21 BBQ recipes for Dads, wannabe pitmasters, and anyone who loves a good excuse to stand outside

Photo of author

| Published:

Nothing says “I’ve got this” like a BBQ setup that’s part food, part fire, and part bragging rights. These 21 BBQ recipes were made for Dads who act like grill smoke is their cologne and for anyone who thinks tongs are an extension of the hand. They keep things simple but hit hard with bold combos and solid crowd-pleasers. No apron required, but bonus points if it has flames or your name stitched on it.

Four pieces of Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Texas-Style Carne Asada

A sliced and grilled Carne asada on a wooden cutting board.
Texas-Style Carne Asada. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This dish is perfect for those who want a bold, smoky bite without a lot of effort. Texas-Style Carne Asada gives you a fulfilling experience with every grill mark. You can rely on this for an easy win when it’s time to impress. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to fire up something hearty and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

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.

Grilled radishes might not be the first thing you think of, but they really shine with this dip. Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce brings a new spin to the table. It’s all about balance, grilled perfection meets a spicy kick. The dip gives it that little extra, perfect for adding to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Close-up shot of Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill topped with cheesy onion on a plate.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest ones. Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers bring together juicy pork with a grilled twist, making every bite unforgettable. They’re hearty enough for a meal but light enough to keep you coming back for more. You’ll appreciate how well the flavors come together with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

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

Looking for a smoky, savory addition to your meal? Quick Smoked Tomatoes are easy to make and pack a punch when it comes to flavor. The smoke gives them depth, without being too overpowering. This recipe is perfect for those who want something simple yet interesting to snack on.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked 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.

If you’re craving a mix of sweet and spicy, these skewers are for you. Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers blend heat and sweetness, making every bite stand out. They’re great for anyone looking to try something different without too much effort. Perfect for a quick but fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

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.

It’s a fresh take on a classic. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad offers a balance of charred asparagus with tender potatoes, making it a side dish you’ll actually look forward to. It’s the kind of salad that brings something new to the table. Whether it’s a casual meal or something a bit fancier, it fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Korean Galbi Ribs

Korean Galbi Ribs on a slate platter with red chopsticks beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Korean Galbi Ribs give you that melt-off-the-bone tenderness paired with a subtle sweetness. This recipe is all about balancing smoky flavors with tender meat. It’s a great option when you want something a little different from your usual BBQ. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip

Four pieces of grilled fruit skewers on a slate plate with a bowl of cherry dip.
Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you want something light but fulfilling, this is the way to go. Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip combines fresh fruit with a unique cherry twist. It’s a great choice when you need something fresh and sweet, but with a grilled edge. You’ll find the dip adds that perfect touch to make it extra memorable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter on a plate with asparagus.
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

You’ll never go back to regular steaks once you’ve tried Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter. The reverse searing method ensures a perfect cook every time, while the smoked garlic butter takes it to another level. This is for anyone who wants steak that’s both tender and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Grileld Pork Souvlaki

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

Grilled Pork Souvlaki is perfect when you want a quick, flavorful meal. This dish brings the perfect balance of juicy, charred pork with savory seasoning. It’s one of those meals that feels both easy and special. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly it hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Grileld Pork Souvlaki

Traeger Smoked Garlic

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

If you love the smoky richness of garlic, Traeger Smoked Garlic is a must-try. This recipe is simple but takes garlic to the next level with a smoky finish. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it versatile in your grilling arsenal. It’s a great way to add depth to any meal with just a little extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic

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 brings a tasty mix of meat and veggies all on one griddle. It’s a perfect dish for anyone who enjoys a bit of a kick. With each bite, you’ll get tender pork paired with the fulfilling crunch of green beans. This dish keeps things simple and packed with flavor without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

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

Looking for a fresh option? Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes combines a light, yet vibrant mix of fruit and veggies. The sweetness of the peaches balances out the natural acidity of the tomatoes. It’s an ideal dish to pair with any BBQ and doesn’t require a ton of effort to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork sandwich with fries on a slate board.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo Credit: Grill What You Love.

For anyone craving comfort, Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is the ultimate mash-up. It takes a classic favorite and levels it up with tender pulled pork. The grilled bread adds a perfect crunch, holding all the goodness inside. You can’t go wrong with this simple but fulfilling combo.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce on a white square plate.
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s nothing like a plate of Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce for those who like their food with some heat. These wings bring bold flavors and the crispy char you want from the grill. The buffalo sauce adds the perfect amount of kick without going overboard. It’s a solid choice for wing lovers and BBQ fans alike.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you like a little twist on a classic, Grilled Corn Guacamole is a must-try. It’s the familiar taste of guac but with a smoky, charred element thanks to the grilled corn. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, even without being overly complicated. Perfect for a quick snack or as a side to your main dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings are a bold combination of sweet and spicy that hits all the right notes. The mango provides just the right amount of sweetness, while the chipotle adds a smoky depth. With a slight char from the grill, these wings offer a deliciously layered experience. You won’t want to miss this flavor-packed twist on your typical chicken wing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For something a little different, Grilled Elote Corn Ribs take the classic corn-on-the-cob to a whole new level. These corn ribs are packed with flavor and make for a great BBQ side. Grilled to perfection, each bite is crispy on the edges and juicy in the center. It’s a fun way to enjoy a familiar favorite with a little twist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Smoked Pulled Pork

Two cast iron skillets with smoked pulled pork in them.
Smoked Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Pulled Pork is a BBQ staple that brings that deep, smoky flavor everyone loves. The slow-cooked process results in tender, pull-apart meat that’s perfect on its own or in a sandwich. The richness of the pork is complemented by its smoky edges, giving you the perfect bite every time. You can’t go wrong with this BBQ classic.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For something a little more indulgent, Bacon Fried Corn gives you the smoky goodness of bacon with sweet corn. The crisp bacon adds texture and a savory kick to the natural sweetness of the corn. This dish is perfect for those who like their sides hearty and full of flavor. It’s an easy win when it comes to BBQ sides.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Four pieces of Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken is a light and fresh option for those who want a tangy, herb-packed dish. The lemon adds a bright burst of citrus that pairs perfectly with the herbal notes. The grill gives the chicken a nice sear, keeping it juicy on the inside. It’s a simple yet flavorful choice for anyone looking to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.