Ready to wow the crowd at your next BBQ? These 25 secret-ingredient recipes bring unexpected twists and bold flavors to your summer spread—think bacon and whiskey BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper chicken wings, and a maple dry rub that turns ribs into magic. You’ll find unforgettable sides like bourbon baked beans, creamy Amish potato salad, and zesty pineapple slaw, plus fun, retro desserts like banana split cake and apple Snickers salad. From boozy marinades to surprising flavor mashups, these dishes aren’t just good—they’ll make you the one everyone’s talking about (and begging for the recipe).

Bacon and Whiskey BBQ Sauce

A square glass container filled with dark, rich BBQ sauce is placed on a wooden surface. Next to it, a wooden spoon with "Bacon Whiskey BBQ Sauce" printed on the handle holds a small amount of sauce. A bottle is partially visible in the background.
Bacon and Whiskey BBQ Sauce. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This is such a unique but oh so lip smacking good BBQ sauce that will please everyone. This sauce dances flavor on your tongue with sweet smoky bacon flavor and punches of whiskey, garlic and maple.
Get The Recipe: Bacon and Whiskey BBQ Sauce

Crockpot Beer Chili Hotdog Topping: With PGA Beer

Chili on top of hot dogs in a bun with cheese sprinkled on top
Crockpot Beer Chili Hotdog Topping: With PGA Beer. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Take your hot dogs to the next level with this beer-infused chili. Loaded with beef, black-eyed peas, and bold spices—it’s a BBQ crowd-pleaser.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Beer Chili Hotdog Topping: With PGA Beer

Slow Cooker Bacon and Bourbon Baked Beans

baked beans with bacon and burbon
Slow Cooker Bacon and Bourbon Baked Beans. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Here is the perfect side dish for your next potluck, BBQ, or summer party – slow-cooked sweet and savory bourbon baked beans. This yummy recipe features a medley of flavors, including sweet barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, brown sugar, and a touch of your favorite bourbon. Best part, it’s super easy to make with minimal cleanup. This baked beans recipe will add a fun twist to any gathering.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Bacon and Bourbon Baked Beans

No-Bake Cherry Delight With Cream Cheese

A close-up of a partially eaten cherry cheesecake in a white dish. The dessert has a crumbly crust, a creamy filling, and a vibrant red cherry topping. A spoon with some cheesecake and cherries is resting in the dish. A striped cloth napkin is visible nearby.
No-Bake Cherry Delight With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This classic no-bake dessert is as delicious as it is easy to make! It has a rich graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese layer, and is topped with canned cherry pie filling as the final, brilliant touch. It’s the perfect recipe for hot summer days or when you need to whip something together for last-minute guests or take to a potluck.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Cherry Delight With Cream Cheese

Smooth Whiskey Steak Marinade Recipe

whiskey marinade and a bottle of crown royal
Smooth Whiskey Steak Marinade Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This bold whiskey steak marinade is smoky, sweet, and rich in flavor, simmered to deepen every note. It tenderizes the meat while adding a mouthwatering finish, making it perfect for summer cookouts.
Get The Recipe: Smooth Whiskey Steak Marinade Recipe

Maple-Infused BBQ Dry Rub Recipe

Maple dry rub
Maple-Infused BBQ Dry Rub Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

If you want a great dry rub recipe for ribs, you need to mix up this Award Winning Dry Rub For Ribs. This homemade dry rub has a sweet maple-infused flavor with savory spices and just a touch of heat. Friends and family will say you are a pit master with this award-winning dry rub for ribs at your next BBQ.
Get The Recipe: Maple-Infused BBQ Dry Rub Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad with Sour Cream

A close-up of a creamy cucumber salad garnished with fresh dill. The salad includes cucumber slices mixed with a creamy dressing, accented by bits of red onion. A wooden spoon rests on the side.
Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad with Sour Cream. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Cool off with this classic creamy cucumber salad—a simple, refreshing dish that pairs perfectly with hot-off-the-grill meats. Cucumber onion salad is a crisp, refreshing side dish that brings the taste of summer right to your plate. This recipe combines thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and sour cream to create the perfect side dish for those hot days when you’re craving something cool and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Onion Salad with Sour Cream

Super Tender Maple Dry Rub Baked Ribs

ribs in the oven that are cooked with sauce on a cutting board
Super Tender Maple Dry Rub Baked Ribs. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

These dry rub baked ribs are a sweet and smoky dish that’s irresistibly tender and easy to prepare. Made with a maple spice blend and baked low and slow, these ribs are perfect for cozy family dinners or relaxed BBQ gatherings. Enjoy them sauced or dry for crowd-pleasing results every time.
Get The Recipe: Super Tender Maple Dry Rub Baked Ribs

The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe With Cream Cheese

A white plate with seven deviled eggs, each topped with a smooth yellow filling and garnished with small green parsley leaves. The plate sits on a soft yellow cloth.
The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Cream cheese deviled eggs are a creamy, tangy twist on the classic appetizer that’s quick and foolproof to make. Blended with cream cheese, mayo, and mustard, the filling is smooth and packed with flavor. Perfect for Easter, potlucks, or family gatherings, these eggs come together in under 40 minutes and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe With Cream Cheese

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Pork sliders on Hawaiian buns with extra barbecue sauce and melted cheese
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

The recipe takes you through the steps of preparing the shredded pulled pork sliders. There is also a secret sandwich sauce that adds a delightful creamy flavor, perfectly complementing the meat. The best part is this is an easy make-ahead.
Get The Full Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Unique Mexican Macaroni Salad

A large bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad, featuring corn, red kidney beans, chopped peppers, and herbs. A lime wedge and wooden spice bowls are in the background, with another bowl of salad slightly out of focus.
Unique Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Zesty Mexican macaroni salad has a creamy, tangy dressing, fresh vegetables, and a perfect kick of fresh salsa spice that is a delicious twist on a classic favorite!
Get the Recipe: Unique Mexican Macaroni Salad

Boston Baked Bean Recipe in the Crock Pot

Baked beans with bacon on top
Boston Baked Bean Recipe in the Crock Pot. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Baked bean recipe in Crock Pot is a rich, sweet-and-savory dish that’s easy to prepare. Made with canned beans, molasses, bacon, and barbecue sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the comforting flavors at your next party or potluck with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Get The Recipe: Boston Baked Bean Recipe in the Crock Pot

BBQ Coffee-Rubbed Corn in a Husk

Corn on the cob that has just gotten off the grill
BBQ Coffee-Rubbed Corn in a Husk. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Nothing says summer like grilling and corn on the cob, so this Grilled Corn In Husk with a BBQ coffee rub is the essence of summer flavors all combined with the punch of coffee, grilled bbq flavors, and a pinch of heat.
Get The Recipe: BBQ Coffee-Rubbed Corn in a Husk

Creamy Amish Potato Salad Recipe for BBQs

A bowl of creamy potato salad with diced potatoes, topped with a sprinkle of paprika. A wooden spoon is partially visible next to the bowl.
Creamy Amish Potato Salad Recipe for BBQs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This Amish potato salad brings a sweet-and-tangy twist to your summer side dish lineup. It’s creamy, nostalgic, and downright delicious. With tender potatoes coated in a creamy, sweet-and-tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and mustard, every bite is a delicious balance of comfort and zing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Amish Potato Salad Recipe for BBQs

Grasshopper Mint Parfait With Cream Cheese

A dessert glass filled with layers of crushed chocolate cookies and light green mint mousse, topped with a sprig of fresh mint. The glass is set against a blurred background.
Grasshopper Mint Parfait With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Remember the Grasshopper cookies you loved as a kid? Well, I’m going retro with this Grasshopper Mint Parfait creating a light, easy summer dessert that everyone from the youngest to the oldest will love.
Get the Recipe: Grasshopper Mint Parfait With Cream Cheese

Simple and Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with green peas, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, served in a white dish on a yellow surface.
Simple and Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This crowd-pleasing macaroni salad is a fast favorite—whip it up in minutes and serve chilled alongside all your grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Simple and Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip Recipe

Dill dip in a bowl with a sprig of deal on top
Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip is an ideal quick party dip that only takes two minutes to prepare. With a blend of Greek yogurt, mayo, minced onion, garlic, and dill perfect with veggies and chips.
Get The Recipe: Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip Recipe

Delicious Apple Snickers Salad

A creamy dessert salad in a white ramekin, topped with caramel and chunks of chocolate and apple. Green apples can be seen in the background, suggesting a sweet blend of flavors.
Delicious Apple Snickers Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This unique dessert salad is made with tart apples, Snickers candy bars, and gooey caramel in a rich, creamy filling. Take this dessert salad to a potluck or party, and you will have a big hit on your hands.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Apple Snickers Salad

BBQ Chicken Wings With Dr. Pepper

Crock pot chicken wings with Dr Pepper and barbecue sauce beans brushed on
BBQ Chicken Wings With Dr. Pepper. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Looking for an easy and delicious recipe for juicy BBQ chicken wings? This Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe will become your favorite go-to recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have juicy and flavorful chicken wings that will surely be a hit at your next party or gathering.
Get The Recipe: BBQ Chicken Wings With Dr. Pepper

Mexican Cabbage Slaw With Pineapples

Mexican coleslaw with pieces of pineapple
Mexican Cabbage Slaw With Pineapples. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This tropical twist on slaw brings juicy pineapple, crunchy cabbage, and a zesty dressing to your table—ideal for cutting through rich BBQ meats.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Cabbage Slaw With Pineapples

BBQ Coffee Dry Rub Recipe

Coffee dry rub
BBQ Coffee Dry Rub Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Easy BBQ Coffee Dry Rub Recipe for Ribs, Steak, Pork & Brisket is the perfect rub for kicking up your vegetables and meats when grilling.  It infuses your taste buds with a sweet slightly nutty flavor and can be kicked up with some heat if you double up on the cayenne pepper.
Get The Recipe: BBQ Coffee Dry Rub Recipe

Layered No Bake Banana Split Cake

A slice of dessert is served on a plate, featuring a layered crumb crust, creamy filling, diced strawberries, nuts, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a cherry on top. Colorful sprinkles decorate the plate, and another slice is visible in the background.
Layered No Bake Banana Split Cake. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This layered banana split cake is a surefire hit at your BBQ gatherings—sweet, fruity, and topped like a sundae.
Get the Recipe: Layered No Bake Banana Split Cake

Thai Grilled Chicken

thai chicken with coconut on it.
Thai Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Fragrant and spicy, this Thai grilled chicken brings an exotic twist to your outdoor spread. It’s a flavorful upgrade that’ll impress any meat lover.
Get the Recipe: Thai Grilled Chicken

BBQ Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce

Two grilled bone-in pork chops with visible grill marks served on a black plate, accompanied by roasted asparagus spears on the side. A bowl of red sauce is partially visible in the corner.
BBQ Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Buter and Baggage

This naturally sweet barbecue sauce can be made with fresh or frozen peaches and it adds a ton of flavor to tender grilled pork chops.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce

Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A slice of strawberry pretzel salad topped with whipped cream, a pretzel, and mint sits on a plate with a fork. A halved strawberry and a sprig of mint are on the side. Other slices and strawberries are in the background.
Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Strawberry Pretzel Salad is no salad at all, but a delicious nostalgic dessert made with easy store-bought ingredients like Jell-O, Cool Whip, pretzels, and strawberries. It’s always a hit at potlucks and picnics because it’s the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and creamy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Dig In! 40 Irresistible Appetizers You’ll Want on Repeat

A creamy cheese dip with visible chunks of ingredients in a white bowl, topped with sliced jalapeños and cilantro. A hand holds a tortilla chip with dip scooped onto it.
Dig In! 40 Irresistible Appetizers. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

Get the party started with bold bites and big flavor! This collection of 40 irresistible appetizers is loaded with crowd-pleasers like creamy dips, crispy taquitos, juicy meatballs, and cheesy sliders—each one perfect for game day spreads, holiday parties, or any casual get-together. You’ll find everything from sweet and spicy cranberry jalapeño dip and buffalo chicken dip to crab pinwheels, cold shrimp dip, and even veggie-packed spring rolls. With easy recipes full of vibrant ingredients, zesty sauces, and creamy cheeses, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Don’t miss a single bite—these party-perfect apps are too tasty to pass up! Get All The Recipes: Dig In! 40 Irresistible Appetizers You’ll Want on Repeat