No summer weekend is complete without a backyard BBQ. But sometimes running around trying to get everything prepared and decorated can quickly turn into a hassle, and by the time dinner's ready, you'd rather go to bed. Well, not anymore! These 31 delicious make-ahead BBQ recipes are exhaustion-proof and will ensure that you *actually* get to enjoy the seasonal festivities, all while looking like a total badass in the kitchen.
Spicy Sriracha Dip
Brit + Co
Whip up this spicy-hot dip for a snack that guests (and you!) won't be able to get enough of. (via Brit + Co)
Homemade Southern Biscuits
Brit + Co
Sink your teeth into the flaky goodness of these Southern-inspired biscuits. They're easy to prep ahead of time, and they can be enjoyed with layers of fried chicken and honey *just* as good as on their own. (via Brit + Co)
Rosemary Watermelonade
Brit + Co
Whether you like your lemonade spiked or prefer to go the traditional route, a big batch of this refreshing sipper will be delish either way. (via Brit + Co)
California Black Bean Burgers
Brit + Co
These veggie patties beg for just 15 minutes of prep time. From there, you can keep them locked-and-loaded in the fridge to be cooked at a later time for your barbecue party! (via Brit + Co)
Bacon Chive Dip
Brit + Co
Any reason to indulge in a big batch of creamy bacon dip is a good one, and when it's this easy, there is never an excuse not to. File this under your go-to make-ahead barbecue recipes for big crowds. (via Brit + Co)
Gooey Banana Boat S'mores
Brit + Co
With this easy dessert, just bundle up your fave s'mores accessories with a banana into some foil. These are an exceptional choice to make if you're already grilling, because all they need to be done is a few minutes over the coals! Prep them and keep them safe in the fridge until your sweet tooth calls. (via Brit + Co)
Taco Dip
Brit + Co
Once you've got an abundance of veggies on-hand, build your taco dip within 10 minutes to be devoured the next day! (via Brit + Co)
Asian Meatballs
My Foodbook
Serve up an unexpected twist on the typical BBQ fare with these Asian-inspired meatballs served in crispy lettuce cups and drizzled with a sweet chili soy sauce. (via My Foodbook)
Slow Cooker Mini BBQ Pork Sliders
Table For Two
The slow cooker is *the* holy grail appliance when it comes to make-ahead barbecue meals. Throw all your ingredients in, and you can forget about your barbecue dish for the next six hours. From there, just shred and serve! (via Table For Two)
Caprese Sticks
Wholefully
There's a reason why some flavor combinations just keep coming back, and mozzarella, tomatoes and basil are one of them. Keep it nice and simple with this easy skewered appetizer. (via Wholefully)
Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Love & Lemons
Grab that can of garbanzo beans hiding in the back of your cabinet and make them the star of the show. These are so good, that you might just want to save them all for yourself. (via Love & Lemons)
These Make-Ahead BBQ Recipes Are Too Good To Pass Up
Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites
Well Plated
Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this appetizer a cinch to put together. Their grab-and-go size also ensures that your guests will be able to socialize instead of waiting forever in line. (via Well Plated)
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
This Wife Cooks
This colorful pasta pick will stay good in the fridge for a few days, so you can totally make it ahead of time! Crunchy veg meets a creamy coleslaw flavor that'll help you beat the summer heat. (via This Wife Cooks)
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
No. 2 Pencil
Make these mashed potatoes up to two days in advance and pop them in the oven the day of the BBQ. Your guests will think you spent all morning slaving over the hot stove. Don't worry, though — your culinary secret is safe with us. (via No. 2 Pencil)
Pesto Turkey Meatball Sliders
The Yummy Life
Make some meatball patties in advance and store them in your fridge for three days – or the freezer for up to two weeks. Then, you can just top them with cheese and heat everything up 30 minutes before serving. (via The Yummy Life)
Easy Grilled Chicken for a Crowd
Cook The Story
Standing over a hot grill all summer afternoon is no way to enjoy your day. Pre-cook your chicken in the oven the night before, and it'll only need a quick reheat on the grill the day of. (via Cook The Story)
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Pink Owl Kitchen
It's really not a real barbecue feast if you don't have a cheesy mac to go on the side. This one takes notes from traditional soul food methods, adding in three, yes three different types of cheeses for texture and taste. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Dill Pickle Cheese Ball
The Fast Recipe
This cheese ball is a big dill to us. Generously coated in pickle pieces, sesame seeds, and cheese, each scoop you take will fulfill the salty cravings. (via The Fast Recipe)
Saucy Sesame Noodles
Tadka Pasta
Another take on traditional pasta salad, this one is covered in a delicious sesame-peanut sauce and topped with peanuts and fresh cucumber right before serving for a fresh crunch. (via Tadka Pasta)
Muffaletta Dip
Southern Spicy Kitchen
This dip might have a lot of ingredients, but it comes together in an instant with just a little choppin' and droppin'. (via Southern Spicy Kitchen)
Make-Ahead BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Sliders
Cozy Cravings
Eliminate the need for a long prep time with this easy BBQ-friendly recipe! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is the star of the show here, covering tender slider buns in juicy texture. Take the rest of the toppings as a choose-your-own-adventure job! (via Cozy Cravings)
Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes
Family Fresh Meals
Trying to cook enough potatoes for everyone in the oven would take all day, not to mention your house would turn into a sauna. Cool off and let your crock pot do the work. Did we convince you to buy one yet? (via Family Fresh Meals)
Green Bean Casserole Cups
Let's Dish
In less than 30 minutes you can have the perfect easy-to-eat appetizer thanks to a package of frozen phyllo shells. You can thank us later. (via Let's Dish)
Mini Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pies
Barley & Sage
Why make a big, heaping batch of chicken pot pie, when you could playfully serve it up personal-sized? These pockets get prepped ahead of time, enveloping a veggie medley in tender puff pastry. After that, just bake them golden brown, according to the recipe! (via Barley & Sage)
Spicy Watermelon Salad
Amanda Wilens
BBQ goes super well with fresh watermelon. This recipe pick makes a spicy twist on your regular fruit salad, adding some zing to your outdoor dining game. (via Amanda Wilens)
What tips do you have for planning a backyard BBQ? Will any of these recipes make the cut? Let us know @BritandCo!
This post has been updated.