When it comes to bold flavor and backyard vibes, southern recipes grill style is unmatched. The Southern United States is home to some of the best grilled recipes on the planetāthink smoky ribs, juicy chicken, grilled corn, and even grilled peaches for dessert.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or craving smoky comfort food, this guide shares easy and mouthwatering southern grill recipes anyone can make at home.
š 1. Southern-Style Grilled BBQ Ribs
No list of southern recipes grill is complete without classic BBQ ribs. These baby back ribs are seasoned with a bold rub and slow-cooked over indirect heat.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks baby back ribs
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup Southern-style BBQ sauce
Instructions:
- Remove membrane from ribs.
- Rub with dry mix and let sit 1 hour.
- Grill over indirect heat for 2.5ā3 hours.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and grill 10 min more.
š 2. Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
Marinated in buttermilk and Southern spices, this grilled chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk mix for 4ā6 hours.
- Grill over medium heat for 6ā8 minutes per side.
- Let rest before serving.
Tip: Serve with grilled cornbread or slaw for a complete southern recipe grill experience.
š½ 3. Grilled Cajun Corn on the Cob
This southern grill recipe for corn brings smoky flavor with a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix Cajun seasoning with melted butter.
- Brush onto corn and grill for 10ā12 minutes.
- Rotate until charred evenly.
Flavor Upgrade: Add grated parmesan for cheesy Southern flair.
š§ 4. Southern Grilled Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Pimento cheese is a Southern stapleāmelt it between slices of thick bread for a gooey, grilled treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp diced pimentos
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- Bread slices
Instructions:
- Mix cheeses, mayo, pimentos, and seasoning.
- Spread onto bread and grill until golden brown.
Perfect For: Quick lunch or BBQ side.š 5. Grilled Peach Dessert with Honey
Cap off your southern grill recipes feast with sweet, smoky grilled peaches drizzled in honey.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches (halved & pitted)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Brush peaches with butter and cinnamon.
- Grill cut-side down for 3ā4 minutes.
- Drizzle with honey and serve warm.
Optional: Add vanilla ice cream for a full dessert.
š ļø Pro Tips for Perfect Southerš¤ FAQs About Southern Recipes Grill
How do I keep grilled chicken from drying out?
Marinate it in buttermilk and donāt overcookāremove at 165Ā°F internal temperature.
Whatās the best BBQ sauce for Southern grilling?
Go for a smoky, molasses-based sauce or try Carolina vinegar-based versions for tang.
Can I grill Southern dishes on a gas grill?
Absolutely! Just make sure you use indirect heat and a smoker box for more flavor.
š Final Thoughts on Southern Recipes Grill
Grilling Southern-style is more than cookingāit’s a tradition. From BBQ ribs to grilled peaches, these southern recipes grill favorites are flavorful, comforting, and made to be shared.
Whether you’re a BBQ beginner or a pitmaster in training, these recipes will bring soul and smoke to every meal.n Grilling
- Charcoal is king: For that authentic smoky flavor, use charcoal grills when possible.
- Low & slow: Especially for meats like ribs and chicken.
- Use foil packs: Perfect for grilling veggies or seafood without flare-ups.
- Donāt forget the sides: Southern grilled recipes go well with slaw, cornbread, baked beans, and collard greens.