27 Southern BBQ Recipes You’ll Wish You’d Discovered Last Summer

Jenny deRemer

Jul 10, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Get ready to fire up the grill and experience a taste of the South with these 27 BBQ recipes you’ll wish you’d discovered last summer. From smoky ribs to tangy pulled pork, these dishes bring bold flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a BBQ pro or just starting out, these recipes will make your cookouts unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

A small glass bowl of barbecue sauce sprinkled with black pepper sits on a wooden surface, next to a bunch of fresh parsley. Behind the bowl, there is a hexagonal glass bottle filled with more barbecue sauce. The background is dark and blurred.
Photo Credit: Umamiology.

This sauce brings a unique twist to your summer grilling with its blend of Dr Pepper and spices. It’s perfect for adding a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to ribs or chicken. Ideal for cookouts, it enhances the taste of your grilled dishes effortlessly. The easy preparation makes it a convenient choice for BBQ enthusiasts. Enjoy a flavorful BBQ experience with this standout sauce.
Get the Recipe: Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

Grilled Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Chicken skewers coated in a creamy, tan-colored sauce, garnished with a sprig of green cilantro.
Photo Credit: Strength and Sunshine.

Ideal for a summer BBQ dinner, these grilled chicken satay skewers are marinated in spices and coconut milk. Served with a creamy peanut sauce, they offer a delicious taste of Thailand. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Easy Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

Cooked chicken pieces, green and red bell peppers, onions, a lemon wedge, and fresh cilantro.
Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

These chicken fajita foil packets are perfect for summer grilling or baking. Loaded with seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onions, they cook together for an easy, mess-free meal. Serve with tortillas for a fun and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

A sandwich with shredded meat and melted cheese on a bun, placed on a white crumpled paper next to a red and white checkered napkin.
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Dishes with Dad.

This mustard-based Carolina Gold BBQ sauce is a Southern staple that adds a tangy kick to any grilled meat. It’s rich and flavorful, making it perfect for ribs, chicken, or even as a dipping sauce. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular BBQ sauce.
Get the Recipe: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Tacos de Bistec con Chimichurri (Chimichurri Steak Tacos)

A plate with two tacos filled with meat, vegetables, and herbs; a side of grilled corn on the cob topped with a white sauce; and a fresh salad of cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.
Photo Credit: A Latin Flair.

These steak tacos with chimichurri sauce are perfect for a summer dinner meal. Juicy marinated steak is topped with vibrant chimichurri sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas. A delicious handheld option for outdoor dining.
Get the Recipe: Tacos de Bistec con Chimichurri (Chimichurri Steak Tacos)

DIY BBQ Rub Recipe – Homemade Gift

Three glass jars labeled "Sweet & Smoky BBQ Rub" contain a light brown seasoning and have wooden spoons tied to their sides with twine. The jars are positioned on a white surface with a blurred background. The focus is on the jar in the foreground.
Photo Credit: xoxoBella.

This BBQ rub is a thoughtful homemade gift that adds amazing flavor to your grilled dishes. Easy to prepare with a mix of spices, it’s perfect for summer grilling, ensuring your BBQ has a professional touch. Versatile and practical, it can be used on a variety of meats. Share the love of BBQ with this simple yet impactful rub. It’s a great addition to any grilling repertoire.
Get the Recipe: DIY BBQ Rub Recipe – Homemade Gift

Alabama White Sauce

A spoon lifting creamy, pepper-speckled dressing from a mason jar.
Photo Credit: Dishes with Dad.

Alabama white sauce is a unique, tangy Southern mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce that’s a must-try for any grilling enthusiast. It’s perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken or using as a dipping sauce for veggies. Its creamy texture and bold flavor make it a standout at any BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Alabama White Sauce

Pineapple BBQ Sauce

A close-up of a clear glass filled with a reddish-brown sauce, possibly sweet and sour sauce, with visible chunks of ingredients. A twisted metal spoon is standing up in the sauce. The background is slightly blurred.
Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

Offering a tropical twist with the sweetness of pineapple, this sauce is ideal for summer BBQs. Perfect for glazing ribs and chicken, it adds a fruity and tangy flavor. Easy to prepare, it brings a fresh and vibrant taste to your grilling. Perfect for those looking to add a unique touch to their BBQ. Make your BBQ memorable with this pineapple-infused sauce.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple BBQ Sauce

Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A pulled pork sandwich on a bun is centered on a white plate, with coleslaw on the side. In the background, there is a woven basket and a red-striped cloth.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

These smoked Carolina pulled pork sandwiches are the ultimate Southern comfort food, featuring tender, smoky pork piled high on a bun. Topped with a tangy vinegar-based slaw, they’re bursting with flavor. Perfect for a summer get-together or a casual family meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Grilled Chuck Roast

Slices of cooked brisket are displayed on a wooden cutting board, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme.
Photo Credit: Miss in the Kitchen.

This Southern grilled chuck roast is marinated to perfection and slow cooked on the grill for a rich, smoky flavor. The meat is tender and juicy, making it ideal for slicing and serving with your favorite sides. It’s a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chuck Roast

A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A spoon with thick, golden-brown sauce containing small dark particles hovers over a stainless steel pot partially filled with the same liquid.
A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Add some Southern flair to your BBQ with this sweet, sticky, and spicy bourbon glaze. It’s perfect for brushing on ribs, chicken, or even shrimp, giving them a beautiful, caramelized finish. The combination of sweetness and heat will have everyone raving.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

Grilled BBQ Chicken

Two grilled chicken halves with a crispy, browned exterior on a textured metal baking tray.
Photo Credit: Art of Natural Living.

This grilled BBQ chicken is the epitome of Southern summer dining, featuring a homemade BBQ sauce that’s smoky and tangy. The chicken turns out perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. Pair it with some grilled veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken

Sweet Crock Pot Pulled Pork

A close-up of a barbecue pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw in a bun.
Photo Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

This Southern crock pot pulled pork is sweet, tender, and incredibly easy to make. Just set it and forget it, and come back to a pot full of delicious, shredded pork. Serve it on buns with a side of coleslaw for a classic Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs with a Cayenne Kick

A glazed piece of cooked chicken and a side of mixed vegetables on a white plate.
Photo Credit: Kim Schob.

This slow cooker BBQ chicken gets a sweet twist with the addition of peaches and a spicy cayenne kick. This dish is perfect for a summer evening when you want something flavorful and a little different. Serve it with a side of corn on the cob for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs with a Cayenne Kick

Blueberry BBQ Sauce

A close-up of glazed barbecue ribs arranged on a dark plate. The ribs have a shiny, caramelized coating. In the background there is a dollop of sauce with a spoon and a piece of bread. The overall color palette is rich with browns and reds.
Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

This sauce offers a sweet and tangy flavor with the addition of blueberries, making it ideal for summer BBQs. Perfect for glazing chicken and pork, it adds a fruity note to your dishes. Easy to prepare, it brings a fresh and vibrant taste to your grilling. Perfect for those looking to experiment with unique flavors. Enjoy a standout BBQ with this blueberry-infused sauce.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry BBQ Sauce

Cherry BBQ Sauce

A small white ramekin filled with chocolate sauce is placed on a white saucer. A pink spoon is resting next to it on the saucer. In the background, there is a colorful striped cloth in red, green, and white. A single strawberry lies next to the saucer.
Photo Credit: Art of Natural Living.

Offering a sweet and slightly tart flavor with the addition of cherries, this sauce is ideal for summer grilling. Perfect for glazing ribs and chicken, it adds a unique taste to your BBQ. Easy to prepare, this sauce brings a fresh and fruity note to your dishes. Perfect for those looking to add a twist to traditional BBQ flavors. Enjoy a memorable BBQ with this cherry-infused sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cherry BBQ Sauce

Gravymaster BBQ Sauce Recipe

Close-up of a grilled steak topped with barbecue sauce, displaying a juicy and charred exterior. In the background are blurred yellow and red roasted vegetables, adding a pop of color to the dish. The entire scene suggests a delicious and hearty meal.
Photo Credit: Confessions Of An Overworked Mom.

Using Gravymaster to add depth and richness, this sauce is perfect for summer cookouts. It enhances the flavor of meats with its robust and savory profile. Easy to make, it’s a practical choice for any BBQ enthusiast. Perfect for adding a touch of professional flavor to your grilled dishes. Make your BBQ sessions special with this rich and flavorful sauce.
Get the Recipe: Gravymaster BBQ Sauce Recipe

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

A pulled pork sandwich topped with coleslaw and yellow sauce on a white plate, with a jar of yellow sauce and a colorful cloth in the background.
Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

This mustard-based sauce is a staple for South Carolina BBQ, known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for pulled pork and grilled chicken, it adds a distinctive taste to your summer cookouts. Easy to make, it’s a practical choice for any BBQ enthusiast. Perfect for those who enjoy a tangy twist in their BBQ sauces. Make your BBQ sessions memorable with this classic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Grilled shrimp skewers with yellow and red peppers, garnished with fresh herbs.
Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

These grilled shrimp kabobs are ideal for mid-summer dinner, combining tender shrimp with a vibrant array of vegetables. Marinated in a tangy garlic and lemon mixture, they are grilled to perfection. Enjoy them with a fresh lemon squeeze for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

The Greatest Grilled Chicken…EVER!

Sliced grilled chicken with a browned, crispy exterior on a white surface.
Photo Credit: Strength and Sunshine.

Claiming the title of “greatest” is no small feat, but this Southern grilled chicken earns it with a flavorful marinade and perfect grilling technique. The result is chicken that’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s a must-try for any BBQ lover.
Get the Recipe: The Greatest Grilled Chicken…EVER!

Carne Asada (the Secret to Tenderness)

Sliced grilled steak garnished with fresh herbs, served with diced tomatoes and onions on a white plate.
Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

Perfect for summer grilling, this carne asada is marinated in a citrusy, garlicky blend, resulting in tender, flavorful beef. Grill it to your preferred doneness and slice thinly for tacos. It’s a great choice for outdoor dinner with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada (the Secret to Tenderness)

Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

Barbecue chicken drumsticks covered in a reddish-brown sauce, cooking on a grill.
Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Southern BBQ chicken drumsticks are marinated and grilled to perfection, making them a hit at any summer cookout. The marinade infuses the chicken with flavor, and the grilling adds a delightful char. They’re easy to make and impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

Healthy Ground Chicken Feta Burgers with Spinach

A chicken burger with spinach, arugula, tomato slices, and crumbled feta cheese in a whole wheat bun.
Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

These chicken burgers are a healthier summer option without sacrificing flavor. Ground chicken mixed with spinach and feta is grilled to perfection. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings for a light, satisfying dinner meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Ground Chicken Feta Burgers with Spinach

Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Dijon Marinade

Grilled pork chops garnished with rosemary on a white plate.
Photo Credit: Little Black Skillet.

These Southern-style grilled pork chops are marinated in a zesty mix of rosemary and Dijon mustard, giving them a mouthwatering flavor. The marinade makes the meat tender and juicy, perfect for a summer BBQ. Serve them hot off the grill for a meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Dijon Marinade

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Grilled chicken thighs garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Photo Credit: Spend with Pennies.

This cilantro lime chicken is a bright and fresh choice for summer dinners. Marinated in a blend of lime juice, cilantro, and garlic, the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection. Serve over rice or with a salad for a light, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken

Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze

A smoked glazed bologna with a checkered pattern on the surface, displayed on a wooden cutting board.
Photo Credit: Smoked Meat Sunday.

Elevate your BBQ game with this Southern smoked bologna, glazed with a spicy honey mix that’s both sweet and fiery. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Slice it thick and serve with a side of your favorite slaw.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze

Pineapple Pork Skewers

Grilled meat and vegetable skewers garnished with chopped herbs are arranged on a white plate with lime wedges.
Photo Credit: On My Kids Plate.

These pineapple pork skewers bring a tropical touch to your summer BBQ dinner. Marinated in a savory soy and ginger sauce, the pork pairs perfectly with sweet, juicy pineapple. Grill until caramelized for a delightful combination of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pork Skewers

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

Categorized as:

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

Read More About Me

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *