21 BBQ picks that taste better outdoors with a cold drink in hand and paper plates stacked like a trophy wall

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There’s something about eating off a paper plate that makes BBQ feel like a win. These 21 BBQ picks are built for folding chairs, plastic forks, and cold drinks that sweat in your hand. You don’t need fancy napkins when the food speaks louder than the playlist. These dishes know how to hold their own even when someone forgets the ice.

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.

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 simple joy of grilling chicken, especially when it’s seasoned with lime and garlic. Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts bring out a tangy punch, making them a crowd-pleaser. The smoky aroma adds to the experience as it sizzles on the grill. Whether it’s paired with your favorite sides or eaten on its own, it’s a dish that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

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.

A twist on the usual, Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce are perfect for those who want something different. The grilling process softens the radishes, while the dipping sauce brings a kick. These make a great side or a snack for those who crave a bit of heat. Add this to your spread, and it’ll quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

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 you’re in the mood for something bold, Korean Galbi Ribs deliver just that. These tender, smoky ribs pack a punch with every bite. With their sweet and savory seasoning, they’re perfect for sharing around the grill. Serve them up hot and enjoy the delicious contrast of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

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

Sometimes, the simplest things are the best, like Quick Smoked Tomatoes. Their smoky, slightly charred exterior adds depth, while the inside stays juicy and fresh. These are ideal for adding to salads or as a topping for burgers. Once you’ve tried them, they’ll make it to your regular BBQ lineup.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Ninja Woodfire Pork Souvlaki with Horiatiki Salad and pita bread on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Pork Souvlaki brings a Mediterranean flair to your BBQ. The pork is perfectly grilled, with crispy edges that give way to tender meat. Served on a skewer, these little bites are ideal for casual, easy eating. It’s a dish that pairs well with a cold drink and some good conversation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a hearty yet refreshing dish, try Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. The grill gives the potatoes and asparagus a smoky finish that takes your salad to the next level. It’s filling without being too heavy and works well as a side. This salad is perfect for serving with anything off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

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

If you’re looking for a twist on the classic sandwich, Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT is your go-to. It’s a bigger, bolder version of the traditional BLT, with crispy bacon and fresh greens. Griddling it adds a crunchy texture that upgrades this simple sandwich. Enjoy it as a quick bite that still hits all the right spots.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Three pieces of Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers on a white plate.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers are an easy, fun dessert option that everyone will love. Grilled strawberries combined with cake create a warm and fulfilling treat. It’s simple to make, and the skewers make it easy to serve up to guests. The best part? It’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When it comes to a BBQ, nothing quite compares to Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. The steaks are grilled to perfection, and the cowboy butter adds a rich, savory touch. It’s a hearty dish that stands out at any cookout. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

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

Grilled Fruit Quesadillas offer a sweet and savory combo that’s hard to resist. Grilled fruit inside a warm, crispy tortilla creates a unique, fulfilling bite. They’re a great way to add something unexpected to your spread. Perfect for those who want something a little out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Three Grill Mediterranean Lamb Chops topped with gremolata on a white plate.
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops are the way to go. They bring bold flavors with just the right amount of seasoning. These chops are perfect for serving alongside a cold drink and some good company. You won’t miss the ordinary grilled meat when this is on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Grilled Ratatouille

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

When you need a veggie dish that really stands out, Grilled Ratatouille fits the bill. It’s a mix of hearty, smoky goodness without being too heavy. Perfect for pairing with your favorite BBQ picks, it’s sure to impress without any fuss. The grill brings out a depth in the veggies that makes it more than just a side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

Smoked and glazed peach-chipotle chicken wings on a black plate.
Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The smoky heat of Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings gives you that perfect bite with a sweet twist. They’re the kind of wings you’ll want to grab for as the grill’s heat fills the air. These wings are a great match for paper plates stacked high and a cold drink in hand. No matter the crowd, they’ll be devoured quickly.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

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.

There’s no better way to make Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets than on a grill, where the flavors really shine. The foil traps all the goodness, letting you enjoy a tender, juicy bite. Perfectly balanced with a hint of citrus, they’re both light and filling. This dish works well when you’re looking for something easy but impressive.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon Foil Packets

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Three pieces of grilled cauliflower steaks on a black plate.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a veggie option that doesn’t fall flat, try Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. They’re hearty enough to hold their own but still have that nice grilled edge. These steaks give you a fulfilling crunch with each bite, making them a solid choice for any BBQ spread. They’re so good that even the meat lovers might go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

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.

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle offers an irresistible mix of spice and crunch. The griddle gives it that perfect sear, locking in all the flavors. It’s one of those dishes that makes you want to grab more than just one plate. With every bite, the heat and freshness come together perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Traeger Smoked Garlic

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

This recipe is the kind of addition that’ll transform any BBQ into a flavor-packed experience. It’s a simple ingredient, but smoked garlic brings an intense depth to whatever it’s paired with. Traeger Smoked Garlic is easy to share and works well alongside other meats and veggies. It’s the type of dish that makes you appreciate the little things.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimps on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for seafood, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp will hit the spot. These shrimp get a nice char and smoky flavor, making them hard to resist. Whether you’re pairing them with a fresh salad or something heartier, they always shine. They’re easy to eat and perfect for sharing with friends.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs on a cutting board with tomatoes.
Smoked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it’s time to serve something hearty, Smoked Chicken Thighs will keep everyone coming back for more. The smoke gives them a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. These thighs come out juicy on the inside with a crispy skin that’s perfect for snacking. They’re the kind of dish you won’t want to run out of.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This salad takes a fresh, vibrant twist on a classic salad. The grill adds a smoky depth to the sweet peaches, which perfectly complement the juicy tomatoes. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes doesn’t just look good; it tastes great too. It’s an easy dish to serve when you want something light but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

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.

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers are a hit at any BBQ. The balance of heat and sweetness makes them a standout option. Each skewer is packed with flavor that’ll have everyone reaching for more. They’re perfect for eating with one hand while holding your drink in the other.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

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