Yahoo Lifestyle 55 Brilliant Recipes You Can Make With Barbecue Sauce
Recipes with barbecue sauce are always a hit when it comes to summer cookouts. This beloved ingredient has a starring role in everyone's kitchens because barbecue sauce is perfect for dipping, makes a great marinade and of course, it's perfect when brushed on your favorite grilled recipes. But there are so many other ways to enjoy the sweet or savory, spicy or tangy flavors of this sauce. While a few of these dishes are cooked over an open flame, you don't necessarily have to fire up the grill to enjoy these 55 best recipes with barbecue sauce.
Related: How Elvis Presley Makes BBQ Sauce with Pickling Spice
What Can You Make With Barbecue Sauce?
While grilling might make you think of burgers or steaks, you can't forget about grilling ribs or chicken drumsticks that are always better when slathered with BBQ sauce. And everyone's go-to summertime condiment isn't just limited to things you can make on the grill or smoker. You can incorporate BBQ sauce into appetizers and meals the whole family will love. Here are a few easy ways to use barbecue sauce:
Pizza: Yes, many people love swapping out the marinara and making a BBQ chicken pizza, or even one with pulled pork.
Salads and salad dressings: Try incorporating barbecue sauce into a dressing or giving your salad a little saucy drizzle.
Tacos: Change up a Tex-Mex staples and add BBQ sauce to tacos, nachos and tostadas, too.
Comfort food: Dishes like chicken pot pie, grilled cheese and meatloaf can get a barbecue twist.
BBQ dishes cooked alternative ways: Instead of grilling or smoking, you can make things like barbecue chicken, ribs, or pulled pork in the oven, slow cooker or Instant Pot.
And so much more. All of them have the sweet, smoky, spicy goodness of BBQ sauce! So pull out your #1 bottle of BBQ sauce, make these meals, then pair them with these brilliant BBQ sauce recipes.
Best Side Dish Ideas For a BBQ
Scroll through this gallery to see 55 recipes slathered with barbecue sauce, then be sure to devote the summer to making each and every one of them!
Parade
Crunchy, tangy, and sweet, these are like a party in your mouth and so fast to make even with the vinegar slaw.
Get the recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos
Parade
Enjoy a homemade version of a restaurant favorite that is better than anything from a can.
Get the recipe: BBQ Baked Beans
Parade
These tangy little sammies with tender brisket and a simple slaw will be an instant family favorite.
Get the recipe: BBQ Beef Sliders with Sesame Slaw
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
A saucy way to combine two favorites into one family-friendly easy dinner recipe or a party appetizer to share with friends.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Perfect when you want that sassy, saucy flavor but don’t want to fire up the grill, and the technique that ensures it turns out perfectly juicy right in the oven.
Get the recipe: Baked BBQ Chicken Breasts
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Start with an easy no-knead homemade pizza dough or use your favorite, then cover it with barbecue sauce, shredded chicken, three kinds of cheese, and more.
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Pizza
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Loaded with chicken, cheese, and barbecue sauce, then topped with bacon and tomatoes, this easy appetizer will be the hit of the party.
Get the recipe: Monterey BBQ Chicken Dip
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
A family-friendly dinner to use up leftover chicken.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Tostadas
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Fall-apart tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, whether you pile it on a roll or just dig in.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
Miss in the Kitchen
Stuffed with sautéd peppers, onions and garlic and basted with homemade barbecue sauce, and you can cook it on the grill or in the oven.
Get the recipe: BBQ Meatloaf
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Baked in the oven, then coated in a mixture of apple cider or juice and your favorite barbecue sauce give these a sweet and savory flavor everyone is sure to love.
Get the recipe: Baked BBQ Turkey Meatballs
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
They’re crispy on the outside, ultra-tender on the inside, slathered in sauce, and easier than ever to make.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Made with Greek yogurt to keep it creamy and light, but with the savory flavor of your favorite barbecue sauce, this isn’t your usual chicken salad.
Get the recipe: Honey BBQ Chicken Salad
Parade
Usually a guilty pleasure, you can combine these favorite flavors into a burger that is even more scrumptious because the ingredients are fresh and guilt-free.
Get the recipe: BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
The Cookie Rookie
An easy and fun twist on Taco Tuesday.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Turn your favorite BBQ meal into a fun and delicious dish like nothing you’ve ever had before.
Get the recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Toss shrimp with your favorite barbecue sauce and serve them over some extra cheesy quinoa.
Get the recipe: BBQ Shrimp Quinoa Bowls
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
With grilled sausage, pineapple and corn on top of a fresh salad, it’s all the best parts of the barbecue in a bowl.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Sausage Grilled Summer Salad
Parade
Roasted or grilled chicken is slathered in sauce, piled on a bun, and topped with crispy onion strings for one epic sandwich.
Get the recipe: Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwich
A simple spice rub and homemade sauce that you can use on breasts, legs, thighs, or quarters will make your chicken incredible.
Get the recipe: Best BBQ Chicken
Crazy for Crust
The perfect easy weeknight meal or dinner recipe, this easy pizza recipe has chicken, cheese, and BBQ sauce all on a homemade pizza crust.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Pizza
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Perfect for a picnic or to make ahead for lunches all week.
Get the recipe: Barbecue Ranch Quinoa Chicken Salad
From Valerie's Kitchen
Pile it on toasted buns for an easy busy day dinner when your slow cooker will help you create the flavors of summer any time of the year.
Get the recipe: Crock-Pot Barbecue Beef
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Super moist and flavorful and makes a healthy, quick, and easy weeknight meal in under 25 minutes.
Get the recipe: Honey BBQ Salmon
Parade
A three-ingredient appetizer that comes together in no time.
Get the recipe: Barbecue Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Bites
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Two favorites come together in this salad topper or veggie dip.
Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Barbecue Ranch Dressing
Simple Joy
Roll up some BBQ shredded chicken in pizza dough and you'll end up with a jam packed flavorful dinner you’re family will love.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Pizza Roll
Easy Peazy Mealz
These tasty kabobs offer great BBQ flavor and are grilled to perfection.
Get the recipe: Sticky BBQ Pork Kabobs
Oh Sweet Basil
Make plain old grilled cheese even better.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Mom on Timeout
With three beans, molasses, and bacon, this is sweet smoky comfort food.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans
TidyMom
Swap the crust for cornbread and add some barbecue deliciousness to the usual pot pie.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Pot Pie
La Creme de la Crumb
The best all-American hot dogs with avocado, grilled onions, and BBQ sauce.
Get the recipe: Sweet Heat BBQ Hot Dogs
Bellyfull
This easy recipe will become a new favorite that you'll be day-dreaming about it all day because it is so simple, yet so fantastic.
Get the recipe: Skillet Steak with Barbecue Butter Sauce
Pressure Cooking Today
Cook these ribs in your Instant Pot until they’re tender and juicy, then coat them with more barbecue sauce and caramelize them on the grill until they’re sticky, tender, and delicious.
Get the recipe: Pressure Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
A simple meal with easy cleanup that the family will love with sausage, potatoes, and veggies covered in barbecue sauce and cheese.
Get the recipe: Cheddar Barbecue Sausage and Potato Foil Pack Dinner
Upstate Ramblings
Slathered in sauce, bacon, and cheese, this easy side dish tastes like a loaded baked potato.
Get the recipe: Cheesy BBQ Grilled Potatoes
Gimme Some Grilling
Loaded with three different types of beans, the addition of barbecue sauce to these grilled baked beans takes them up a notch.
Get the recipe: BBQ Baked Beans on the Grill
Nutmeg Nanny
That tangy sauce is perfect with pineapple, ham, onions, and cheese.
Get the recipe: BBQ Hawaiian Pizza
The Lemon Bowl
The ultimate 10-minute side dish recipe, your family will love this fast and easy grilled corn brushed with sweet and smoky barbecue sauce.
Get the recipe: Grilled Corn with Barbecue Sauce
Shugary Sweets
The vegetarian alternative to the classic pulled pork sandwich.
Get the recipe: BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Low Carb Yum
The electric pressure cooker is a great way to cook pork chops so they are juicy and tender, then cover them with barbecue sauce to make them delicious.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Pork Chops with BBQ Sauce
Veggie Inspired
A sweet and savory meatless mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs that is super easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Get the recipe: BBQ Hawaiian Tofu Bowl
Spend With Pennies
A simple combo of bacon, chicken, and BBQ sauce make the most delicious pulled chicken to put on little sandwiches for dinner or a party snack.
Get the recipe: Barbecue Chicken Sliders
A Mind Full Mom
Better than a restaurant, this salad is fresh, filling, creamy, tangy, and just downright delicious.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Salad
Joyful Healthy Eats
This easy low-carb meal has all your favorite barbecue chicken pizza flavors in a healthier dish.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Pizza Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Lemon Tree Dwelling
Loaded with rotisserie chicken, bacon, barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese, they’re packed with delicious flavor and sure to become a new family favorite.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Gimme Delicious
Coated in a spicy honey BBQ sauce, these cauliflower wings are so good it’s hard to believe they’re not “wings”.
Get the recipe: Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings
Everyday Family Cooking
Enjoy a grilling favorite any time of the year when you make it in your air fryer.
Get the recipe: Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks
What the Fork Food Blog
You can use leftover chicken to make these loaded party appetizers.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Potato Skins
The Adventure Bite
It's heaven in your mouth when you simmer pulled pork in sweet and spicy barbecue sauce and pile it on a bun with caramlized sweet peppers.
Get the recipe: Balsamic BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
This fun appetizer is an easy, cheesy little bite.
Get the recipe: Barbecue Meatball Cheesy Sweet Potato Bites
Real Housemoms
An easy appetizer made with ingredients from your pantry.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Honey BBQ Hot Dog Bites
Life's Ambrosia
Loaded with slow cooker pulled pork, bbq sauce, red onions and jalapeños then fried until golden.
Get the recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Egg Rolls
Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
It doesn't get any more lip-smacking delicious than this.
Get the recipe: Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Chicken Breasts
Moore or Less Cooking
A sauced-up spin on the classic.
Get the recipe: Honey BBQ Meatloaf
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