Looking for how to season chicken wings? This Crispy Dry Rub recipe has the best homemade spice blend. These party wings have the flavor of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and more.

Every baby shower needs a solid meatball situation. It’s just the rules. If you grew up going to Southern baby showers, church gatherings, or family parties, you already know about the meatballs. That slow cooker sitting in the corner with that sweet and savory sauce? Gone before you can grab seconds. These are the baby shower meatballs that hold up, don’t dry out, and actually taste good after sitting for a while.

My family roots are in the South, so I know deviled eggs are a non-negotiable at holidays, cookouts, and Sunday dinners. I make sure mine are perfectly seasoned, with smooth, fluffy yolks and that little dusting of paprika to finish them off. If you’ve ever had deviled eggs turn out bland or dry, don’t worry, I’ll show you exactly how to make them right, every single time.

This isn’t the plain potato salad that gets ignored at the cookout. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of real dill pickle flavor. Letting the potatoes absorb a splash of pickle juice keeps everything moist and flavorful instead of dry. Set it out and don’t be surprised when people keep going back for just a little more.

Y’all already know I don’t play about chicken. Between my Louisiana roots and years of recipe testing, I’ve got this flavor thing down to a science. This Traeger Beer Can Chicken is one of those recipes that always works, smoky, juicy, and full of that real Southern backyard flavor. I’ve done all the trial and error so you can skip the stress and go straight to tender chicken.

Have you had dry, bland ribs? I’ve been there—and that’s exactly why I created this recipe. I grew up watching my great-grandmother work magic in the kitchen, especially when it came to ribs. This oven-baked version stays true to those Southern roots from Louisiana and Mississippi—slow-cooked, perfectly seasoned, and fall-off-the-bone tender. If you’ve ever been let down by bland or dry ribs, this recipe is here to set things right with deep flavor and dependable results.

If you want ribs that taste like you babysat a smoker all day without actually doing that, this is your recipe. These slow cooker BBQ ribs turn out tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, caramelized sauce that clings to every bite. I'm a Southern cook, honey. We know how to get down on the cookout spread! The secret here is layering flavor early, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, then finishing them so they get that classic BBQ texture.

Oven baked beef ribs don’t get talked about enough, but when they’re done right, they’re tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. I’ve been cooking and sharing recipes for over a decade, and I’m native to Kansas City. We are BIG on the BBQ, baby! And I'm big on making sure ribs actually hit, not dry, not bland, not falling short.

Slow cooker Crockpot beef ribs are for the days when you want that tender, fall-apart BBQ flavor without standing over a grill all day. I live in Kansas City, so I don’t play about good ribs. I like to season them well, let the Crockpot handle the hard part, then finish them under the broiler so you still get those sticky, slightly crisp edges.

These Sugar-Free Frozen Margaritas are so refreshing and made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a sugar-free sweetener. These slushy cocktails are perfect for cooling off on a hot day. With the added bonus of being low-calorie, indulge in the classic tangy flavor of the perfect summer drink.

Frozen watermelon margaritas are what I’m making when it’s hot outside and I want something cold, fresh, and dangerously easy to sip. Watermelon can be tricky because if it isn’t sweet, your drink can fall flat, so I walk you through how to balance it with simple ingredients. I’ve shared plenty of party drinks over the years, and the key here is using ripe watermelon and balancing the lime and sweetener so it tastes refreshing, not watered down.

These Easy Southern Baked Beans is the best authentic recipe perfect for your BBQ or cookout. This classic dish is made with canned beans, bacon, and your favorite BBQ sauce. 

This easy Classic Southern Potato Salad is the best recipe with mustard, eggs, relish, and smoked paprika. This old fashioned side dish is perfect for any BBQ or cookout spread.

This Easy Southern Coleslaw Recipe has the best sweet and tangy flavor. It’s served creamy and chilled. Perfect for loading onto pulled pork sandwiches or served as a side dish for any BBQ or cookout spread.

This vibrant Vinegar Coleslaw Without Mayo recipe offers a zesty alternative to traditional creamy coleslaw, perfect for those seeking a lighter and tangier option. With a crisp and crunchy mix of shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a flavorful vinegar-based dressing, this dish is bursting with freshness.

This is the best Homemade Smoked Macaroni and Cheese recipe you will find. It’s made with a creamy béchamel sauce interior and topped with a crunchy, browned cheese topping. This dish can be made with any smoker or pellet Traeger grill.

This Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing recipe makes it easy to eat the rainbow! This is a healthy and refreshing snack or dessert perfect for a hot summer day or any occasion. Fresh, sweet fruit is drizzled with a homemade bright and zesty dressing.

If you need an easy, make-ahead dish that everyone will love, this chicken macaroni salad is it. It’s super creamy, full of flavor, and has the perfect mix of tender chicken, pasta, and crunchy veggies. I’ve been making this for potlucks, cookouts, and lazy weekday lunches — it’s always a hit and seriously so simple to throw together.

This Easy Baked Corn on the Cob is drizzled in butter, smoked paprika, and garlic powder and then foil roasted in the oven. This is the best way to cook corn without husks. It's foolproof!  

If you’re a pickle lover, get ready to fall in love with this Dill Pickle Coleslaw. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and refreshing, with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you're serving it at a summer cookout, piling it onto a sandwich, or enjoying it as a fresh side dish, this slaw is a total game-changer.

I’ve made corn on the cob more ways than I can count, but smoking it on the Traeger hits different. After years of cookouts, BBQs, and backyard experiments, I’ve learned how to infuse that sweet corn flavor with just the right amount of smoky flavor. You’ll get smoky, tender, buttery bites with zero guessing. I've done the troubleshooting!

If you love pickles, you need to try this dill pickle pasta salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with chopped pickles in every bite—basically a dream come true for any pickle lover. I made it on a whim for a cookout and everyone was obsessed. It’s super easy to throw together, perfect for BBQs or meal prep, and has that addicting flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

If you grew up on pork and beans, just wait until you try this semi homemade version. These brown sugar, sausage, and bacon stovetop beans are sweet, smoky, and way more flavorful than anything from a can. We’re talking thick-cut bacon, a little sausage if you're feeling extra, and a brown sugar sauce that coats every bite. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show. Plus, it all comes together in one pot on the stove—no oven needed.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe is made using a handful of ingredients including tender, juicy chicken, crunchy bacon, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp Romaine lettuce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese all generously coated in a creamy Caesar dressing. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or refreshhing dinner and will elevate your salad game!

If you’ve never added apples to your coleslaw, this is your sign to try it. This coleslaw is creamy, a little sweet, and has the perfect crunch from fresh cabbage and crisp green apples. It’s the kind of side dish that goes with everything—BBQ, sandwiches, or just straight out of the bowl with a fork.

You have to try this street corn pasta salad — it’s basically all the best parts of elote (Mexican street corn) tossed with pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s smoky, cheesy, and just packed with flavor. I made it for a BBQ last weekend and it disappeared so fast. It’s super easy to throw together and makes the perfect side dish for cookouts, potlucks, or honestly just lunch straight from the fridge. You’re gonna love it.

This Ham Pasta Salad recipe is bursting with savory flavors and vibrant colors. This dish is the perfect blend of hearty ingredients like tender pasta, savory ham, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables that all comes together with a creamy zesty dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic in the park, or simply craving a satisfying meal, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This Smoked Queso Dip is made using cheddar, pepper jack cheese, cilantro, and a homemade spice blend. The result is the best creamy, smooth, and smoky cheese sauce that can be used as a dip for chips or as a sauce for nachos, tacos, and burritos.

This Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub Recipe only requires 7 ingredients, spices you probably already have on hand in your pantry or kitchen. Use this as a flavoring agent or rub for your favorite meats, veggies, and more.

This Mango Fruit Salad is a delicious and refreshing recipe that combines sweet mangoes, berries, grapes, and avocado to create a sweet and tangy medley. The fruit salad is drizzled with a zesty honey lime dressing and is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits.

This Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic recipe that will pair wonderfully with your BBQ or cookout spread. This is the best soul food side dish served cold with a flavorful dressing.

This Smoked BBQ Baked Beans recipe is made with ground beef, bacon, BBQ sauce, and plenty of seasoning for the ultimate smoky flavor. You can use canned beans or make the dish homemade from scratch. This side can be made with any smoker or pellet Traeger grill.

This Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The juicy watermelon chunks are paired with tangy crumbles of feta cheese, avocado, cucumbers, and basil. The salad is then drizzled with a balsamic lime dressing that adds a zesty kick and a touch of acidity, bringing all the flavors together.

This Potato Salad with Bacon is mouthwatering and irresistible! Perfect for any summer BBQ or picnic, this dish takes the classic potato salad to the next level with crispy bacon bits mixed in. With a creamy dressing and a hint of smoky goodness, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This Easy Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a homemade classic dish perfect for any spread or cookout. This side dish is cheesy thanks to cheddar and is also loaded with plenty of veggies, mayo, Greek yogurt, or sour cream.

This Easy Broccoli Salad is made with real bacon bits and cheese. This classic and old fashioned dish is served cold and is definitely a crowd pleaser for the summer months. Feel free to toss in cauliflower! 

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is served cold and is a light side dish tossed with feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, and more and is perfect for summer. Drizzle it in our homemade dressing made with olive oil and vinegar.

These Smoked Baked Potatoes have the perfect smoky kick. Season them up and load them with your favorite toppings. These can be made with any smoker or pellet Traeger grill.

This Easy Seafood Crab Salad is a quick recipe with shrimp and crab meat. Serve it cold and chilled or warm with veggies, as a lettuce wrap, or with bread as a sandwich.

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob will pair wonderfully with BBQ side dishes or as a vegetable complement to any dinner meal. You can use fresh or frozen corn. You will need foil for boiled corn and no foil for grilled corn. The garlic butter glaze in this recipe will have everyone’s mouth watering!

This Easy Grilled Asparagus in Foil recipe will show you the best way to make this dish using a Homemade BBQ rub all while wrapped in a foil packet. This side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and cookouts!

This Easy Spaghetti Salad is served cold with cooked pasta, veggies, and drizzled in Italian dressing. This is a great side dish for a weeknight meal or when you need to serve a crowd for a cookout or BBQ.

This Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is made with sour cream or Greek yogurt, onions, and without vinegar. This healthy dish is the perfect side, especially when you are wondering what to do with excess cucumbers!

Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche Salad is the best easy recipe for a summer salad filled with zesty lime, cilantro, tomato, cucumbers, and more. This healthy dish has no mayo and is ready in minutes. Serve with pan-seared or grilled shrimp.

These Easy Avocado Deviled Eggs are stuffed with bacon, cilantro, and onion and are the best, healthy appetizer or side dish for guacamole lovers. Grab your hard-boiled eggs, and get to filling these gems that are made without mayo!