Barbecues are the quintessential outdoor gathering, perfect for enjoying warm weather and good company. Whether you’re at the beach, in a park, or in your own backyard, a BBQ is an ideal way to connect with friends and family over delicious food. While hamburgers and steaks are BBQ staples, the world of Bbq Foods extends far beyond these classics. Get ready to explore a diverse range of options that will elevate your next cookout, from succulent steaks and fresh oysters to vibrant vegan salads. Let’s dive into some mouthwatering BBQ food ideas to inspire your culinary creativity.
1. Steak: The King of BBQ Foods
Category: Main dishes
Steak is undeniably a top choice when it comes to BBQ foods. For a truly memorable BBQ experience, consider grilling premium cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak. To achieve steak perfection, remember the crucial step of letting your steaks rest for about 10 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Enhance the taste further by serving your grilled steaks with a selection of flavorful sauces. Chipotle sauce adds a smoky kick, black pepper sauce brings a classic savory note, or for an adventurous twist, try an Australian steak sauce for a unique blend of spices and sweetness.
2. Sausages: A BBQ Crowd-Pleaser
Category: Main dishes
Sausages and hot dogs are BBQ foods that are always a hit, especially for casual gatherings. To add a touch of variety to your BBQ, venture beyond the standard hot dog and explore options like bratwurst or chicken sausage. Bratwurst offers a richer, pork-based flavor, while chicken sausage provides a leaner alternative without compromising on taste. Don’t forget to grill some onions on a flat top or in a pan alongside your sausages. The caramelized sweetness of grilled onions perfectly complements the savory sausages. Set up a condiment station with exciting options like sauerkraut for a tangy fermented touch, fresh salsa for a vibrant kick, or hot sauce for those who love some heat. These additions will transform the simple sausage in a bun into a gourmet BBQ experience.
3. Slow-Cooked Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Perfection
Category: Main dishes
For BBQ foods that truly impress, slow-cooked pork ribs are a must-try. Tender, juicy, and generously coated in BBQ sauce, pork ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any BBQ. They are surprisingly easy to prepare and cook, making them a great option for both novice and experienced grillers. The ultimate goal is to cook them until the meat is so tender it effortlessly falls off the bone, a hallmark of perfectly cooked BBQ ribs. Serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping and watch your guests devour this BBQ classic.
4. Burgers: Customizable BBQ Food Fun
Category: Main dishes
Burgers are another solid favorite in the realm of BBQ foods, offering endless customization possibilities. Instead of just serving pre-made burgers, consider setting up a burger station at your BBQ. The interactive fun of building your own burger is a fantastic way to engage your guests and allows everyone to create their perfect meal. Provide a variety of toppings beyond the usual cheese and ketchup. Think outside the box with gourmet options like candied bacon for a sweet and savory crunch, hoisin sauce for an Asian-inspired umami flavor, or caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. For cheese lovers, offer feta or goat cheese for tangy and creamy alternatives to cheddar. Spice things up with sriracha sauce or cool things down with blue cheese dressing – the options are limitless for creating personalized and delicious BBQ burgers.
5. Seafood: BBQ Foods from the Sea
Category: Main dishes
If you’re a seafood enthusiast looking for unique BBQ foods, grilling seafood is an excellent choice. Oysters, mussels, and shrimp are all fantastic options that cook quickly on the grill and develop a delightful sweet, smoky flavor. Shellfish, in particular, is well-suited for BBQ grilling due to its naturally delicate texture and ability to absorb smoky flavors. For a simple yet flavorful seafood BBQ dish, try grilling shrimp skewers marinated in ginger and soy sauce. The combination of ginger, soy, and smoky grill flavors creates an irresistible taste, especially when served with a refreshing lime dressing.
6. Pulled Pork: Mouthwatering BBQ Comfort Food
Category: Main dishes
Pulled pork is a mouthwatering and budget-friendly option for BBQ foods, perfect for feeding a crowd. Slow cooking the pork in barbecue sauce is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that defines great pulled pork. While pulled pork requires some advance preparation in a slow cooker, it’s relatively low-maintenance on BBQ day. Simply keep the cooked pulled pork warm on the grill while your guests arrive. Serve it on buns for classic pulled pork sandwiches, topped with coleslaw for added texture and tang.
7. Chicken: Versatile BBQ Food Options
Category: Main dishes
Chicken is a versatile and widely loved choice for BBQ foods, offering numerous cooking and flavor variations. For bone-in chicken pieces, a simple yet effective tip is to salt the chicken ahead of time. This helps the chicken retain its natural juices during grilling, preventing it from drying out. For chicken breast pieces, marinating is essential to infuse flavor and keep them moist on the grill. Explore diverse chicken BBQ options, from slow-cooked chicken for ultimate tenderness to honey mustard grilled chicken for a sweet and tangy glaze. Spicy wings are always a BBQ party favorite, while soy ginger drumsticks offer an Asian-inspired twist. For easy grilling and serving, consider satay chicken skewers, perfect for dipping in peanut sauce.
8. Vegetarian and Vegan BBQ Foods: Delicious Plant-Based Options
Category: Main dishes
BBQs are no longer just for meat-eaters! There’s a fantastic array of vegetarian and vegan BBQ foods to explore, ensuring everyone at your cookout has delicious options. Grilled marinated tofu pieces are a protein-packed and flavorful vegan choice. Barbecued halloumi, a firm cheese that grills beautifully, is a popular vegetarian option. Grilled bell pepper skewers add vibrant color and sweetness to the BBQ spread. For hearty vegetarian and vegan main dishes, consider grilled cauliflower steaks, which offer a substantial and satisfying texture, or grilled acorn squash, which becomes wonderfully caramelized and sweet on the grill.
9. Desserts: Sweet BBQ Food Endings
Category: Side dishes
Believe it or not, you can even barbecue dessert! Grilled fruit is often overlooked but is a fantastic and healthy way to end your BBQ on a sweet note. Try grilling slices of pineapple or rockmelon (cantaloupe) to bring out their natural sugars and add a smoky char. Serve grilled fruit warm with a scoop of coconut ice cream for a simple yet elegant and refreshing BBQ dessert.
10. Classic Potato Salad: A BBQ Side Dish Staple
Category: Side dishes
No BBQ is complete without classic potato salad, a quintessential side dish that everyone enjoys. For the perfect potato salad, start with Yukon gold potatoes, known for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Enhance the classic recipe by adding boiled eggs for protein and richness, green onions and dill for fresh herbal notes, and chives for a delicate oniony flavor. A dressing of sour cream and mayonnaise provides the creamy base that brings it all together. This potato salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any BBQ.
11. Summer Salad: Fresh and Light BBQ Side
Category: Side dishes
Balance out the richness of BBQ meats with a vibrant and refreshing summer salad. Create an epic salad using a base of crisp iceberg lettuce and colorful heritage tomatoes. Add cooling cucumber, sweet mango, and creamy avocado for texture and flavor complexity. Red onion provides a bit of bite, while feta cheese adds a salty and tangy element. Corn kernels bring a touch of sweetness and summer flavor. Tie it all together with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing for a bright and herbaceous finish. This summer salad is the perfect counterpoint to heavier BBQ foods.
12. Homemade Coleslaw: Crunchy BBQ Side Perfection
Category: Side dishes
Homemade coleslaw is significantly better than store-bought versions and is a classic BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. Make your own coleslaw using a base of shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions for classic crunch and flavor. Elevate your coleslaw dressing by adding a touch of Dijon mustard and paprika to the mayonnaise base. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, while paprika brings a hint of smoky sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile and complementing the BBQ theme.
13. Grilled Herbed Vegetables: Nutritious BBQ Sides
Category: Side dishes
Keep your BBQ sides healthy and flavorful with grilled herbed vegetables. Simple seasonings of garlic, herbs, lemon, and olive oil are all you need to make vegetables incredibly delicious and nutritious on the grill. Try grilling eggplant for a smoky and tender texture, red bell peppers for sweetness and color, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful onions. The grill imparts a wonderful char and smoky flavor to these vegetables, making them a delightful and healthy addition to your BBQ spread.
14. Cheesy Garlic Bread Toast: Irresistible BBQ Carb
Category: Side dishes
Add a comforting and crowd-pleasing carb to your BBQ with cheesy garlic bread toast. Spread garlic butter and fresh parsley inside ciabatta loaves for a flavorful base. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese for a salty and nutty flavor that melts beautifully under the grill. Cook the garlic bread under a grill until golden and bubbly. For an extra touch of BBQ flavor, lightly char the outside of the bread on the barbecue just before serving. This cheesy garlic bread is sure to be a hit with everyone.
15. BBQ Corn on the Cob: Sweet Summer BBQ Side
Category: Side dishes
Corn on the cob is a quintessential summer BBQ food. For tender and juicy BBQ corn, wrap the corn on the cobs in foil before placing them on the grill. If you prefer a charred and smoky flavor, throw them directly on the grill without wrapping. Once cooked, brush the corn with chili butter for a touch of spice and richness. Chili butter adds a delightful kick and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, making it an irresistible BBQ side dish.
16. Jacket Potatoes with Sour Cream: Hearty BBQ Side
Category: Side dishes
Offer a hearty and satisfying side dish at your BBQ with jacket potatoes. Oven-bake large jacket potatoes rubbed with olive oil and sea salt until they are fluffy and tender. Serve them with a classic filling of sour cream, shallots, and chives. The creamy sour cream, pungent shallots, and fresh chives perfectly complement the earthy baked potato. Jacket potatoes are easy to make and offer a visually appealing and substantial side dish for your BBQ.
17. Vegan Slaw: Tangy Plant-Based BBQ Side
Category: Side dishes
Ensure your vegan guests have delicious side options with a tangy vegan slaw. This dairy-free slaw is perfect for barbecues, offering a refreshing and flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional coleslaw. Use shredded red and white cabbage, carrots, and red onion for a colorful and crunchy base. Dress the slaw with a simple yet flavorful dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. The lemon juice adds brightness, while Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick, creating a well-balanced and delicious vegan slaw.
18. Vegan Potato Salad: Plant-Based BBQ Classic
Category: Side dishes
No plant-based guest should miss out on potato salad at a BBQ. Create a vegan version of this classic side dish by simply swapping out traditional mayonnaise for vegan mayonnaise. To elevate the flavor of your vegan potato salad, throw in some capers. Capers add a briny and slightly tangy bite that complements the creamy potatoes and other ingredients, making this vegan potato salad just as satisfying as the original.
19. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful BBQ Vegetarian Option
Category: Side dishes
Stuffed peppers are a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian option for your BBQ. Use whole red and yellow bell peppers for visual appeal and sweetness. Stuff them with a delicious mixture of mozzarella and gorgonzola cheese for creamy and pungent flavors. Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness and acidity, rice for substance, and vegetable stock for moisture and flavor. Secure the stuffed peppers by wrapping kitchen string around the stalk. Barbecue the stuffed peppers until the peppers are tender and slightly browned, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
20. Chickpea and Cauliflower Salad: Warm Vegetarian BBQ Salad
Category: Side dishes
Offer a warm and satisfying vegetarian salad with chickpea and cauliflower salad. This salad is both hearty and flavorful, making it a great addition to a BBQ. Marinate and bake a head of cauliflower until tender and slightly caramelized. Roast chickpeas alongside the cauliflower for added texture and nutty flavor. Toss the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas with fresh tomatoes, lemon juice for brightness, and coriander for herbaceous notes. Mix coconut cream and yogurt for the dressing to create a creamy and slightly tangy finish. This warm chickpea and cauliflower salad is a delightful and flavorful vegetarian BBQ side.
How Much BBQ Food Per Person?
Planning the right amount of BBQ foods is crucial to ensure everyone is well-fed without excessive leftovers. As a general guideline for the main BBQ food items, aim for approximately 1/4lb to 1/2lb of meat (or meat alternative) per person. This range accounts for varying appetites and the possibility of unexpected guests. Generous portions of side dishes are always appreciated and help to round out the meal. With ample sides, you can ensure no one goes hungry, even if you slightly underestimate the meat portions.
Food is central to any successful gathering, and a backyard BBQ is no exception. For the best BBQ experience, prioritize quality ingredients. Visit the meat counter at your local grocery store and select top-quality cuts of meat for grilling. High-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor and overall enjoyment of your BBQ foods.
To simplify your BBQ planning, take advantage of convenient services like Instacart to shop for all your BBQ essentials. Instacart offers same-day delivery of groceries, snacks, and party platters, making it easy to get everything you need for your BBQ without the hassle of multiple store trips. From high-quality meats to fresh produce and drinks, Instacart can help you get ready to fire up the grill and host a fantastic BBQ.
BBQ Party Planning Checklist
Grab it now on Instacart:
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, Sweet Vidalia Onion
Previously Frozen Backrib Pork Loin
Maui Short Ribs
Bull’s-Eye Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
Coleman Portable Grill, Roadtrip
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes with Mesquite, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling
Kingsford Charcoal Lighter Fluid, 64 fl oz, 2 ct
Carolina Q Sauce, Hickory, Carolina Sweet
Fresh Chicken Thighs
Ball Park Sliders, Flame Grilled
Food is always a central element of any event or social gathering, and a backyard barbecue cookout truly revolves around the food. To ensure you have the best selection of meat and the highest quality cuts for your barbeque, be sure to visit the meat counter at your grocery store. Choosing quality meats is the foundation of a successful and delicious BBQ.
When you are in the midst of planning your next barbecue event, save valuable time and effort by shopping for all your barbeque food and supplies through Instacart. Enjoy the convenience of same-day delivery for all your groceries, snacks, and party platters. Instacart makes BBQ planning easier and more efficient, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with your guests and creating memorable BBQ moments.
Cady Cohen
Author
Cady Cohen is a culinary writer at Instacart passionate about empowering home cooks to confidently explore the exciting world of food. With over seven years of experience in digital media covering food, health, and wellness, Cady provides valuable resources ranging from handy conversion charts and recipe calculators to in-depth cooking guides. Her work simplifies grocery shopping and empowers you to make informed and delicious choices about the food you prepare and enjoy.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart with a deep passion for food and cooking that inspires her work across a range of content, from practical grocery guides to innovative recipe development. With more than eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, Heather is dedicated to providing readers with the most effective tools, informative guides, and inspiring ideas to transform their home cooking experiences.
