Summer is coming, and you should make one of these summer barbeque recipes! Being a school teacher, one of my favorite things is when the weather starts to turn. The days get warmer and longer, and the world starts to get a little more color than it had in the months previous. One of my all time favorite things with the turn of the weather and the end of school is barbecues! There is something about the food, the sunshine, and the freedom that I absolutely live for. I’d have to say that the holidays in July are by far my favorite-more than Christmas even. So, to get myself into the groove and prepped for the season that is quickly approaching, here are twelve recipes for a fun summer barbecue! I’ve divided them up into three categories: appetizers/side dishes and main dishes. Bon Appetit!
Appetizers/Side Dishes
#1 Grilled Corn on the Cob: What barbecue would be complete without corn on the cob? I mean, they are kind of mutually exclusive. Boiled corn on the cob is good and definitely has it’s place, but if you’re going to do a barbecue right, you really should grill your corn. It gives it such a unique flavor!
#2 Sweet Potato Bacon Bites: Remember my slightly inappropriate love of bacon? Here is it again! These are a great appetizer or side dish for any barbecue. They are easy to put together, can feed a crowd, and are easily customizable. Want something with more kick? Add hot sauce. Want something sweeter? Try rolling the finished product in brown sugar before cooking. Either way, these will be a hit. And they don’t require utensils which is another barbecue rule. 😉 
#3 Grilled Garlic Parmesan Zucchini: This recipe is a great way to use all that summer squash you planted in your garden. (Oh wait, you didn’t plant any? Well, you should! You can even order it from here and have it sent to your door) This dish is simple to prep and simple to cook, which is also a win when it comes to barbecues! 
#4 Grilled Pineapple and Watermelon Fruit Kabobs: If you haven’t tried grilling your fruit, you should. I’ll admit that I thought it was super weird at first, until I actually ate it. Then I got it-the pineapple especially. There is something truly yummy about grilled pineapple. Want to make it a tad sweeter? Try sprinkling brown sugar on top of your pineapple before you kabob and grill it.
Main Dish
#5 Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil: This is a great alternative to the barbecue burger while still keeping with the summer theme. The chicken is light and pairs really nicely with the tomato, mozzarella, and basil-especially if it’s basil from your own back yard. 
#6 North Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue: This is another alternative to the traditional burger, but it is definitely a solid crowd pleaser! Using pork shoulder makes it a lot more manageable, and if you have a smoker I’d really suggest smoking the meat. It ends up so tender and flavorful! Topping it with your favorite coleslaw makes this a North Carolina tradition as well. 
#7 Barbecue Cheeseburgers: This is a great twist on the classic. It has a smoky mesquite flavor and holds up great on the grill. Top it with some fresh veggies, a soft bun, and you’ve got a sure-fire hit on your hands. 
#8 Steakhouse Cheeseburgers: What really makes these burgers is the A-1 and the MiracleWhip. It’s gross-I know. But there is some magical voodoo that happens inside the meat when these two sauces are combined that produces a truly delicious burger! 
#9 Bacon and Blue Cheese Burgers with Creamy Buffalo Sauce: It’s the bacon again. It literally is a perfect meat! And combining it with beef, blue cheese, and a creamy buffalo sauce gives you a burger that is really fit for a barbecue with the Queen. 
#10 Backyard Baby Back Ribs: When burgers just don’t live up to your celebrating spirit and you’re in the mood for something a little more, these baby back ribs will hit the spot! Plus it meets the “no utensil required” requirement of a barbecue. 
#11 Smoked, Spice Rubbed, Texas-Style Brisket on Texas Toast: Okay, so when it comes to the true royalty of the backyard barbecue, you really can’t go any higher or more royal than a good brisket. I used to think it was just something they joked about on Big Bang Theory. Then my mom got a smoker and began learning how to use it. With the introduction of the smoker, brisket entered my life and changed it almost as much as bacon nuggets. Brisket takes time, a little bit of effort, but if you’re celebrating something special, or just want to do something a little different, this is your ticket! 
#12 Grilled Shrimp Tostadas: Last up is another game changer. This is a great main dish for all those seafood lovers out there. Plus it’s light and a little bit less carb loaded because of the tortillas. These make a great addition to any summer barbecue! 
So, whether you’re in the mood for a serious burger, or your looking to spice up your barbecue game, here are twelve recipes that will help you have the best summer barbecue ever! Happy Grilling!
Grilled Corn on the Cob via KitchMe
Sweet Potato Bacon Bites via CompleteRecipes
Grilled Garlic Parmesan Zucchini via AllRecipes
Grilled Pineapple and Watermelon Fruit Kabobs via ANightOwlBlog
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil via GeniusKitchen
North Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue via Epicurious
Barbecue Cheeseburgers via GeniusKitchen
Steakhouse Cheeseburgers via KraftRecipes
Bacon and Blue Cheese Burgers via FavFamilyRecipes
Backyard Baby Back Ribs via FoodNetwork
Smoked, Spice Rubbed, Texas-Style Brisket via FoodNetwork
Grilled Shrimp Tostadas via KraftRecipes
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