Summer is here, and it's time to fire up the barbie! Forget boring burgers and plain sausages - this year, we're taking your garden cookout to a whole new level.
These wild and wonderful BBQ recipes will make your neighbours peek over the fence with envy and have your guests talking for weeks. Ready to become the BBQ legend of your neighbourhood?
1. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites
Sweet meets savoury in these irresistible morsels that'll vanish before you can say 'seconds'. The magic happens when juicy pineapple chunks get snuggled in crispy bacon, creating a flavour explosion.
According to Delish D'Lites, the key is using thin-cut bacon that crisps perfectly on the grill. Sweet Baby Ray's recommends brushing with a honey-chipotle glaze during the final minutes for an extra flavour kick that'll have everyone reaching for more.
2. BBQ Corn On The Cob With Hot Cheetos Crust
This flaming red creation brings the heat and crunch to your summer spread! Traditional corn gets a wild makeover with a coating of crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos that crisps up beautifully on the grill.
How Sweet Eats recommends slathering the corn with a mixture of mayo and cotija cheese before rolling in the crushed Cheetos. The result? A brilliant red, crunchy exterior giving way to sweet, juicy corn kernels. It's messy, it's bold, and it's absolutely worth the red fingers!
3. Grilled Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños
Heat seekers, rejoice! These little flavour bombs combine the kick of jalapeños with oozy, melty cheese for an appetiser that disappears in seconds. Jess Pryles suggests wrapping each stuffed pepper in thin prosciutto before grilling for an extra layer of smoky, salty goodness. Hidden Valley Ranch recommends mixing their seasoning into cream cheese for the filling – a trick that balances the heat perfectly. Warning: these addictive little bites might just upstage your main course!
4. BBQ S'mores Skewers
Campfire treats meet backyard BBQ in this clever dessert hack! Thread marshmallows, chocolate chunks and biscuit pieces onto skewers for a gooey, melty treat that cooks in minutes. Foodland suggests using dark chocolate for a less sweet version that adults will appreciate.
Chefclub Network's twist includes adding sliced strawberries or banana chunks between the classic ingredients. The heat from your cooling BBQ is perfect for these – no need to crank it up again after cooking your mains!
5. BBQ Donut Burgers
Your eyes aren't deceiving you – this is indeed a juicy beef patty sandwiched between two halves of a glazed donut! This outrageous creation is the ultimate sweet-savoury mashup that'll have guests snapping photos before taking their first bite.
Burnhard recommends using brioche donuts for their sturdier texture. All Things Barbecue suggests adding crispy bacon and a slice of sharp cheddar to balance the sweetness. Not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely unforgettable!
6. Grilled Fruit Salad With Honey And Lime
Fruit salad gets a smoky makeover in this unexpected BBQ side dish! Peaches, pineapple and watermelon transform when they hit the grill, developing caramelised edges and intensified sweetness.
Ninja Test Kitchen recommends brushing the fruit with a honey-lime glaze before grilling. Simple Bites suggests serving with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a sprinkle of fresh mint. It's refreshing, light, and the perfect complement to heavier BBQ fare!
7. BBQ Sushi Rolls
East meets west in this fusion creation that brings Japanese tradition to your backyard grill! The smoky char from the BBQ adds an unexpected dimension to fresh sushi ingredients. Slap Yo' Daddy BBQ recommends grilling salmon and asparagus before rolling.
Pit Buddies BBQ suggests a clever trick: use your BBQ's side burner to prepare perfect sushi rice while grilling other components. Serve with wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce for an impressive appetiser that shows off your culinary creativity!
8. BBQ Chicken Wings With Mango And Ghost Pepper Sauce
Not for the faint-hearted! These wings deliver a one-two punch of tropical sweetness followed by serious heat that'll have brave guests reaching for their drinks. Slap Yo' Daddy BBQ's recipe balances the scorching ghost pepper with sweet, juicy mango for a sauce that's dangerously addictive.
All Things Barbecue recommends a double cooking method – smoke first, then finish with high heat for crispy skin. Serve with cooling cucumber raita for those who need mercy from the heat!
9. Grilled Mac And Cheese Sandwiches
Two comfort food classics collide in this indulgent creation! Creamy mac and cheese gets sandwiched between buttery bread slices and grilled to golden perfection. Small Town Woman suggests using three cheeses in your mac for maximum meltiness.
Food.com's top tip is to let the mac and cheese cool and set before assembling your sandwiches – this prevents a messy meltdown on the grill. Crispy outside, gooey inside, and guaranteed to disappear within minutes!
10. Grilled Watermelon Steaks
Forget what you know about watermelon! When thick slices hit a hot grill, something magical happens – the fruit caramelises, intensifies, and transforms into a savoury-sweet delight that'll blow minds at your next cookout.
Savory Experiments suggests seasoning with salt and chilli flakes before grilling. Poppy Cooks recommends pairing with feta and mint for a refreshing summer plate that looks stunning and tastes even better. Your guests won't believe it's just watermelon!
