Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (2024)

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (1)

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There's something truly magical about barbecue. Maybe it's the incredibly flavorful meat, the tasty BBQ sides, or the leisurely hours spent making it on a summer afternoon. But whatever it is that gets you excited about barbecue, one thing's for sure: these grilling recipes are hard to beat! From crave-worthy ribs and sliders to chicken recipes and bbq brisket, we'll cover all the BBQ recipes you need to make the ultimate backyard meal.

The best part about these barbecue recipes is that you don't have to be a pitmaster to make them—and you don't even have to spend hours in front of the grill! Try the bbq beef sandwiches made in an Instant Pot or get creative with the oven-roasted barbecue chicken. Looking to take things outdoors? Ree Drummond's sweet and smoky ribs are a cookout favorite. Whip them up with homemade barbecue sauce or try one of these barbecue sauce brands—the options are endless. Speaking of options, we've also including tons of classic BBQ accompaniments from mac and cheese and coleslaw to Ree's famous Best-Ever Baked Beans. All you need to complete the meal is a side of pickles and sliced bread!

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1

Spicy Whiskey BBQ Sliders

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (2)

Saucy, decadent, and a little bit spicy—these sliders are a must-have at any backyard barbecue. Not to mention, they come together in just 30 minutes!

Get Ree's recipe.

SHOP PLATTERS

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2

Best-Ever Grilled Ribs

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These barbecue ribs have double the flavor thanks to the dry spice rub and the sticky-sweet sauce. You'll definitely need a napkin while eating these ribs.

Get the recipe.

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3

Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

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A homemade barbecue sauce made with chipotle chilis, brown sugar, and garlic will make this chicken recipe stand out at your next cookout. Be sure to reserve extra sauce for serving on the side.

Get Ree's recipe.

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4

Classic Coleslaw

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (5)

Why does a classic barbecue dinner call for a classic coleslaw recipe? It's refreshing, crunchy, and so easy to make!

Get the recipe.

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5

Spicy BBQ Brisket

This bbq brisket recipe might not be the quickest dinner, but it’s worth the wait! Once the meat is tender from roasting, it’s finished with a flavorful mop right on the grill.

Get Ree's recipe.

SHOP GRILL TOOLS

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6

Instant Pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches

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These shredded beef sandwiches get their smoky flavor from chili powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika. To balance it out, molasses and brown sugar add a touch of sweetness.

Get Ree's recipe.

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7

Red Potato Salad

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (8)

Potato salad can come in all different variations, but this one with crispy bacon and fresh dill is sure to delight. Make it ahead to give it time to chill.

Get the recipe.

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8

Sweet and Smoky Ribs

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To make these finger-licking ribs, use your favorite bottle of bbq sauce or make your own—either way you can't go wrong. Bonus points if you serve them with a refreshing wedge of watermelon.

Get Ree's recipe.

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9

Macaroni Salad

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (10)

Ree has perfected her macaroni salad over the years—it's creamy but light and sweet but tangy. Plus, it's loaded with a confetti of colors that's perfect for summer.

Get Ree's recipe.

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10

BBQ Hot Dogs with Cilantro Slaw

Sure, simple grilled hot dogs are delicious, but brush them with barbecue sauce and top them with tangy slaw and they'll be anything but ordinary.

Get Ree's recipe.

SHOP MIXING BOWLS

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11

Oven Barbecue Chicken

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You'll love the sweet and spicy flavor of this easy chicken recipe—all you need to do is add peach preserves to your favorite BBQ sauce.

Get Ree's recipe.

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12

Instant Pot Ribs with Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (13)

These bbq ribs are made with one of Ree Drummond's favorite ingredients: Dr Pepper! The soda helps to flavor and tenderize the meat so it's fall-off-the-bone good.

Get the recipe.

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13

Skillet Cornbread

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (14)

Not all barbecue joints serve cornbread, but in your kitchen, you can do what you want. And cornbread is always a good idea—especially for sopping up barbecue sauce!

Get Ree's recipe.

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14

BBQ Meatball Subs

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These BBQ-style meatballs are perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners. Serve them up with pickles and a side of potato chips for a quick and easy meal.

Get Ree's recipe.

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15

Tangy Coleslaw

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Add some color to your favorite barbecue dishes by serving up a side of this bright and tangy slaw. It has red cabbage and shredded carrots, but you can also use a colorful slaw mix.

Get Ree's recipe.

SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS

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16

Ladd's Grilled Tenderloin

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Feeding a crowd? This Drummond family-favorite will make enough for all your friends and family (and you may even have extras!).

Get Ree's recipe.

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17

The Best Baked Beans Ever

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The key to making the best baked beans ever is cooking them low and slow—oh, and toping them with bacon, of course!

Get Ree's recipe.

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18

Barbecue Chicken Salad

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Want to give your barbecue a lighter spin? Try serving the sweet and sticky chicken over a crunchy refreshing salad. It's a healthy dinner idea that even cowboys will love.

Get Ree's recipe.

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19

Macaroni and Cheese

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (20)

This classic barbecue sidekick will be a hit with kids and adults alike. It's creamy, cheesy, and so delicious.

Get Ree's recipe.

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20

BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (21)

This creative mash-up combines saucy barbecue pulled pork with cheesy homemade pizza. It's sure to become a new favorite!

Get the recipe.

SHOP PIZZA CUTTERS

Host the Ultimate Cookout with the Best of Our BBQ Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to host the best cookout? ›

10 Tips for Hosting a Cookout
  1. send Invitations. You don't need to send fancy invitations for a cookout. ...
  2. Make a list. ...
  3. Prep Early and do a big grocery shop ahead of time. ...
  4. don't be afraid to Delegate. ...
  5. put out plenty of tables and chairs. ...
  6. use lights and fresh flowers for simple Decor. ...
  7. provide sunscreen and bug spray. ...
  8. set up Games.
May 24, 2022

How to host the best barbecue? ›

The key to a great barbecue is to keep it casual. Don't go overboard on the menu: focus on a few tried-and-true recipes. Think quality, not quantity. Pick one or two meat-oriented meals (burgers, steaks, or sausages are solid bets), and an easy veggie option (roasted veggie skewers are always a win).

What to have at a BBQ cookout? ›

Proteins like hamburger patties, hotdogs, chicken or shrimp are all common foods to throw on the grill. Bringing a side dish like salads, vegetables and fruits is the perfect complement to the hearty main course. Cold drinks like water, soda and lemonade are also essential to keep hydrated during this hot holiday.

How to throw an amazing barbecue? ›

How to Throw a BBQ: The Ultimate Cookout Guide
  1. Pick a date and time.
  2. Create a guest list.
  3. Plan a budget.
  4. Develop a menu.
  5. Make a shopping list.
  6. Figure out what party supplies you need.

How to plan a cookout menu? ›

Balance is the key to a successful cookout menu. Aim for a mix of proteins (meat, poultry, fish, tofu), side dishes (salads, grilled veggies, potatoes), and desserts (think summer fruits, ice cream, and cobblers). Remember, not everything needs to be grilled. Cold sides and desserts can make a refreshing contrast.

How do I host a BBQ for friends? ›

create a bar area

If you have the space, a separate 'bar' area will add to the fun and free up space on your outdoor dining table. To keep cans, cartons, and bottles cool, you'll need a well-filled ice bucket — if you don't have one big enough, one of our favourite garden party ideas is to use a wheelbarrow instead!

How can I impress a barbecue? ›

Here are 11 of my tried and true backyard barbecue party tips to impress your guests without stress.
  1. Prep food before your guests arrive. ...
  2. Make sure you have enough propane or charcoal. ...
  3. Put up decorative outside lights. ...
  4. Serve snacks away from the cooking.

What makes a great barbecue? ›

When BBQ is cooked slow, good things happen. Deep, rich flavors are created and absorbed from the wood fire. The marbled fat in the meat renders down making it juicy and tender and imparting a wonderful flavor mixed with the rub as it absorbs smoke.

How to throw a successful cookout? ›

Make sure you understand your guests and curate a playlist that fits the mood and has a familiar quality to it. Entertainment is another crucial aspect of a successful cookout. Whether it's a playlist of summer hits, some live music, or backyard games, make sure there's something to keep your guests entertained.

How to make a cookout fun? ›

Entertain with Backyard Games

No cookout is complete without backyard games! Get the games started with cornhole, ladder golf, croquet, and even some large yard Jenga.

What foods do you serve at a cookout? ›

Get the Watermelon Caprese recipe.
  • Baked Beans. PHOTO: NICO SCHINCO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. ...
  • Campfire Hot Dog Skewers. PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. ...
  • Grilled Stuffed Peppers. ...
  • Classic Coleslaw. ...
  • Grilled Beer Brats. ...
  • Grilled Shrimp Piccata Skewers. ...
  • Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. ...
  • Antipasto Potato Salad.
Apr 18, 2024

What is the 3 2 1 rule BBQ? ›

The 3-2-1 method is as straightforward as it sounds: You smoke the ribs as normal for the first three hours, cook them wrapped in foil for the next two, then finish them for one more hour unwrapped.

What not to do with a BBQ? ›

  1. ​1. ​​Don't forget to clean your barbecue regularly​​
  2. Don't light the coals with lighter fluid.
  3. Don't start cooking without preheating the grill to your desired temperature​​
  4. Don't guess when meat is done.
  5. Don't grill with the lid open.
  6. Don't cook everything the same way.

How do you host the best party ever? ›

Here, how to be a good host — in nine steps.
  1. Give yourself lots of time. ...
  2. Keep the guest list small. ...
  3. Simplify your menu. ...
  4. Don't cook something new. ...
  5. Invite a close friend over early. ...
  6. Make sure your house smells good and has enough lighting. ...
  7. Set boundaries. ...
  8. Enlist some help.
Jun 12, 2023

How do you entertain a cookout? ›

Here are 23 summer cookout ideas for your next backyard bbq, picnic or party.
  1. Bartender. Put down the spiked seltzer cans and beer bottles this summer and hire a professional bartender instead! ...
  2. Country Band. ...
  3. Party Inflatables. ...
  4. Live Band. ...
  5. DJ. ...
  6. Fire Dancer/Fire Eater. ...
  7. Food Truck. ...
  8. Steel Drum Player.

How to make a barbecue party fun? ›

Provide outdoor activities for kids and adults

Anytime you have guests over for a summer barbeque, make certain you have plenty of activities like a cornhole game, lawn Yahtzee, or horseshoes set up away from any cooking area. Yard games can keep your company busy and away from you while you're grilling.

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