Celebrate National BBQ Month with the Best Grilling Recipes

Welcome to National BBQ Month, your ultimate excuse to fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and savor the incredible flavors of summer. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard beginner, May is the perfect time to explore mouthwatering recipes, discover grilling techniques, and celebrate this smoky tradition in style. In this guide, we'll cover everything from the top things to grill to easy weeknight meals, making it the go-to resource for all things BBQ.

Before we dive into the sizzling details, explore our collections page, where you'll find elegant disposable dinnerware and partyware to elevate your next BBQ gathering.

What Is National BBQ Month and Why Do We Celebrate It?

National BBQ Month, celebrated every May, is a time-honored tradition that kicks off the summer grilling season. From backyard parties to community cookouts, this month brings people together around the grill. It's a nationwide celebration that honors not only the food but also the art, science, and joy of outdoor cooking.

Why Celebrate National BBQ Month?

Connect with loved ones: BBQs are about more than food—they're about family, friends, and fun. There's nothing like the sound of laughter and the scent of grilled goodness filling the air. Sharing a meal under the open sky creates memories that last a lifetime.
Show off your skills: Try new recipes, explore different marinades, and master the grill. Whether it's a new technique or a classic rub, BBQ Month is the time to experiment and refine.
Celebrate the season: With warmer weather, it's the perfect time to be outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and embrace the joys of alfresco dining. From sunny afternoons to star-lit evenings, the grill becomes your kitchen.
Cultural significance: Barbecuing is woven into the fabric of many communities across the U.S. It's not just cooking—it's a shared experience, a cultural cornerstone, and a form of hospitality.

Want more inspiration for seasonal entertaining? Check out these spring BBQ ideas for hosting, filled with décor tips, outdoor styling hacks, and menu suggestions to elevate your gathering and wow your guests.

Must-Try BBQ Grilling Recipes for Every Skill Level

From novices to seasoned grillers, everyone can find joy in crafting a perfect BBQ meal. Whether testing the waters with grilled veggies or aiming to perfect your smoked ribs, these recipes will surely spark your culinary creativity and boost your grill confidence.

For Beginners:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chunks of chicken with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Skewer and grill until golden. A crowd-pleaser that's easy to customize with sauces and sides.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Keep it simple with butter and sea salt or spice it up with lime and chili powder. Wrap in foil for less mess and more flavor. A timeless favorite that pairs perfectly with almost any main.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers: A delicious vegetarian option with a meaty texture. Great with melted cheese and toasted buns. Add balsamic glaze or garlic aioli for a gourmet touch.

Intermediate Cooks:

BBQ Ribs: Slow cook with your favorite spice rub, then finish with BBQ sauce on the grill. Fall-off-the-bone tender and smoky. Great with coleslaw and cornbread.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Seasoned shrimp grilled to perfection, served with fresh slaw and lime crema. Light, fresh, and full of flavor. Top with avocado or mango salsa.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill with seasoned ground beef and rice, then grill until slightly charred. Top with shredded cheese for an irresistible finish. A complete meal in one savory bundle.

Enhance your presentation with stylish disposable dinnerware. Browse our dinnerware collection for party-ready essentials that bring elegance to every dish. Want tips on what to serve? Explore ideas for what to serve at a BBQ party and impress guests with curated combos.

Top 10 Things to Grill for the Ultimate Backyard BBQ

When it comes to the best things to grill on charcoal or gas, the classics never disappoint—but let's spice it up a little. These top 10 best grill recipes combine flavor, fun, and simplicity to help you host the ultimate backyard feast.

Best BBQ Grilling Recipes:

Beef Burgers with a Twist – Add jalapeños and cheddar into the patty. Grill over medium-high heat for a juicy finish. Serve on toasted brioche buns with your favorite condiments.
Sticky BBQ Chicken Thighs – Marinated overnight for maximum flavor. Brush with sauce during grilling. Perfectly paired with potato salad or mac & cheese.
Grilled Pineapple Slices – Perfect for dessert or as a tropical side. Add cinnamon sugar for extra zing. Delicious on its own or layered into a burger.
Grilled Lamb Chops – Rubbed with rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest. A sophisticated take on backyard grilling. Serve with a Greek salad or couscous.
Grilled Sausages – Serve with mustard and pretzel rolls. Mix varieties for flavor variety. Don't forget the grilled onions!
Veggie Skewers – Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Brush with olive oil and grill until tender. A rainbow of flavors and textures.
Grilled Pizza – Add toppings like mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. A creative and fun meal for all ages. Great for interactive dinners where everyone makes their own.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders – Slow-cooked, then grilled for crisp edges. Serve with pickles and slaw. Ideal for feeding a crowd.
Cedar Plank Salmon – A smoky favorite. Infuse with lemon and herbs for a restaurant-worthy dish. Serve with grilled asparagus or a quinoa salad.
Grilled Peaches – Finish with a drizzle of honey. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The perfect sweet ending to any BBQ.

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Easy BBQ Grilling Recipes You Can Master Today

Don't have hours to marinate and slow cook? No problem. These quick and easy BBQ recipes are perfect for spontaneous summer evenings, last-minute gatherings, or weeknight family dinners when time is limited but flavor is still a priority.

15 Quick, Easy Grilling Recipes:

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps: Grill chicken breasts, slice thin, and wrap with romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing in a soft tortilla.
Grilled Zucchini Boats: Slice zucchinis in half, scoop out the center, fill with cheese and herbs, and grill until bubbly.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: A sweet and savory favorite. Use store-bought teriyaki or create a glaze with soy, ginger, garlic, and honey.
BBQ Tofu Kebabs: Marinate tofu cubes in smoky BBQ sauce, skewer with veggies, and grill until crisp.
Spicy Grilled Corn Salad: Chop grilled corn off the cob, mix with chili, lime, red onion, and cilantro for a vibrant side dish.
Tuna Steaks with Mango Salsa: Sear tuna steaks over high heat and top with fresh salsa for a tropical flair.
Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers: This grill-friendly cheese stays firm and gets a nice char while veggies soften.
Grilled Romaine with Blue Cheese: Charred romaine hearts drizzled with blue cheese dressing make a bold salad.
Korean BBQ Beef Strips: Quick-marinated in gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and pear juice, then seared hot.
Grilled Avocado Halves: Serve warm with salsa or a drizzle of balsamic for a smoky twist.
Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts: A go-to classic—zesty, juicy, and reliable.
Grilled Turkey Burgers: Lean and flavorful, these cook quickly and can be seasoned a dozen ways.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packs: Seal shrimp, garlic, and veggies in foil for no-mess grilling.
Pesto Flatbread: Grill flatbread and top with pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes.
BBQ Jackfruit Sliders: The perfect plant-based pulled pork alternative.

Pair these with serveware that works as hard as you do. Explore our servingware collection for trays, bowls, and utensils that simplify prep and cleanup.

Best Chicken Recipes to Grill This BBQ Season

Chicken is the star of many grills for a reason—it's affordable, versatile, and soaks up marinades like a sponge. Here are some top chicken grilling recipes that impress casual eaters and BBQ connoisseurs.

BBQ Grilling Recipes Chicken:

Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks: Sticky, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying. These are great for kids and adults alike.
Buffalo Chicken Skewers: All the flavor of wings with less mess. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese.
Grilled Chicken Caesar: Sliced grilled chicken served over crisp romaine with homemade Caesar dressing.
Jerk Chicken Thighs: A spicy Caribbean classic. Marinate overnight for bold flavor and pair with grilled pineapple.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: Crispy, zesty, and impossible to resist.

Create an unforgettable BBQ spread with our serving trays collection. Great for showcasing wings, sliders, or chicken skewers fresh off the grill.

Delicious Vegetarian National Grilling Month Ideas

Think BBQ is only for meat lovers? Think again. These vegetarian-friendly options are so hearty and satisfying that even carnivores will come back for seconds.

Plant-Based Favorites:

Grilled Portobello Steaks: Marinate in balsamic and soy, then grill until tender. Serve on a bun or over rice.
Cauliflower Steaks: Thick slices of cauliflower grilled until golden and topped with chimichurri.
Grilled Eggplant Rolls: Thin slices rolled with ricotta, pesto, or hummus.
Corn Fritters on the Grill: Yes, you can grill these on a pan or tray—crunchy and delicious.
Grilled Avocado Toasts: Add charred avocado, radish, and herbs to grilled bread for a luxe appetizer.

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Expert Tips for Grilling on Charcoal Like a Pro

Charcoal grilling delivers flavor you just can't replicate on gas. Here's how to get the most out of your briquettes and elevate your BBQ.

Pro Grilling Techniques:

Use a chimney starter: Ditch lighter fluid and get coals hot evenly and safely.
Let the coals ash over: Wait 10–15 minutes until the coals are gray before cooking.
Create heat zones: Pile coals to one side for direct and indirect cooking.
Keep the lid closed: Traps heat, smoke, and flavor. Resist the urge to peek!
Use wood chips: Soak chips in water and toss them on the coals for a smoky kick.
Clean your grates: Oil your grill grates with a paper towel before cooking to prevent sticking.

Charcoal may take more effort, but it rewards you with rich flavors and crispy, juicy finishes that make every bite worth it.

Quick and Easy Grilling Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Life gets hectic, but your meals don't have to suffer. These fast, tasty grilling recipes can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less without skimping on taste.

Weeknight Grilling Ideas:

Grilled Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with cheese, beans, and peppers. Grill until crisp, slice into wedges.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread: Top flatbread with BBQ chicken, red onions, and shredded cheese.
Grilled Tuna Steaks: Season with salt and pepper, grill for 2–3 minutes per side, and serve with a side salad.
Grilled Veggie Pasta Toss: Mix grilled zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes into your favorite pasta with olive oil.
S'mores Nachos on the Grill: Layer graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in foil—grill until gooey.

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Share Your BBQ Creations with #SmartyHadAParty

We love seeing how our community celebrates National BBQ Month. Share a photo of your table, grill, or favorite BBQ dish on social media using #SmartyHadAParty.

Why Share?

Get featured: Your photo might be featured on our website or social channels.
Inspire others: Show off your creativity and inspire other grillmasters.
Be part of the community: Join thousands of others celebrating the joy of BBQ together.

So tag us @smartyhadaparty next time you throw a BBQ bash and let the world see your style!

Let the Grilling Begin!

From juicy burgers to grilled pineapple, National BBQ Month is your chance to savor the season and share unforgettable meals. With the right recipes, stylish serving solutions, and a bit of BBQ spirit, you're all set for a month full of delicious memories.

Explore our full range of stylish, disposable party supplies to complete your BBQ setup—visit our dinnerware collection and find the perfect pieces to complement your grill creations.

Ready to fire up your BBQ game? Explore collections, shop elegant partyware, and make this National BBQ Month your tastiest one yet!