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The Passport Kitchen

Tired of the Same Old Cookout? Grill These 15 Surprising Dishes Instead

August 6, 2025 by Amanda Tyler Leave a Comment

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Summer is almost over, and we have had a lot of BBQs. I’m getting kind of bored with hot dogs, hamburgers, and other standard BBQ foods, but I’m still not ready to put away the grill.

But even if you are bored with the same old, that doesn’t mean you have to put the grill away. These 15 dishes are not your usual grilled fare. So grab your tongs and enjoy these surprisingly good recipes!

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled bbq shrimp
Photo Credit: Healthy Recipes 101.

Marinated shrimp is just the thing to toss on the grill at your next backyard BBQ! Not only are these shrimp absolutely succulent, but they also have the best caramelized, smoky flavor.

Get the recipe: Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Steak

A steak on the grill.
Photo Credit: The Typical Mom.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and yields results that no one can resist. Serve with classic cookout food like coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob.

Get the recipe: Grilled Steak

Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs

Turkey chunks, zucchini and peppers on skewers.
Photo Credit: Through the Fibro.

Herbed turkey and zucchini are perfect partners for a healthy and tasty option. Fire up the grill and make these for a colorful dinner that is as fun to share as it is to eat.

Get the recipe: Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs

Smoked BBQ Chicken Thighs

BBQ chicken thighs on a board.
Photo Credit: Braised and Deglazed.

Having a BBQ doesn’t have to break the bank! This recipe uses economical chicken thighs to make the most melt-in-your-mouth meal. These thighs are slathered in BBQ sauce and smoked to perfection for your next gathering of friends and family.

Get the recipe: Smoked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts

Photo Credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

Nothing beats grilled BBQ chicken breasts. This recipe is easy to prepare, has the best smoky, tandy flavor, and it tastes perfect with baked beans and macaroni salad.

Get the recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts

Smoked Chuck Roast

Photo Credit: Dishes with Dad.

This smoked chuck roast is so delicious. It has the best char crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This is destined to steal the show at your next cookout.

Get the recipe: Smoked Chuck Roast

BBQ Bacon Onion Bombs

Photo Credit: Ole Blue Dog.

These onion bombs are stuffed with ground beef, wrapped in bacon, and slathered in BBQ sauce. You are going to love these at a BBQ or cookout with friends.

Get the Recipe: BBQ Bacon Onion Bombs

BBQ Bacon Burgers

Photo Credit: Urban Bliss Life.

This BBQ bacon burger recipe is so good, it is worth having a BBQ with friends just so you can make them and show off your cooking skills. These are loaded with smoky, tangy BBQ flavor.

Get the Recipe: BBQ Bacon Burgers

BBQ Chicken Legs

Photo Credit: Cook at Home Mom.

This easy and economical recipe is perfect for a get-together. These are so easy to prepare and have the best finger-licking BBQ flavor. 

Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Legs

Traeger Pulled Pork

Photo Credit: The Food Hussy.

This pulled pork is so good. Smoke it on the Traeger and shred it. You can serve this on buns or over nacho chips if you prefer. Either way, you will agree this is absolutely delicious!

Get the Recipe: Traeger Pulled Pork

Pellet Grill Brisket

Photo Credit: Burrata and Bubbles.

You will love this brisket cooked on a pellet grill. It is so tender and tasty. You will love this served with mac and cheese or baked beans.

Get the Recipe: Pellet Grill Brisket

Maple BBQ Salmon

Photo Credit: Grilling Smoking Living.

Make a simple salmon for your next BBQ. This recipe is healthy, hearty, and so flavorful that you will be looking for seconds. Serve with grilled veggies or smoky baked beans.

Get the Recipe: Maple BBQ Salmon

Apple Butter Pulled Pork

Photo Credit: The View From Great Island.

This recipe is so easy. It is prepared in a slow cooker and uses apple butter to make a flavorful dish that is perfect for sandwiches. Serve with pasta salad or grilled corn for a great meal.

Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Pulled Pork.

Huli Huli Ribs

Photo Credit: The Typical Mom.

Make Hawaiian-style ribs for your next get-together. These are so saucy and delicious that you won’t be able to resist licking your fingers!

Get the Recipe: Huli Huli Ribs

BBQ Asian Pork

Photo Credit: A Tasty Kitchen.

Make this tasty BBQ Asian pork for a saucy, salty, spicy dish. It cooks great over a gas or charcoal grill and pairs well with Asian salsa.

Get the Recipe: BBQ Asian Pork

 

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