Feeding a group doesn’t mean you need to lose your mind—or your weekend. These bbq recipes for a crowd keep things big on flavor and low on stress, so you can stop overthinking the menu. No one’s judging your grill marks, just happy to eat. Perfect for birthdays, block parties, or any excuse to eat outside with paper plates. Your apron might get messy, but your planning won’t be.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken BBQ
This slow cooker favorite makes it easy to prep large amounts of flavorful shredded chicken ahead of time. It’s great for sandwiches, sliders, or served as-is with simple sides. The hands-off cooking approach frees up grill space for other items. It’s a smart choice for serving a lot of guests with minimal effort. This recipe fits right in when planning barbecue meals for big groups.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken BBQ
BBQ Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs hold up well on the grill and cook quickly, making them efficient for feeding guests. They’re juicy, easy to season, and great for portion control. You can prep them ahead of time and cook in batches as needed. They’re the kind of crowd-pleaser that works well at any cookout. This recipe is a dependable option for big gatherings around the grill.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Thighs
BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups
These bite-sized BBQ chicken cups are perfect for serving as finger food during outdoor get-togethers. They come together quickly and can be baked in batches. The portioned servings make them easy to hand out without utensils. They bring variety to the spread without adding extra mess. These cups are an efficient way to feed a crowd during summer BBQs.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Wonton Cups
BBQ Macaroni Salad
This macaroni salad delivers classic barbecue flavor in a lighter version that guests will still enjoy. It’s easy to make ahead and chill, which helps reduce day-of prep. You can serve it cold alongside anything coming off the grill. It’s ideal for potlucks or larger gatherings where you need filling sides. This is one of those BBQ-friendly recipes that works well for feeding a group.
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Baked Feta Potatoes
These roasted potatoes are finished with creamy feta for a filling side dish that holds up well at room temperature. They’re easy to make in bulk and go with grilled meats, seafood, or veggies. You can bake them ahead and reheat or serve warm. They’re simple, hearty, and familiar to most guests. This recipe brings dependable flavor to any barbecue spread.
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Electric Smoker Ribs
These ribs come out tender and full of flavor with minimal effort thanks to the electric smoker. They cook low and slow, which makes them ideal for prepping while you focus on other dishes. The smoky finish works well with classic BBQ sides. Guests appreciate the fall-off-the-bone texture and bold seasoning. These ribs are a reliable pick for feeding a large group.
Get the Recipe: Electric Smoker Ribs
Smoked Boston Butt
This slow-smoked pork is perfect for making pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. It’s easy to prep ahead and shred for serving throughout the event. A large cut like this stretches far and serves many without much hands-on time. The smoky, rich flavor pairs well with a variety of barbecue sides. This dish is ideal when you need a crowd-ready main with lasting appeal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Boston Butt
Chicken Spiedini
These skewered chicken bites are quick to grill and easy to portion for a big group. The marinade keeps them juicy while cooking, and the skewers make serving simple. They’re great for adding variety to a grill lineup without extra mess. This dish works well for casual gatherings or plated meals. Chicken spiedini fits right into plans for feeding a backyard crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Spiedini
Smashburger with Smoky Sauce
Smashburgers cook fast and bring big flavor, especially with a smoky sauce that holds up well under heat. You can prepare a lot of patties in a short time, making them perfect for backyard parties. Serve them with buns, toppings, or on their own for variety. They’re a classic choice that most people enjoy. These burgers are well-suited for any large barbecue event.
Get the Recipe: Smashburger with Smoky Sauce
Honey Sriracha Blue Cheese Burgers
These burgers bring a mix of spicy and tangy that adds some punch to any cookout menu. The blue cheese mellows the heat and gives it a rich finish. They’re easy to prep and cook quickly on a hot grill. The flavors hold up well when serving multiple guests. These burgers bring variety to big-group barbecue menus.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Blue Cheese Burgers
Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers
These skewers are easy to grill and serve, making them ideal for outdoor eating. The sweet and spicy combo gives them a bold flavor that works well with classic BBQ sides. They cook fast and are great for prepping ahead in batches. Skewers help keep serving simple and reduce cleanup. This dish is a convenient way to feed a group without slowing down the grill.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers
Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers
These shrimp skewers add a fresh option to the grill that cooks in minutes. They’re light, quick to prepare, and pair well with everything from salads to grilled corn. The lemon butter gives them enough flavor to stand on their own. They work great as an appetizer or part of a main plate. These skewers are a nice change of pace when feeding a large group outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers
BBQ Nachos
BBQ nachos are great for piling high with toppings and sharing as a group. They’re easy to prep in large trays and serve buffet-style. The mix of meat, cheese, and crunch makes them appealing to all ages. This dish brings a casual, snackable option to the menu. BBQ nachos are perfect for big events where guests eat in waves.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Nachos
BBQ Meatloaf
Meatloaf takes on a smoky twist in this barbecue-friendly version that holds up well on the grill or smoker. It’s easy to slice and serve to a large group, whether hot or room temperature. The sauce adds extra flavor without complicating prep. This dish pairs well with classic sides like potato salad and slaw. It’s a solid main course choice for serving many people.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Meatloaf
Grilled Marinated Beef Kabobs
These beef kabobs bring hearty flavor to the table and are easy to grill in batches. The marinade keeps the meat tender and flavorful. Kabobs are easy to serve and work well for casual settings where people eat standing or seated. They go with a wide range of sides and sauces. This recipe is a dependable pick when you need grilled options for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Marinated Beef Kabobs
Smoked Pulled Pork
Smoked pulled pork is one of the easiest ways to feed a group with rich, smoky flavor. A single pork shoulder stretches far and works for sandwiches, tacos, or served as-is. It holds well on a warmer or in a slow cooker for serving throughout the day. The flavor pairs nicely with classic barbecue sides. This recipe is a strong pick when you need something that pleases a crowd and doesn’t require constant attention.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork
Thai Chicken Satay
These skewered chicken bites are packed with bold flavor and cook quickly on the grill. They’re easy to prepare in batches and don’t need a lot of space or special equipment. The peanut dipping sauce adds variety to a table full of traditional barbecue fare. Guests enjoy the handheld size, and cleanup stays minimal. It’s a great recipe to include when you’re hosting more than just a few people.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Smoked Boston Butt {Pulled Pork}
A Boston butt is an affordable cut that feeds many and holds flavor well through low and slow smoking. Once shredded, it’s easy to serve buffet-style with buns and slaw or as part of a sampler plate. The smoky flavor is consistent and pairs well with sweet or tangy sauces. You can prep it early in the day and keep it warm for hours. This recipe works well when feeding a group over a longer period of time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Boston Butt {Pulled Pork}
Orange Chipotle Pork Tenderloin
This pork tenderloin brings a mix of smoky and sweet flavor that stands out on the grill. It cooks fairly fast and slices well for sharing among several people. The marinade adds boldness without needing extra sauces. It’s a good choice for outdoor meals when you want to serve something a little different but still practical. This one’s easy to manage when you’ve got guests to feed and little time to spare.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chipotle Pork Tenderloin
Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Beef
This dish is simple to throw together and offers a rich, meaty option without needing grill space. You can start it early and let it cook low and slow while handling other parts of the meal. The shredded beef makes excellent sandwiches, wraps, or sliders. It works well for longer gatherings when you need something that can sit warm and ready. This is a go-to when you’re planning to feed a full table without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled BBQ Beef
BBQ Venison Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw
These sliders offer something unique that still feels right at home at a barbecue. The venison is flavorful and lean, while the slaw adds contrast and crunch. They’re served in small portions, making them great for large groups or mixed platters. You can prep and grill them fast, which helps when timing matters. These sliders are a smart pick when you want variety and have multiple people to feed.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Venison Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
These skewers bring a sweet and savory combo that works well with grilled sides and summer salads. They’re easy to cook in batches and don’t take long to finish over the heat. The pineapple adds a refreshing touch that breaks up heavier meats. Guests enjoy grabbing these from a platter with minimal mess. This recipe fits right in when feeding many at outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Fall-Off-The-Bone St. Louis–Style Ribs in the Oven
These oven-baked ribs come out tender and full of flavor without needing a smoker. They’re easy to make ahead and finish on the grill if you want a bit of char. The recipe lets you focus on other dishes while they cook low and slow. Once cut, they’re simple to plate and serve in generous portions. These ribs work well for big events where people come hungry.
Get the Recipe: Fall-Off-The-Bone St. Louis–Style Ribs in the Oven
Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast
This smoked chuck roast offers deep flavor and pulls apart easily for serving sandwiches or over potatoes. It’s a great way to feed many without having to grill nonstop. The smoker handles the bulk of the work, freeing you up for other prep. It holds well in a warm pan, making it good for longer meals. This recipe is ideal when you want something hearty that stretches far.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast
Homemade Chicken Adana Kebabs
These ground chicken kebabs are packed with spices and cook quickly over high heat. Their long shape makes them easy to grill in rows and portion out evenly. You can serve them with flatbreads, salads, or dips for a full plate. They bring something different to the table without being hard to prep. These kebabs make a solid addition when feeding a larger group.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Adana Kebabs
Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are budget-friendly and hold up well on the grill, making them ideal for backyard get-togethers. They cook fairly quickly and don’t dry out as easily as breasts. The BBQ flavor works with almost any side you serve. You can prep them ahead, stack them on platters, and serve in rounds. This is a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that always earns its place at the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
Lamb Shish Kebab
Lamb shish kebabs offer a bold flavor that stands out at cookouts. The skewers make it easy to portion and serve without needing utensils. You can prep them the day before and grill them fast when guests arrive. They work well alongside grilled vegetables, rice, or flatbreads. This recipe adds variety to your spread while staying practical for feeding more than a few people.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shish Kebab
Grilled Chicken Skewers
These skewers are easy to prepare, grill, and serve without any fuss. They cook quickly and can be made in bulk without much effort. Their simple seasoning makes them a good match with a wide variety of sides. Guests can grab a few and move around without needing a plate and fork. These chicken skewers are one of the easiest ways to feed a group.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Skewers
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Sliders are always a hit at gatherings since they’re easy to eat and serve. This BBQ chicken version is flavorful and holds up well in a bun without falling apart. You can make a big batch ahead and keep them warm in a slow cooker. They work for lunch or dinner and don’t need much more than a simple side. This recipe is ideal when you need something quick, familiar, and sharable.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is a flavorful vegetarian option that grills well on skewers and holds shape without crumbling. It’s marinated ahead of time, so the cooking goes fast and smooth. The chunks can be served on their own or wrapped in naan for a filling meal. It’s great for balancing a spread that includes meats. This recipe helps you offer something for everyone when cooking for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Tikka
