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Pool season will be here before you know it, and that means plenty of summer BBQ’s! Finding the best BBQ recipes for a pool party can make or break your gathering. That said, let us take some of the stress from your list and check out these tasty recipes fit for any pool party!

Skillet Spinach-Artichoke Dip With Fire-Roasted Bread

There are all kinds of dips that can be made on the grill! It adds a nice smokey element to the flavor. This spinach-artichoke recipe is a cinch to throw together and one that is bound to impress your guests.

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup finely-chopped white onion or shallot

4-6 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 (13-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, chopped and drained

1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, cut into cubes

1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (plus extra for baking, if desired)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 Tablespoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Combine all the ingredients, transfer them to a cast-iron skillet or disposable pan, and cover it with aluminum foil. You will then place the skillet in indirect heat and cook for 25 minutes. Dip tortilla chips, crackers, crusty bread, or anything else you think will taste good in this fabulous dip. This will make a great appetizer for your barbecue!

Tequila-Lime Shrimp Skewers

Another great method of cooking on the grill is the skewer! One of our favorites are these easy shrimp skewers, but they can be made with any type of meat and/or vegetables you wish. For instance, grilled tequila-lime shrimp skewers are a fun and fresh recipe. To create these you will need:

2 lbs shrimp (or other meat)

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp tequila

1 tbsp lime juice

2 tsp Ancho Chile powder

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp cumin ground

1/2 tsp oregano

2 tsp kosher salt

3 tsp honey

2 tbsp lime zest

large skewers (soaked in water before you start)

To create these, simply mix all of the ingredients in a gallon sized bag with the meat to marinade for 1 to 4 hours before grilling (be sure to reserve some of the marinade for basting while you grill). Thread your marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers and place them on your oiled grill on medium/high heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with fresh lime wedges.

Sweet Tea Barbecue Chicken

What’s a classic BBQ without some sort of grilled chicken. This dish is a staple for any cookout, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. This sweet tea barbecue chicken is sure to get your guests oohing and awing! Give this classic dish a fun twist with:

2 lbs of chicken

3/4 cup unsweetened apple juice

1/2 cup water

2 teaspoons seafood seasoning

2 teaspoon paprika

2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

3/4 cup BBQ sauce

1/3 cup sweet tea

Mix together all of the ingredients into a gallon sized bag to marinate for 1 to 4 hours before grilling (reserving some marinade for basting), and then throw those bad boys on the grill until the inside is at least 165 degrees and the juices run clear (about 6 minutes per side).

Sausage & Vegetable Foil Packs

This recipe is nice because it’s easy to prepare in advance. Additionally you can use any meat, vegetables, and seasonings you have and prefer. Here’s an example of what you’ll need:

1 package smoked Sausage, cut into coins

2 cups baby red potatoes, quartered

2 cups green beans, trimmed

3 sweet corn (on the cob), sliced into thick rounds

6 large cloves ,minced

4-6 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons dried parsley

3 teaspoons Italian Seasoning

1 teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder

Sprinkle of fine sea salt and pepper

Place your ingredients in a foil packet and season with the seasonings of your choice. Fold up the foil packet and grill until thoroughly cooked, about 25 minutes or so over medium heat. Flip the foil packs over halfway through. 

Next time you have a backyard pool party, don't forget these simple recipes to test out on the grill! Your guests will thank you.