19 Crowd-Pleasing Spring BBQ Recipes for Outdoor Fun

Spring is here, and that means it's time to fire up the grill and start planning a delicious BBQ. You're looking for recipes that will make your guests smile, and you've come to the right place. From classic cheeseburgers and grilled chicken to some unique twists, we've got you covered.

Get ready to take your BBQ to the next level with our tasty and easy-to-make recipes. Your menu is about to get a whole lot tastier, and your guests will love the variety of flavors and options. Let's get started and make this spring BBQ one to remember!

1. Classic Cheeseburgers With Caramelized Onions

Classic cheeseburgers with caramelized onions are a staple of any spring BBQ.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 slices of cheese
• 1 large onion
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the onion into 1/4 inch thick rings and caramelize in a pan with olive oil over low heat for 20-25 minutes.
3. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal parts and shape into patties.
4. Season the patties with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach the desired level of doneness.
6. Assemble the burgers by spreading caramelized onions on the bottom bun, followed by a cheeseburger patty, a slice of cheese, and finally the top bun.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

2. Grilled Chicken Skewers With Spicy Peanut Sauce

Grilled chicken skewers with spicy peanut sauce are a deliciously flavorful BBQ option.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 bamboo skewers

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, cilantro, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
3. Blend the sauce until smooth.
4. Thread chicken onto the bamboo skewers.
5. Brush the grilled skewers with the spicy peanut sauce.
6. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

3. Backyard BBQ Ribs With Honey BBQ Sauce

Tender and flavorful ribs smothered in a sweet honey BBQ sauce, perfect for a backyard BBQ.

Ingredients

• 2 racks of pork ribs
• 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup wood chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 275°F, preparing for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and apply the dry rub evenly.
4. Place the ribs in the grill, closing the lid, and cook for 4 hours.
5. After 4 hours, brush the ribs with honey BBQ sauce.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized.
7. Remove the ribs from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into individual portions.
8. Serve the ribs hot, garnished with additional honey BBQ sauce if desired.

4. Grilled Vegetable Pizza With Fresh Basil

Grilled Vegetable Pizza With Fresh Basil is a delicious and healthy BBQ option.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, and let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl, and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth.
5. Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle shape.
6. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Top the sauce with mozzarella cheese, red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini.
8. Grill the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Remove the pizza from the grill and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
10. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.

5. Smoked Sausages With Peppers and Onions

Smoked sausages with peppers and onions is a classic BBQ dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausages
• 1 large onion
• 2 large bell peppers
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the onion and bell peppers into thick rounds.
3. Brush the onion and pepper slices with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill the sausage slices for 5 minutes on each side, or until browned.
5. Grill the onion and pepper slices for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until tender.
6. Serve the smoked sausages with the grilled peppers and onions.

6. Spring Chicken Salad With Grilled Pineapple

Grilled chicken and pineapple come together in a sweet and tangy spring salad.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 ripe pineapple, sliced
• 1/2 cup mixed greens
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Grill the pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Slice the grilled chicken into strips and add it to the bowl.
6. Add the grilled pineapple to the bowl and toss to combine.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

7. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches With Coleslaw

Tender pulled pork sandwiches with creamy coleslaw.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
• 1/4 cup BBQ rub
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 hamburger buns
• Coleslaw
• Pickle slices

Instructions

1. Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub and brown sugar.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and water.
6. Pour the vinegar mixture over the pork shoulder.
7. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender.
8. Shred the pork with two forks.
9. Split the hamburger buns in half and spoon the pulled pork onto the buns.
10. Top with coleslaw and pickle slices.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy.

8. Grilled Shrimp With Lemon Herb Butter

Grilled shrimp with a zesty lemon herb butter sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and dill.
3. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
6. Serve the shrimp with the lemon herb butter sauce spooned over the top.

9. Grilled Corn on the Cob With Garlic Butter

Grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter is a classic summer side dish.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
4. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese onto the corn during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove the corn from the grill and serve hot.

10. Beef and Mushroom Burgers With Caramelized Onions

Juicy beef and mushroom burgers with sweet caramelized onions.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped mushrooms, and minced garlic.
3. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, then mix well.
4. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
5. Grill the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
6. While the burgers are cooking, caramelize the sliced onions in a pan with olive oil over medium heat.
7. Once the burgers are done, assemble the burgers with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings on hamburger buns.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

11. Grilled Asparagus With Parmesan Cheese

Grilled Asparagus With Parmesan Cheese is a simple yet flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the asparagus and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Brush the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the asparagus for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

12. Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs With Chimichurri

Grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs served with a tangy Argentinean herb sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup red bell pepper
• 1 cup yellow onion
• 1 cup zucchini
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini onto skewers.
3. Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl.
5. Season chimichurri with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve kabobs with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
7. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

13. Classic Hot Dogs With Chili and Cheese

Classic hot dogs smothered in chili and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 hot dogs
• 1 cup chili
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 4 hot dog buns
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Grill or cook the hot dogs according to package instructions.
2. Heat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Slice the hot dog buns in half and butter them lightly.
4. Place a hot dog in each bun.
5. Spoon the heated chili over the hot dogs.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chili.
7. Place the hot dogs under the broiler to melt the cheese.
8. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

14. Grilled Steak Fajitas With Sauteed Onions

Grilled Steak Fajitas With Sauteed Onions is a flavorful Mexican dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 large bell peppers, sliced
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, cilantro

Instructions

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and cumin.
2. Add the steak to the marinade, turning to coat, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired doneness.
4. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
5. In a large skillet, saute the sliced onions and bell peppers over medium-high heat until they are tender and lightly charred.
6. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble the fajitas by placing a few slices of the steak onto a tortilla, then topping with sauteed onions and bell peppers, and any desired toppings.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

15. Grilled Pork Chops With Apple Cider Glaze

Tender pork chops smothered in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
3. Bring the glaze to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the pork chops for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush the pork chops with the apple cider glaze during the last minute of cooking.
7. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

16. Roasted Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Sandwiches

Roasted bell peppers and goat cheese combine for a flavorful sandwich.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 log of goat cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 4 slices of baguette
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and charred.
3. Remove the bell peppers from the oven and let them cool.
4. Once cool enough to handle, peel the skin off the bell peppers and slice them into strips.
5. Spread a layer of goat cheese on each slice of baguette.
6. Top the goat cheese with a few strips of roasted bell pepper.
7. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of the bell peppers.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

17. Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

Grilled chicken and avocado salad is an invigorating spring dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 red onion
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, red onion, and red bell pepper.
4. Slice the grilled chicken into strips and add it to the bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice, and pour the dressing over the salad.
6. Toss the salad gently to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the salad immediately and enjoy.

18. Smoked Turkey Burgers With Bacon and Cheddar

Smoked turkey burgers with bacon and cheddar are a twist on classic BBQ.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground smoked turkey
• 4 slices of bacon
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 lettuce
• 1 tomato
• 1 onion

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cook the bacon slices until crispy and set aside.
3. Form the ground smoked turkey into 4 patties.
4. Season the patties with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes per side.
6. Assemble the burgers with bacon, cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

19. Grilled Veggie Burgers With Guacamole and Salsa

Grilled veggie burgers with guacamole and salsa, a delicious spring BBQ dish.

Ingredients

• 1 package veggie burgers
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 lime
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Salsa
• Lettuce
• Cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the veggie burgers for 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Meanwhile, mash the avocado in a bowl.
4. Add lime juice, diced red onion, and jalapeno pepper to the bowl and mix well.
5. Chop the medium tomato and add it to the bowl.
6. Season the guacamole with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Grill the hamburger buns for 1-2 minutes.
8. Assemble the burgers with guacamole, salsa, lettuce, and cheese.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Conclusion

As you're firing up the grill, it's no coincidence that these 19 crowd-pleasing spring BBQ recipes will be a hit - classic cheeseburgers, grilled chicken skewers, and smoked sausages are surprisingly just what you need to make your outdoor gatherings unforgettable, and it's likely your guests will be asking for seconds.