21+ Tasty Thanksgiving BBQ Ideas for Your Celebration

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than bringing the feast outside for a BBQ? Let’s explore some creative and delicious ideas that combine traditional Thanksgiving flavors with the smoky goodness of the grill.

1. Smoked Turkey Breast

Juicy smoked turkey breast ready to serve.
Juicy smoked turkey breast ready to serve.

For smaller gatherings, try smoking a turkey breast. The result is tender and juicy meat with less prep time than a whole bird.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Wood Pellet Smoker: Elevate your BBQ with a wood pellet smoker for flavorful, tender smoked turkey breast.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensure perfectly cooked turkey with a precise meat thermometer for succulent and safe results.
  • Herb and Spice Rub: Enhance your turkey’s flavor with a premium herb and spice rub for mouth-watering results.

2. Maple Glazed Grilled Carrots

Maple glazed grilled carrots, a sweet side dish.
Maple glazed grilled carrots, a sweet side dish.

Sweet and savory, these grilled carrots glazed with maple syrup add a delightful touch to your Thanksgiving BBQ.

A few relevant products:

  • Outdoor Grill Tongs: Handle your grilled carrots effortlessly with precision using these ergonomic outdoor grill tongs.
  • Maple Syrup Dispenser: Ensure smooth maple syrup application on your carrots with this easy-pour dispenser.
  • BBQ Grill Basket: Keep your carrots secure and evenly cooked with this convenient BBQ grill basket.

3. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Hearty grilled portobello mushrooms as a main dish.
Hearty grilled portobello mushrooms as a main dish.

Swap meat for grilled portobello mushrooms as a hearty vegetarian main. Their meaty texture is satisfying and delicious.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Non-stick Grill Pan: Upgrade your grilling with a non-stick grill pan for perfect portobello mushrooms every time.
  • Vegetable Marinade Set: Enhance flavors with a vegetable marinade set, ideal for delicious grilled portobello mushrooms.
  • Grill Brush for Cleaning: Keep your grill tidy with a durable grill brush for easy cleaning after cooking.

4. BBQ Stuffed Peppers

Stuffing-filled grilled peppers for a colorful side dish.
Stuffing-filled grilled peppers for a colorful side dish.

Take your stuffing up a notch by grilling it inside bell peppers. This fun twist is not only delicious but also looks impressive on the table.

These products might be useful:

  • BBQ Grill Baskets: Enhance your grilling with a BBQ grill basket, perfect for holding your stuffed peppers securely.
  • Stuffed Pepper Recipe Book: Discover delicious stuffed pepper recipes to impress your guests with a dedicated recipe book.
  • Wooden Serving Platters: Present your BBQ stuffed peppers elegantly with a rustic wooden serving platter.

5. Grilled Butternut Squash

Warm and comforting grilled butternut squash.
Warm and comforting grilled butternut squash.

Grill slices of butternut squash with a hint of nutmeg for a warm, comforting side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Grill Pan: Achieve those perfect grill marks on your squash with a high-quality non-stick grill pan.
  • Nutmeg Grinder: Add freshly ground nutmeg to your squash for a flavorful and aromatic touch.
  • Olive Oil Dispenser: Drizzle olive oil smoothly over your butternut squash with an elegant glass dispenser.

6. Herb-Grilled Mushrooms

Earthy and aromatic herb-grilled mushrooms.
Earthy and aromatic herb-grilled mushrooms.

Grill mushrooms with fresh herbs for a savory side dish that’s both earthy and aromatic. They’re perfect for any festive table.

Try these:

  • Grill Vegetable Basket: Ensure even cooking and easy handling of mushrooms with this essential grill basket accessory.
  • Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle: Keep your herbs and mushrooms perfectly seasoned with this stylish olive oil dispenser.
  • Herb and Spice Grinder: Effortlessly prepare fresh herbs for grilling with this user-friendly spice grinder.

7. Grilled Green Bean Bundles

Savory green bean bundles wrapped in bacon.
Savory green bean bundles wrapped in bacon.

Wrap fresh green beans in bacon and grill them for a savory, smoky side dish that’s sure to impress.

Consider these options:

  • Grill Skewers: Enhance your grilling experience with durable skewers, perfect for keeping your green bean bundles intact.
  • Non-Stick Grill Mat: Use a non-stick grill mat to prevent sticking and make clean-up easy after grilling.
  • Kitchen Twine: Secure your bacon-wrapped bundles with sturdy kitchen twine for perfect grilling results.

8. Grilled Pear and Arugula Salad

A refreshing grilled pear and arugula salad.
A refreshing grilled pear and arugula salad.

Top arugula with grilled pears and a sprinkle of walnuts for a fresh, autumn-inspired salad that adds elegance to your BBQ.

Useful items to consider:

  • Grill Pan for Indoor/Outdoor Use: Elevate your salad with perfectly grilled pears using this versatile grill pan. Enhance your BBQ now!
  • Stainless Steel Tongs with Non-Slip Grip: Easily handle grilled food with these sturdy tongs, perfect for flipping pear slices effortlessly.
  • Salad Serving Set with Wooden Bowls: Serve your salad in style with this elegant wooden bowl set. Impress your guests today!

9. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Flavorful grilled cauliflower steaks.
Flavorful grilled cauliflower steaks.

Season cauliflower steaks with your favorite spices and grill them for a vegetarian dish that’s both filling and flavorful.

You might give these a try:

  • Grill Basket for Vegetables: Enhance your grilling experience with a basket, perfect for keeping cauliflower steaks secure.
  • Assorted Spice Set: Experiment with flavors using an assorted spice set, elevating your cauliflower steaks tastefully.
  • Herb Chopper: Easily prepare fresh herbs to garnish your cauliflower steaks with a handy herb chopper.

10. Spiced Grilled Pears

Gourmet spiced grilled pears for a sweet touch.
Gourmet spiced grilled pears for a sweet touch.

Add a gourmet touch to your BBQ with spiced grilled pears. They’re an unexpected treat that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes.

Give these a look:

  • Grill Pan: Achieve perfect grill marks on your spiced pears with this versatile and easy-to-use pan.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: Enhance the flavor of your grilled pears by adding aromatic cinnamon sticks to your spice collection.
  • Basting Brush: Easily apply your favorite glaze on grilled pears with this durable and heat-resistant basting brush.

11. Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Grilled Brussels sprouts with a tangy balsamic finish.
Grilled Brussels sprouts with a tangy balsamic finish.

Tired of mushy Brussels sprouts? Try grilling them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a crispy and flavorful side.

You might like:

  • Grill Basket: Enhance your grilling experience with a durable basket; perfect for vegetables like Brussels sprouts.
  • Balsamic Glaze: Add a rich, tangy finish to your grilled Brussels sprouts with this delectable balsamic glaze.
  • Silicone Basting Brush: Easily apply marinades and glazes with a heat-resistant silicone basting brush for perfect flavor.

12. Grilled Whole Turkey

A perfectly grilled turkey with golden, crispy skin.
A perfectly grilled turkey with golden, crispy skin.

Why not bring the star of Thanksgiving to the grill? Grilling a whole turkey gives it a smoky flavor and frees up your oven for side dishes.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Charcoal Grill: Elevate your Thanksgiving with a charcoal grill for that perfect smoky turkey flavor.
  • Turkey Basting Brush: Keep your turkey moist and flavorful by using a quality basting brush throughout grilling.
  • Digital Meat Thermometer: Ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked by using an accurate digital meat thermometer.

13. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn with a savory herbed butter.
Grilled corn with a savory herbed butter.

Grilled corn on the cob is a BBQ staple. Add a Thanksgiving twist by brushing it with herb-infused butter.

Might be a good match:

  • Herb Infused Butter: Enhance grilled corn with rich, flavorful herb-infused butter. Perfect for a festive twist!
  • Grill Skewers for Corn: Safely handle hot corn with these durable grill skewers. Make grilling easy and fun!
  • Corn Prep and Serving Tray: Serve grilled corn elegantly with this stylish tray. Ideal for holiday presentations!

14. Barbecue Sweet Potatoes

Grilled sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon sweetness.
Grilled sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon sweetness.

Swap the traditional sweet potato casserole for grilled sweet potato slices. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet touch.

A few suggestions:

  • Non-Stick Grill Mat Set: Make grilling easy and mess-free with non-stick mats, perfect for sweet potatoes.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Shaker: Add a sweet touch to grilled potatoes with ready-to-use cinnamon sugar mix.
  • Barbecue Grilling Tongs: Handle your sweet potatoes with precision using high-quality grilling tongs.

15. Grilled Acorn Squash

Sweet and savory grilled acorn squash.
Sweet and savory grilled acorn squash.

Slice acorn squash and grill it with a drizzle of olive oil and brown sugar. It’s a sweet and savory treat.

Check these products out:

  • Non-stick Grill Mat: Prevent sticking and simplify cleanup with a non-stick grill mat for perfect acorn squash slices.
  • Olive Oil Sprayer: Use an olive oil sprayer for a health-conscious and even coating on your squash.
  • Grill Tongs: Easily flip your grilled squash with high-quality grill tongs, ensuring even cooking.

16. Grilled Herbed Bread

Crispy grilled herbed bread.
Crispy grilled herbed bread.

Grill slices of bread with a brush of garlic and herbs. It’s a simple addition that elevates any Thanksgiving BBQ spread.

A few helpful options:

  • Grill Basket for Bread: Enhance your grilling with a basket that perfectly toasts herbed bread. Simplify your BBQ experience.
  • Herb Infuser Brush: Apply herbs evenly with an infuser brush for deliciously seasoned grilled bread. Maximize flavor effortlessly.
  • Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Boost your bread’s flavor with an aromatic garlic and herb seasoning mix. Perfect for grilling.

17. Grilled Apple Slices

Sweet grilled apple slices with cinnamon.
Sweet grilled apple slices with cinnamon.

For a simple dessert, grill apple slices and serve them with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Explore these options:

  • Cast Iron Grill Pan: Enhance your grilling with a durable cast iron grill pan. Perfect for juicy apple slices.
  • Cinnamon Spice Set: Add a burst of flavor with a premium cinnamon spice set for perfectly seasoned apples.
  • Ice Cream Scoop: Create perfect scoops of ice cream effortlessly with a reliable ice cream scoop.

18. Smoked Apple Cobbler

Smoked apple cobbler, warm and inviting.
Smoked apple cobbler, warm and inviting.

For a delightful surprise, smoke an apple cobbler on the grill. The smoky flavor enhances the sweetness of the apples.

A few things you might like:

  • Cast Iron Skillet: Cook your apple cobbler to perfection with a robust cast iron skillet. Elevate your grilling game!
  • Wood Chips for Smoking: Add a rich smoky flavor to your apple cobbler with high-quality wood chips. Transform your dessert!
  • Grill Safe Baking Dish: Ensure your cobbler is safely baked with a durable grill safe baking dish. Impress your guests!

19. BBQ Cranberry Sauce

A smoky twist on traditional cranberry sauce.
A smoky twist on traditional cranberry sauce.

Add a smoky twist to your cranberry sauce by grilling the cranberries. The result is a tangy, smoky condiment that pairs perfectly with turkey.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Grill Basket: Enhance your BBQ experience by grilling cranberries easily with a handy grill basket.
  • Charcoal Grill: Add a smoky flavor to your sauce using a versatile charcoal grill for perfect grilling.
  • BBQ Smoking Chips: Introduce a rich, smoky aroma to your cranberries with easy-to-use BBQ smoking chips.

20. Smoked Almonds

Smoky and crunchy smoked almonds for snacking.
Smoky and crunchy smoked almonds for snacking.

Serve smoked almonds as a pre-dinner snack. They are easy to make and add a smoky crunch that guests will love.

A few choices to try:

  • Electric Smoker: Enhance your cooking skills with an electric smoker, perfect for achieving rich, smoky flavors.
  • Almonds Bulk Pack: Get premium almonds in bulk, ideal for smoking and serving to your guests.
  • Smoker Wood Chips Variety Pack: Experiment with different flavors using a variety pack of smoker wood chips.

21. Grilled Pumpkin Pie

A smoky twist on the classic pumpkin pie.
A smoky twist on the classic pumpkin pie.

End your meal with a twist by grilling a pumpkin pie. It adds a smoky depth to this classic dessert.

These products might help:

  • Ceramic Pie Dish: Enhance your pie’s presentation with a durable ceramic dish that evenly distributes heat. Try one today!
  • Grill Mat: Protect your pie and grill from spills with a non-stick grill mat. Discover easy cleanup.
  • Pie Server Set: Serve your grilled pumpkin pie effortlessly with an elegant pie server. Upgrade your tableware now.

Text: Joyce Peterson