When the grill’s fired up and the drinks are cold, there’s only one thing left to tackle—what to eat! Whether you’re grilling chicken, cooking ribs, or laying out a killer cold pasta salad, these easy BBQ recipes are made for sunny weekends and laid-back vibes. Think grilled corn, juicy chicken skewers, and no-fuss sides that hold up at any cookout or picnic. These recipes are weekend-ready, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to bring the flavor. Let’s dig in.

Maple BBQ Ribs with Old-School Dry Rub

ribs in the oven that are cooked with sauce on a cutting board
Maple BBQ Ribs with Old-School Dry Rub. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

These ribs are pure weekend magic—fall-apart tender with a maple dry rub that tastes like summer in every bite. Pop them in the oven, kick back with a drink, and let that sweet-spiced aroma fill the air. They’re low-effort, high-reward, and always the first to disappear.
Get The Recipe: Maple BBQ Ribs with Old-School Dry Rub

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

pulled bbq pork from crock pot
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This pulled pork practically melts on your fork. It’s smoky, savory, and ridiculously easy to prep in your slow cooker—perfect for feeding a hungry BBQ crowd with zero stress.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Old-Fashioned Baked Beans

Baked beans with bacon on top
Old-Fashioned Baked Beans. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Bring the comfort of grandma’s cookouts to your plate. These beans simmer low and slow with molasses and bacon, adding smoky-sweet soul to your summer spread.
Get The Recipe: Old-Fashioned Baked Beans

Bacon Whiskey BBQ Sauce Recipe

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 Whiskey BBQ Sauce Recipe Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This thick, smoky BBQ sauce brings it all—crispy bacon, rich whiskey, and a flavor punch that’ll steal the spotlight at your next cookout. Slather it on ribs, burgers, or anything grilled.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Whiskey BBQ Sauce Recipe

3-Ingredient BBQ Wings

bbq chicken wings with sauce brushed on
3-Ingredient BBQ Wings. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Sticky, saucy, and finger-licking good, these no-fuss wings are your go-to for quick BBQ appetizers. Just three ingredients and they disappear fast!
Get The Recipe: 3-Ingredient BBQ Wings

Slow Cooker Hot Dogs

hot dogs and a can of beer in front of a crock pot
Slow Cooker Hot Dogs. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Hosting a backyard bash? These slow cooker hot dogs are hands-off and crowd-friendly—perfect for when you need a no-fuss way to feed the whole crew.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hot Dogs

Coconut Thai Grilled Chicken

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

This grilled chicken brings major flavor with a Thai kick—bold, smoky, and finished with a coconut topping that makes it feel like a tropical vacation. It’s fast, fiery, and perfect for turning a basic BBQ into something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Thai Grilled Chicken

Peach-Glazed Pork Kabobs

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, green bell peppers, and peach slices rest on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Peach-Glazed Pork Kabobs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

These juicy pork kabobs bring the sweet heat with grilled peaches tucked between every bite. They’re fruity, savory, and scream summer dinner on the patio.
Get the Recipe: Peach-Glazed Pork Kabobs

Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping

Chili on top of hot dogs in a bun with cheese sprinkled on top
Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Give your hot dogs a Southern BBQ kick with this hearty beer chili topping—bold, beefy, and made for summer cookouts.
Get The Recipe: Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping

Honey-Glazed Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers with red onion, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers served on a wooden board with a dipping sauce on the side.
Honey-Glazed Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Sweet, savory, and grilled to perfection—these honey-glazed skewers are a low-effort, high-reward dinner trick. Fire up the grill (or broiler) and watch them disappear fast.
Get the recipe: Honey-Glazed Chicken Skewers

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

bbq chicken sandwich on a bun
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Craving BBQ flavor in a flash? This juicy pulled chicken comes together in just 30 minutes thanks to your Instant Pot—perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a quick plate at your summer BBQ.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Texas-Style BBQ Dry Rub

Texas BBQ dry rub
Texas-Style BBQ Dry Rub. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This bold blend brings that big Texas flavor to your backyard. Rub it on ribs, brisket, or chicken—whatever you’re grilling, this spice mix brings the heat and the smoke.
Get The Recipe: Texas-Style BBQ Dry Rub

Orange Coffee BBQ Sauce

Close-up of a glass jar filled with dark brown homemade sauce, labeled 'Kerr Self Sealing.' Another jar is blurred in the background, with greens faintly visible. The setting appears to be rustic and homemade.
Orange Coffee BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This zesty, slightly spicy BBQ sauce balances bold coffee with sweet citrus notes—perfect for wings, pulled pork, or dipping just about anything at your BBQ table.
Get the Recipe: Orange Coffee BBQ Sauce

Maple Heat Rib Rub

Maple dry rub
Maple Heat Rib Rub. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Sweet meets heat in this maple rib rub that’s anything but basic. A little spicy, a little smoky, and a whole lotta finger-licking flavor.
Get The Recipe: Maple Heat Rib Rub

Smoky Coffee BBQ Dry Rub

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

Add rich depth with this smoky rub that sneaks in a hint of coffee. Perfect for beef and ribs, it’ll make your grill creations taste like they came from a pitmaster’s kitchen.
Get The Recipe: Smoky Coffee BBQ Dry Rub

Delicious Slow-Cooked Mac and Cheese

Crock-Pot macaroni and cheese being scooped with a spoon
Delicious Slow-Cooked Mac and Cheese. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the party. This cheesy mac and cheese is ultra creamy and the perfect pairing for BBQ mains.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Slow-Cooked Mac and Cheese

Bourbon Baked Beans

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

These rich, smoky beans are slow-cooked with a splash of bourbon and plenty of savory flavor. The ultimate BBQ side that feels fancy but eats like comfort food.
Get The Recipe: Bourbon Baked Beans

BBQ-Spiced Grilled Corn

Corn on the cob that has just gotten off the grill
BBQ-Spiced Grilled Corn. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Grilled corn just got a smoky upgrade. Slather it in BBQ rub, char it in the husk, and enjoy one of summer’s easiest and most delicious sides.
Get The Recipe: BBQ-Spiced Grilled Corn

Apples and Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

apples and bourbon baked beans in a cast iron skillet
Apples and Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Sweet and savory baked beans with bourbon, maple syrup, bacon, or a smokey BBQ with a hint of cinnamon are the perfect accompaniment for BBQs. They are unique and very easy to make.
Get The Full Recipe: Apples and Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

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

Juicy pulled pork piled high on soft buns, smothered in a creamy secret sauce—these sliders are the MVP of any July cookout. Bonus: they’re make-ahead friendly!
Get The Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Slow-Cooked Sloppy Joes

Slow-Cooked Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These tangy, saucy sloppy joes are slow-cooked to perfection, making them the ultimate laid-back crowd-pleaser for your next summer get-together.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooked Sloppy Joes

DIY Classic Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard in jar and on knife
DIY Classic Yellow Mustard Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Why buy it when you can whip up your own zesty yellow mustard in minutes? It’s pantry-friendly, classic, and tastes way better homemade.
Get The Recipe: DIY Classic Yellow Mustard

Creamy Deviled Eggs 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.
Creamy Deviled Eggs with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

These ultra-creamy deviled eggs are made extra rich with a bit of cream cheese and perfect for rounding out any BBQ plate. Classic, cool, and always the first to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Deviled Eggs with Cream Cheese

Pineapple Cabbage Slaw With Zesty Dressing

Mexican coleslaw with pieces of pineapple
Pineapple Cabbage Slaw With Zesty Dressing. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Bold flavors of pineapple, cilantro, and onion for a savory, tangy flavor that everyone will love. Tossed with a fresh dressing made with classic Mexican seasonings, jalapeno, and garlic, and this will easily become one of your favorite slaw recipes.
Get The Recipe: Pineapple Cabbage Slaw With Zesty Dressing

Easy Crisp Cucumber Salad

cucumber salad with dill
Easy Crisp Cucumber Salad. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This light cucumber salad with fresh dill and a honey vinaigrette is a delicious and easy recipe you can make year-round.  This crisp cucumber salad is incredibly simple to make in less than 10 minutes and requires only a few ingredients. 
Get The Recipe: Easy Crisp Cucumber Salad

Amish Sweet & Tangy Potato Salad

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.
Amish Sweet & Tangy Potato Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Bring the nostalgia with this creamy, zippy Amish-style potato salad—sweet, tangy, and just right for any July potluck.
Get the Recipe: Amish Sweet & Tangy Potato Salad

Honey-Lemon Summer Fruit Salad

A bowl of fruit salad containing strawberries, apples, grapes, kiwi, and pear, garnished with pomegranate seeds. A lemon half, a bowl of honey, and a spoon are placed around the bowl on a white surface.
Honey-Lemon Summer Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Light, fresh, and bursting with juicy color—this fruit salad brings brightness to any BBQ plate with a zingy honey-lemon twist.
Get the Recipe: Honey-Lemon Summer Fruit Salad

Bold Mexican Coleslaw Salad

Mexican Coleslaw
Bold Mexican Coleslaw Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Add bold flavor to your plate with this spicy, crunchy slaw—it’s a vibrant alternative to traditional coleslaw. A little bit of spice, cilantro, fresh slaw, and a touch of sweetness makes this Mexican Coleslaw Salad a perfect side salad.
Get the Recipe: Bold Mexican Coleslaw Salad

Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

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

This chill-and-serve macaroni salad is a BBQ staple—tangy, creamy, and packed with a little crunch. Make it ahead and watch it disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad

Best Creamy Cucumber & Onion Salad

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.
Best Creamy Cucumber & Onion Salad. 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.
Get the Recipe: Best Creamy Cucumber & Onion Salad

Free Printable BBQ Party Pack

free printable bbq shopping list and decorations
Free Printable BBQ Party Pack. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

How-To: Tap the button below. Add the BBQ Party Pack to your cart. Go to your cart and enter the discount code, Free Discount Code: EMAILFREEBIE Checkout, and I will send you your FREE printable right to your inbox!
Get Your Freebie: Free Printable BBQ Party Pack

35 Pool Snacks Everyone Will Crave

A bowl of creamy spinach dip topped with chopped green onions, surrounded by assorted crackers and fresh parsley on a white plate.
35 Pool Party Snacks Everyone Will Crave. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Snack like a pro with these 35 pool party favorites that bring the flavor, the fun, and all the summer vibes. From tangy mustard pretzels and cold shrimp dip to creamy buffalo chicken dip and sweet-spicy roasted nuts, these easy crowd-pleasers are made to impress with minimal effort. Think slow cooker Chex mix, juicy BBQ wings, fruity dips, sliders, and finger foods that disappear fast. Perfect for sunny backyard hangouts or laid-back lounging by the pool, these crave-worthy bites are guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for more. Get All The Recipes: 35 Pool Party Snacks Everyone Will Crave