Summer is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a backyard BBQ? The smell of sizzling meat, the sound of laughter, and the taste of refreshing drinks make for an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a home chef, a BBQ enthusiast, a foodie, or a grill master, this guide has got you covered with creative and delicious food ideas to elevate your summer BBQ.
From crowd-pleasing appetizers to delectable desserts, we've curated a list highlighting mouthwatering dishes made with the best seasoning blends for grilling from Old Town Spice Shop. Get ready to impress your guests and make your BBQ the talk of the town!
Kickstart Your BBQ with Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers
A great BBQ starts with mouth-watering appetizers. Keep your guests satisfied with these winning starters that are not only delicious but easy to prepare.
7-Layer Dip Delight
Start your BBQ with a bang by serving a classic 7-layer dip. In a 9x13 glass or serving dish, layer refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and black olives.
Enhance the flavors with a few of Old Town Spice Shop's favorite seasoning blends:
- Taco Sour Cream: In a medium bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of our Taco Blend or Salt-Free Taco Blend, 2 ½ cups of sour cream, and a dash of lime juice.
- No-Fuss Guacamole: In a medium bowl, mash 2 ½ large avocados or 3 medium avocados until chunky and mix in about 1 ounce of our Guacamole Dip Seasoning. Makes about 2 ½ cups of guacamole.
Serve with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes.
Crispy Zucchini Fries with Ranch Dip
Give your guests a healthier yet equally tasty option with zucchini fries. Slice zucchini into sticks, coat them in a blend of bread crumbs seasoned with Old Town Spice Shop's Beach House Blend, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake until golden and crispy. Whip up a small bowl of tangy dipping sauce with our Ranch Dip blend for a flavorful crunch.
Grilled Chicken Wings Extravaganza
No BBQ is complete without grilled chicken wings. Pat the wings dry, spray them with avocado oil, and season with any of our delicious rubs, including:
- Ancho Honey Rub
- Buffalo Hot Wing Rub
- Cajun Spice Blend
- Lemon Pepper
- Mango Chipotle Rub
- Mild or Hot Jamaican Jerk
Grill them to perfection and serve with a side of blue cheese or Ranch Dressing. These wings will have your guests coming back for more!
Sip in Style with Refreshing Cocktails and Mocktails
What’s a BBQ without a refreshing drink to keep you cool in the summer heat? Here are some creative cocktails and mocktails to keep the party lively.
Jamaican Sorrel Cocktail
Transport your guests to the Caribbean with a Jamaican Sorrel Cocktail. Mix our Jamaican Sorrel hibiscus tea blend with ginger, lime juice, and a splash of rum. Pour over ice into a glass rimmed with Old Town Spice Shop’s Toasted Coconut Sugar. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum. The vibrant color and tangy flavor make it a summer favorite that pairs well with Jamaican Jerk chicken and Spicy Cajun Shrimp!
Honey Jalapeno Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
Spice things up with a Honey Jalapeno Spiced Apple Cider Margarita. Combine our Honey Jalapeno Spiced Apple Cider, lime juice, honey, and your favorite Blanco tequila. Pour over ice into a glass rimmed with our Habanero Sugar for a sweet and fiery kick, or Lemon Twist Salt for a tart and savory flavor. Garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy!
Classic Michelada
For a unique twist on a classic drink, try a Michelada. Mix your favorite pilsner beer with lime juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of Old Town Spice Shop's Chili Lime Seasoning and Sriracha Lime Salt. Serve in a Sriracha Lime Salt-rimmed glass with a lime wedge and garnish with fresh or pickled jalapeno floaters.
The Main Event Meat to Impress
The star of any BBQ is undoubtedly the meat. Here are some mouth-watering options that will have your guests raving.
Cajun Shrimp Kabobs
Add a touch of New Orleans to your BBQ with Cajun Shrimp Kabobs. Skewer raw, deveined shrimp, red and green bell peppers, red or yellow onions, and coat with olive oil and Old Town Spice Shop's Cajun seasoning. Choose from our Hot Creole Seasoning, Cajun Blackened Blend, or Cajun Spice Blend. Grill until the shrimp are pink and juicy. These kabobs are packed with flavor and easy to eat.
Barbecue Spare Ribs
Nothing says BBQ like a plate of tender, smoky ribs. Once you’ve prepared your rack of ribs, slather them in yellow mustard on both sides. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of Old Town Spice Shop's Rib Rub on all sides for optimal flavor. Throw the ribs on the grill and slow-cook them on low heat until tender and juicy, or throw them in the smoker until they’re sizzling and tender. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce, cut, and serve. Your guests will savor every bite of these fall-off-the-bone ribs!
Backyard Brew Chicken Thighs
Impress your guests with Backyard Brew Chicken Thighs. Marinate 2 pounds of boneless/skinless or bone-in/skin-on chicken thighs in:
- ½ a cup of beer or water
- A few dashes of low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar
- 1 ounce of Old Town Spice Shop’s Backyard Brew Marinade
Grill until cooked through, the skin is crispy, and the meat is juicy. The beer adds a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices making it perfect for a summertime backyard barbecue!
Visit our Recipes to find the full recipe and order your ingredients!
Must-Have Sides for the Perfect BBQ
No BBQ is complete without delicious sides to accompany the main dishes. Here are some must-have sides that will complement your BBQ perfectly.
Greek Pasta Salad
Add a Mediterranean flair with a simple and light Greek Pasta Salad. Combine rotini, farfalle, or cavatappi pasta cooked al dente with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, pitted kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Toss with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Old Town Spice Shop's Greek Seasoning. Refrigerate pasta for 30-60 minutes before serving. This refreshing salad is a great complement to grilled meats.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a BBQ staple. Once cleaned, leave the husks on, wrap them in foil, or grill them naked. Either way you choose to grill them. Brush fresh corn with butter and season with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Grill until tender. Serve with additional butter and a sprinkle of some of our favorite toppings and seasonings:
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Style with Sriracha Lime Salt and crumbled Cotija cheese
- Dill Pickle Popcorn Seasoning
- Bacon Cheddar Popcorn Seasoning
- Barbecue Bacon Popcorn Seasoning
- Buffalo Popcorn Seasoning
- Cajun Blackened Blend
Grilled Seasoned Veggies
For a healthy and colorful side, grilled veggies always win. Slice zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, and mushrooms, and toss with olive oil and Old Town Spice Shop's Fossil Creek Fusion or Beach House Blend. Grill until tender and slightly charred. These veggies will add a burst of flavor and color to your BBQ spread.
Delectable Desserts for a Sweet Ending
End your BBQ on a sweet note with these delectable desserts to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. After all the savory bites, a little sweetness is necessary!
Strawberry Lemonade Bundt Cake
Indulge in a Strawberry Lemonade Bundt Cake. Mix a classic yellow or lemon cake batter with fresh chopped strawberries and lemon zest. Bake until golden and drizzle with a lemon glaze. The combination of sweet strawberries and tart lemon creates a refreshing dessert. Add a delightful sprinkle of sugary crunch with Old Town Spice Shop’s Lemon Sugar and Strawberry Sugar. Combine one tablespoon of each flavored sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle on top immediately after drizzling the cake with the glaze. Serve with fresh strawberry slices.
Salted Fruit Wedges
Keep it simple and healthy with Salted Fruit Wedges. Slice watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, peaches, and mango into wedges and place on a serving dish. Sprinkle with one of Old Town Spice Shop's gourmet salts. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit, making for a light and refreshing dessert. Here are a few of our favorite salts for fruit:
Your Summertime BBQ Spices & Seasonings Await!
A well-planned BBQ is all about the details, from the appetizers to the desserts. The right mix of spices can enhance the natural flavors of your meat, vegetables, and fruits, adding depth and complexity to your dishes. Perfectly balanced seasoning blends for grilling can turn a good BBQ into a great one.
Ready to elevate your summertime grilling game? Shop Old Town Spice Shop for the best grilling spices and seasoning blends and take your next backyard BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary. Happy grilling!