8 Sizzling Summer BBQ Recipes That’ll Make Your Memorial Day Unforgettable

May 23, 2025

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8 Summer BBQ Recipes by mr. make it happen

A Must-Try Lineup of Summer BBQ Recipes

Looking to build the ultimate Memorial Day menu or host a flawless summer cookout? These tried-and-true recipes deliver rich, smoky, savory, and sweet flavors — all using Mr. Make It Happen’s signature style. From juicy meats to Southern-style sides and crowd-pleasing desserts, this lineup is guaranteed to wow your guests.

BBQ Meats That Hit the Spot

Oven Baked BBQ Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender, glazed with a sticky-sweet sauce, and packed with smoky flavor — these ribs are an instant favorite. For best results, slow-cook them covered and finish under the broiler or on the grill to caramelize that sauce.

OVEN-BAKED BBQ RIBS RECIPE

Beer Can Chicken

A cookout showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Choose a 3–4 lb. chicken, pat it dry, season it generously, and cook it upright on a beer can to lock in moisture and flavor.

BEER CAN CHICKEN RECIPE

Fried Turkey Wings

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — these Fried Turkey Wings are seasoned to perfection and deep-fried until golden brown. Each bite delivers bold flavor with a satisfying crunch, making them the ultimate comfort food for any soul food spread or weekend indulgence.

FRIED TURKEY WINGS RECIPE

Cookout Classics

Chili Dogs

Charred hot dogs, toasted buns, and bold homemade chili take this all-American classic to the next level. Perfect for casual cookouts or easy lunches during summer holidays.

CHILI DOG RECIPE

BBQ Meatballs

Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, these bite-sized meatballs are perfect as appetizers or as part of a BBQ plate. Make them ahead of time and keep warm in a slow cooker.

BBQ MEATBALLS RECIPE

Side Dishes That Bring the Flavor

Smoked Mac & Cheese

Smoky, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. This mac and cheese is made for cookouts and pairs beautifully with everything from ribs to burgers.

SMOKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

Southern Potato Salad

Creamy, tangy, and loaded with texture, this potato salad recipe uses Yukon Gold potatoes for a rich finish. Let it chill before serving to develop its flavor fully.

POTATO SALAD RECIPE

End on a Sweet Note

Banana Pudding

This classic Southern dessert is cool, creamy, and nostalgic. Layered with fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and rich pudding, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a hot summer day.

BANANA PUDDING RECIPE

Pro tip

Grilling Tips for Success

Choose the right cuts of meat: For ribs and chicken, opt for bone-in for maximum flavor. For burgers or chili, 80/20 ground beef offers the best fat ratio for juiciness.
Pat meat dry before seasoning: This helps spices stick better and ensures crispier skin on grilled items like chicken.
Let your meat rest: After grilling or baking, rest meats for 5–10 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
Use a meat thermometer: Don’t guess — temp check! Chicken should hit 165°F, ribs should be tender around 190–203°F.

Stock Your Summer BBQ Arsenal

Ready to make it happen this summer? Stock up on our small-batch spice blends, grilling tools, and our latest cookbook to bring these flavors to life. Whether you’re celebrating Memorial Day, hosting a 4th of July bash, or planning a simple Saturday night grill session, these recipes will keep your cookouts full of flavor from start to finish.