Savor the Summer: 15 Essential Big Green Egg Recipes for Unforgettable Backyard Feasts
The enchanting “Dog Days of Summer” beckon us outdoors, creating the perfect opportunity to fire up your Big Green Egg and curate an extraordinary culinary experience for your loved ones. Whether you’re envisioning a laid-back backyard BBQ, an elegant al fresco brunch, or anything in between, this collection of fifteen exceptional recipes promises to delight every palate. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted for preparation on the Big Green Egg, ensuring you can whip up a spectacular feast without sacrificing precious time with your guests. Embrace the versatility of your Egg, transforming everyday ingredients into smoky, succulent, and utterly irresistible creations that define summer dining.
From perfectly smoked meats and savory sides to delectable desserts, the Big Green Egg excels at infusing every bite with unparalleled flavor. Its ceramic design provides unmatched heat retention and precise temperature control, making it ideal for everything from high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking. Get ready to elevate your summer cooking game with these foolproof recipes, designed to help you make the most of the season’s bounty and the incredible capabilities of your Big Green Egg.
1. Skillet Cornbread
There’s nothing quite like warm, savory cornbread fresh from the grill, and this Big Green Egg skillet cornbread recipe takes it to another level. It’s an ideal companion to almost any BBQ meat, offering a comforting contrast with its crispy edges and tender, moist interior. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability: with just a few core ingredients, you can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste. You’ll need a trusty cast iron skillet, a package of Lodge Skillet True Southern Cornbread Mix for convenience, canola oil, fresh eggs, rich butter, creamy buttermilk, and, for those who love a kick, fresh jalapeños.
For an extra festive and fiery touch, I recommend charring two to three jalapeño peppers directly on the Big Green Egg before incorporating them into the batter. This step not only mellows their heat slightly but also infuses the cornbread with a subtle, irresistible smoky flavor that perfectly complements the rich, buttery texture. The cast iron skillet ensures an impeccably golden, crusty bottom, while the Big Green Egg’s even heat bakes it to fluffy perfection, making it an essential side dish for any summer gathering.
2. Maple Bourbon Peach Pie
Celebrate summer’s generous bounty with this utterly decadent Maple Bourbon Peach Pie, a dessert that masterfully balances sweetness with a hint of smoky sophistication. This pie is a true textural masterpiece, featuring succulent chunks of tender, ripe peaches kissed with just the right amount of robust bourbon and sweet maple syrup. The fruit filling is crowned with a delightful brown sugar streusel, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy peaches below. Baking this pie on your Big Green Egg introduces a unique depth of flavor.
The subtle smoky notes from the Egg perfectly complement the rich, spicy undertones of the bourbon and other aromatic spices, transforming a classic dessert into an epic culinary experience. Imagine the aroma filling your backyard as this golden-crusted pie bakes to perfection. It’s not just a pie; it’s a statement dessert that showcases the incredible versatility of your Big Green Egg, proving it’s just as capable of producing exquisite baked goods as it is savory BBQ masterpieces. Prepare to impress your guests with this boozy, smoky, and sweet delight.
3. Smoked Chicken with White Sauce
Elevate your outdoor entertaining with this sophisticated Smoked Chicken with White Sauce, a recipe that undeniably proves your Big Green Egg is perfectly suited for crafting higher-end, elegant dishes. This isn’t just chicken; it’s a culinary experience designed for any garden soirée. The dish boasts a bold yet harmoniously balanced flavor profile, beginning with exceptionally juicy chicken. The poultry is meticulously brined and marinated in a flavorful concoction of pickle juice, essential seasonings, and rich buttermilk, ensuring a fall-off-the-bone tender finish that melts in your mouth.
Once the brined chicken is smoked to perfection on the Big Green Egg, achieving that signature smoky aroma and moist texture, it’s then gently bathed in a velvety white sauce. A final simmer for ten minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish where every component shines. The chicken emerges beautifully cooked, and the luscious white sauce provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint that makes this recipe truly unforgettable. It’s an impressive meal that combines classic BBQ techniques with refined presentation.
4. Big Green Egg Chicken
When you’re faced with the delightful challenge of feeding a crowd, this Big Green Egg Chicken recipe is your ultimate secret weapon. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring an entire fryer chicken stuffed with aromatic root vegetables and generously seasoned to perfection. This dish champions simple yet incredibly tasty fare, showcasing the power of low-and-slow cooking on the Big Green Egg. The cooking time typically ranges from three to four hours, depending on the size of your bird, allowing the smoke to penetrate deeply and render the meat unbelievably tender and flavorful.
While the tempting aroma will undoubtedly have everyone eager to dive in immediately, it’s absolutely crucial to exercise patience and allow your beautifully cooked chicken to rest for at least ten minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is as moist and flavorful as possible. The Big Green Egg’s ability to maintain a consistent low temperature makes this a remarkably easy “set it and forget it” meal, freeing you up to enjoy your guests while a magnificent feast slowly takes shape.
5. Pizza on the Big Green Egg
Transform your backyard into an authentic Italian pizzeria with pizza cooked on the Big Green Egg. This method is truly a game-changer, delivering those coveted classic grill marks, an unbelievably crispy crust, and marvelously bubbly, perfectly melted cheese that rivals any brick-oven pie. The real magic of Big Green Egg pizza lies in its endless customization possibilities. You are the chef, and your imagination is the only limit when it comes to toppings.
I often find myself using the opportunity to clear out my vegetable crisper, topping my pizzas with a vibrant array of fresh produce and finishing with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil for a bright, herbaceous touch. However, you can certainly stick to tradition with a classic Margherita, pile on a hearty blend of sausage and peppers, or experiment with any other creative combinations you fancy. The intense, even heat of the Big Green Egg cooks pizza rapidly and flawlessly, making it a fun, interactive, and incredibly delicious meal for any gathering.
6. Smoked Beef Brisket
The Big Green Egg truly shines when it comes to cooking substantial cuts of meat low and slow, and this simple yet profoundly flavorful smoked beef brisket is a prime example. Designed to be fork-tender and bursting with flavor, this brisket benefits immensely from the aromatic infusion of pecan or hickory wood chips, lending it a deep, authentic BBQ character. To achieve maximum flavor depth, generously slather your beef with yellow mustard, apply a robust seasoned rub, and introduce a secret ingredient: strong coffee, which creates a rich, dark bark.
Patience is key with brisket, but the reward is immense. After a dedicated three hours of low-and-slow smoking on your Big Green Egg, you’ll be presented with a tender, juicy cut of meat that is guaranteed to have guests lining up for second – and even third – helpings. The Big Green Egg’s exceptional temperature control ensures a consistent cook, resulting in a perfectly rendered, unbelievably succulent brisket that will be the centerpiece of any summer feast. This recipe truly embodies the spirit of traditional American BBQ.
7. Smoked Macaroni and Cheese
Everyone adores classic macaroni and cheese, but preparing it on the Big Green Egg elevates this beloved comfort food to an entirely new realm of deliciousness. This version amps up the flavor with an incredible hit of smokiness and those highly coveted, glorious browned and crispy edges that everyone fights over. Don’t be tempted to skip the mustard powder; it’s a secret ingredient that adds a remarkable depth and subtle tang to the dish, pairing exquisitely with the mild creaminess of Muenster cheese. The combination creates a complex, savory profile that’s simply irresistible.
To truly infuse every bite with that grilled goodness, I highly recommend taking your time with the smoking process. Allowing the mac and cheese to slowly absorb the smoky essence for about an hour on the Big Green Egg makes all the difference. While it requires a bit of patience, the resulting rich, smoky, and intensely cheesy macaroni and cheese is more than worth every minute. It’s a side dish that often steals the show at any BBQ, offering a gourmet twist on a family favorite.
8. Big Green Egg Pig Shots
If you’re seeking a bite-sized appetizer that packs an explosion of flavor, Big Green Egg Pig Shots are an absolute must-try. These savory delights are one of my all-time favorites, boasting a harmonious blend of satiny cream cheese, a zesty kick from fiery green chilis, and the irresistible crunch of ample bacon and juicy sausage. While they do require a bit of initial prep work to assemble, once you master the method, they come together remarkably quickly.
The process involves carefully topping rounds of thick-cut bacon-wrapped sausage with a luscious mixture of shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, and finely minced chilis. These flavor-packed morsels are then smoked for approximately an hour and a half on your Big Green Egg. The slow smoking process renders the bacon perfectly crispy, melts the cheese to gooey perfection, and infuses everything with a deep, smoky aroma. The result is a collection of beautiful, intensely flavored bites that are perfect for sharing and are guaranteed to disappear fast at any summer gathering.
9. Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Candied Pecans and Bourbon Caramel
Sweet potatoes are nature’s own incredible dessert, naturally sweet and packed with nutrition. When combined with the Big Green Egg’s smoky embrace and an array of luxurious additions, they transcend into a gourmet treat that rivals anything from a high-end sweet shop. This recipe brilliantly marries the earthy sweetness of smoked sweet potatoes with bright, herbaceous notes of thyme and rosemary, generous pats of rich butter, and a silky bourbon caramel sauce. This caramel, spiked with decadent heavy cream, warming spices, and a good-quality bourbon, provides an unparalleled depth of flavor.
Adding another layer of textural interest and elevated taste are candied pecans, liberally coated in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, and a touch of cayenne. These crunchy, sweet, and slightly spicy nuts perfectly complement the soft, creamy sweet potatoes. Cooking this dish on the Big Green Egg infuses it with a subtle smokiness that perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a truly unforgettable side dish or dessert that’s perfect for any festive occasion, especially during the summer months.
10. Stuffed Peppers
Incorporate vibrant, nutritious vegetables into your next summer feast with these delicious stuffed peppers, a fantastic way to fully utilize the cooking power and versatility of your Big Green Egg. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility: you can select any variety of bell peppers you prefer. For an eye-catching presentation and a spectrum of mild flavors, I suggest using a mix of red, yellow, orange, and green peppers. These colorful vessels are then generously filled with a savory mixture typically comprising ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage work well), fresh spinach, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes.
Once filled, each pepper is crowned with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese, which melts into a bubbly, golden crust as it cooks. These single-serving meals offer a wonderful and wholesome alternative to more traditional BBQ fare, providing a complete and satisfying dish in one neat package. The Big Green Egg imparts a fantastic smoky depth to the peppers and their filling, making them a hearty, flavorful, and visually appealing addition to any outdoor meal. They are perfect for individual portions, ensuring everyone gets a perfectly cooked, cheesy delight.
11. Smoked Queso
No summer party, especially a Big Green Egg BBQ, is truly complete without an array of irresistible, decadent dips, and this Smoked Queso is poised to become your BBQ MVP. This recipe is astonishingly simple to put together, taking mere minutes of prep time before the Big Green Egg takes over, doing all the heavy lifting. The magic of the Egg truly shines here, infusing your queso with layers of rich, deep smokiness that transforms a simple cheese dip into an extraordinary culinary highlight.
All you need are a few key ingredients to create this molten masterpiece: a block of creamy Velveeta, a blend of your favorite mixed cheeses for added complexity, velvety cream cheese for extra richness, and some flavorful sausage or spicy chorizo to give it substance. Don’t forget a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and chilis for that essential zesty kick and vibrant color. As the ingredients slowly melt and mingle in the smoky environment of the Big Green Egg, they create a dip that’s profoundly flavorful, incredibly smooth, and utterly addictive. Serve it with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or anything else you can dip – it’s guaranteed to be devoured!
12. The Perfect Steak
Treat your cherished guests to the sublime experience of the perfect steak, meticulously cooked Big Green Egg style. This method consistently delivers a steak with an unbelievably crisp, flavorful sear on the exterior, perfectly encasing tender, juicy meat within. It’s one of those standout recipes I particularly love because it’s both elegantly impressive and, once you’ve mastered the technique, surprisingly simple to execute. The Big Green Egg’s ability to reach incredibly high temperatures quickly is crucial for developing that exquisite crust, while its precise temperature control ensures the interior cooks exactly to your desired doneness.
My preferred approach is to keep the seasoning minimal, allowing the inherent quality of the steak to truly shine. A generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper is often all that’s needed to enhance its natural richness. You can, of course, customize it with your favorite rub or marinade, but the essence of a truly great steak is often its unadorned perfection. Once you taste a steak cooked to this level of perfection on your Big Green Egg, with its incomparable texture and flavor, you’ll find yourself no longer craving the expensive varieties offered at traditional steakhouses.
13. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
Forget the deep-fried, greasy pub wings and instead opt for these sensationally seasoned Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, which achieve crunchy perfection in less than half an hour on your Big Green Egg. These wings are a game-changer, offering all the crispy texture you crave without the mess and unhealthy aspects of deep frying. The Big Green Egg’s high heat capability ensures a beautifully rendered skin and juicy interior, while infusing a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the classic garlic parmesan profile.
I enjoy customizing the spice level by adding red pepper flakes to taste, easily toning down the heat depending on the preferences of my guests. Whether you like a gentle warmth or a fiery kick, these wings can be adapted. While these wings are utterly delicious and satisfying all on their own, they also pair exquisitely with a cooling blue cheese or classic Ranch dressing for dipping. They make for a fantastic appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, proving that quick and easy can also mean incredibly flavorful and restaurant-quality when cooked on the Big Green Egg.
14. Smoked Chocolate Brownie
If you, like me, possess an insatiable craving for rich, fudgy chocolate brownies, then this Smoked Chocolate Brownie recipe is one you will definitely want to bookmark. This innovative dessert takes a classic favorite and infuses it with an unexpected yet utterly delightful smoky twist, thanks to the unique cooking environment of the Big Green Egg. You’ll start with all the standard brownie ingredients you know and love: high-quality cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor, fresh eggs for structure, pure vanilla extract for warmth, and plenty of luscious chocolate chips for pockets of molten goodness.
Once your rich, thick batter is mixed to perfection, you’ll introduce it to the Big Green Egg, where it will cook over aromatic applewood chips for approximately 45 minutes. This gentle smoking process imparts a subtle, intriguing smokiness into every bite, creating a sophisticated counterpoint to the traditional sweet, intense chocolate flavor. The result is a brownie that is both familiar and excitingly new – wonderfully fudgy, intensely chocolatey, and imbued with a unique smoky depth that makes it a truly memorable dessert. It’s proof that the Big Green Egg can conquer any course, even dessert.
15. Cedar Planked Salmon
For a dish that epitomizes effortless elegance and incredible flavor, look no further than Cedar Planked Salmon cooked on your Big Green Egg. Cedar and salmon are, without a doubt, a match made in culinary heaven, with the aromatic wood imparting a delicate, earthy smokiness that perfectly complements the rich, buttery taste of the fish. One of the greatest advantages of preparing your salmon this way is its inherent simplicity: you truly don’t need much else to transform it into a feast-worthy meal.
A simple dollop of compound butter, a dash of your favorite seafood spice blend, or just a bright spritz of fresh lemon juice is often all that’s required to elevate this dish. The key to success lies in proper preparation: ensure you thoroughly soak your cedar planks in water for at least half an hour before placing them on your Big Green Egg. This prevents them from burning too quickly and allows them to generate that distinctive aromatic steam that infuses the salmon. Once the planks are ready, simply place your seasoned salmon on top, set it on the Egg, and let the magic happen. The result is incredibly moist, flaky salmon with an exquisite smoky cedar aroma that will impress every guest at your summer gathering.
There’s still an abundance of time to revel in the joys of a spectacular summer feast, and your Big Green Egg is the ultimate tool to make it happen. These fifteen recipes are not only nearly foolproof and utterly mouthwatering, but they are also universally pleasing, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From savory smoked meats and cheesy dips to delectable pies and even brownies, your Big Green Egg is ready to transform your backyard into a gourmet kitchen.
Don’t let these precious summer days slip away without experiencing the incredible flavors and effortless cooking that these recipes offer. Gather your ingredients, fire up your Big Green Egg, and try one – or several – of these amazing dishes today. Prepare to impress your friends and family and create unforgettable culinary memories all season long!