Mix it Up: Creative New Recipes for Your Summer BBQ Bash!

Fire up the grill, cause summer is here – and that means charcoal grilling, mouthwatering summer fruit salads and tables festively set for dining al fresco! But if you’re tired of the same old sides, it’s time to take your BBQ game to the next level! Whether you’re hosting a casual family party or a festive Fourth of July bash, try including some of these fun and original dishes we’ve rounded up from around the web!

But first: your table. Be sure you’re setting a sizzling summer scene with napkins that evoke summer fun. Our  4th of July collection is sure to get you – and your guests – in the summer spirit.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Smoky Lime Butter

Fresh corn on the cob might just be the quintessential summer delight – at least as far as veggies go. This recipe from Bon Appétit adds an elevated twist to traditional grilled corn with smoky lime butter. Sweet, charred corn is beautifully contrasted by a tangy, spicy and smoky butter. It's straightforward to prepare but tastes like you spent all day on it. Pair it with any meat dish, or let it stand alone as a tasty vegetarian option. Check out the full recipe here.

BBQ Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

This sweet and savory BBQ Chicken Skewers recipe from Delish combines the tropical flavors of pineapple with the smoky and savory taste of BBQ chicken. The fresh and fruity salsa adds a bit of layered complexity to easy grilled chicken skewers, making for a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress. View the recipe here.

Smoky Maple BBQ Ribs

Sweet, smoky and satisfying, these BBQ ribs from Food Network are summer on a plate. They're slow-cooked for a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture, then finished on the grill for a charred, caramelized exterior. The maple syrup in the marinade adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the smoky BBQ flavor. Check the full recipe here.

4th of July Grilled Watermelon Pizza

For a patriotic spin on your summer BBQ, consider this unique recipe from Taste of Home: Grilled Watermelon Pizza. This delightfully refreshing dish makes for a perfect appetizer or dessert. The watermelon is grilled to enhance its sweetness, then topped with creamy mozzarella, fresh mint and a balsamic glaze. To make it Fourth of July-ready, add blueberries for a red, white, and blue theme. Check the full recipe here.

Patriotic Potato Salad

You can’t call it a barbecue if potato salad isn’t involved, and this version from AllRecipes gives the classic American favorite a colorful twist – you’ll get a little patriotic by including red, white, and blue potatoes. Tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing, this is a side dish that'll be a hit at your Fourth of July BBQ. Check the full recipe here.

Star-Spangled Burger

A BBQ would never be complete without a classic burger. This Star-Spangled Burger recipe from Food & Wine offers an exciting twist to a standard burger. Topped with blue cheese and served with a spicy red pepper ketchup, the burger gets a 4th of July makeover when you use a star-shaped cookie cutter to shape the patties (GENIUS!). Check the full recipe here.

Red, White, and Blue Sangria

Cool down with this festive sangria recipe from Delish. Made with strawberries, blueberries and white peaches, this refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day and adds a colorful touch to your Fourth of July celebration. Check the full recipe here.

Grilled Shrimp and Sausage Skewers with Smoky Paprika Glaze

If you're looking for a lighter BBQ option that doesn't skimp on flavor, this recipe from Bon Appétit offers a blend of smoky, spicy and sweet flavors. These skewers are easy to prep and grill, making them ideal for a quick and flavorful summer BBQ. Check the full recipe here.

Sweet and Tangy BBQ Beans

This recipe from Food Network is a hearty, flavorful side dish that pairs well with any BBQ main course. Made with a mix of different beans and cooked slowly with bacon, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce, it’s a sweet, tangy and smoky accompaniment that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Check the full recipe here.

Grilled Veggie Platter with Balsamic Dressing

This option from AllRecipes is perfect for vegetarians, or simply to add a colorful and nutritious side to your BBQ spread. The grilled veggies are simple to prepare and their charred flavors pair perfectly with the tangy balsamic dressing. Check the full recipe here.

Patriotic Berry Trifle

This dessert recipe from Food & Wine is a refreshing end to any summer BBQ. Made with fresh strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream, it’s a delicious nod to the red, white, and blue theme of the Fourth of July. Check the full recipe here.

Whether it’s your first BBQ of the season or your 45th, it’s never too late to get a little creative! Try one or try them all – these recipes are sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill, invite some friends and family over, and enjoy the pleasure of sharing good food under the sun.