10 BBQ Dinner Ideas To Make You the Grill Master

ByEmma

There’s nothing quite like the smoky savory flavors of a perfectly grilled BBQ dinner. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party a family gathering or just craving some flame-kissed goodness these 10 BBQ dinner ideas will elevate your grilling game and leave everyone begging for seconds.

From tender meats to smoky veggies and irresistible sides we’ve got everything you need to dominate the grill and impress your guests. Let’s fire it up!

1. Classic Smoked Brisket

The king of BBQ—juicy tender and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole beef brisket (10-12 lbs)
  • ¼ cup coarse kosher salt
  • ¼ cup black pepper
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 cup beef broth (for spritzing)

Instructions:

  1. Trim the fat off the brisket leaving about ¼ inch for flavor.
  2. Mix salt pepper garlic powder onion powder and paprika to make a dry rub. Coat the brisket evenly.
  3. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) and use oak or hickory wood for smoke.
  4. Smoke the brisket fat-side down for 6-8 hours spritzing with beef broth every hour.
  5. Wrap in butcher paper when the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) then cook until 203°F (95°C).
  6. Rest for 1 hour before slicing against the grain.

Pro Tip: Patience is key—low and slow ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Contents

2. Sticky Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken

Sweet sticky and finger-licking good.

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken thighs (bone-in skin-on)
  • ½ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Whisk honey soy sauce garlic vinegar and paprika to make the glaze.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper then grill over medium heat (skin-side down first).
  3. Brush glaze onto chicken during the last 10 minutes flipping to caramelize.
  4. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Pro Tip: Use indirect heat to prevent burning the sugary glaze.

3. Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Succulent shrimp with a rich buttery finish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • Wooden skewers (soaked)

Instructions:

  1. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
  2. Mix butter garlic lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
  3. Grill shrimp over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side basting with butter sauce.
  4. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook—shrimp turns rubbery fast!

4. Smoky BBQ Pulled Beef Sandwiches

Fall-apart tender beef piled high on a bun.

Ingredients:

  • 5 lb beef shoulder
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp mustard powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 8 brioche buns
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rub beef with brown sugar paprika mustard and cumin.
  2. Smoke at 250°F (121°C) for 8-10 hours until 195°F (90°C).
  3. Shred beef mix with BBQ sauce.
  4. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

Pro Tip: Save the drippings for extra flavor in the sauce!

5. Grilled BBQ Ribs (Fall-Off-The-Bone)

The ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 2 racks baby back ribs
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

  1. Remove membrane from ribs.
  2. Coat with dry rub (brown sugar + spices).
  3. Grill indirect at 275°F (135°C) for 3 hours then wrap in foil with BBQ sauce for 1 more hour.
  4. Unwrap glaze and grill 10 more minutes.

Pro Tip: The bend test = ribs are done when they crack slightly when bent.

6. Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter

A sweet spicy tangy side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 6 ears of corn (husked)
  • 4 tbsp softened butter
  • 1 lime (zested & juiced)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix butter lime zest lime juice and chili powder.
  2. Grill corn over medium heat turning occasionally for 10 mins.
  3. Slather with chili-lime butter.

Pro Tip: Soak corn in water for 30 mins before grilling for extra moisture.

7. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Spicy cheesy and irresistibly crispy.

Ingredients:

  • 12 jalapeños (halved & seeded)
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 12 bacon strips
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Mix cream cheese cheddar and garlic powder.
  2. Stuff jalapeños wrap with bacon.
  3. Grill over indirect heat until bacon is crispy.

Pro Tip: Use thin bacon—it crisps up better!

8. Grilled BBQ Pineapple

A sweet caramelized dessert or side.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pineapple (sliced into rings)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Grill pineapple 3-4 mins per side.
  2. Drizzle with honey and cinnamon.
  3. Serve with ice cream.

Pro Tip: Grill marks add extra flavor!

9. BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Juicy flavorful and fun to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
  • 1 can beer (half-full)
  • 2 tbsp BBQ rub
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Rub chicken with oil and seasoning.
  2. Place beer can in cavity stand chicken upright on grill.
  3. Grill indirect at 350°F (177°C) for 1.5 hours.

Pro Tip: Use a stand to keep the chicken stable.

10. Grilled BBQ Portobello Mushrooms (Veggie Option)

Meaty smoky and perfect for vegetarians.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large Portobello mushrooms
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Marinate mushrooms in BBQ sauce vinegar and garlic.
  2. Grill for 5-6 mins per side.

Pro Tip: Great as a burger substitute!

Final Thoughts

With these 10 unbeatable BBQ dinner ideas you’re ready to rule the grill and leave your guests in awe. Whether you prefer smoky brisket sticky ribs or grilled veggies there’s something here for every BBQ lover.

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