado and Mango Recipe
Fire up the grill for these vibrant vegan tropical tofu skewers with avocado and mango! Perfect for cookouts, they're not only easy to make but also super customizable. Swap in your favorite veggies and fruits, or turn up the protein with chicken, shrimp, or pork. These skewers are a guaranteed hit no matter how you make them!
VIEW RECIPE HERE

BBQ Sauces

3 Ingredient Homemade Barbecue Sauce
This easy homemade barbecue sauce, made with just three simple ingredients, is about to become your go-to condiment for all your BBQ favorites.
VIEW RECIPE HERE
Healthy BBQ Sauce
Healthy BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is a must-have at any cookout, and this healthier homemade version will make you ditch the store-bought bottles for good. Get ready to slather this flavorful and wholesome BBQ sauce on everything you grill!
VIEW RECIPE HERE

About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois is the voice behind Walking on Sunshine Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly meals made with simple ingredients. She believes dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and offers practical recipes, monthly meal plans, and free printables to help busy families cook with less stress and more joy. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lois enjoys time with her family, gardening and sharing inspiration from her home in rural Pennsylvania.

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