75 Best Grilling Recipes to Make the Most of Warm Summer Nights
Say hello to BBQ season.
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Nothing says summer quite like the smell of something sizzling on the grill. As the days get longer and the weather heats up, it's the perfect time to dust off your grill tools and head outside. Whether you're working with a charcoal setup, a gas grill, or even a portable grill for a camping trip, these are the best grilling recipes to keep in your back pocket all season long. They're packed with smoky, flame-kissed flavor and make cleanup a breeze—which is exactly why Ree Drummond loves grilling for easy summer dinners. "We do the cooking outside and keep the fixings cool and crisp," she says. Sounds like a pretty good plan!
Here, you'll find a compilation of grilling recipes, each of which will inspire you to clean those grill grates and get to work. There are dozens of summer recipes for meat lovers, of course, like Ladd Drummond's legendary grilled tenderloin, hot dogs, and burgers, plus a super impressive cowboy steak topped with zesty ranch butter that is pure decadence. You'll also find plenty of grilled chicken recipes, BBQ recipes, and seafood mains like lemony shrimp skewers or grilled salmon for those craving lighter fare during the heat of the season. And because we can’t forget about dessert, this best-of list even has some summer treats, like grilled peaches and donut hole kebabs, that’ll change the way you think about grilling recipes. Here's to a summer of good, grilled eats!
Spicy Queso Burgers
These burgers bring the heat. Each juicy patty is smothered in a spicy queso that's good enough to eat with a spoon. Topped with pickled jalapeños for a little extra kick, they're the opposite of boring!
Get Ree's Spicy Queso Burgers recipe.
Grilled Chicken Wings
There's no deep fryer in sight, but these wings still come out with crispy skin and lots of flavor. Grill them until golden, then toss in your favorite sauce or keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
Get the Grilled Chicken Wings recipe.
Grilled Tomatoes
Here's a summer side dish that requires almost zero effort. Toss some tomatoes on the grill until they start to blister and char, then finish with olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt. The flavor gets deeper and sweeter in just a few minutes.
Get Ree's Grilled Tomatoes recipe.
Beer Can Chicken
It looks a little silly on the grill, but this recipe delivers every time. The can helps steam the chicken from the inside while the skin crisps up beautifully. It's hands-off, foolproof, and the meat practically falls off the bone.
Get the Beer Can Chicken recipe.
Chili Dogs
Here's a grilling recipe that's messy in the best way. These hot dogs are loaded with a beefy, saucy chili that soaks into the bun just enough without it being too much. Add a sprinkle of cheese or a spoonful of chopped onions and serve with plenty of napkins.
Get Ree's Chili Dogs recipe.
Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken
This bold and flavorful chicken brings just the right amount of heat. The marinade is a mix of coconut milk, lime, sambal oelek, and honey, which gives the grilled thighs a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Great for an easy dinner that still feels a little special!
Get the Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken recipe.
Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is rich, flavorful, and quick to grill. It doesn't need much—just a little salt and heat. Slice it thin across the grain and let it be the star of the plate.
Get Ree's Hanger Steak recipe.
Pork Burgers
This recipe gives you a nice change from the usual beef served at barbecues. These burgers are juicy with a hint of sweetness from the pork and taste great with all your favorite fixings. Add slaw, pickles, or a swipe of mustard and call it dinner.
Get the Pork Burgers recipe.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos
Nachos on the grill? Absolutely! These start with a cast iron skillet, a layer of tortilla chips, and plenty of cheese. Then comes the saucy BBQ chicken and a quick blast of heat until everything's melted and bubbling. A total showstopper for backyard snacking!
Get Ree's Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos recipe.
Beer Brats
Sausages, onions, and beer—what's not to love? This classic bratwurst recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, especially around Fourth of July!
Get the Beer Brats recipe.
Grilled Eggplant
Grilled eggplant makes a no-fuss summer side. Just season with salt, pepper, and a little fresh parsley, then grill until tender and nicely charred.
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad
This summer dinner strikes the perfect sweet-savory balance. Juicy drumsticks pair with a bright arugula salad topped with grilled peaches and a make-ahead shallot-tarragon dressing.
Get Ree's Chicken Drumsticks with Grilled Peach Salad recipe.
Teriyaki Meatball-Broccoli Kebab
Meatballs on the grill are a fun twist on tradition! Thread them onto skewers with broccoli, peppers, and onions for a complete dinner that cooks up fast.
Chipotle Carne Asada Tacos
Take Taco Tuesday outdoors and give it a smoky upgrade. The marinated flank steak is bold and flavorful, which makes it perfect for tossing on the grill and stuffing into tortillas with guac or pico.
Get Ree's Chipotle Carne Asada Tacos recipe.
Honey Mustard Chicken
This honey mustard marinade is full of tangy-sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. After you grill the chicken, be sure to serve it with extra honey-mustard sauce for dipping.
Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
Chile-Lime Steak Salad
Whether you grill it outside or indoors, this steak turns out tender and full of zesty flavor. Serve over crisp greens with a spicy-sweet dressing for a complete meal that'll impress anyone.
Get Ree's Chile-Lime Steak Salad recipe.
Grilled Okra
Grilling okra gives it a smoky depth that might just convert the skeptics! Use skewers or flip with tongs until it's charred and tender.
Get the Grilled Okra recipe.
Soy-Ginger Beef Kebabs
The marinade is what makes these kebabs taste so divine. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger infuse the beef with tons of flavor before it even hits the grill.
Get Ree's Soy-Ginger Beef Kebabs recipe.
Green Chile Cheeseburgers
Pepper jack, grilled poblanos, and a hint of cumin and cayenne give these burgers a little kick. It's a flavorful twist on your classic cheeseburger for anyone who loves spice!
Get Ree's Green Chile Cheeseburgers recipe.
Grilled Pizza
Forget about turning on the oven in the summer heat—grilling pizza is easier than you think. Shape store-bought dough on foil, slide it onto the grill, and add your favorite toppings for a fun weeknight dinner.
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
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