No one wants to stand over a stove or run to the store when it’s already too hot out. But a good BBQ? That’s worth it. That’s why these 17 recipes are perfect for your next cookour. You probably already have all the ingredients, and these recipes practically cook themselves. No double takes to the grill unless to check how good they look.
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
This tomato and cucumber salad proves that simple doesn’t mean boring. Just a quick mix of fresh veggies, olive oil, and a little seasoning, and it’s ready to go. It’s cool, crisp, and has the kind of flavor that goes with just about anything on the grill. It takes almost no effort, which makes it one of those easy and tasty BBQ recipes people come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Beer Boiled Brats
Starting brats in a pot of beer isn’t just for fun—it makes them juicier and more flavorful. Once they hit the grill, they get that perfect char on the outside while staying tender inside. It’s an easy move that brings big payoff. These are the kind of simple BBQ recipes people rely on because they never disappoint and don’t take much work.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
You don’t have to do much to make grilled corn special. Just add some chipotle butter, and you’ve got sweet, smoky flavor in every bite. The butter melts in, giving the corn a bold kick without making it too rich. This is one of those easy and tasty BBQ recipes that ends up being the first thing gone from the table.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Grilled fruit skewers are the kind of thing that look fancy but take no time at all. Toss on some brown sugar caramel sauce, and they turn into a sweet treat that’s hard to beat. They’re light, easy to serve, and feel different from the usual desserts. This is one BBQ recipe people don’t expect—but end up asking for later.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
A good burger doesn’t need much, but these chipotle burgers still manage to stand out. They’re juicy with just the right amount of smoky heat, and the jalapeño mayo gives them a little something extra. You don’t need a ton of toppings—just a bun and maybe a napkin. It’s one of those BBQ recipes that checks every box without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Raspberry Jam Bars
You only need a few ingredients to make these jam bars, and they always hit the mark. The soft crust and fruit filling come together fast and cut into clean slices that are easy to serve. They taste great warm or cold, which means less stress for you. This is one of those easy BBQ desserts that works no matter what else is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Asian Marinated Steak
When a steak smells this good on the grill, people start showing up with plates in hand. The marinade of soy, garlic, and ginger soaks in deep, giving it a ton of flavor in every bite. It slices up easy and serves a crowd without fuss. This is one BBQ recipe that feels like a win every time—and takes less work than you think.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Miso Glazed Chicken
There’s a reason miso-glazed chicken keeps making the rounds. The glaze gives it a deep, rich flavor that’s sweet, salty, and just a little sticky. It’s easy to make ahead and cooks up fast, whether on the grill or stovetop. It’s the kind of BBQ dish that fits into any meal without slowing you down.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salads like this don’t ask for much and give back a lot. You’ve got crisp veggies, a quick dressing, and enough grain to keep things filling. It packs well, lasts in the fridge, and doesn’t get soggy. This is one of those easy BBQ sides people keep on repeat because it just works with everything.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Hearts of Palm Salad
Hearts of palm don’t get much attention, but they shine in this quick salad. Mixed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, they bring a fresh, crisp bite. It’s easy to toss together and adds a little variety to the usual lineup. This is the kind of BBQ recipe that doesn’t take much time but still feels like a smart choice.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
7 Layer Bars
These 7 layer bars have a little bit of everything—chocolate, coconut, and enough crunch to keep things interesting. They come together in one pan and hold up well even after sitting out. You don’t need a fork or plate, which makes them easy to pass around. When people want a fast BBQ dessert that disappears quick, this is it.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Lime-marinated grilled chicken is one of those things that sounds simple but hits hard. The lime keeps it tender and adds a clean, bold flavor that cuts through anything else on the plate. It’s easy to prep and doesn’t take long on the grill. That’s why this BBQ recipe keeps popping up—it’s fast, tasty, and works every single time.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Grilled S’mores Pizza
This dessert pizza is what happens when s’mores get a little more fun. It starts with a soft crust and ends with melted chocolate, graham cracker bits, and toasted marshmallows. You can cut it into slices like a pie and serve it with your hands. It’s one of those BBQ treats that looks fun and disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Making baked beans from scratch might sound hard, but this version keeps it easy. They’re smoky, sweet, and thick enough to hold their own next to anything off the grill. No need for anything fancy—just a few ingredients and time. This is a go-to BBQ recipe when you want a hearty side that never misses.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
These oat bars land somewhere between a cookie and a brownie, and that’s a good thing. They’re soft, thick, and packed with chocolate chips in every bite. They’re also easy to make in one pan and hold together well, which makes them great for cookouts. It’s no surprise this BBQ dessert keeps getting made again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
These roasted potatoes are the side you didn’t know you needed. Tossed with garlic and spinach, they come out crisp on the outside and soft inside with just enough bite. They’re easy to prep and bake while you focus on the grill. It’s one of those BBQ recipes that goes with everything and never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts don’t need bacon to be good, and this salad proves it. Shaved thin and tossed with a sharp dressing, they stay fresh and crisp instead of heavy. It’s not the same old side, which is exactly why people keep reaching for it. When you want something easy and tasty that still feels a little different, this one works.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad