20 Easy Grilled Dishes That Make Backyard BBQs Truly Awesome

Summer’s finally here, and that means firing up the grill! Nothing brings family and friends together like the sizzle of food cooking over open flames.

I’ve collected my favorite easy grilled recipes that transform ordinary backyard gatherings into memorable feasts.

These crowd-pleasers require minimal prep but deliver maximum flavor, perfect for both grilling newbies and seasoned BBQ masters!

1. Juicy Garlic Butter Steak

Juicy Garlic Butter Steak
© Kevin Is Cooking

Butter makes everything better! I discovered this trick at my brother-in-law’s legendary Fourth of July cookout last year.

Simply brush ribeye steaks with melted garlic butter before grilling, then add another dollop while resting. The butter creates a mouthwatering crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

Even rookie grillers can nail this impressive main dish!

2. Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken

Honey-Glazed Grilled Chicken
© Butter Be Ready

Sweet meets heat in this foolproof chicken recipe! Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and a dash of sriracha for 30 minutes.

Grill until the skin gets irresistibly caramelized while the meat stays succulent. The honey creates a gorgeous glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro tip: reserve some marinade to brush on during the final minutes!

3. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Grilled Veggie Skewers
© The Carrot Underground

My vegetarian niece taught me this colorful trick that’s now a staple at our family BBQs.

Thread chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red onion onto skewers. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and grill until slightly charred.

The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating veggies so tasty even the kids gobble them up!

4. Smoky BBQ Ribs

Smoky BBQ Ribs
© Chef Billy Parisi

Fall-off-the-bone goodness doesn’t require a smoker! Par-boil ribs for 30 minutes, then slather with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Grill over indirect heat for about 45 minutes, adding more sauce every 15 minutes. The result? Tender, smoky ribs with a sticky-sweet glaze that’ll have everyone licking their fingers.

No fancy equipment needed – just patience and plenty of napkins!

5. Tangy Grilled Shrimp

Tangy Grilled Shrimp
© Home Cooked Harvest

Ocean treasures ready in minutes! Marinate peeled shrimp in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

The secret? Don’t marinate longer than 30 minutes or the acid will start “cooking” the shrimp. Thread onto skewers and grill for just 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.

Guests always hover around the grill when these hit the heat!

6. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
© Jo Cooks

Meaty without the meat! These gorgeous fungi transform into flavor bombs with minimal effort.

Remove stems, brush caps with olive oil, and fill with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan, herbs, and garlic. Grill until the cheese gets bubbly and mushrooms become tender.

My buddy Frank, a devoted carnivore, once ate three before realizing they were vegetarian!

7. Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers
© Well Plated

Hawaiian vacation vibes in every bite! Last summer, these burgers stole the show at our block party.

Mix ground beef with teriyaki sauce and green onions, then grill to perfection. Top with grilled pineapple rings, Swiss cheese, and more teriyaki glaze. The sweet-savory combo will blow your mind!

Serve on toasted brioche buns for the ultimate tropical burger experience.

8. Charred Corn on the Cob

Charred Corn on the Cob
© Love and Lemons

Summer’s golden treasure gets a flavor upgrade! Leave the husks on, soak in water for 10 minutes, then throw directly on the grill.

The husks protect the kernels while they steam to perfection. For the finale, peel back the husks, brush with butter, and return to the grill for a quick char.

Roll in crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder for Mexican street corn magic!

9. Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar Plank Salmon
© Jessica Gavin

I discovered this technique watching a cooking show and now it’s my signature dish.

Soak a cedar plank in water for an hour, place salmon fillet on top, season with brown sugar, dill, and lemon slices. The plank imparts incredible smoky flavor while keeping the fish moist.

Bonus: minimal cleanup since the fish never touches the grill grates!

10. Grilled Peaches with Honey

Grilled Peaches with Honey
© My Baking Addiction

Cut peaches in half, remove pits, and brush with melted butter.

Grill cut-side down until grill marks appear and the fruit softens slightly. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon for a dessert that’s healthier than pie but just as satisfying.

The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating an irresistible treat that’s ready in minutes!

11. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
© Keto Cooking Christian

Vegetables that disappear faster than the meat! Group 4-5 asparagus spears together, wrap with bacon strips, and secure with toothpicks.

The bacon fat bastes the asparagus while grilling, creating tender-crisp spears with smoky flavor. My husband once ate an entire platter before guests arrived – now I always make a double batch!

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese right after grilling for extra awesomeness.

12. Sizzling Fajita Platter

Sizzling Fajita Platter
© Easy Weeknight Recipes

Marinate chicken, steak, or shrimp in lime juice, cumin, and chili powder.

Grill alongside sliced bell peppers and onions in a grill basket until everything has beautiful char marks. The sizzle and aroma will draw a crowd!

Serve with warm tortillas and all the fixings for a DIY feast that lets everyone customize their perfect fajita.

13. Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs

Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs
© Momsdish

During our trip to Greece, I fell in love with these aromatic skewers and had to recreate them at home.

Marinate cubed lamb in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Thread onto skewers with chunks of red onion and bell pepper. The lamb gets a beautiful crust while staying juicy inside.

Serve with tzatziki sauce for an international flavor adventure!

14. Crispy Grilled Pizza

Crispy Grilled Pizza
© Ambitious Kitchen

Backyard pies beat delivery any day! Stretch store-bought dough into thin rounds and brush with olive oil.

Place directly on clean grates for 2 minutes until bubbles form. Flip, quickly add toppings, close the lid, and cook until the cheese melts. The crust gets wonderfully crispy with authentic char marks that fancy pizza ovens create.

Everyone loves customizing their own personal pizzas!

15. Zesty Grilled Potato Packets

Zesty Grilled Potato Packets
© Alphafoodie

Slice potatoes thinly, toss with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Divide onto foil squares, fold into packets, and grill until tender. The steam inside creates perfectly cooked potatoes while the bottom layer gets deliciously crispy.

My camping buddies went crazy for these last summer when we made them over an open fire!

16. Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops

Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops
© Binny’s Beverage Depot

Boozy brilliance on a plate! Mix bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an addictive glaze.

Brush thick-cut pork chops before and during grilling for a caramelized crust that seals in juices. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind complex sweetness that perfectly complements pork.

My father-in-law requested these three birthdays in a row – they’re that good!

17. Smoky Grilled Guacamole

Smoky Grilled Guacamole
© How Sweet Eats

Cut avocados and limes in half, then place cut-side down on the grill for 2-3 minutes.

The heat adds incredible smoky notes to the fruit. Scoop out avocado flesh, mix with grilled lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

The warm dip with charred undertones will vanish before your eyes! I never make guacamole any other way now.

18. Flame-Kissed Romaine Salad

Flame-Kissed Romaine Salad
© Familystyle Food

Lettuce on the grill? Absolutely! Cut romaine hearts lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill cut-side down for 1-2 minutes.

The leaves get slightly wilted while the core becomes tender-crisp with amazing smoky flavor. Top with Caesar dressing, shaved parmesan, and croutons for an upgraded salad experience.

Friends always do a double-take when I toss lettuce on the grates!

19. Stuffed Grilled Jalapeños

Stuffed Grilled Jalapeños
© Over The Fire Cooking

Spicy little flavor bombs! Slice jalapeños lengthwise, remove seeds (leave some if you like heat), and fill with cream cheese mixed with cheddar and bacon bits.

Grill until peppers soften and cheese gets bubbly. The fire tames the peppers’ bite while intensifying their flavor. My buddy Tom ate seven before realizing why his mouth was on fire!

Adjust spiciness by how thoroughly you remove the seeds.

20. Teriyaki Grilled Tofu

Teriyaki Grilled Tofu
© Veggies Save The Day

Press extra-firm tofu between towels to remove moisture, then marinate in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.

Grill until golden with beautiful grill marks. The outside gets deliciously caramelized while the inside stays tender. Even my meat-loving uncle requested the recipe!

Serve with grilled pineapple and bell peppers for a complete meal that happens to be vegetarian.