Let’s all take a collective sigh of relief – the unofficial start of summer 2021 is here, and it’s looking like things may be beginning to return to “normal.” Now that we’re reaching some degree of safety, it’s time to go out and celebrate, see people we’ve been missing, and maybe even have a Barbecue!
Since we’re all excited to fire up the grill, here are our favorite summer barbecue recipes for you to plan your next cookout!
Mains:
GRILLED CUBED PORK KABOBS FROM BEYOND BACON
We love a good kabob! The best Memorial Day cookout in our lives themed around a make your own kabob main event. Just pick out a ton of favorite veggies, marinade some meat and you’re all set! Featured in Beyond Bacon.
DANIELLE WALKER’S BARBECUE TRI-TIP WITH GRILLED WATERMELON SALAD
One of our favorite people, Danielle Walker, introduced us to the idea of grilling watermelon. What a treat! Paired with a tri-tip and you’re absolutely in business!
DIJON SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN GRILLED CHICKEN
In this recipe, spatchcocking and saucing a chicken leads to a juicy and delicious meal that’s also fast and easy, highly recommended.
BRINED AND GRILLED PORK CHOPS BY WHAT WOULD JOHN MACK EAT
Using a brine (a salty flavorful soak for your meat) is an under-appreciated trick. The result retains all the juicy deliciousness that lean meats often lose in the high heat of a grill. Pork chops especially benefit from this technique.
COPYCAT TERIYAKI BANZAI BURGERS
Stacy’s favorite restaurant staple was, for a time, the umami-sweet grilled chicken breast that Red Robin called the Banzai Burger. We had to recreate it at home for her, and it would be a perfect speciality to whip up on the grill!
CRAZY GOOD VAULT SMOKER CHICKEN
Everyone knows that I love my smoker and look forward to the opportunity to use it in the summer. One of my favorite ways to show off my smoker is to use chicken pieces. It cooks quicker, soaks up the smoky flavors, is surprisingly juicy when done right, and packs an unexpected punch for many people!
Rubs and Sauces:
INSTANT POT APPLE BUTTER BBQ SAUCE RECIPE (AIP FRIENDLY)
One year we had bushels of fresh picked apples and needed to figure out how to use them. Apple Butter BBQ sauce became one of our favorite experiments that year and we continue to make it quite frequently.
MOLASSES HORSERADISH MUSTARD RIBS & NO NIGHTSHADE BBQ SAUCE
With nightshades off the table, barbecue sauces are very difficult for us! But this recipe uses non-capsaicin spicy ingredients mustard and horseradish to make a tangy barbecue sauce that even Stacy can enjoy.
Sides:
CREAMY RANCH COLESLAW
What is ranch but mayonnaise and herbs? What is coleslaw but cabbage, mayonnaise and herbs? Using the these formulas allowed us to make this tasty side which is now a staple in any cookout we throw!
BLACKENED CAESAR SALAD FROM PALEO GRILLING BY TONY FEDERICO
Everyone loves a Caesar salad, but did you know you can enhance those flavors with your grill? Thanks to Paleo Grilling, now I love to char my lettuce before I toss it!
Desserts:
GRILLED PEACH AND GINGER ICE CREAM
Later in the summer you’ll experience the glut of peaches we always do. This dessert is absolutely lovely and refreshing in the hot summer months.
CREAMY CRUNCHY ICE CREAM COULIS
Finally, our favorite dessert of summer time: the crunchy-creamy Raspberry Coulis, which is always a crowd pleaser!