Grilling for Family Reunions: Recipes for a BBQ Get-Together

Are you planning a family reunion and looking for some delicious BBQ recipes to impress your guests? Look no further! In this article, we will share some mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for a BBQ get-together. From juicy burgers to savory kebabs, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to fire up the grill and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Main Course Recipes

Classic BBQ Chicken

• Ingredients:
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side.
  4. Brush BBQ sauce onto the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Smoked Pulled Pork

• Ingredients:
  • 4 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ rub
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Rub the pork shoulder with BBQ rub and let it marinate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the smoker to 225°F and smoke the pork shoulder for 6-8 hours.
  3. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195°F, remove it from the smoker.
  4. Let the pork rest for 30 minutes, then shred it using two forks.
  5. Mix in apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce before serving.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

• Ingredients:
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • 8 cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating between different types.
  3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  5. Serve hot as a delicious and healthy side dish.
     

     Side Dish Ideas

Cornbread Salad

Cornbread salad is a delicious and unique side dish that is perfect for a BBQ get-together. It combines the flavors of cornbread, beans, cheese, and fresh vegetables to create a satisfying and flavorful dish. To make cornbread salad, simply crumble up some cornbread, mix in your favorite beans (such as black beans or kidney beans), chopped vegetables (like tomatoes, bell peppers, and green onions), shredded cheese, and a creamy dressing. This dish is sure to be a hit at your family reunion!

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese is a classic side dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so comforting, this dish is the ultimate comfort food to serve alongside your grilled meats at a family reunion. To make baked mac and cheese, cook up some pasta, make a creamy cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and plenty of cheese, mix the pasta and sauce together, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly. Your guests will be coming back for seconds!

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side dish that is perfect for a BBQ get-together. Grilling corn on the cob brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. To make grilled corn on the cob, simply shuck the corn, brush it with butter or olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until charred and tender. Serve with extra butter and seasonings on the side for your guests to customize their corn to their liking. It’s a classic summer side dish that is always a hit at family reunions.

Dessert Options

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon

One delicious and simple dessert option for your BBQ get-together is grilled pineapple with cinnamon. To make this sweet treat, simply slice fresh pineapple into rings and sprinkle with cinnamon before grilling over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, creating a mouthwatering dessert that is sure to be a hit with your family reunion guests.

S’mores Bar

For a fun and interactive dessert option, consider setting up a s’mores bar at your BBQ get-together. Provide graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows for guests to create their own custom s’mores. You can even add extra toppings like peanut butter cups, caramel sauce, or sprinkles for a personalized touch. This nostalgic treat is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Banana Boat Sundaes

Another delicious dessert option for your family reunion BBQ is banana boat sundaes. To make this sweet treat, slice a banana lengthwise and fill it with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and any other toppings you desire. Wrap the banana in foil and grill for a few minutes until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are toasted. Top with a scoop of ice cream and any additional toppings for a decadent and satisfying dessert that is sure to impress your guests.