Summer is knocking at the door, and it’s time to get the grill fired up! These 15 make-ahead BBQ recipes are perfect for those long, sunny days when you want to impress Dad without spending all day in the kitchen. From smoky ribs to tangy slaws, each dish is designed to be prepped in advance, so you can kick back and enjoy the festivities while he brags about your culinary skills.
Contents
- 1. Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken
- 2. Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs
- 3. Tangy BBQ Chicken Thighs
- 4. Vegetable Kebabs with Herb Marinade
- 5. Smoky Chipotle BBQ Ribs
- 6. Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- 7. Classic Smoky Brisket
- 8. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
- 9. Hearty BBQ Bean Salad
- 10. Zesty Marinated Shrimp Skewers
- 11. Citrus Marinated Grilled Fish
- 12. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter
- 13. Smoky BBQ Cauliflower Steaks
- 14. Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers
- 15. Maple-Bourbon Glazed Sausages
1. Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken
Honey garlic grilled chicken is a summer staple that everyone will love. It’s sweet, savory, and perfectly tender, making it a go-to for those weekend BBQs. Just marinate the chicken, throw it on the grill, and watch your family rave about this dish all summer long!
2. Sweet and Spicy BBQ Meatballs
These sweet and spicy BBQ meatballs are a hit at summer gatherings. They are easy to make ahead, allowing you to just heat and serve when guests arrive. Trust us, Dad will be proud to share this crowd-pleaser with everyone!
3. Tangy BBQ Chicken Thighs
These tangy BBQ chicken thighs are a summer hit that everyone will love. Marinated in a zesty sauce, they become juicy and packed with flavor when grilled. Serve these at your next BBQ, and watch Dad take all the credit!
4. Vegetable Kebabs with Herb Marinade
Get ready to impress Dad with these colorful vegetable kebabs! Marinated in a zesty herb mix, they’re perfect for the grill and bursting with flavor. They’re a great way to add some fresh veggies to your BBQ spread, and Dad will definitely be bragging about them!
5. Smoky Chipotle BBQ Ribs
Get ready to impress with these smoky chipotle BBQ ribs! These tender and flavorful ribs are perfect for summer gatherings. With just the right kick, they’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
6. Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a must-try for any summer cookout. With tender, shredded pork piled high on a soft bun and topped with creamy coleslaw, they’re sure to impress everyone at the table. Make them ahead of time and let Dad take all the credit!
7. Classic Smoky Brisket
Nothing beats a tender, smoky brisket at a summer BBQ. This recipe is easy to prep ahead of time, letting the flavors blend beautifully before you fire up the grill. Serve it with pickles and onions for a meal dad will rave about!
8. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
BBQ bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a must-have at any summer cookout. These spicy bites are stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, making them a crowd favorite. Simple to prepare ahead of time, they’re sure to have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
9. Hearty BBQ Bean Salad
This hearty BBQ bean salad is the perfect side for your summer cookouts. Packed with colorful beans and crunchy veggies, it’s both filling and refreshing. Your dad will definitely brag about this simple and tasty dish!
10. Zesty Marinated Shrimp Skewers
These shrimp skewers are a hit at any BBQ. Marinating them adds a burst of flavor that everyone will love. They’re easy to prep ahead and perfect for summer gatherings!
11. Citrus Marinated Grilled Fish
This citrus marinated grilled fish is a summer must-try. The zesty marinade brings out fresh flavors, making it a hit at any BBQ. Your dad will brag about this one for sure!
12. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter
Grilled corn on the cob is a summer staple that everyone loves. Slather it with zesty lime butter for an extra kick that will have Dad bragging about his grilling skills. It’s a simple dish that packs tons of flavor and is perfect for any BBQ gathering.
13. Smoky BBQ Cauliflower Steaks
Smoky BBQ cauliflower steaks are a hit at any summer gathering. They bring a fresh twist to traditional BBQ and pack in tons of flavor. Fire them up on the grill for a delicious dish that even the meat-lovers will brag about!
14. Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers
Grilled stuffed bell peppers are a fun and delicious way to impress at your next BBQ. Simply fill colorful peppers with a mix of your favorite ingredients and throw them on the grill. They’re not only tasty but also a vibrant addition to your summer spread!
15. Maple-Bourbon Glazed Sausages
Get ready to impress Dad with these maple-bourbon glazed sausages! They’re sweet, savory, and perfect for summer BBQs. Just grill them up and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
