This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As a Walmart and King Arthur Baking affiliate, and an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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!
The Main Course – Summer Backyard Barbecue Menu
Cajun Shrimp – 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.
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.
Try Grilled Chicken with Chili Sauce the next time you want to grill. This is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for weeknight meals.
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! Yum!
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! Just shows how much we love it.
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.
Steak and Shrimp Shish Kabobs – Our daughters always enjoyed it when we cooked Shisk 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.
Side Dishes for your next Backyard Barbecue
This Easy Corn Dip is so delicious and so 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!
Kenny’s Cowboy Beans – We rarely have a family barbecue with 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!
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!
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.
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.
And a Dessert or Two
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.
Blackberry Cobbler – If not peaches, then your next best bet is Blackberries. And cobblers rank right up there is homemade pies. And in some ice cream and you have a winner. Yum!
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.
Here’s my Mom’s Homemade Ice Cream recipe that is served at almost every family gathering we have on my mom’s side of the family. Creamy and sweet. A family favorite.
See more Barbecue Ideas Here. Browse Grilled Foods.
