Whether you enjoy grilling burgers in your backyard or steaks or even Shish Kabobs, summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the warmth and fresh air. Here are a few of our favorite Backyard Barbecue Menu Ideas.
Of course, here in SE Kansas, our summers tend to be pretty hot and muggy, so you have to pick your good nights for being outside. Otherwise, we opt to bring the grilled foods inside where it’s cool. Oh, to live in a place where you don’t have to deal with humidity.
That said, grilling is still a fantastic option, so you don’t heat your house unnecessarily with a stove or oven. So, no matter where you live, I hope you will enjoy the following ideas for grilling. And if you’re able and if the weather permits, take your dinner outside!
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Buy Now → The Main Course – Summer Barbecue Menu
Pick your meat, whether you want to grill steaks, burgers, pork chops, chicken, or shrimp. Below you’ll find some of our favorite choices for an outdoor barbecue.
1
Cajun Shrimp
Cajun Shrimp is a great addition to any outdoor barbecue. Cooking them on a stick keeps them from falling through the grill bars. And it pairs wonderfully with steak, chicken, or pork.
Check out this recipe
2
Venison Burgers with Fry Sauce
Summer is here and that means it is burger season at our house. Whether I’m cooking with ground venison or beef, this recipe for Venison Burgers with Fry Sauce is a winner. It’s easy to make and adding the homemade fry sauce takes it to the next level that will make your family smile with satisfaction.
Check out this recipe
3
Grilled Chicken with Chili Sauce
Try Grilled Chicken with Chili Sauce the next time you want to grill. This is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for weeknight meals.
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4
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Grilled Baby Back Ribs are another perfect summer food. Yes, they tend to be a bit messy to eat, but if I'm going to get my fingers messy, I might as well get my mouth messy, too! These ribs are slow-cooked in the oven and then finished off on the grill. The barbecue sauce is so delicious paired with the tender juicy pork ribs!
Check out this recipe
5
Sirloin Steak Marinade
We have been enjoying Sirloin Steak Marinade for many years. It's perfect for sirloin steak, but we’ve been known to put it on other types of steak as well. Even KC Strips! It just shows how much we love it.
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6
Grilled Marinated Chicken Thighs
Grilled Marinated Chicken Thighs are easy to make and produce a flavorful and tender meat for your dinner table in less than an hour. Marinate for 30 minutes and then cook on a hot grill.
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7
Grilled Pork Loin Chops
Here is an easy and tasty recipe for serving Grilled Pork Loin Chops. Thick slices of pork seasoned with a tangy spice rub that is so delicious you’ll want to always have some on hand.
Check out this recipe
8
Steak and Shrimp Shish Kabobs
Our daughters always enjoyed it when we cooked Steak and Shrimp Shish Kabobs on the grill. These kabobs are filled with steak and shrimp, and all of those summer vegetables we love. Peppers, Onions. Mushrooms. And Zucchini.
Check out this recipe
Side Dishes for your next Backyard Barbecue
Summer is the perfect time to serve dips, salads, and side dishes meant to go with barbecued food. The recipes listed below pair perfectly with your favorite barbecue or grilled meats.
9
Easy Corn Dip
This Easy Corn Dip is so delicious and very easy to make. Pair it with your favorite corn chips. Our daughters love eating it with lime-flavored corn chips. Try it and see what you think!
Check out this recipe
10
Chili Shrimp Dip
This Chili Shrimp Dip is quick and easy to put together and tastes wonderful. Serve with Frito corn chips.
Check out this recipe
11
Fried Okra Bites
Okay, so Kansas isn't exactly part of the South, but we love our Fried Okra. I had never even tried it until a few years ago and realized how delicious it was. Now my whole family loves it. These little gems are not slimy. They're delicious!
Check out this recipe
12
Kenny’s Cowboy Beans
We rarely have a family barbecue without a side dish of baked beans. It just goes well with grilled or barbecued meats. This recipe of my oldest brothers will not disappoint. So good!
Check out this recipe
13
Grandma’s Coleslaw
Again, what would a barbecue be without a side of coleslaw. There are so many options for this dish, but we think this one is a good comparison to what is offered at Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Check out this recipe
14
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This salad is a good choice when you're looking to add a little pasta to the meal plan. Flavored with ranch dressing mix, bacon, and a few vegetables mixed in for good measure, it's a favorite at our house.
Check out this recipe
15
Parmesan Corn with Smoked Paprika
Wrapped ears of corn perfectly cooked on the grill and seasoned with butter, favorite smoked paprika, and fresh parmesan.
Check out this recipe
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Buy Now → Finish with a Dessert or Two
Summer desserts aren’t just cookies, s’mores, and watermelon. Fruit pies, cobblers, and ice cream are great choices too!
16
Fresh Tart Rhubarb Pie
When I was a girl, my mom made Fresh Tart Rhubarb Pie from the rhubarb she grew in her garden. It was green, very sweet, very juicy, and so delicious. Paired with her flaky pie dough, it was always a hit. And still is today. My daughters request it every spring.
Check out this recipe
17
Mom’s Peach Pie
Late summer is a perfect time to get in on the fresh peaches being sold at Farmer's Markets or in your local grocery store. We especially enjoy the peaches that come from Colorado. My folks have even been known to travel cross-country just to buy them by the bushel.
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18
Homemade Blackberry Cobbler
If not peaches, then your next best bet is Blackberries. And cobblers rank right up there with homemade pies. And in some ice cream and you have a winner. Yum!
Check out this recipe
19
Chocolate Sheet Cake
Being a chocolate lover at heart, I had to include one of my favorite chocolate desserts for this barbecue gathering. This sheet cake feeds a crowd and pairs so well with a bowl of homemade ice cream. Topped with a fudgy frosting with pecans, it's always a hit.
Check out this recipe
20
Mom’s Homemade Ice Cream
Finish off the night with this recipe for my Mom’s Homemade Ice Cream. It's served at almost every family gathering we have on my mom’s side of the family. Creamy and sweet. A family favorite that goes great with chocolate and fruit pies or cobblers!
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