The Best Barbecue Recipes Across America (2024)

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From coast to coast, get a taste of the USA's best BBQ with these recipes for chicken, ribs, salmon and sauce.

1/21

Carolina-Style Pork Barbecue

I am originally from North Carolina and this recipe is a favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina ’cue is the best barbecue he’s ever eaten! —Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, Nevada

2/21

Farm-Style BBQ Ribs

Inspiration struck when I saw a recipe similar to this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and our friends. It got even better when I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, OR

3/21

Favorite Barbecued Chicken

Is there a place better than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia

4/21

Kansas City-Style Ribs

Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

5/21

North Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce

Blending two vinegars helps re-create the BBQ sauce we love from my mother’s North Carolina roots. — Gloria McKinley, Lakeland, Florida

6/21

“Secret’s in the Sauce” BBQ Ribs

A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Hungry for more? Here’s our collection of delicious BBQ recipes.

7/21

Barbecued Beef Brisket

A guest at the RV park and marina my husband and I used to run gave me this flavorful barbecue brisket recipe. It's become the star of countless meal gatherings, from potlucks to holiday dinners. Husband Ed and our five grown children look forward to it as much as our Christmas turkey. —Bettye Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

8/21

9/21

Spicy Barbecued Chicken

This spicy, saucy chicken is great served with basil-buttered grilled corn on the cob and fresh coleslaw. —Rita Wintrode, Corryton, Tennessee

10/21

Grilled Shredded Pork Sandwiches

Pork shoulder roast is rubbed with seasonings and grilled, creating a crispy exterior that's lip-smacking good! The meat is delicious by itself but can also be topped with your favorite barbecue sauce. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee

11/21

Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

My family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lt. William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells "home" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy

12/21

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

I got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

13/21

Easy Texas BBQ Brisket

Mom came to visit and told me my brisket was even better than the version we used to eat back in Texas. Use the leftovers for sandwiches and tacos. —Audra Rorick, Blanca, Colorado

14/21

15/21

Texas-Style BBQ Sauce

We love a Texas BBQ sauce with all the right moves: ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar. —Sandy Klocinski, Summerville, South Carolina

16/21

17/21

18/21

Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken

I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

19/21

Lip-Smackin' BBQ Chicken

The kids always say “prepare to lick your lips” when we have friends over for barbecue chicken. I’m proud of this dish, the first recipe I ever created. —Sue Thomas, Spartanburg, South Carolina

20/21

Cherry Barbecue Sauce

You can use fresh or frozen cherries to make this flavorful barbecue sauce. It tastes phenomenal on ribs and chicken! —Ilene Harrington, Nipomo, California

21/21

I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California