Nothing says summer like gathering in the backyard with friends, family, and a table full of fresh, flavorful food. Whether you're planning a casual cookout or a weekend gathering with Southern charm, these go-to barbecue recipes strike the perfect balance between effortless and elevated.
From grilled mains to refreshing sides and crowd-favorite desserts, here's your backyard BBQ menu made easy.
1. Grilled Chicken with Barbecue Lemon Marinade
Juicy, flavorful, and impossible to mess up—chicken is a barbecue essential. This simple marinade combines lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and thyme for the perfect balance of citrusy, tangy, and smoky.
Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken the night before for max flavor and grill over medium-high heat for crispy edges and juicy centers.
2. Classic Southern-Style Potato Salad
No backyard barbecue is complete without a creamy, old-school potato salad. This version keeps it traditional with boiled eggs, chopped celery, Dijon mustard, and just a touch of dill for brightness.
Make Ahead: Potato salad tastes even better the next day, so prep it the night before your cookout.
3. Grilled Corn with Garlic Herb Butter
Charred, slightly smoky grilled corn is a fan favorite—and easy to elevate. Slather with homemade garlic herb butter (just mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and chives) and finish with flaky sea salt.
Optional Upgrade: Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime for a Mexican street corn twist.
4. Peach & Burrata Salad with Basil and Balsamic Glaze
This fresh, seasonal salad adds a little elegance to your spread. Juicy peaches, creamy burrata, and fresh basil are drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze—light, sweet, and so summery.
Serve With: Grilled sourdough or crostini on the side for a rustic touch.
5. Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
Slow-cooked pulled pork is a BBQ classic. Serve it up on soft brioche slider buns with crunchy apple-cabbage slaw and a swipe of BBQ sauce for the perfect bite-sized sandwich.
Time Saver: Make the pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot and warm it on the grill before serving.
How to Design the Perfect Backyard: 7 Layout Ideas You’ll Love
6. Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
This refreshing, no-cook side is always a hit on hot days. Sweet watermelon cubes, salty feta, and fresh mint come together for the ultimate summer salad. Add a drizzle of lime or balsamic for extra zing.
Presentation Tip: Serve in a hollowed-out watermelon for a festive, easy centerpiece.
7. Grilled Peach Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
Cap off your backyard bash with a rustic grilled dessert. Halve fresh peaches, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and grill until tender. Top with a quick oat crumble and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Shortcut: Use store-bought granola if you're short on time—it adds crunch and flavor with zero fuss.
Whether you're hosting a big summer celebration or a cozy backyard get-together, these recipes bring flavor, charm, and ease to the table. With a mix of fresh ingredients, classic comfort, and a few elevated twists, you’ll have a backyard barbecue menu your guests will remember—and ask for again next time.