Embrace Your Inner Pitmaster With Our Best BBQ Recipes
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Depending on where you live, there are all different styles of barbecue. There's the big, bold flavors of Texas barbecue, the porky goodness of Memphis barbecue, and the sweet and smoky flavors of Kansas City barbecue. Even places like Alabama and Kentucky have their own unique spins. But despite the differences, all barbecue is incredibly meaty and downright crave-worthy! That's why we rounded up the best BBQ recipes from across the country. So, fire up the grill and get ready for tons of fall-off-the-bone ribs recipes, BBQ chicken, brisket, and more.
The best part about these barbecue recipes is that you don't have to be a pitmaster to make them—and you don't even have to spend hours in front of the grill. Try the bbq beef sandwiches made in an Instant Pot or get creative with the oven-roasted barbecue chicken. Looking to take things outdoors? Ree Drummond's sweet and smoky ribs are a cookout favorite. Whip them up with homemade barbecue sauce or try one of these barbecue sauce brands—the options are endless. Speaking of options, we've also including tons of classic BBQ sides, like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and Ree's famous baked beans. All you need to complete the meal is a side of pickles and sliced bread.
Oven BBQ Chicken
You'll love the sweet and spicy flavor of this easy chicken recipe. It's perfect for those days when you don't feel like firing up the grill! All you need is your oven and your favorite BBQ sauce.
Get Ree's Oven BBQ Chicken recipe.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This pork gets meltingly tender using your slow cooker, but it's also full of flavor thanks to a rub spiked with brown sugar and dry mustard. Pile it onto pretzel buns or serve it over mashed potatoes throughout the week.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Alabama White Sauce
It might not look like it, but this is a homemade barbecue sauce that's packed with flavor. The regional specialty is a creamy and peppery addition to grilled chicken or ribs.
Get the Alabama White Sauce recipe.
Cowboy Beans
If you want to serve up barbecue like a cowboy than you'll definitely want to have a pot of these beans. They're a hearty, comforting combination of beans, bacon, and beef in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.
Get the Cowboy Beans recipe.
Brisket Tacos
Spicy chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, and ginger give this brisket a unique flavor. The smoky, tender meat is even better when topped with pickled onions.
Get the Brisket Tacos recipe.
Country-Style Ribs
No barbecue pit? No worries! These ribs are made right on a sheet pan with a seasoned, spicy rub.
Get the Country-Style Ribs recipe.
Pickled Okra
Have something acidic and pickled to pair with your bold smoky-sweet BBQ is always a good idea! Try pickling your own veggies, like this variation using Southern okra.
Get the Pickled Okra recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
This BBQ chicken will fall apart with the gentle prodding of a fork, and that's just the right texture. Make a big batch in the beginning of the week and you'll have BBQ sandwiches whenever the craving strikes.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Jalapeño Cornbread
This spicy twist on a classic BBQ side will really bring the heat! Not only are there slices of jalapeño peppers throughout, but there's also chili powder for an extra kick.
Get the Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.
Honey Barbecue Wings
These sweet and sticky wings will satisfy any finger lickin’ craving. They're great for game day, but you can also make them any night of the week!
Get the Honey Barbecue Wings recipe.
BBQ Salad
Salad might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BBQ, but this version will knock your socks off! The greens are topped with pulled pork, cornbread croutons, pickles, and a BBQ dressing.
Get the BBQ Salad recipe.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Planning a Hawaiian-style BBQ party? Then, you'll definitely want to have this creamy pasta salad on the menu. People in the Aloha State often pair it with smoked pork.
Get the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Tacos
It doesn't get easier than this Instant Pot recipe. You'll get all the smoky barbecue flavor in less than an hour. Plus, it's a fun way to switch up taco night.
Get Ree's Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Tacos recipe.
Cornbread Salad
With layers of jalapeño-cheddar cornbread, beans, corn, and chipotle-ranch dressing, this salad is sure to steal the show! It's a fun new take on a BBQ side.
Get the Cornbread Salad recipe.
BBQ Salmon
For a lightened-up spin on classic BBQ, this recipe uses healthy salmon as the protein. But don't worry, there's still plenty of smoky BBQ flavor!
Get Ree's BBQ Salmon recipe.
Southern Potato Salad
This creamy, classic dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. It's spiked with sweet pickle relish to balance out the comforting creaminess.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
Spicy Whiskey BBQ Sliders
Saucy, decadent, and a little bit spicy—these sliders are a must-have at any backyard barbecue. Not to mention, they come together in just 30 minutes!
Get Ree's Spicy Whiskey BBQ Sliders recipe.
Best-Ever Grilled Ribs
These barbecue ribs have double the flavor thanks to the dry spice rub and the sticky-sweet sauce. You'll definitely need a napkin while eating these ribs.
Get Ree's Best-Ever Grilled Ribs recipe.
Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
A homemade barbecue sauce made with chipotle chilis, brown sugar, and garlic will make this chicken recipe stand out at your next cookout. Be sure to reserve extra sauce for serving on the side.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
Spicy BBQ Brisket
This bbq brisket recipe might not be the quickest dinner, but it’s worth the wait! Once the meat is tender from roasting, it’s finished with a flavorful mop right on the grill.
Get Ree's Spicy BBQ Brisket recipe.
Classic Coleslaw
Why does a classic barbecue dinner call for a classic coleslaw recipe? It's refreshing, crunchy, and so easy to make!
Get the Classic Coleslaw recipe.
Instant Pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches
These shredded beef sandwiches get their smoky flavor from chili powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika. To balance it out, molasses and brown sugar add a touch of sweetness.
Get Ree's Instant Pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches recipe.
Red Potato Salad
Potato salad can come in all different variations, but this one with crispy bacon and fresh dill is sure to delight. Make it ahead to give it time to chill.
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
Sweet and Smoky Ribs
To make these finger-licking ribs, use your favorite bottle of bbq sauce or make your own—either way you can't go wrong. Bonus points if you serve them with a refreshing wedge of watermelon.
Get Ree's Sweet and Smoky Ribs recipe.
BBQ Hot Dogs with Cilantro Slaw
Sure, simple grilled hot dogs are delicious, but brush them with barbecue sauce and top them with tangy slaw and they'll be anything but ordinary.
Get Ree's BBQ Hot Dogs with Cilantro Slaw recipe.
Macaroni Salad
Ree has perfected her macaroni salad over the years—it's creamy but light and sweet but tangy. Plus, it's loaded with a confetti of colors that's perfect for summer.
Get Ree's Macaroni Salad recipe.
Instant Pot Ribs with Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
These bbq ribs are made with one of Ree Drummond's favorite ingredients: Dr Pepper! The soda helps to flavor and tenderize the meat so it's fall-off-the-bone good.
Get the Instant Pot Ribs with Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce recipe.
Skillet Cornbread
Not all barbecue joints serve cornbread, but in your kitchen, you can do what you want. And cornbread is always a good idea—especially for sopping up barbecue sauce!
Get Ree's Skillet Cornbread recipe.
BBQ Meatball Subs
These BBQ-style meatballs are perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners. Serve them up with pickles and a side of potato chips for a quick and easy meal.
Get Ree's BBQ Meatball Subs recipe.
Tangy Coleslaw
Add some color to your favorite barbecue dishes by serving up a side of this bright and tangy slaw. It has red cabbage and shredded carrots, but you can also use a colorful slaw mix.
Get Ree's Tangy Coleslaw recipe.
Ladd's Grilled Tenderloin
Feeding a crowd? This Drummond family-favorite will make enough for all your friends and family (and you may even have extras!).
Get Ladd's Grilled Tenderloin recipe.
The Best Baked Beans Ever
The key to making the best baked beans ever is cooking them low and slow—oh, and toping them with bacon, of course!
Get Ree's Best Baked Beans Ever recipe.
Barbecue Chicken Salad
Want to give your barbecue a lighter spin? Try serving the sweet and sticky chicken over a crunchy refreshing salad. It's a healthy dinner idea that even cowboys will love.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Salad recipe.
Macaroni and Cheese
This classic barbecue sidekick will be a hit with kids and adults alike. It's creamy, cheesy, and so delicious.
Get Ree's Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza
This creative mash-up combines saucy barbecue pulled pork with cheesy homemade pizza. It's sure to become a new favorite!
Get the BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza recipe.
Grilled Corn with Spicy Bacon Butter
Try switching up your simple grilled corn with this flavorful version instead. The corn is slathered with a spicy bacon butter that's out-of-this-world good!
Get Ree's Grilled Corn with Spicy Bacon Butter recipe.
Garden Pasta Salad
This creamy pasta salad has it all—it's loaded with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, and even a dash of hot sauce.
Get Ree's Garden Pasta Salad recipe.
Spicy Dr Pepper Shredded Pork
You can do almost anything with this flavorful shredded pork—try it on toasted buns with coleslaw or use it as a topping for nachos.
Get Ree's Spicy Dr Pepper Shredded Pork recipe.
Pineapple-Gochujang Short Ribs
If you’re a fan of Korean barbecue, you’ll love these sweet and sticky short ribs. They’re just as fun for a backyard cookout as they are for game day eats.
Get the Pineapple-Gochujang Short Ribs recipe.
Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
After spending a couple of hours cooking with sauce, onions, and garlic, this barbecue chicken is easy to shred up for the ultimate chicken sandwich.
Get Ree's Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches recipe.
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