23 Backyard BBQ Recipes So Good, You’ll Make Them All September

Backyard BBQs don’t have to be stressful or repetitive, and that’s where these recipes come in. They’re easy enough to throw together without fuss but still bold and flavorful enough to keep everyone coming back for seconds. With favorites that save time, cut stress, and make outdoor eating more fun, you’ll want them on repeat all September long.

Apricot Cheesecake

Apricot cheesecake deserves a spot at every backyard BBQ because it’s creamy, fruity, and special without demanding much effort. Juicy apricots melt into the smooth cream cheese filling while the buttery graham cracker crust gives the perfect crunch, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to enjoy outdoors. It’s the sort of sweet treat that keeps the whole month of September feeling festive and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Cheesecake

Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls are the kind of BBQ crowd-pleaser that disappears before you know it. Soft rolls layered with ham and melty cheese are baked with a golden buttery glaze, making them the ultimate finger food for a laid-back September cookout. They’re easy, comforting, and so tasty, you’ll want them on repeat all season long.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Cucumber Appetizers

Salmon and cream cheese cucumber appetizers bring the refreshing bite every BBQ spread needs. The silky richness of cream cheese and smoky salmon paired with crisp cucumber creates a snack that looks fancy but comes together in minutes. They’re light, cool, and the fresh nibble that keeps everyone reaching for more throughout September.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Appetizers

Healthy Chicken Salad

Healthy chicken salad makes backyard BBQs feel lighter without missing any flavor. Bright with avocado, tomatoes, yogurt, and lime, it swaps out heavy mayo for a crisp, refreshing mix that’s satisfying and still feels good on hot September days. It’s a simple recipe that belongs on every picnic table when you want balance alongside the smoky classics.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are the irresistible mix of salty and sweet that makes summer BBQ unforgettable. Juicy pineapple tucked into crispy bacon is simple to prepare, but delivers such bold flavor, it always vanishes first from the platter. With only two ingredients, they’re a low-effort way to bring big smiles to every gathering all month long.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is the dessert that turns a backyard BBQ into a September tradition. Juicy peaches bubble beneath a golden, buttery topping that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside, filling the air with that sweet, spiced aroma everyone loves. With just a few ingredients, it brings cozy comfort to the party while still feeling bright and seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler

Popeyes Coleslaw

Popeyes-style coleslaw is the refreshing side every backyard BBQ table needs in hot September. Crisp cabbage and carrots tossed in creamy dressing offer the cool crunch that balances out smoky meats and rich mains. It’s simple, classic, and the side dish people come back for second helpings every time.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Blueberry Mocktail

Blueberry mocktails bring a vibrant splash of fun to any backyard BBQ. Bursting with fresh berry sweetness, balanced by lime and mint, and topped with a fizzy finish, it’s a drink that keeps September mood bright without any alcohol required. Refreshing, colorful, and party-ready, it’s the sip that makes everyone feel included.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Mocktail

Frog Eye Salad

Frog Eye Salad may be retro, but it always earns its place at any BBQ party. Tiny pasta mixed with pineapple, grapes, peaches, and mandarin oranges in a creamy custard base, topped with whipped cream, creates a fun, sweet side that feels like dessert in disguise. It’s playful, nostalgic, and guaranteed to spark conversations while everyone digs in.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad

Lemon Loaf Cake

Lemon loaf cake shines at backyard BBQs with its bright, citrusy flavor that feels just right for September. Moist and buttery pound cake draped in a tangy glaze brings a burst of sunshine to the dessert table, pairing perfectly with grilled mains. It’s simple to slice, easy to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast once it’s set out.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake

Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot raisin salad adds a bright, crunchy touch to every backyard BBQ spread. Sweet raisins mixed with crisp carrots and creamy dressing create a refreshing side that pairs easily with smoky grilled mains. It’s simple, colorful, and one of those September classics that guests happily pile onto their plates again and again.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Electric Lemonade

Electric lemonade is the splash of color and flavor that makes BBQs feel like a party. With vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and fizzy soda, it has that tropical September vibe that turns the backyard into a beach getaway. Refreshing, fun, and easy to stir together, it’s a drink you’ll want to serve all month long.
Get the Recipe: Electric Lemonade

Prosciutto E Melone

Prosciutto e Melone adds a touch of elegance to BBQs with minimal effort. Juicy melon wrapped in silky prosciutto hits that perfect sweet-and-salty balance, making it an appetizer everyone reaches for first. With only two ingredients, it’s a no-fuss favorite that feels special enough for every weekend gathering.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto E Melone

Tilapia Tacos

Tilapia tacos make backyard BBQs in September even more exciting with smoky, crispy fish tucked into warm tortillas. Piled high with cabbage, avocado sauce, and lime, every bite is messy in the best way possible. They’re bold, fun, and so flavorful, they instantly become the highlight of taco night outside.
Get the Recipe: Tilapia Tacos

Bacon Cheddar Dip

Bacon cheddar dip is the creamy, cheesy appetizer that never lasts long at BBQs. Packed with bacon, ranch seasoning, and gooey cheese, it’s just as good scooped up with chips as it is with fresh veggies. Ready in minutes, it’s the easy recipe that always makes the backyard feel like the best place to be.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip

Avocado Salad

Avocado salad is the refreshing, colorful side that belongs at every summer BBQ. Creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers tossed in a simple dressing deliver that cool, vibrant bite that balances heavier mains. It’s light, filling, and a salad that makes outdoor meals feel even more inviting.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Tiger Sauce

Tiger sauce brings the fiery, tangy kick that keeps backyard BBQ interesting. Sweet, spicy, and bold, it works as a dip, marinade, or drizzle that instantly boosts the flavor of grilled meats and sides. Having a jar on hand makes every plate taste more exciting all month long.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce

Italian Salad

Italian salad makes September brighter with its crunchy veggies and bold, tangy dressing. Everything is chopped small, so each forkful is full of fresh flavor, creamy extras, and a vibrant kick. It’s hearty enough to stand alongside the smoky mains yet refreshing enough to keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Italian Salad

Corn Dip

Corn dip is the creamy, cheesy side that takes September up a notch. Sweet corn, bacon, cheese, and jalapeños mix into a bubbly, irresistible dip that’s perfect with chips or straight off a spoon. Simple to make and hard to resist, it’s one of those dishes that guarantees the bowl will be empty fast.
Get the Recipe: Corn Dip

Basil Tomato Mozzarella Skewers

Basil, tomato, and mozzarella skewers are the fresh, colorful bites that brighten any BBQ spread. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring the classic Caprese combo to party-ready skewers. They’re easy to assemble, fun to eat, and always look like the star of the table.
Get the Recipe: Basil Tomato Mozzarella Skewers

Salsa Ranchera

Salsa ranchera adds the bold, vibrant kick that summer BBQs are made for. Fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and garlic come together into a vibrant sauce that wakes up grilled meats, tacos, and everything in between. Ready in under half an hour, it’s the easy, flavorful touch that keeps backyard meals exciting all month long.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Ranchera

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Slow cooker baby back ribs bring that smoky, fall-off-the-bone goodness to September BBQs with almost no effort at all. A simple spice rub and sticky glaze are all it takes before the slow cooker handles the rest, leaving you with ribs so tender they barely stay on the bone. It’s a dish that makes backyard gatherings feel special without tying you to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Bruschetta al pomodoro is the fresh, simple starter that makes BBQ spreads shine. Juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil piled on warm, crusty bread deliver that perfect mix of refreshing and comforting flavors in every bite. Easy to make and always impressive, it’s a no-fuss way to keep guests happy while the grill is going.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro