Hello and welcome to the Great American Barbecue — your one-stop guide for a memorable backyard cookout. From welcome drinks to crowd-pleasing desserts, thirteen talented bloggers have pooled their best ideas to help you host a relaxed, delicious barbecue. We’ve organized everything you need—drinks, appetizers, grill-worthy mains, sides, desserts, a simple utensil caddy idea and a kid-friendly activity—so planning is easy and fun. Enjoy!
Refreshing Drinks to Welcome Your Guests
Start the party with cool, inviting beverages that set a relaxed tone. Offer choices for adults and kids so everyone feels welcome the moment they arrive.
Make Ahead Frozen Lemon Berry Slush (adult and kid versions)
Recipe by: Ariean from One Krieger Chick
Fresh Fruit Ice Cubes
Idea by: Susan from Oh My! Creative
Get the Party Started with Appetizers
While the grill heats up, offer light bites that pair perfectly with drinks and encourage mingling.
Bruschetta with Whipped Feta and Grilled Crostini
Recipe by: Dana from This Silly Girl’s Life
Rosemary Parmesan Focaccia
Recipe by: Kelley from The Grant Life
The Main Event – Fresh from the Grill
No barbecue is complete without something sizzling on the grill. Choose from classic ribs or zesty chicken skewers for big flavor and easy serving.
Fall Off the Bone BBQ Ribs
Recipe by: Angela from Handmade in the Heartland
Chipotle Lime Chicken Skewers with Avocado Ranch
Recipe by: Meg from Color Me Meg
Perfect Potluck Side Dishes
Complement your mains with a selection of side dishes—pasta, fresh salads and potatoes are always crowd-pleasers.
Easy Macaroni Salad
Recipe by: Carrie from Kenarry: Ideas for the Home
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Recipe by: Britni from Play. Party. Pin.
Grilled Twice Baked Potatoes
Recipe by: Shauna from The Best Blog Recipes
Delicious Crowd-Pleasing Desserts
Save room for sweets—these desserts are irresistible and easy to share, perfect for ending the meal on a high note.
Oreo White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe by: Ashlyn from Belle of the Kitchen
Strawberry Lemonade Bars
Recipe by: Katie from Made to Be a Momma
Serving Your Guests in Style
Make utensils and condiments easy to find with a simple upcycled caddy—practical, stylish and effortless to assemble.
Upcycled Utensil Caddy
Idea by: Katie from View from the Fridge
A Fun Activity for the Kids
Keep little guests entertained with a simple DIY game that’s colorful and easy to set up while adults enjoy the party.
DIY Kids Tin Can Toss Game
Activity by: Courtney from Crafts by Courtney
What’s your favorite dish or activity to bring to a backyard barbecue?
Thank you to all the bloggers who contributed recipes and ideas to make the Great American Barbecue simple and delicious.