Whether it’s saucy ribs, creamy mac and cheese, or smoky baked beans, these retro BBQ recipes are making a big-time comeback this summer. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of backyard nostalgia—minus the stress. From whiskey-marinated steaks to slow cooker wings and a secret-sauce slider, these dishes prove the classics never went out of style. Fire up your grill (or crockpot) and bring back the flavors that never stopped hitting.

Fall-Off-The-Bone Oven Ribs – BBQ Flavor Without the Grill

ribs in the oven that are cooked with sauce on a cutting board
Fall-Off-The-Bone Oven Ribs – No Grill Needed! — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

No grill? No problem. These oven-baked ribs bring all the smoky BBQ flavor with none of the flames, thanks to a bold dry rub and sweet maple glaze. Perfect for when your summer cookout needs ribs that wow—without babysitting a smoker.

Get The Recipe: Fall Off The Bone Oven Baked Ribs

Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans – Sweet & Smoky BBQ Side

Baked beans with bacon on top
Slow-Cooked Boston Baked Beans with Bacon & Molasses — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Bring classic comfort to your summer BBQ with these molasses-rich baked beans. They slow-cook with bacon, brown sugar, and spices for a side that’s hearty, sweet, and no work at all. Set it and forget it while you enjoy the party.

Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Boston Baked Beans

Ultra-Tender BBQ Pulled Pork – Backyard Favorite Made Easy

pulled bbq pork from crock pot
Ultra-Tender BBQ Pulled Pork – Slow Cooker Magic — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This slow-cooked pulled pork is fall-apart tender with a rich BBQ flavor that tastes like it came off the smoker. Just 10 minutes of prep and you’ve got a backyard BBQ MVP. Serve it in buns, tacos, or piled high on nachos.

Get The Recipe: The Secret To Making Tender BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Secret Sauce – Party-Ready Bites

Pulled pork sliders
Make-Ahead BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Secret Sauce — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

These mini pulled pork sliders are packed with smoky flavor and a creamy BBQ secret sauce that keeps everyone coming back. Easy to prep ahead and perfect for feeding a crowd at any summer gathering. Just heat and serve!

Get The Recipe: Sweet and Saucy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Whiskey-Marinated Steaks – Big Flavor for the Grill

whiskey marinade and a bottle of crown royal
Juicy Whiskey-Marinated Steaks for the Grill — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This bold whiskey marinade turns any cut of steak into a BBQ showstopper. Smoky, sweet, and a little spicy, it’s tailor-made for those epic summer grill nights. Fire it up and let the marinade do all the heavy lifting.

Get The Recipe: Whiskey Steak Marinade

Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese – The Comfort Side

Crock-Pot macaroni and cheese being scooped with a spoon
Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese for Cookout Comfort — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a summer cookout essential. Made in the slow cooker, it’s ridiculously easy and perfect for serving alongside BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or burgers. Total comfort food with zero effort.

Get The Recipe: Creamiest, Cheesiest, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Slow Cooker Bourbon Baked Beans – Boozy BBQ Side Dish

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

Take your baked beans up a notch with a splash of bourbon and a hearty dose of bacon. These slow cooker beans are rich, smoky, and made for soaking up summer BBQ flavor. Just toss everything in and let them simmer to perfection.

Get The Recipe: Bacon and Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

Grilled Corn in Husk – BBQ Rubbed with Coffee Spice

Corn on the cob that has just gotten off the grill
Grilled Corn in Husk with BBQ Coffee Rub — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This isn’t your average corn on the cob. Grilled in the husk and seasoned with a bold BBQ coffee rub, it’s smoky, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. A simple way to wow guests at your next BBQ spread.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Corn In Husk

3-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Wings – Effortless & Irresistible

chicken wings with bbq sauce and dr pepper
3-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

These BBQ chicken wings require only three ingredients and zero babysitting. Toss them in the crockpot and walk away—hours later, you’ve got sticky, sweet, and savory wings that disappear fast. Perfect for casual backyard hangs.

Get The Recipe: 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

Slow Cooker Hot Dogs – Easy Cookout Crowd-Pleaser

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

Hosting a crowd? Let your slow cooker keep hot dogs warm and juicy, beer-simmered or broth-bathed. It’s the easiest way to feed a backyard bunch without hovering over the grill.

Get The Recipe: How To Make Slow Cooker Hot Dogs For A Crowd (Beer Or Broth)

Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping – Meaty BBQ Upgrade

Chili on top of hot dogs in a bun with cheese sprinkled on top
Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping (Crock Pot) — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This slow-cooked beer chili is hearty, spiced just right, and perfect spooned over hot dogs at your BBQ. With black-eyed peas and Southern flavor, it’s a topping your guests will rave about.

Get The Recipe: Beer Chili Hot Dog Topping (Crock Pot)

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches – Speedy & Saucy

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

Need dinner fast? This Instant Pot BBQ chicken hits the table in just 30 minutes with flavor that tastes slow-cooked. Juicy, saucy, and party-perfect, it’s a go-to for last-minute summer hangouts.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe

Homemade Yellow Mustard – 10-Minute BBQ Staple

Yellow mustard in jar and on knife
DIY Yellow Mustard in 10 Minutes — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This zesty DIY mustard comes together in minutes and adds punch to any hot dog or burger. Tangy, smooth, and made with pantry staples, it’s a condiment game-changer. Once you try it, there’s no going back to store-bought.

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Squeeze Bottle Yellow Mustard Recipe

Bold Texas BBQ Rub – Backyard Brisket Ready

Texas BBQ dry rub
Bold and Smoky Texas BBQ Rub — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This smoky-sweet spice blend is your secret weapon for brisket, ribs, or grilled chicken. With just the right kick, it delivers big Texas flavor with every bite. Keep a jar on hand all BBQ season.

Get The Recipe: Bold and Smoky Texas BBQ Rub Recipe

BBQ Coffee Dry Rub – For Next-Level Flavor

Coffee dry rub
BBQ Coffee Dry Rub for Bold Flavor — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Coffee in your dry rub? Yes please. This bold blend brings a smoky, slightly sweet richness to ribs, steaks, or even veggies. A flavor bomb that makes your summer BBQ unforgettable.

Get The Recipe: BBQ Coffee Dry Rub Recipe

Sweet Maple Dry Rub – A Rib Game Changer

Maple dry rub
Sweet Maple Dry Rub for Winning Ribs — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This maple BBQ rub strikes a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s especially great on ribs and pork but works wonders on chicken too. One shake and you’re ready for backyard glory.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Maple Dry Rub Recipe

2-Minute Yogurt Dill Dip – Cool Down Your BBQ Plate

Creamy Dill topping for baked potatoes
2-Minute Yogurt Dill Dip for Chips & Veggies — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This quick dip brings creamy, herby refreshment to your summer spread. Pair it with raw veggies, chips, or grilled potatoes for a cool contrast to hot BBQ. Fresh, fast, and totally addictive.

Get The Recipe: 2-Minute Yogurt Dill Dip Recipe

Chilled Cucumber Salad – Summer’s Coolest Side

cucumber salad with dill
Crisp Cucumber Salad with Honey-Dill Vinaigrette — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This cool cucumber salad is light, bright, and just what you need to beat the summer heat. Tossed in a sweet-tangy honey vinaigrette, it pairs beautifully with anything off the grill.

Get The Recipe: Cucumber Salad Recipe With Zesty Honey Dressing

Pineapple Cabbage Slaw – A Sweet & Spicy BBQ Twist

Mexican coleslaw with pieces of pineapple
Pineapple Cabbage Slaw with Jalapeño Kick — Image Credit: Intentional Hospitlaity

This tropical slaw is crunchy, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Sweet pineapple meets spicy jalapeño for a bold side that lifts up any grilled meat or taco. Refreshing, spicy, and totally summer.

Get The Recipe: Pineapple Cabbage Slaw Recipe With Zesty Dressing

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: Butter and Baggage

This is one of those easy recipes you’ll turn back to over and over again. This naturally sweet barbecue sauce can be made with fresh or frozen peaches and it adds a ton of flavor to tender pork chops. Make the sauce ahead and the pork chops only take about 15 minutes on the grill—which means dinner is served in no time at all.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Chops with Peach Barbecue Sauce