BBQ season is the best season.
Nothing will get you fired up for summer quite like firing up the grill! So, as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, you’ll want to dust off those grill tools and head outdoors. Just don’t forget to check out this list of the best grilling recipes first! Whether you’re cooking on charcoal, a gas grill or even a portable grill (for your next camping trip), these grilling recipes are perfect for a summer cookout. Not only do they have that smoky, charred flavor that you can only achieve from grilling, but they also make cleanup easy, too! It's no wonder Ree Drummond looks to grilling for her summer dinner ideas: “We do the cooking outside and keep the fixings cool and crisp,” she says.
Here, you'll find a compilation of grilling recipes, each of which will inspire you to clean those grill grates and get to work. There are dozens of summer recipes for meat lovers, of course, like Ladd Drummond's legendary grilled tenderloin, hot dogs, and burgers, plus a super impressive cowboy steak topped with zesty ranch butter that is pure decadence. You'll also find plenty of grilled chicken recipes, BBQ recipes, and seafood mains like lemony shrimp skewers or grilled salmon for those craving lighter fare during the heat of the season. And because we can’t forget about dessert, this best-of list even has some summer treats, like grilled peaches and donut hole kebabs, that’ll change the way you think about grilling recipes. Here's to a summer of good, grilled eats!
1
Beer Brats
Sausages, and onions, and beer, oh my! This classic German dish is sure to become a crowd-favorite, especially on Father's Day.
Get the Beer Brats recipe.
2
Grilled Eggplant
Grilled eggplant is such an easy side dish. All you need is salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for seasoning, then grill 'em until beautifully charred.
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
3
Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad
For the perfect combination of sweet and savory, this summer dinner pairs chicken drumsticks with a fresh arugula salad topped with juicy grilled peaches. Serve it up with a shallot-tarragon dressing that you can make ahead.
Get Ree's Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Teriyaki Meatball-Broccoli Kebab
Meatballs on the grill? Yes, please! This new twist on a comfort food favorite turns meatballs into a fun grilled kebab. Add broccoli, peppers, and onions for a complete weeknight dinner.
Get the Teriyaki Meatball-Broccoli Kebab recipe.
5
Chipotle Carne Asada Tacos
Take Taco Tuesday outdoors. The marinated grilled flank steak is the perfect filling for these flavorful tacos. All they need is some guacamole or pico de gallo for topping.
Get Ree's Chipotle Carne Asada Tacos recipe.
6
Honey Mustard Chicken
Honey and mustard are a match made in heaven, especially when used for a flavorful marinade. After you grill the chicken, be sure to serve it with extra honey-mustard sauce for dipping.
Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Chile-Lime Steak Salad
You can grill this marinated steak outdoors or use a grill pan if you prefer the air conditioning. Either way, it's delicious on top of a crisp salad with a refreshingly spicy-sweet dressing.
Get Ree's Chile-Lime Steak Salad recipe.
8
Grilled Okra
If you're skeptical about okra, just try grilling it. The smoky flavor is absolutely divine! You can use skewers for cooking them, or just use a pair of tongs to flip them until nicely charred.
Get the Grilled Okra recipe.
9
Soy-Ginger Beef Kebabs
The key to a good grilling recipe is in the marinade, as is the case with these beef kebabs. The combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, sherry, ginger and garlic ensures that each bite is loaded with flavor.
Get Ree's Soy-Ginger Beef Kebabs recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Green Chile Cheeseburgers
Give your burgers a spicy kick by adding pepper jack cheese and grilled poblano peppers as the toppings. Oh, there's also cumin and cayenne pepper in each patty!
Get Ree's Green Chile Cheeseburgers recipe.
11
Grilled Pizza
The trick to making pizza on the grill is shaping the pizza dough on a piece of foil, and dropping the whole piece of foil on the grill. It couldn't be easier! Use store-bought pizza dough and jarred marinara sauce to make pizza night a breeze.
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
12
Grilled Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi is a mild white fish that's flaky, but firm enough to stand up to the grill. It's basically the perfect option for a healthy weeknight dinner when served with rice, salad, and lemon wedges.
Get the Grilled Mahi Mahi recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Wrap your grilled hot dogs in bacon and watch as the crowds gather round! Everyone will want to try the fun and smoky twist on a cookout favorite.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs recipe.
14
Cowboy Steak
Take your grilling recipes to the next level by making an over-the-top steak recipe that's fit for a cowboy! The bone-in, extra-thick cut ribeyes are even better when topped with melted ranch butter.
Get the Cowboy Steak recipe.
15
Doughnut Hole Kebabs
How cute are these mini doughnut hole kebabs? They'd make a fun addition to any 4th of July brunch menu, especially when served with the blueberry and strawberry sauces for dipping.
Get Ree's Doughnut Hole Kebabs recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar
A homemade ranch seasoning gives these turkey burgers a pop of flavor. But to take it one step further, Ree also adds bacon, cheese, and mustard sauce for extra zing.
Get Ree's Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar recipe.
17
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Broccolini
Tender, juicy pork gets a sweet and savory marinade made from soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, scallions, garlic, and ginger. You'll want to drizzle extra marinade over the bowl of rice, too!
Get Ree's Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Broccolini.
18
Grilled Salmon
Looking for a healthy summer dinner recipe? Salmon is just the thing to satisfy your cravings! It's smoky, flaky, and so easy to make right on the grill. You only need 5 minutes!
Get the Grilled Salmon recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Grilled Potatoes
If you love potatoes, this new way of cooking them will make you smile. The baby red potatoes are threaded onto skewers and brushed with plenty of melted butter and garlic.
Get the Grilled Potatoes recipe.
20
Grilled Eggplant Parm Hoagies
These summer sandwiches are piled high with layers of grilled eggplant, sliced tomatoes, and provolone cheese. You can also get creative by adding sliced olives or pickled peppers on top.
Get Ree's Grilled Eggplant Parm Hoagies recipe.