Buttery Grilled Shrimp
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Start off your meal with one of these easy summer appetizers.
Mexican Hot Dogs
My stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, OhioMake this recipe for your summer BBQ with our Test Kitchen’s favorite hot dogs.
Cuts-Like-Butter BBQ Brisket
This brisket cuts like butter—no joke! With just a few ingredients and steps, the recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. The thin, fall-apart-tender slices are delicious on their own but also make everything from tacos to Frito pies taste better. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, TexasMake your summer cookout complete with these delicious sides for hamburgers.
Grilled Corn in Husks
If you’re new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It’s especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New JerseyCheck out more of our Test Kitchen’s favorite ways to make corn.
Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Drumsticks
Bottled hot sauce isn't my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New MexicoCola Burgers
A friend who’s an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers.-Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania
Discover more creative burger toppings.
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream Cake
While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, WisconsinNo one can resist an ice cream cake at a summer BBQ party.
Salsa Black Bean Burgers
Meatless meals are so tasty when these hearty bean burgers are on the menu. Guacamole and sour cream make them seem decadent. —Jill Reichardt, St. Louis, MissouriNeed a shortcut? Check out our Test Kitchen’s favorite plant-based burgers.
Tacos on a Stick
Teens like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational Southwestern flavor of this twist on beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, IllinoisBarbecued Chicken Salad Sandwiches
An impromptu picnic inspired this summer BBQ chicken salad sandwich. An instant summertime favorite, these dressed-up sandwiches have become a mainstay at our house. —Linda Orme, Battleground, WashingtonCrispy Grilled Wings
My family is full of chicken-wing fiends. If there’s a wing-eating contest, my husband is entering. Same goes for our 9-year-old daughter, who’s very proud of her record (16 wings). Our preference is crispy wings, which can be achieved on the grill with cornstarch. —Audrey Alfaro, Boise, IdahoGreen Goddess Vegan Potato Salad
Don’t be fooled by the green color—this vegan potato salad is absolutely delicious! It’s perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks and for those with dietary restrictions. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, CaliforniaSteak and Shrimp Kabobs
These steak and shrimp kabobs make any get-together special. Cubes of marinated steak are skewered with shrimp and veggies, then grilled. For picnics, I assemble the kabobs at home and carry them in a large container. —Karen Mergener, St. Croix, MinnesotaKeep the kabobs coming! These 4th of July side dishes will please any crowd.
The Best Baby Back Ribs
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, ArkansasGrilled Elote Flatbread
Here’s a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! Keep your kitchen cooled down during the summer by grilling this fresh flatbread outdoors. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, OregonCoconut Pistachio Pie
We simply love the lightly toasted coconut crust that pairs so well with the pistachio pudding in this quick pie. —Taste of Home Test KitchenTry more no-bake pies for your summer BBQ.