• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Finger-Licking Southern Barbecue Dishes You Need to Try

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 17, 2025, updated July 15, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Southern barbecue is all about rich flavors and hearty dishes that bring people together. From baked beans to tangy pulled pork, these 20 dishes showcase the best of Southern cooking. Each bite is packed with tradition and a hint of that classic Southern charm.

    Easy Baked Beans

    Easy Baked Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Easy BBQ Baked Beans are a simple and popular choice that everyone loves. With just a few ingredients you probably already have at home, this dish is a great addition to any summer gathering, whether it's a barbecue, potluck, or family meal. It's comforting and satisfying, making it a go-to side that pairs well with all your favorite grilled foods.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked Whole Chicken

    Smoked Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    Smoking a whole chicken slowly brings out incredible tenderness and juiciness, making it a standout dish for any gathering. This method not only enhances the flavor but also creates a meal that everyone will enjoy. It's a great way to impress your friends and family with a delicious barbecue experience.

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer

    BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot with Root Beer is a simple and delicious meal that cooks itself. The pork becomes tender and juicy as it slowly cooks, soaking up the sweet and smoky flavors from the root beer and barbecue sauce. This dish is great for sandwiches, sliders, or even just a quick weeknight dinner. It's an easy way to serve a group without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast

    Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This recipe features a delicious smoked chuck roast that turns out juicy and tender. The smoky flavor from the Traeger wood pellet smoker really enhances the meat, making it a standout dish. It's simple enough for anyone to try, and it's sure to impress at your next meal.

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Klitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders offer a great mix of smoky flavor, tanginess, and crunch. The tender pulled pork, coated in rich barbecue sauce, is served on soft buns and topped with fresh, creamy coleslaw, creating a delicious combination. These sliders are perfect for a backyard barbecue, meal prep, or a quick and satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

    Grilled Shrimp Kabobs (Skewers).
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Grilled shrimp kabobs are juicy and tender, cooked quickly on the grill. This healthy dish is ready in just 10 minutes, making it a great option for a quick meal. Perfect for summer barbecues or a simple weeknight dinner, these kabobs are sure to please everyone.

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked Spare Ribs

    Smoked Spare Ribs.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Smoked Spare Ribs are a classic Southern barbecue dish that everyone loves. These ribs are tender and juicy, packed with smoky flavor and coated in a delicious barbecue sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a weekend meal, they bring a taste of the South right to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Real Recipes.

    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are coated in tasty barbecue sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This dish delivers sticky and flavorful chicken thighs in just about 20 minutes, so there's no need to heat up the grill. It's a simple and satisfying option for a quick meal.

    Get the Recipe

    3-Ingredient BBQ Sauce

    3-Ingredient BBQ Sauce.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This simple homemade BBQ sauce is great for grilling or dipping. With just three ingredients, you can whip it up in under five minutes. It's a quick and tasty addition to any barbecue dish.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked BBQ Kielbasa

    Baked BBQ Kielbasa.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Baked BBQ Kielbasa is a tasty and simple dish that works well for any gathering. It can be served as a fun appetizer at your next get-together or as the main dish for a family meal. The mix of flavorful kielbasa, zesty BBQ sauce, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar makes it a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

    Get the Recipe

    Homemade BBQ Sauce

    Homemade BBQ Sauce.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This homemade BBQ sauce is rich and has a nice balance of sweetness and tanginess, along with some savory flavors. It's simple to whip up using ingredients you probably already have at home. This sauce is perfect for summer grilling and will elevate any barbecue dish.

    Get the Recipe

    Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders

    Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    BBQ chicken sliders with homemade sauce are a fantastic summer meal. These sliders are simple to make using rotisserie chicken, which saves time and effort. Perfect for gatherings or a casual dinner, they bring a taste of Southern barbecue right to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Chicken breasts are cooked slowly in a flavorful barbecue sauce until they’re tender and juicy. They’re great served warm on a soft brioche bun. This simple dish is perfect for summer barbecues, Memorial Day gatherings, or any party.

    Get the Recipe

    Memphis-Style Dry Rib Rub

    Memphis-Style Dry Rib Rub.
    Photo Credit: Carne Diem.

    Memphis-style barbecue is famous for its rich smoky flavor and tender meat that practically falls off the bone. The secret to achieving this deliciousness lies in a great rub. Instead of using store-bought mixes filled with strange ingredients, you can easily make your own Memphis rib rub at home. This homemade blend will take your next rib cookout to a whole new level.

    Get the Recipe

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Grilled BBQ chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for enjoying chicken on the grill. With a simple marinade that adds a nice sweet and smoky flavor, this dish is quick and easy to prepare. It's perfect for a laid-back meal during grilling season.

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp are packed with bold Cajun spices and a zesty barbecue sauce, making them a flavorful choice for dinner. They’re quick to prepare, which is great for busy weeknights. This dish brings a taste of the South right to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

    Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Crispy smoked chicken wings are a great addition to any backyard barbecue. With their juicy interior and crunchy exterior, they’re sure to be a favorite among your guests. These wings are perfect for gatherings and will definitely impress everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork delivers delicious, smoky flavors and tender meat without needing a smoker. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare juicy pulled pork that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Peach Pie

    Southern Peach Pie.
    Photo Credit: My Pretty Brown Eats.

    This Southern Peach Pie is a true classic that highlights the best of the season. Made with fresh peaches and wrapped in a flaky crust, it’s a dessert that everyone will love. It’s so good, you’ll find yourself wanting to have another slice.

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked Boston Butt

    Smoked Boston Butt.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy,.

    Smoked Boston Butt Pulled Pork is a delicious and straightforward dish that turns out juicy and full of flavor. It's perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. This meal is all about enjoying great barbecue without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
      23 Simple Set It and Forget It Recipes for Exhausted Home Chefs
    • BBQ chicken wings.
      19 Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners We’re Making All Summer Long
    • Slow cooker enchilada casserole.
      20 Crockpot Meals That Are Perfect for Lazy Weeknights
    • Sloppy joe tater tot casserole.
      23 Easy Recipes for Ground Beef Casseroles

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Wings.
      20 Finger-Licking Southern Barbecue Dishes You Need to Try
    • Baked chicken parmesan meatballs.
      25 Grandma Approved Casseroles for Busy Weeknights
    • Chickpea pesto bake.
      17 Veggie Loaded Dump-And-Go Dishes That Will Change Your Dinner Game
    • Zucchini noodles with halloumi and cherry tomatoes.
      12 Delicously Simple Ways to Use Cherry Tomatoes in Your Cooking

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB