These aren’t just burgers and dogs: 19 jazzed up recipes to up your grill game

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Ready to turn heads at your next barbecue? These 19 recipes go way beyond your standard burgers and hot dogs, bringing some serious flair to your grill game. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just firing up the grill for a family dinner, these dishes are designed to impress. Get ready to receive some enthusiastic compliments—and maybe even a request or two for your recipes!

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate.
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Summer grilling isn’t just about the classic choices; try something that stands out. Get ready for Smoked Dill Pickle Wings, which are a game-changer that turns up the excitement at any BBQ. Their unique tang with a smokey twist will surprise your guests. It’s an unexpected flavor that’s sure to get people talking.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked jalapeno poppers on a platter.
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes you want something with a bit of a kick for your grill feast, and that’s where Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers come in. They are little bites packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice. Smoking them brings out a depth you wouldn’t expect, making these poppers a hit. They are a perfect match for ice-cold drinks and warm evenings.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

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.

Take a break from the usual grilling routine with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. They bring a street food favorite right to your backyard party. Grilling them adds a char that upgrades their naturally sweet taste. They’re easy to make and even easier to love, especially when shared with friends.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Smoked Chicken Thighs

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

For lovers of tender, juicy meat, Smoked Chicken Thighs are a solid choice. Smoking the chicken imparts flavor you can’t get anywhere else, making these thighs a standout dish. They have a succulence that’s hard to beat, and the smoky aroma will pull guests to the grill. Pair them with your favorite side, and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

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.

Amp up your burger game with Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. This isn’t your everyday burger – it packs a savory punch that’ll redefine what you think a burger can be. They’re a hearty choice for those who want something more than just beef. Grill them up, serve with a cold drink, and you’ve got a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

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.

Why not sweeten the pot at your next BBQ with Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings? The fusion of sweet peach and spicy chipotle gives these wings a profile that’ll have people reaching for more. Smoking them adds that irresistible layer of flavor. Picture a plate of these at the center of the table – they won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

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.

Take inspiration from the Lone Star State with Texas-Style Carne Asada. Grilled to perfection, it’s got a robust flavor that’s perfect for your BBQ spread. This dish brings the kind of excitement you want when the coals get hot. Serve it up, garnish with some simple sides, and let the feast begin.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re thinking about grilling more than just steaks and chops, consider Smoked Carver Ham. It’s a substantial dish that comes off the grill with a beautiful smoky exterior. You’ll find it’s a welcome change of pace that really stands out on the table. Smoking it slowly allows for flavors to develop that you just can’t rush.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze

Four pieces of Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For something sweet on the grill, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is a standout. When grilled, pineapple’s natural sugars caramelize, making it a treat by itself. The buttery lime glaze adds a bright touch that complements the fruit perfectly. It’s as much a conversation piece as it is a dessert or side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze

Smoked Pork Shots

Smoked pork shots in a skillet with basil and tomatoes.
Smoked Pork Shots. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you serve up Smoked Pork Shots, you’re offering mini bites that pack a bunch of flavors. They’re fun, easy to pop in your mouth, and have a smoky depth that’s hard to replicate. Watch these go faster than any other dish because no one can stop at just one. They’re sure to become a new favorite at your grilling gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Shots

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 side that’s both healthy and mouthwatering, whip up some Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Grilling asparagus brings out a nutty flavor that changes the salad game. Mixed with grilled potatoes, you’ve got a side that’s both fulfilling and a perfect pairing for any grilled main. It’s a fresh take that’ll get nods of approval around the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Amp up your grill night with some international flair from Korean Galbi Ribs. They are marinated in a mix that’s rich in flavors and grilled to achieve a perfect char. Each rib promises a tender and flavorful experience. Introduce these to your BBQ lineup, and they’ll become the talk of the town.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Smoked Tomahawk Steak

A sliced Tomahawk Steak on a cream color plate.
Smoked Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make a bold statement at your next BBQ with a Smoked Tomahawk Steak. This impressive cut of meat is a real showstopper, and smoking it infuses every bite with complexity. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Watching this steak come off the grill will have everyone eager to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomahawk Steak

Grilled Feta

Grilled Feta with Herbs in a black serving dish with toasted bread and a lemon wedge.
Grilled Feta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Switch up your cheese game with Grilled Feta. When grilled, feta takes on a soft texture with a surprisingly creamy flavor. It’s a simple addition to your grilling spread that brings a touch of Mediterranean charm. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a winner. It’s a wonderful and easy appetizer that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

A close-up of a dish featuring colorful tortellini mixed with meatballs, spinach, and chopped red bell peppers, topped with melted cheese, served in a white bowl.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combine Italian cuisine with grilling in Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. The heat from the grill gives the meatballs a perfect sear and the pasta a pleasant crispness. This dish is hearty and filling, assuring that no one leaves the grill out hungry. It’s comfort food with a grilled twist.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

A top-down shot of Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak on a cutting board with veggies.
Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a steak that’s both tender and flavorful, Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak hits the spot. The cap is known for its marbling, which keeps this steak juicy after grilling. Its rich flavor is enough to make any BBQ an event to remember. Throw this on the grill for a steak that’s in a league of its own.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked shotgun shells on a white plate.
Smoked Shotgun Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Experience a burst of savory goodness with Smoked Shotgun Shells. These meat-filled treats provide a smoky flavor that truly stands out. They are certain to spark conversations as they come off the grill. Share them with friends and see the smiles multiply. You won’t be disappointed by the delicious and unique flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Everyone loves bacon, so why not wrap it around a burger for the ultimate BBQ dish? Bacon-Wrapped Burgers offer that irresistible bacon flavor in every bite. Grilling them to perfection means you’re in for a meaty feast. This dish is hard to beat when you want to impress your BBQ crowd.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring the taste of a legendary steakhouse to your backyard with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. These morsels are hearty and basked in flavors that are hard to beat. Grilling them seals in the juices, making each bite better than the last. It’s casual dining turned gourmet, right off your grill.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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