Ready to absolutely crush BBQ season? We’ve rounded up the absolute must-grill recipes that’ll have you dominating every backyard gathering. This month is made for grilling (and big flavor wins). Longer days, backyard cookouts, Father’s Day, and fresh flavors… It’s grilling season at full throttle. This is your go-to list for the best recipes to crush Father’s Day, level up your weekends, and keep your grill busy all month long.
Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs That Beat Any Restaurant
Skip the overpriced chicken dinners and make restaurant-quality thighs at home for a fraction of the cost. Our tested method gets you that perfect BBQ basted skin and fall-off-the-bone meat every single time – no guesswork needed.
Get the Recipe → Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs
Ground Pork Burgers with Hatch Chile Heat
Smart grillers know ground pork creates incredibly juicy, flavorful burgers with a different taste profile than beef – and costs way less at the grocery store. Our hatch chile version will completely change how you think about burger night.
Get the Recipe → Ground Pork Burgers
Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters (The Cheapest Cut That Tastes Expensive)
Smart shoppers know leg quarters cost way less than chicken breasts but deliver way more flavor. Our two-zone grilling method gets you crispy skin and juicy dark meat that’ll make you wonder why you ever bought expensive white meat.
Get the Recipe → Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
The Ultimate Smoked Pulled Pork That Shreds Perfectly
Master the low and slow smoking process that breaks down tough meat into the most tender, flavorful pulled pork you’ve ever made. Our method takes the guesswork out of timing and temperature so you get perfect results every time.
Get the Recipe → Smoked Pulled Pork
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce (The Secret Mop)
This tangy vinegar-based sauce is the secret weapon that pit masters use to keep pulled pork moist and flavorful. One taste and you’ll understand why Carolina BBQ joints guard their vinegar sauce recipes so closely.
Get the Recipe → Homemade Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce
Bone-In Ribeye Steaks (Steakhouse Quality for Half the Price)
The steak that says “thanks for everything, Dad” without having to make reservations. Thick, juicy, and grilled to perfection – this is how you celebrate the man properly. Why drop $60+ per steak at steakhouses when you can grill perfect ribeyes at home for under $20 each?
Get the Recipe → Grilled Bone-In Ribeye
Grilled Lamb Kabobs with Secret Harissa Marinade
Tired of bland kabobs that taste like cardboard? Our harissa marinade trick from Morocco creates layers of spicy complexity that most people have never experienced. Your guests will think you hired a professional chef.
Get the Recipe → Grilled Lamb Kabobs
30-Minute Grilled Shrimp Tacos (Better Than Takeout)
Stop spending $15+ on mediocre shrimp tacos when you can make restaurant-quality versions in under 30 minutes. Our marinade trick ensures plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp that beat any beachside taco shack.
Get the Recipe → Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Marinade (The 30-Minute Game Changer)
This citrus-packed marinade is the secret to restaurant-quality grilled shrimp that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The acid tenderizes while the herbs add layers of fresh flavor that most home cooks never achieve.
Get the Recipe → Grilled Shrimp Marinade
Rotisserie Picanha (The Brazilian Secret Cut Your Butcher Knows)
Ask your butcher for this insider cut that most people have never heard of – it’s like discovering a hidden steakhouse gem. Our rotisserie method creates edge-to-edge perfection that’ll have you questioning why you ever bought expensive prime rib.
Get the Recipe → Rotisserie Picanha
🧠 Pro Technique for June Grilling
Through years of recipe testing and troubleshooting common grilling failures, I’ve found that mastering grill zones represents the single most important skill for consistent success. A two-zone setup—one side direct heat, one side indirect—provides complete temperature control throughout the cooking process.
The technique involves starting proteins over direct heat for proper searing, then relocating to indirect heat for gentle finishing. This prevents the burning and drying that plague most home grilling attempts.
Want to master this fundamental technique? Reference our Direct vs. Indirect Heat Grilling Guide for detailed methodology and timing recommendations for different proteins.
If your equipment needs attention before peak season, don’t overlook the Spring Grill Prep Guide—proper maintenance directly impacts cooking performance and food safety.
🌡️ Beat the Heat Strategy
Professional-level tip from years of summer cooking: Start your long cooks early in the morning or utilize indirect heat setups. Your equipment efficiency and your patience both benefit significantly when not competing with afternoon temperatures exceeding 90°F.
For more seasonal inspiration and advanced techniques, explore our complete grilling recipe collection.
