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Fire Up the Grill with These Crowd-Pleasing Favorites
Warm evenings, smoky grills, and laughter in the air—summer BBQ season is in full swing. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard hangout or a full-on cookout bash, these easy recipes will have everyone coming back for seconds. From grilled classics to fresh twists and vegetarian-friendly bites, here are 8 must-try BBQ dishes that are simple, flavorful, and totally summer-approved.
1. Grilled Peach & Burrata Skewers
Sweet, creamy, and slightly charred—these skewers are an elegant starter.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 ball burrata or fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
- Skewers
Instructions:
Thread peach slices, burrata, and basil onto skewers. Brush with olive oil, season, and grill for 1–2 minutes per side. Serve warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
2. BBQ Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Sticky, sweet, and smoky—the ultimate BBQ main.
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Season chicken thighs and grill over medium heat. Mix BBQ sauce and honey; brush on chicken during the last few minutes of grilling. Cook until glazed and slightly charred.
3. Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter
A spicy spin on a summer staple.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Grill corn until lightly charred. Mix butter, chili powder, and lime juice. Slather onto corn while hot.
4. Smoky Portobello Mushroom Burgers (Vegan-friendly)
Hearty and satisfying—perfect for plant-based guests.
Ingredients:
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Burger buns + toppings of choice
Instructions:
Marinate mushrooms for 10–15 minutes. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side. Serve on buns with toppings like arugula, avocado, and tomato.
5. Watermelon Feta Salad Cups
Light, juicy, and salty-sweet—served in single portions!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- Balsamic glaze
- Small plastic or glass cups
Instructions:
Toss watermelon and mint. Divide into cups, sprinkle with feta, and drizzle with balsamic just before serving.
6. Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers
A tropical favorite with savory-sweet balance.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1.5 cups pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Skewers
Instructions:
Marinate shrimp in soy, honey, and garlic. Thread with pineapple and grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
7. Spicy Black Bean Burgers (Vegetarian)
Packed with flavor, these burgers are filling and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans (drained)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Salt, pepper
Instructions:
Mash beans and mix with remaining ingredients. Form into patties and grill 4–5 minutes per side.
8. Foil-Packet Garlic Herb Potatoes
Zero cleanup, all the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
Toss potatoes with butter and seasoning. Wrap in foil and grill for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
🔥 Final Tip:
Mix and match proteins, sides, and veggie options to create the ultimate BBQ spread. Want more summer eats? Stay tuned for the next post in this series!
