50 BBQ Party Food Ideas For Outdoor Entertaining

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Every party needs a lot of food and a lot of flavor! Summer outdoor grilling starts here with these 50 BBQ Party Foods that will turn your outdoor entertaining into an epic BBQ that no one forgets.

Ribs, chicken wings and bbq burger.

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Appetizers

Classic Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

A classic Mexican street food, this corn on the cob is charred on the grill, then slathered in mayo, and topped with tangy Cotija cheese, chili powder and cilantro. 
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mexican street corn

Smoked Pig Shots

These Smoked Pig Shots make an excellent appetizer when you're outside smoking some meat for a BBQ. They are sausages, wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese and green chilis.
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Smoked pig shots

Smoked Cream Cheese

If you haven't tried Smoked Cream Cheese yet, you must give this tasty appetizer a try. With just two ingredients – cream cheese and dry rub – it's a serious flavor bomb when smoked.
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smoked cream cheese

Stuffed Cucumber Bites

These stuffed cucumber bites are an easy cold appetizer or snack. They make a tasty addition to a picnic or packed lunch too.
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stuffed cucumber bites

Margarita Watermelon Appetizers

These Margarita Watermelon Appetizers are an impressive and delicious appetizer for your next party. They’re soaked in a margarita marinade, then topped with cotija cheese and a candied jalapeno.
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Margarita Watermelon Appetizers

Smoked Queso Dip

This Smoked Queso Dip is an appetizer everyone will love. It combines the richness of cheese with the zesty kick of chorizo, jalapeños, and the smokiness of the grill.
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Smoked queso dip

Grilled Eggplant

This eggplant is grilled with a little olive oil and garlic to get soft and tender texture and a great char from the grill.
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grilled eggplant

BBQ Cauliflower Wings (Vegetarian)

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on a classic snack that will impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, then BBQ Cauliflower Wings are your next must-try dish. This mouthwatering alternative to BBQ Chicken Wings offers all the smoky, savory goodness of traditional wings without the meat.
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BBQ Cauliflower Wings (Vegetarian)

Salads

Spring Asparagus and Snap Pea Slaw

A crisp spring slaw with crunchy veggies and herbs that you can serve on its own or on a burger.
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spring slaw

Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad

Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad features tender grilled salmon fillets seasoned with blackening seasoning, served over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce.
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blackened salmon

Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Chickpeas

Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Chickpeas combines tangy feta cheese, salty Kalamata olives, sweet grape tomatoes, and crunchy vegetables for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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mediterranean pasta salad

Smoked Baked Beans

Smoking your baked beans can add a whole new level of flavor and complexity.
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smoked beans

Mediterranean Potato Salad with Feta

This Mediterranean Potato Salad recipe is a great BBQ side dish! It’s made with Kalamata olives and feta cheese in a creamy lemon dressing.
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Mediterranean potato salad

Summer Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Summer Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing is a colorful, irresistible treat for any summer occasion. Whether a pool party, backyard barbecue, or picnic, this fruit salad will steal the show with its vibrant, fresh fruit and sweet, zesty dressing!
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Summer fruit salad

Broccoli Salad

This salad is packed with fresh broccoli, bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and cheese. It's a huge hit at barbecues and parties.
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broccoli salad

Bacon, Jalapeño, and Corn Salad

This easy-to-make bacon, jalapeño and corn salad is a great side dish, but it can also be served as a party appetizer or dip.
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bacon corn salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

You’ll love this Mexican Street Corn Salad, packed with grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a zesty lime flavor.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad

Miso Kale Salad

This delightful Miso Kale Salad brings together crunchy kale with the umami richness of miso dressing to create a satisfying dish. Whether you’re a kale aficionado or just looking for a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, this recipe is a must-try.
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Miso Kale Salad

Avocado Kale Caesar Salad

This Avocado Kale Caesar Salad has all the traditional flavors that you love and it’s packed with healthy nutrients, making it a definitely winner for lunch or dinner. Prepare to elevate your salad game with our latest creation: Avocado Kale Caesar Salad.
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Avocado Kale Caesar Salad

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus with Tomatoes

Looking for an easy and delicious side dish to complement any meal? You will love this Roasted Parmesan Asparagus with Tomatoes that combines fresh asparagus spears and juicy tomatoes, roasted to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese.
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Roasted Parmesan Asparagus with Tomatoes

Main Dish

Whiskey Glazed BBQ Burger

Elevate your grilling game to legendary status with this Whiskey Glazed BBQ Burger with homemade smoky whiskey BBQ sauce and grilled onions.
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Whiskey BBQ Burger

Kansas City Style BBQ Chicken

Kansas City style grilled BBQ chicken is the epitome of summer grilling. Known for its thick, sweet, and tangy sauce, this chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of classic American barbecue.
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Kansas City style BBQ chicken

Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Smoked Beer Can Chicken is a delicious and flavorful way to cook a whole chicken.
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Smoked beer can chicken

Simple Grilled Brats Recipe

As we usher in the warm weather, it's time to break out the BBQ and prep for those delightful cookouts. And there's one dish that's bound to be a hit among both family and friends: Grilled Brats.
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A grilled brat on a bun with onions and peppers.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Legs

Bacon-wrapped chicken legs are a treat to eat, either as lollipops or drumsticks. They’re crunchy outside and juicy inside, and they’re easy to eat with your fingers, for a lick-your-fingers satisfying appetizer.
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Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Legs

Grilled Lemon Basil Pork Chops

These Grilled Lemon Basil Pork Chops are a refreshing and aromatic twist on your standard pork chop recipe. The zesty lemon and fresh basil create a bright, vibrant flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the rich, juicy pork.
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Lemon basil pork chop

Smoked Ahi Tuna Steaks

Smoked Ahi Tuna Steaks are out of this world with flavor, starting with a seasoning of paprika, lemon pepper, and garlic powder and then smoked for about an hour.
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Smoked Ahi Tuna Steaks

Easy Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This Instant Pot Pulled Pork is the ultimate recipe to make tender and flavorful pulled pork from a Pork Butt or Shoulder.
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Instant Pot pulled pork sandwich

How to Smoke a Brisket on a Pellet Grill

If you’re wondering how to smoke a brisket on a pellet grill, we’ve got your answer! In this recipe we’ll show you how to smoke a tender, juicy and delicious brisket.
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brisket

The Best Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

This dish combines the rich and hearty flavors of meatloaf with the smoky and savory taste of smoked meat.
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Smoked meatloaf

Traeger Grilled Chicken Thighs

Traeger Grilled Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a quick and tasty dinner these chicken thighs are sure to satisfy.
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Traeger grilled chicken thighs in a serving dish

North Carolina Style Pulled Pork

This is the best smoked pulled pork recipe you’ll ever make. Traditionally made, in North Carolina style, I use tangy mop sauce for basting and wood chips for smoking on the grill.
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North Carolina pulled pork

Oven-Roasted Tri Tip Steak

This oven-roasted Tri Tip steak is an easy-to-make, low-cost, and super flavorful dinner that you’ll surely fall in love with. It is perfect for a family BBQ or summer dinner idea.
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Oven roasted tri tip on a cutting board

Best Brisket Buns

These incredibly tasty brisket buns are made with tender smoked brisket, brioche buns, and a quick pickle.
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smoked brisket buns

Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings

These delicious Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings are seasoned with a spicy and flavorful Cajun seasoning then cooked to perfection. They're so crispy and delicious, you won't be able to stop eating them.
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cajun chicken wings

Dessert

Easy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Combine two of your favorite desserts into one delicious treat with these homemade brownie ice cream sandwiches, made with boxed or homemade brownies and your favorite ice cream.
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brownie ice cream sandwiches

Brookies with Oreos and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

The perfect marriage of rich chocolaty brownie and buttery chewy cookies.
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brookies

Apple Pie Bars

These apple pie bars are a BBQ staple! The buttery, flaky base of pie crust, classic apple pie filling, and topped with the most wonderful crispy streusel. Best served with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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apple pie bar with ice cream

Frozen Cheesecake Popsicle Recipe

This Frozen Cheesecake Popsicle Recipe is amazing! Made with cheesecake ice cream and sweet berry compote, these red white and blue popsicles are the perfect way to celebrate summer.
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cheesecake popsicles

Gooey Browned Butter S’mores Bars

These gooey browned butter s’mores bars truly live up to their name. They are ooey, gooey, and decadent. If you love s’mores, then these are a must try!
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S'more bars

Old Fashioned Lemon Icebox Pie

No summer gathering is complete without a cool slice of lemon icebox pie! This tangy, creamy pie is made with a homemade graham cracker crust, lemony custard filling, and freshly whipped cream and is sure to make you the star of the barbecue!
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Lemon icebox pie

Drinks and Cocktails

Instant Pot Blackberry Iced Tea

This fresh and fruity Blackberry Iced Tea uses in-season fruit to create a tasty summer drink. The instant pot is fantastic for making tea.
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blackberry iced tea

Classic Moscow Mule Recipe

The Classic Moscow Mule has a very good balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and boozy, but watch out…they go down easy!
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Classic Moscow mule

Instant Pot Peach Iced Tea

You can make a batch of Instant Pot Peach Iced Tea in just 15 minutes and it won’t heat up your kitchen like it does on the stovetop. Its the perfect drink for a lazy summer afternoon.
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Peach iced tea

Watermelon Vodka Lemonade

This refreshing watermelon vodka lemonade is super quick and easy to prepare. It combines 2 iconic summer treats and is perfect for a backyard BBQ.
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watermelon vodka lemonade

The Best Strawberry Mojito Recipe

This Strawberry Mojito is packed with fresh, vibrant strawberries and mint, mixed with sugar and rum and soda water.
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strawberry mojito

Hippie Juice Cocktail for a Crowd

This delicious summer cocktail is made with lemonade and watermelon vodka to make the summer’s best big-batch cocktail for parties and gatherings.
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hippie juice

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