12 Grilling Recipes to Try During National Barbecue Month

First, check out our BBQ Cherry Cola Chicken Legs. You might be thinking, “Chicken legs? As an appetizer?” But don’t worry, these perfectly portable tasty treats are a great way to your meal. With only three ingredients, they’re simple to make and offer sweet, spicy, tangy flavor that can’t be beat.

Cheesy Brisket Bites are another hearty appetizer that’s sure to please. Crispy cheddar cheese mixes perfectly with the melt-in-your-mouth flavor of smoked brisket. Fresh cilantro and pickled red onion add brightness to the dish.

Speaking of brisket, you can also make these Homemade Brisket & Cheese Croissants. These flaky, buttery appetizers are best right off the grill – with a few minutes to cool, of course. They’re just begging to be pulled apart and eaten one ooey, gooey, cheesy piece at a time.

First, check out this recipe for a Southern BBQ Sundae, courtesy of our partners at Operation BBQ Relief. No, it’s not a dessert. Instead, it’s your favorite parts of a great, homecooked, barbecued meal all served together in a Mason jar! This recipe has it all – pulled pork, grilled cornbread, baked beans, even bacon! Think layers upon layers of your favorite flavors all wrapped into one. Grab a fork and dig in, no plate needed.

BBQ Turkey Pizza is a fresh take on an old favorite. This pizza crisps up in no time on a pizza stone set over the grill’s grates. Shredded turkey, barbecue sauce, red onion, and green belle pepper all mingle together to create and unique and flavorful pie.

There are ribs, and then there are Double Smoky Ribs with Bacon-Bourbon BBQ Sauce. Is your mouth watering yet? This recipe has it all. A hint of sweetness comes from peach preserves, molasses, and sugar. A little heat comes from cayenne pepper, chili sauce, spicy brown mustard, and hot pepper sauce. And the smoky flavor? That comes from smoked paprika, bacon, and of course, bourbon. Smoke the ribs over apple or hickory wood chips and you’ve got flavor perfection.

Let’s start with BBQ Slaw. This recipe requires little-to-no prep work because it calls for a pre-chopped bag of slaw mix. The tart, sweet, and savory sauce combines apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce for a well-balanced dish. Red onion slivers add a bit of bite to this fresh side dish.

The potato may be the unsung hero of the kitchen – or the grill. It can take so many forms. It can be mashed, fried, smashed, sliced, or shredded. It can even be baked whole, like the potatoes in this BBQ Baked Potato recipe. Think loaded baked potato, but with a few extras. You still have all the toppings you love, including shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, bacon, and sour cream, but this version incorporates brisket and a sweet and smoky rub, too.

Let’s talk about baked beans. These Beer Bacon BBQ Beans take things up a notch with added layers of flavor – literally! These beans are bubbling hot right off the grill because they’re cooked in a cast iron pan. Brown sugar and molasses give a hint of sweetness, a layer of bacon adds in a smoky component, and beer gives this dish a little something special. Your guests will be asking themselves, “what’s their secret ingredient?”

Did you know it’s possible to make BBQ Apple Pies? This recipe calls for classic ingredients, including fresh apples, cinnamon, sugar, lemon juice, and butter. But what sets it apart is how you bake the pie. Instead of popping it into the oven, you’ll cook this pie to perfection over indirect heat on the grill. Pro tip: Don’t open the grill’s lid! You’ll let the heat escape. Instead, use a flashlight to peek through the vent holes on your grill to see how your pie is cooking. Serve this pie warm, but not piping hot, with ice cream and some sharp cheddar cheese. Yum!

This next dessert recipe defies the odds. We’re making BBQ Ice Cream! Yes, it’s possible, and yes, it’s delicious. This recipe is like getting two desserts in one because it features pound cake, ice cream, and some traditional sundae toppings. The end result looks a bit like Baked Alaska but includes all the smoky goodness the grill has to offer. Some fresh mint leaves top the whole thing off and really round out the dish.

Finally, we’re diving into a delicious BBQ Peach & Blueberry Pie. Fresh berries, ripe peaches, and just a hint of lemon zest will make this sweet and tart treat a hit. Much like the other desserts we’ve mentioned, this pie is cooked on the grill giving it a slightly wood-fired taste. It’s the perfect ending to any spring or summer meal.