Nothing says summer like the smell of barbecue in the air. June is the time to fire up the grill and turn simple ingredients into something mouthwatering.
These BBQ recipes are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for every kind of cookout.
Get ready to make the neighbors jealous.
1. Honey-Bourbon Grilled Chicken
A sticky glaze of honey and bourbon clings to every juicy bite, caramelizing into a sweet lacquer that sizzles on the grill. Garlic, paprika, and a dash of vinegar balance out the sugar with warmth and tang, soaking deep into the chicken as it chars over the flames.
The bourbon adds richness and a hint of smokiness, giving the chicken bold depth without overwhelming the sweetness. Serve it with grilled peaches or cornbread to round out a dish that feels smoky, southern, and a little bit indulgent.
2. Grilled Corn With Chili-Lime Butter
Blackened kernels pop with grill flavor, then melt under a spicy chili-lime butter that drips into every crevice. The corn stays sweet and juicy, while the butter adds heat and citrus that lingers on your tongue.
A dusting of cotija cheese or smoked salt takes it even further. This side dish steals attention from the mains with its colorful presentation and punchy flavor.
3. BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Jackfruit simmers low and slow in smoky barbecue sauce until its fibers soften into a pulled-pork texture. It absorbs every drop of tangy sweetness and spice, then stacks high on soft slider buns with crunchy slaw.
The contrast between warm jackfruit and chilled slaw is magic—saucy, crisp, and refreshing. These sliders please everyone at the table, whether they’re meat-lovers or not.
4. Sticky Korean BBQ Ribs
Gochujang and soy sauce create a glaze that bubbles and sticks to tender ribs as they grill. A splash of rice vinegar cuts through the richness, while ginger and garlic round out the flavor.
The meat falls from the bone with a gentle pull, dripping with sticky heat. Each bite layers sweetness, spice, and deep umami that builds with every chew.
5. Grilled Pineapple With Cinnamon Sugar
Thick slices of pineapple hit the grill and turn golden at the edges, releasing juice that sizzles and caramelizes on contact. Cinnamon and brown sugar sprinkle on top while they’re still warm.
That coating melts into a glossy glaze, turning fruit into dessert with a tropical twist. It’s sweet, tart, warm, and surprisingly complex for something so simple.
6. Classic Smoked Brisket
This is BBQ at its slowest and most rewarding. Rubbed with salt, pepper, and smoke-friendly spices, the brisket cooks for hours until its bark turns dark and crisp.
Inside, the meat stays moist and pull-apart tender. A smoke ring paints each slice pink beneath the surface, proof of the time and care that went into it.
7. Spicy BBQ Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower slices turn meaty when rubbed with smoked paprika, garlic, and cayenne, then seared until the edges darken. Barbecue sauce brushed on top caramelizes into a sticky, flavorful crust.
It’s bold and smoky, with enough bite to hold its own on the plate. These steaks work as a hearty side or a surprising vegetarian main.
8. Maple Mustard Grilled Pork Chops
A marinade of maple syrup, whole-grain mustard, and apple cider vinegar infuses the pork with sweet and tangy brightness. As the chops grill, the sugars caramelize, locking in juiciness and building a crackly crust.
Each chop delivers bold, balanced flavor—sweet without being sticky, sharp without being harsh. Add grilled apples or sweet potatoes for a meal that leans rustic and refined.
9. Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad
Romaine hearts char on the grill just long enough to soften their edges and add a smoky depth. Brushed with oil and sprinkled with sea salt, they gain a savory edge that plays well with creamy Caesar dressing.
Topped with shaved Parmesan and crunchy croutons, it becomes more than just a salad—it’s a warm, rich, flame-kissed side that adds elegance to the grill lineup.
10. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Large shrimp get wrapped in bacon, skewered, and grilled until the bacon crisps and the shrimp turns tender and sweet. A brush of BBQ sauce ties the smoky and savory elements together.
Each bite snaps with texture—crunchy bacon, succulent shrimp, and sticky glaze. They disappear fast, so make more than you think you’ll need.
11. Caribbean Jerk Chicken Thighs
A bold blend of allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet, and garlic coats these thighs before they hit the grill. As the skin crisps, the spices bloom into layers of flavor that are earthy, fiery, and bright.
The thighs stay juicy thanks to a marinade rich in citrus and oil. Each bite bursts with heat, aroma, and the rhythm of the islands.
12. Grilled Portobello Burgers
Marinated in balsamic, garlic, and soy, portobello caps soak up flavor like sponges. Grilling brings out their umami and gives the edges a crisp, smoky bite.
Topped with melty cheese, tomato, and greens, these burgers satisfy in ways a veggie patty never could. Hearty, meaty, and totally meatless.
13. Peach-Bourbon BBQ Meatballs
Ground beef or pork meatballs bake in a sticky-sweet peach bourbon sauce that bubbles into something rich and golden. The fruit adds mellow sweetness, while bourbon brings backbone.
These little bites work as appetizers or mains, especially when served skewered or on toasted buns. Warm, juicy, and impossible to stop eating.
14. Cajun-Spiced Grilled Sausages
Sausages get a coat of smoky Cajun seasoning before hitting the flames, where their casings blister and crisp. Inside, the meat stays juicy and spiced just enough to tingle.
Served with mustard or slaw, they’re easy, bold, and ready to anchor any backyard plate. One bite and you’re in New Orleans.
15. BBQ Chicken Flatbreads
Flatbread dough grills quickly, picking up char marks and crisp edges, then gets topped with shredded BBQ chicken and melty cheese. Red onion and cilantro finish the job.
Each piece slices clean and holds together, making it perfect for passing around. It feels like pizza, but lighter, smokier, and built for summer.
16. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes cut thick and tossed in olive oil and spices develop a caramelized crust as they grill. A glaze of maple syrup and paprika brings out their sweetness and adds gentle heat.
They’re hearty, golden, and made for dipping. Crispy outside, creamy inside—these wedges are a side that can steal the show.
17. Pulled Pork Sandwiches With Tangy Slaw
Slow-cooked pork gets shredded and drenched in smoky sauce, then piled high on toasted buns. A crunchy vinegar-based slaw balances the richness.
The texture contrast—soft meat and crisp cabbage—makes this sandwich irresistible. Classic, messy, and deeply satisfying.
18. Grilled Zucchini Ribbons With Feta
Zucchini gets sliced into thin ribbons, then kissed by the grill until tender with perfect char lines. A sprinkle of feta adds creamy, salty bite.
Lemon juice and herbs brighten everything, turning this humble veggie into a light, lovely side that tastes like summer.
19. BBQ Tempeh Skewers
Cubed tempeh marinates in smoky sauce, then grills to a golden crust that’s slightly charred and deeply flavorful. The grill adds texture where pan-frying can’t.
Paired with peanut sauce or a tangy glaze, these skewers feel hearty and satisfying—grill-friendly for vegans, crowd-pleasing for everyone.
20. Fire-Grilled Peaches With Yogurt Drizzle
Halved peaches caramelize over flame until the sugars deepen and the flesh softens just enough to spoon. A drizzle of yogurt and honey cools things down.
The contrast of hot fruit and cool cream creates dessert with just the right balance—sweet, tart, smoky, and bright.