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    Home » Summer Recipes

    21 Southern BBQ Dishes You Need to Try This Summer

    Published: Aug 4, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the rich and smoky flavors of Southern BBQ. From tender pulled pork to spicy ribs and the best sides to go with it, there are so many delicious dishes to explore. Whether you're firing up the grill or heading to a local BBQ joint, these 21 Southern BBQ dishes are sure to make your summer gatherings unforgettable.

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Klitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders offer a great mix of smoky flavor, tanginess, and crunch. The tender pulled pork, coated in rich barbecue sauce, is served on soft buns and topped with fresh, creamy coleslaw, creating a delicious combination. These sliders are perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a quick and satisfying dinner option that everyone will enjoy.

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    Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast

    Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This recipe features a delicious smoked chuck roast that turns out juicy and tender, making it a great choice for anyone new to cooking. The smoky flavor from the Traeger wood pellet smoker really enhances the meat, giving it a rich taste that everyone will enjoy. It's a fantastic option for summer BBQs and gatherings.

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    Smoked Beef Brisket

    Smoked Beef Brisket.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    Smoked Beef Brisket is a delicious dish that's juicy and tender, yet has a nice chew to it. It's simpler to prepare than many people think. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings and will impress your friends and family with its rich flavor.

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    Crock Pot BBQ Root Beer Pulled Pork

    BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot with Root Beer is a simple and delicious meal that cooks itself. The pork becomes tender and juicy as it slowly cooks, soaking up the sweet and smoky flavors from the root beer and barbecue sauce. This dish is great for sandwiches, sliders, or even just a quick weeknight dinner. It's an easy way to serve a group without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Cast Iron BBQ Chicken Breast

    Cast Iron BBQ Chicken Breast.
    Photo Credit: The Real Recipes.

    Cast Iron BBQ Chicken Breast is packed with flavor and really easy to make. Using a cast iron skillet gives the chicken a nice char while keeping it juicy inside. Adding a tangy barbecue sauce takes it to the next level, turning a plain chicken breast into something special.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Chicken breasts are cooked slowly until they're tender and juicy, all soaked in a flavorful barbecue sauce. They're great served warm on a soft brioche bun. This simple dish is perfect for summer gatherings, Memorial Day celebrations, or any casual get-together.

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    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a tasty and simple meal option. They are filled with flavorful shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty BBQ sauce. This dish is great for a quick lunch or dinner, making it a go-to choice for busy days.

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    Smoked Whole Chicken

    Smoked Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    Smoking a whole chicken slowly brings out incredible tenderness and juiciness, making it a standout dish for any gathering. This method not only enhances the flavor but also creates a meal that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for summer barbecues, this chicken is sure to impress your friends and family.

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    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Pepper Bowl.

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a great choice for a summer meal, ready in just 30 minutes. These grilled thighs are tender and juicy, covered in a flavorful BBQ sauce that brings a nice smoky sweetness to each bite. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend cookout, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp are packed with a zesty Cajun seasoning and a tangy barbecue sauce that really brings out their flavor. This dish is great for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a delicious taste of Southern cooking without a lot of work. It's a fun way to enjoy shrimp with a kick, making it a perfect choice for summer gatherings.

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    Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork with Root Beer

    BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot with Root Beer is an easy and tasty meal that practically cooks itself. The pork turns out tender and juicy as it simmers, absorbing the sweet and smoky flavors from the root beer and barbecue sauce. This dish is perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or a quick dinner during the week. It's a simple way to feed a crowd without much effort.

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    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs.
    Photo Credit: Lamberts Lately.

    Air fryer BBQ chicken legs are packed with flavor and slathered in zesty barbecue sauce. This dish is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes to cook. Enjoy crispy, crunchy chicken that's perfect for summer gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.

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    BBQ Chicken Flatbread

    BBQ Chicken Flatbread.
    Photo Credit: Pepper Bowl.

    BBQ Chicken Flatbread features tender pieces of barbecue chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This dish is perfect for a casual dinner or as a tasty appetizer. It's easy to whip up and a great choice for game nights or gatherings.

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    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon

    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon are a classic Southern dish that combines the rich flavor of molasses with crispy bacon. These beans are cooked in a cast iron skillet, allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors as they bake in the oven. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings and brings a taste of the South to your table.

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    3-Ingredient BBQ Sauce

    3-Ingredient BBQ Sauce.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This simple homemade BBQ sauce is great for grilling or as a dip. With just three ingredients, you can whip it up in under five minutes. It's a quick and easy way to add flavor to your summer meals.

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    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are a tasty dish that elevates regular baked beans. Packed with beef, bacon, onions, bell peppers, and three types of beans, this dish is mixed with a zesty BBQ sauce that's simple to prepare. It's a great option for summer gatherings or any casual meal.

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    Grandma's Coleslaw

    Grandma's Coleslaw.
    Photo Credit: Dana's Table.

    Creamy coleslaw is a great side dish for summer gatherings like picnics and barbecues. This version is inspired by my grandmother's recipe and features a blend of green cabbage and carrots mixed with a zesty, creamy dressing. It's a refreshing addition that pairs well with grilled meats and other summer favorites.

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    Sweet Potato Biscuits

    Sweet Potato Biscuits.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Sweet Potato Biscuits are a great addition to any meal. By mixing in sweet potatoes, these biscuits become extra flavorful and soft. They pair wonderfully with anything barbecued - but are also great with your holiday favorites like turkey.

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    Smoked Spare Ribs

    Smoked Spare Ribs.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Smoked spare ribs are a classic Southern BBQ dish that everyone loves. These ribs are tender and juicy, packed with smoky flavor and coated in a delicious barbecue sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings, they bring a taste of the grill right to your table.

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    Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

    Grilled Shrimp Kabobs (Skewers).
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Grilled shrimp kabobs are juicy and tender, cooked quickly on the grill. This healthy dish is ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for a summer meal. Enjoy these flavorful skewers at your next barbecue or family gathering.

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    Memphis-Style Dry Rib Rub

    Memphis-Style Dry Rib Rub.
    Photo Credit: Carne Diem.

    Memphis-style barbecue is famous for its rich smoky flavor and tender meat that practically falls off the bone. The secret to this deliciousness lies in the rub. Instead of using store-bought mixes filled with strange ingredients, we're making a simple homemade Memphis rib rub that will take your next rib cookout to a whole new level.

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    More Summer Recipes

    • Grilled pineapple upside down cake.
      28 Light and Fruity Desserts That Were Made For Summer
    • Pasta salad.
      20 Best Salad Recipes for Summer
    • Taco pasta salad.
      18 Summer Pasta Recipes That Skip the Heavy Sauces
    • Caprese orzo pasta salad.
      19 Pasta Salads Bursting With Summer Flavor
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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