When planning a backyard barbecue party, the aim is to create a menu that’s both easy to prepare and sure to please your guests. The following 13 recipes are designed to cover all the bases, from hearty mains to light salads and everything in between. These dishes are straightforward to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of friends and family.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
The 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger combines the richness of avocado with the savory punch of bacon. Main ingredients like ground beef, bacon, and avocado come together in under half an hour. It’s a satisfyingly juicy burger with a perfect blend of flavors that’s sure to be a hit. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its balance of creamy and smoky tastes.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on traditional barbecue. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features shredded BBQ chicken, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing. The salad offers a mix of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. It’s ideal for a light yet flavorful option at your barbecue party.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops are a zesty, sweet main course that can be prepared in about 20 minutes. The chops are enhanced with a glaze made from orange juice, honey, and spices. This dish delivers a bright and tangy flavor profile with a hint of sweetness. It’s a quick and easy way to serve up something special.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy. With a simple mix of maple syrup and mustard, these chicken pieces are ready in about 30 minutes. They offer a slightly sweet, deeply savory flavor that’s hard to resist. This dish is a simple yet flavorful addition to any barbecue menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf brings together succulent pork chops and shrimp in about 45 minutes. A main course that features a duo of proteins, it’s seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. The result is a savory dish with a hint of the sea. It’s a unique twist on the classic surf and turf.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Grilled Rockfish Tacos offer a lighter fare with a smoky flavor, ready in just 20 minutes. The main ingredients include flaky rockfish, a variety of spices, and fresh toppings. These tacos provide a fresh, zesty taste with every bite. They’re a perfect handheld option for outdoor dining.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl is a wholesome dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful. In about 30 minutes, you can serve a combination of grilled shrimp, grains, and veggies. It has a light, smoky flavor complemented by a variety of textures. This bowl is a healthy and satisfying choice for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions
Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions is a sweet and savory dish ready in 30 minutes. Juicy steak slices are paired with the natural sweetness of peaches and the sharpness of onions. The flavors meld together for a delightful contrast. It’s an unexpected but delicious combination for your barbecue spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions
Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa is a tropical take on a classic barbecue dish, ready in about 45 minutes. The tri-tip steak pairs beautifully with a vibrant, fruity salsa. This dish offers a sweet and spicy flavor profile. It’s a festive and colorful addition to your backyard feast.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Beef Bulgogi Bowls are a Korean-inspired dish that can be made in about 30 minutes. They feature tender marinated beef, rice, and a variety of vegetables. The bowls have a savory, slightly sweet flavor characteristic of bulgogi. It’s an easy way to add international flair to your barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a simple yet elegant option that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Skewered shrimp are seasoned and grilled to perfection. They boast a light, smoky flavor that’s both appetizing and easy to eat. These skewers are perfect for guests who enjoy seafood.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and Peppers is a classic dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It combines flavorful sausages with sweet bell peppers and onions. The dish has a hearty, rustic taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers
Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini
Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini is a flavorful dip that takes about 45 minutes to make. It consists of roasted eggplant, garlic, and a smoky blend of spices. This version provides a rich, smoky flavor without the use of tahini. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer for any barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini