Summer in the South means one thing: BBQ season! Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard bash or a family dinner, these 15 Southern summer BBQ recipes will have you wishing you discovered them sooner. Get ready for smoky flavors, tangy sauces, ridiculously amazing rubs, and perfectly charred meats that will propel you to the title of pitmaster numero uno! This list features everything from barbecued chicken to various sauces to Southern smoked bologna with a hot honey glaze – it’s nearly July 4th weekend – what are YOU grilling?

DIY BBQ Rub Recipe – Homemade Gift

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

Grilled BBQ Chicken

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

Alabama White Sauce

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

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

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

Pineapple BBQ Sauce

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

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

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

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

Sweet Crock Pot Pulled Pork

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

Blueberry BBQ Sauce

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

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

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

The Greatest Grilled Chicken…EVER!

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!

Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

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

Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Dijon Marinade

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

Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze

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