Barbecue flavor shines through slow cooking, bold sauces, and char-kissed edges. Whether grilled or oven-made, the smoky aroma sets the tone for hearty, satisfying meals. Spice rubs add personality, while tangy or sweet glazes balance each bite. A go-to pick for casual gatherings or weeknight cravings.

BBQ Pork Pizza with Roasted Corn, Jalapeno, and Smoked Mozzarella

BBQ Pork Pizza with Roasted Corn, Jalapeno, and Smoked Mozzarella. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A bold mix of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors makes every slice unforgettable. Sweet corn and jalapeño add just the right kick, while melted smoked mozzarella brings a rich, savory finish. Perfect for pizza night when you want something more exciting than plain pepperoni. Great for sharing, but you may not want to.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Pizza with Roasted Corn, Jalapeno, and Smoked Mozzarella

BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos

A tray of nachos topped with shredded meat, melted cheese, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and drizzled with sour cream brings backyard energy to your table—perfect for fans of classic BBQ recipes.
BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Loaded tortilla chips piled high with melted cheese, savory toppings, and plenty of barbecue flavor make this an instant crowd favorite. Everything bakes together on one pan, so prep and cleanup stay easy. Ideal for parties, game nights, or whenever you’re craving something fun and indulgent. Every bite delivers crunchy, saucy goodness.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sheet Pan Nachos

BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven

Pork chops in a cast iron skillet with bbq sauce on the chops.
BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven. Photo credit: Litlle House Big Alaska.

Juicy pork chops baked in a flavorful barbecue sauce make dinner feel hearty and satisfying. The oven keeps the meat tender while the sauce caramelizes around the edges for that classic sticky-sweet finish. Pair with mashed potatoes, corn, or salad for a complete meal. A great option when you want big flavor without firing up the grill.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pork Chops in the Oven

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham.
BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Tender green beans are coated in a tangy, smoky barbecue-style sauce that turns a simple vegetable into a standout side dish. Bits of onion and savory flavor make every bite comforting and satisfying. Works beautifully alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or holiday mains. Even veggie skeptics tend to go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

A stack of pulled pork grilled cheese on a plate.
BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Gooey melted cheese meets sweet caramelized onions and tender pulled pork for the ultimate comfort-sandwich upgrade. The combination of smoky barbecue and buttery toasted bread creates layers of flavor in every bite. Ideal for lunch or an easy dinner when you want something hearty. It feels indulgent in the best way.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

A wooden bowl filled with fresh spinach salad, featuring chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and crispy bacon pieces on a light wooden table, brings a smoky depth reminiscent of classic BBQ recipes.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Bright, tangy Carolina-style barbecue chicken tops a bed of crisp vegetables for a salad that actually eats like a full meal. Bacon, feta, and a punchy dressing add richness and flavor balance. Great for warm-weather dinners or lighter lunches that still satisfy. Perfect when you want barbecue vibes without something too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Open-faced sandwich with pulled pork and purple coleslaw on a toasted bun.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Tender, juicy pulled pork comes together quickly thanks to the Instant Pot, giving you slow-cooked flavor without the waiting. The meat turns out perfect for piling onto slider buns with coleslaw or pickles. Great for parties, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. You can enjoy summery barbecue any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A chicken drumsticks in a pan.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Crispy skin and sticky barbecue glaze make these drumsticks irresistible from the first bite. The air fryer keeps things simple while still delivering that “just grilled” feel. Perfect for busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Kids and adults both tend to love them.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Oven BBQ Ribs

Ribs and a potato on a plate.
Oven BBQ Ribs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with caramelized barbecue sauce are surprisingly easy to make right in the oven. Slow baking keeps the meat juicy while locking in rich, smoky-sweet flavor. Great for days when grilling isn’t an option. Serve with corn, slaw, or potatoes for a full barbecue-style feast.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

A pulled shredded chicken sandwich in barbecue sauce on a golden bun, shown close-up.
Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Tender shreds of saucy chicken come together quickly in the Instant Pot, giving you big barbecue flavor in minimal time. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, baked potatoes, or tacos. The balance of tangy and smoky makes it super versatile for meal prep. Ideal for busy nights when you still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Image shows A person is holding a toothpick with a little smokie over a bowl filled with more bbq bourbon little smokies.
BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bite-sized sausages simmered in a sweet, smoky bourbon-spiked sauce make the perfect party appetizer. Every little bite packs bold flavor that pairs great with game day snacks or holiday spreads. Easy to throw together with minimal effort. Expect lots of people asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

A pile of air fryer BBQ wings on a white platter.
Air Fryer BBQ Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sticky barbecue sauce coats crispy wings for the ultimate game day or weekend treat. The air fryer keeps them light while still delivering that addictive bite and texture. Great with ranch, blue cheese, or extra sauce on the side. Expect them to disappear fast once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

BBQ Rib Potato Salad

BBQ Rib Potato Salad on a light blue plate with a salad and ribs.
BBQ Rib Potato Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Classic potato salad gets a flavorful twist with tender bits of barbecue rib mixed in. Creamy dressing, hearty potatoes, and smoky meat make it feel like two cookout favorites in one bowl. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. A fun upgrade from the usual side dish.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Rib Potato Salad

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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