Planning a BBQ party and not sure what to make? These 31 tasty recipes have you covered with mains, sides, and sweets that everyone will want a bite of. They’re easy to throw together and packed with the kind of flavor that works for any backyard get-together. Bring one or more and you’ll have a winning dish every time.
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Miso Glazed Salmon
Impress the crowd with this miso-glazed salmon that’s full of bold, sweet, and salty flavor. It cooks quickly on the grill or in a pan, and the glaze sticks just right without being too thick. This is a great recipe to make for a BBQ party when you want something easy that still feels a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Raspberry Jam Bars
Sweet and soft with a fruit-filled center, these raspberry jam bars are simple to slice and easy to serve. They hold their shape, taste great warm or chilled, and always disappear fast. Bring these to a BBQ party when you want a dessert that travels well and doesn’t leave behind crumbs.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Marinate your chicken in lemon for flavor that’s fresh, light, and just a little zesty. The meat stays juicy on the grill and pairs well with just about any side dish you’ve got. This recipe works great for a BBQ party because it’s easy to prep ahead and even easier to cook.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Beer Boiled Brats
Start your brats in a pot of beer to lock in moisture and boost the flavor before they ever touch the grill. They get a crisp snap on the outside and stay tender inside, which makes them a reliable hit. These are perfect for a BBQ party when you want something that’s simple, hearty, and always gets finished.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Toss together quinoa, tomatoes, and a quick dressing for a side dish that holds up well and doesn’t get soggy. It’s light but filling, with enough flavor to stand on its own next to heavier mains. This one is a smart choice for a BBQ party because it packs easily and keeps its texture from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Avocado Tomato Salad
Mix creamy avocado with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato for a salad that checks every box. It’s fresh without being bland and comes together in just a few minutes. This is a go-to dish for a BBQ party because it balances out all the grilled meats on the table.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Use a simple lime marinade to give grilled chicken a bright flavor that cuts through everything else on your plate. It cooks fast and stays juicy, with no need for extra sauce or toppings. This is one of those recipes that fits right into a BBQ party menu and keeps everyone full without slowing you down.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Add some heat to your burger lineup with chipotle seasoning and jalapeño mayo that brings smoky flavor and a little kick. These burgers are juicy, bold, and need almost nothing else to shine. Make this recipe for your next BBQ party when you want a main that’s easy to cook but still stands out.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeño Mayo
Twix Copycat Bars
Stack a buttery shortbread base with thick caramel and smooth chocolate for bars that feel like a candy bar in dessert form. They slice clean and travel well, which makes them great for outdoor tables and grab-and-go servings. These are a smart dessert to make for a BBQ party when you want something sweet that doesn’t need a fork.
Get the Recipe: Twix Copycat Bars
Lemon Kale Salad
Soften raw kale with a lemon dressing that’s sharp and simple, then toss it with cheese for extra flavor. It’s not the same old side salad, which makes it a fun surprise on any table. This is a fresh and easy choice for a BBQ party when you want something green that still has bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Cucumber Salad
Toss sliced cucumbers with herbs and a quick dressing for a side that’s light, crisp, and full of flavor. It takes just a few ingredients and comes together in minutes without turning soggy. This salad is a refreshing choice that fits perfectly on any BBQ party table filled with grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Wrap up chicken, rice, veggies, and cheese in foil for a meal that locks in flavor and leaves no mess behind. Each packet cooks all at once and comes out hot, juicy, and ready to eat. This is an easy way to serve something filling and fun at your BBQ party without needing a bunch of pans.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Roast squash, mix in tangy cheese and dried fruit, and toss it all with quinoa for a side that’s colorful and satisfying. The mix of textures keeps it interesting, and it holds up well even after sitting out. This is one of those dishes that adds something hearty and flavorful to any BBQ party spread.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Frosted Banana Bars
Use up ripe bananas with these soft and sweet bars topped with smooth frosting that sets up just right. They’re easy to bake in one pan and cut clean for serving outside without fuss. These bars are a smart dessert pick for a BBQ party when you want something comforting that’s still easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts tossed in a sharp dressing stay crisp and fresh without needing bacon or cream. It’s a simple mix that adds crunch and flavor to the table without being too heavy. This salad is a smart and unexpected option for a BBQ party when you want a green side that holds its own.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Bake a thick cookie base, layer it with caramel and chocolate, and you’ve got a bar that’s rich and easy to serve. These bars travel well and don’t fall apart, which makes them great for passing around. They’re a solid dessert choice for a BBQ party when you want something sweet that everyone can grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Spinach Caprese Salad
Toss together fresh spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella, and bits of prosciutto for a salad that’s rich but still light. It looks great on the table and tastes even better with just a drizzle of oil or a splash of dressing. This is a great salad to bring to a BBQ party when you want something that feels a little dressed up without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad
Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes
Roast tomatoes low and slow until they’re sweet, soft, and packed with flavor. They work on their own or spoon over grilled meats, pasta, or bread. These are an easy make-ahead option for a BBQ party when you want something with bold flavor that doesn’t need much else.
Get the Recipe: Slow Roasted Italian Tomatoes
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Mix chopped tomatoes and cucumbers with oil, vinegar, and herbs for a salad that’s cool, crunchy, and full of fresh taste. It pairs well with grilled meats and doesn’t wilt quickly, which makes it easy to serve outdoors. This is a simple side dish that fits right into any BBQ party spread.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Asian Marinated Steak
Soak steak in soy, garlic, and ginger for a bold flavor that hits deep in every bite. It grills quickly and slices up for easy serving without needing anything extra. This is a standout BBQ party recipe when you want something meaty that feels a little more special without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
These bars land somewhere between a cookie and a brownie, with a soft bite and lots of chocolate in every piece. They bake in one pan and hold together well, so they’re easy to stack or pass around outside. Make these when your BBQ party needs a sweet treat that’s simple to serve and hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
BBQ Vinaigrette Dressing
Shake together this bold vinaigrette that mixes smoky and tangy flavors in just a few steps. It works on greens, grilled veggies, or even drizzled over meats for a boost of flavor. This is a quick and easy way to add something special to your BBQ party without taking up stove space.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Vinaigrette Dressing
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Add a smoky kick to grilled corn with a chipotle butter that melts in and coats each bite. The corn stays sweet and juicy while the spice adds something extra without overpowering. This is a must-have side dish for a BBQ party when you want a classic with a twist that still keeps things simple.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Toss together peaches and blueberries with a quick crumble topping for a dessert that’s soft in the middle and crisp on top. It bakes fast and tastes great warm or at room temperature, which makes it easy to bring along. This is a crowd-friendly BBQ party dessert that’s full of flavor but doesn’t need a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crisp
Vegan Couscous Salad
Mix fluffy couscous with chopped veggies and herbs for a side that’s light, colorful, and easy to make. It’s great on its own or alongside grilled mains, and it stays fresh even after sitting out. This is a smart pick for a BBQ party because it packs well and adds something bright to the table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Miso Glazed Chicken
Brush chicken with a miso glaze that gives it a sweet, salty flavor and a sticky finish that clings just right. It grills up fast and doesn’t need much else to shine on the plate. This is a solid BBQ party option when you want something bold that still cooks up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Let the slow cooker or pressure cooker handle this BBQ chicken that comes out tender, juicy, and ready to pile on buns. It’s packed with flavor and easy to serve to a group without needing to fire up the grill. This recipe is a go-to for any BBQ party where you need something that feeds a crowd fast.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Layer sweet blueberries between a buttery base and crumbly topping for bars that are easy to slice and easy to eat. They hold their shape well and travel great, which makes them perfect for sharing. These are a great dessert to make ahead for a BBQ party when you want something fruity that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
7 Layer Bars
Combine chocolate, coconut, and more in a bar that’s packed with layers and full of flavor in every bite. They come together in one pan and don’t need extra toppings or fuss to stand out. These are a fun BBQ party dessert that’s easy to grab and guaranteed to be one of the first things gone.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Stir up a smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce that works on burgers, grilled chicken, and more. It’s quick to make, easy to adjust, and better than anything from a bottle. Keep a jar of this ready for your BBQ party so every dish on the grill has the flavor it needs.
Get the Recipe: Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Layer zucchini, yellow squash, and tomato in a dish that’s as tasty as it is easy to make. It bakes until tender and rich with flavor, and it holds up well whether served warm or at room temperature. This is a smart choice for a BBQ party when you want a colorful veggie side that feels special without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair