Top 10 Sweet BBQ Recipes to Try This Summer

Summer presents an excellent opportunity to enhance your grilling experience by exploring flavors that go beyond traditional savory dishes.

This season, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with mouthwatering BBQ recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family. From grilled fruits drizzled with honey to decadent desserts such as s’mores skewers and coconut lime bars, you will find ten delightful recipes that showcase the joys of summer grilling.

Prepare to elevate your BBQ game and indulge in these enticing sweet treats.

Grilled Peaches with Honey and Ricotta

Grilled peaches with honey and ricotta is a delightful summer dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for any barbecue gathering.

To prepare this simple yet impressive treat, start by halving ripe peaches and removing the pits. Ensure that the peaches are fresh and at their peak for the best flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat; once ready, place the peach halves cut-side down for about 4-5 minutes until they develop those desirable grill marks and a caramelized exterior.

After removing them from the grill, drizzle golden honey over the peaches to enhance their natural sweetness, and add a dollop of creamy ricotta for richness that complements the warm fruit beautifully. For an elevated experience, consider using fresh, local honey and high-quality ricotta. This combination not only serves as a crowd-pleasing sweet side but also doubles as a sumptuous dessert, bringing a taste of summer to any gathering.

S’mores Skewers

S’mores skewers present an easy and enjoyable dessert option for summer barbecues, capturing the classic flavors of s’mores in a convenient and appealing format that everyone appreciates.

Assembling these skewers is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal activity for both children and adults. Begin by cutting graham crackers into squares and threading them onto skewers alongside fluffy marshmallows, ensuring a balanced mix of crunchy and gooey textures.

To enhance the indulgence, you may add squares of chocolate between the marshmallows or opt for flavored chocolates to elevate the overall taste. Once prepared, these skewers can be cooked over a grill or an open flame, allowing the marshmallows to achieve that perfect golden-brown hue while melting the chocolate to perfection.

For a fruity twist, consider incorporating slices of strawberries or bananas, creating a delicious variation that is sure to impress your guests.

Chocolate Banana Boat

A chocolate banana boat is a delectable treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with melted chocolate, creating an irresistible dessert that can be cooked right on the grill.

To prepare these delightful creations, begin by selecting ripe bananas, as their natural sweetness enhances the overall flavor of the dessert. Carefully slice the bananas down the center without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the chocolate. Next, fill this pocket generously with chocolate chips or chunks to ensure each bite is beautifully rich.

For an extra touch, consider adding some chopped nuts or mini marshmallows, which will provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. Afterward, wrap the filled bananas tightly in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. The result is a warm, gooey delight that invites everyone to enjoy customizing their own unique banana boats, making it a fun treat for gatherings and family nights alike.

Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Grilled pineapple with brown sugar and cinnamon serves as a delightful side dish that elevates any barbecue meal, providing a tropical twist that pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats.

To prepare this delicious treat, begin by selecting ripe, fresh pineapples. Peel and slice them into thick rings or wedges. Once cut, it is crucial to pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which allows for better caramelization on the grill. Next, generously sprinkle brown sugar and lightly dust cinnamon over each slice; this combination will create a delightful crust as the sugars melt and caramelize over the heat.

Grill the pineapple slices for approximately 2 to 4 minutes on each side until you see beautiful grill marks and the edges turn golden brown. Serve the grilled pineapple warm, either on its own or alongside grilled chicken or pork.

This dish beautifully enhances savory barbecue flavors with its sweet and tangy notes, ensuring that each bite is a harmonious blend of tastes.

Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint

Watermelon and feta salad with mint is a refreshing and vibrant dish that is perfect for summer barbecues. This salad combines sweet watermelon with the creamy texture of feta and fragrant mint leaves. Check out some Top 10 Sweet BBQ Recipes to Try This Summer for more delicious ideas!

The delightful combination of flavors and textures not only tantalizes the taste buds but also creates an appealing visual presentation on the dining table. To prepare this dish, you simply need to cube ripe, succulent watermelon, crumble creamy feta cheese, and sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top. This offers a refreshing crunch that balances the softness of the other ingredients.

Using fresh ingredients ensures that every bite is packed with nutrients and hydration, making it a guilt-free option. As a light side dish, it complements richer barbecue offerings exceptionally well, enhancing the overall meal experience without overwhelming the palate.

BBQ Strawberry Shortcakes

BBQ strawberry shortcakes provide a delightful twist on the classic dessert, utilizing the grill to enhance the natural sweetness of strawberries and create a tasty summer treat.

To prepare this dish, begin by tossing fresh strawberries in a bit of sugar and skewering them for grilling. The heat from the grill will caramelize the sugars, imparting a smoky, sweet flavor that elevates their taste. While the strawberries are grilling, you can effortlessly whip up homemade biscuits by combining flour, butter, and a pinch of salt to create a light and fluffy base for the dessert.

Once the strawberries are perfectly charred, layer them between the biscuits and add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. This combination not only impresses guests but is also simple to prepare, making it an excellent addition to summer gatherings.

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Grilled fruit skewers are a versatile and easy summer snack that you can incorporate into your barbecue menu, showcasing a variety of fresh fruits that deliver a burst of sweet flavors.

These delightful treats not only add a vibrant touch to your platter but also provide numerous benefits beyond just taste. Seasonal fruits such as peaches, pineapples, and strawberries are particularly ideal for grilling due to their natural sugars, which caramelize beautifully over heat, enhancing their sweetness.

When preparing these skewers, consider marinating the fruits in a mixture of honey, lime juice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to amplify their flavors. This simple addition can elevate a refreshing side into a standout highlight of your meal while offering a nutritious option that satisfies cravings.

Perfect as a light dessert or a snack during hot summer days, grilled fruits are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Lemon Bars on the Grill

Lemon bars on the grill provide a zesty and sweet dessert that adds a bright touch to your summer barbecue, making them a crowd-pleaser among guests.

Their vibrant flavor results from the perfect balance of tart lemons and creamy sweetness, enhanced by the smoky essence of the grill. To prepare these delightful treats, you simply create a basic shortbread crust, pour a luscious lemon filling on top, and place them in a grill-safe pan.

As the heat works its magic, the bars become slightly caramelized around the edges while maintaining a tender center. When served alongside other sweet dishes like fresh berries or ice cream, the citrusy zing of the lemon bars beautifully complements richer flavors, creating a delightful and memorable dessert experience that your guests will rave about long after the barbecue ends.

Coconut Lime Bars

Coconut lime bars are a tropical dessert that adds a refreshing burst of flavor to summer barbecues, making them an appealing sweet option for your guests.

These bars expertly combine the rich creaminess of coconut with the zesty brightness of lime, creating a harmonious taste that captivates the palate. To prepare them, you will need to craft a buttery crust that serves as the perfect base, followed by a luscious filling made from coconut milk, lime juice, and lime zest.

Regardless of whether they are served chilled directly from the fridge or allowed to come to room temperature, these bars maintain their delightful texture and flavor, ensuring that each bite is satisfying. Not only do these bars stand out at gatherings, but they also provide an opportunity to enjoy a unique dessert that transports you to sun-soaked beaches, making every occasion feel special. Check out the Top 10 Sweet BBQ Recipes to Try This Summer for more delicious recipes!

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Seasonal Berries

Grilled angel food cake with seasonal berries is a light and airy dessert that provides a delightful finish to your summer barbecue, skillfully combining the sweetness of berries with the unique texture of grilled cake.

This beloved dessert is not only simple to prepare but also visually stunning, as the light, fluffy cake absorbs subtle caramelized notes from the grill. To enhance its flavors, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar atop the cake just before serving.

Pairing the grilled cake with an assortment of fresh, juicy berries—such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries—elevates this treat, making it a refreshing choice on a warm evening and a celebration of the season’s bounty.

The harmonious blend of textures and natural sweetness truly embodies the essence of summer, ensuring that your guests leave with smiles and satisfied taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 10 sweet BBQ recipes to try this summer?

The top 10 sweet BBQ recipes to try this summer are: honey glazed ribs, pineapple chicken skewers, sweet and spicy pulled pork, bourbon glazed salmon, grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone, honey mustard BBQ chicken, balsamic glazed grilled vegetables, brown sugar and bourbon baked beans, teriyaki glazed shrimp, and grilled pineapple with coconut ice cream.

Are these sweet BBQ recipes suitable for vegetarians?

Some of these sweet BBQ recipes, such as the grilled peaches and balsamic glazed vegetables, are suitable for vegetarians. However, the majority of the recipes listed contain meat or seafood. You can try substituting tofu or tempeh for the meat in some of the recipes or try different grilling techniques for vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian BBQ dish.

What are some common ingredients used in these sweet BBQ recipes?

Some common ingredients used in these sweet BBQ recipes include honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce. These ingredients add a touch of sweetness to the recipes and pair well with the smoky flavors of BBQ.

Can these recipes be made on a gas or charcoal grill?

Yes, these recipes can be made on both a gas or charcoal grill. Just make sure to adjust the temperature accordingly and follow the instructions in each recipe for the best results.

Can these recipes be made in advance for a BBQ party?

Some of these recipes can be made in advance, such as the baked beans and marinades for the meat. However, it is best to grill the meat and vegetables fresh for the best flavor and texture. You can also prep ingredients for the recipes in advance to save time on the day of the BBQ party.

Are these sweet BBQ recipes a healthier option compared to traditional BBQ dishes?

These sweet BBQ recipes can be a healthier option compared to traditional BBQ dishes, as they incorporate more fruits and vegetables. However, it is important to watch portion sizes and choose lean cuts of meat for a healthier meal. You can also try grilling smaller portions of meat and incorporating more plant-based options for a well-rounded and healthier BBQ meal.