Summer is here, and there's no better time to bust out your gas grill or griddle and take your outdoor cooking to the next level. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking to spice up weeknight dinners, this season is all about bold flavors and easy-to-make meals under the sun.
Curated in the kitchen of our partners Operation BBQ Relief, we've got 12 mouthwatering summer recipes made especially for gas grills and griddles. From juicy mains to flavorful sides, these dishes are crafted to impress your guests and bring people together around great food and good times.
1. Pork Smashburger
Perfect for: When you just want a really good burger:
Why you’ll love it: Smashburgers are all the rage, but this recipe gives it a twist by introducing pork and giving you the secret to making smashburgers on a griddle.
Pro Tip: Add bourbon peach seasoning for a sweet, smoky burst of summer flavor in every bite.
2. LA Street Dogs
Perfect for: When you're in a street food kind of mood.
Why you’ll love it: There are hot dogs, and then there are hot dogs! Get a load of this grilled hot dog loaded with tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, butter, and more, and inspired by the streets of LA.
Pro Tip: Wrap each hot dog with a full slice of bacon for even crispiness and maximum flavor on the griddle.
3. Barrel Stave Salmon
Perfect for: When dinner is the main event of the night.
Why you’ll love it: This recipe uses a wooden stave from a whisky or wine barrel for grilling a fresh piece of salmon that has been kissed with fresh spices.
Pro Tip: Soak your barrel stave for at least two hours before grilling to prevent it from burning.
4. Cuban Burger
Perfect for: When you want grilling to feel like a mini vacation.
Why you’ll love it: Cuba is sometimes called the Pearl of the Antilles, and this grilled recipe, inspired by Cuba, will become the pearl of your backyard with its zesty ingredients.
Pro Tip: Opt for brioche buns as their light, buttery flavor toasts beautifully on the grill.
5. Grilled Banana Pudding
Perfect for: When you’ve had enough s’mores this season.
Why you’ll love it: Once you have grilled banana pudding, you’ll never go back to some other prep method. Beyond decadent, this is what you need when a traditional banana pudding just doesn’t cut it
Pro Tip: Combine vanilla wafers and pound cake for layers of flavor and a mix of crunchy and tender textures.
6. BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Perfect for: When it’s one of those easy dinner nights.
Why you’ll love it: Many food lovers enjoy great BBQ chicken. They also love a tasty quesadilla. So why not put the two together and grill them for that extra outdoor flavor?
Pro Tip: Assemble the quesadilla directly on the griddle for easy prep and perfectly melted results.
7. Whole Grilled Fish
Perfect for: When the grill takes center stage after a day on the lake.
Why you’ll love it: This recipe will try your hand at preparing a whole fish from beginning to end on the grill, making a tasty treat for your family and guests.
Pro Tip: Use fresh herbs like rosemary oregano and thyme for an added layer of flavor.
8. Louisiana "Low Country" Skewers
Perfect for: When you’re feeling a little Southern flavor.
Why you’ll love it: From Old Bay to Cajun spices to potatoes, sausage, and shrimp, these bold flavors remind us of the very fabric of the Low Country, and now you can bring them to your next backyard cookout.
Pro Tip: Make the Old Bay and Cajun-spiced butter ahead of time so it’s ready to drizzle over the skewers right off the grill.
9. Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon
Perfect for: When you want a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving your backyard.
Why you’ll love it: Salmon is a go-to fish in many homes and restaurants, and this easy grilling recipe adds zesty Mediterranean flavors that take this tasty fish to the next level.
Pro Tip: Leave the skin on the salmon to protect it from burning and enhance the flavor with a richer, more intense taste.
10. Crispy Muffuletta Sandwich
Perfect for: When you’re craving a bold, flavor-packed sandwich.
Why you’ll love it: Bring the flavors of Sicily and New Orleans to your backyard with this sandwich. The combination of special bread, meats, cheese, olives and more make this a go-to recipe for the discerning palate.
Pro Tip: Hollow out the inside of the loaf to create extra space for all the delicious toppings.
11. Stuffed French Toast
Perfect for: When your weekend starts with coffee on the deck.
Why you’ll love it: French toast on the grill? Yes, please. This recipe combines a yummy breakfast staple with the unbeatable flavor imparted by a grill.
Pro Tip: Use powdered sugar in the batter since it dissolves more easily for a smoother texture.
12. Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Perfect for: When the backyard party needs a crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll love it: This grilling recipe is next level: smashed Yukon Gold potatoes topped by cheddar jack cheese, bacon, sour cream, and more. What a treat!
Pro Tip: Pre-bake the potatoes on the grill to help make them easier to smash on the griddle.
There’s something special about how simple grilled meals can turn into unforgettable summer memories, whether it’s laughs shared around the table, kids running through sprinklers, or the smell of something delicious sizzling on the grill. Propane makes these moments possible, giving you the reliable, instant heat you need to cook up backyard favorites all season long. Need a fresh tank? Use our propane finder to find one near you.
At Blue Rhino, we believe food brings people together, and no one demonstrates that better than our partners at Operation BBQ Relief, who use their passion for grilling to support communities in need. It’s that same spirit of connection that inspired this Summer Grilling Series, and if you’ve been with us for past seasons, you know we’re just getting started. Check out all recipes here.
Tried one of the recipes? We’d love to see it! Submit your photos here and show us how you’re fueling summer fun, one grilled meal at a time.
Published: 2025.06.16