Introduction
Bring the absolute best of southern cookouts and backyard grilling straight to your table with this Ultimate Backyard BBQ Feast Platter. Packed with a mouthwatering variety of smoky barbecue ribs, charred grilled chicken, seasoned sausage, spicy garlic butter shrimp, and classic comfort-food sides like creamy mac and cheese, loaded mashed potatoes, sweet corn on the cob, and savory green beans, this platter is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Meta Description
Discover how to make the Ultimate Backyard BBQ Feast Platter featuring BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, mac and cheese, loaded mashed potatoes, and more! Get the full recipe, tips, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
1. The Meats & Seafood
- 1 rack BBQ pork ribs (baby back or St. Louis style)
- 1.5 lbs chicken pieces (wings, drumsticks, or thighs)
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. The Sides
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn, halved
- 1 lb green beans (fresh or canned), cooked with bacon or garlic
- 4 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (your favorite homemade or gourmet recipe)
- 4 cups loaded mashed potatoes (topped with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions)
3. Seasonings & Sauces
- Barbecue rub: 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp brown sugar, salt, and black pepper
- Shrimp seasoning: 1 tsp cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp melted butter, and minced garlic
- BBQ Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite sweet or smoky barbecue sauce for basting the ribs and chicken
Instructions (Step by Step)
Step 1: Prepare and Bake/Grill the Ribs
- Remove the membrane from the back of the pork ribs, season generously with the BBQ rub, and wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 2 hours until tender, then unwrap, brush heavily with BBQ sauce, and char on the grill or broil for 5–7 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Sausage
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Grill or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until fully cooked and nicely charred, brushing with BBQ sauce near the end.
- In a skillet, pan-sear the sliced smoked sausage rounds over medium heat until browned and slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 3: Grill the Corn & Sauté the Shrimp
- Grill the corn cobs on medium-high heat, turning frequently until kernels are charred and tender; brush with melted butter.
- Sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet with melted butter, minced garlic, and cajun seasoning for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Step 4: Prepare the Sides & Assemble the Platter
- Prepare your creamy macaroni and cheese and whip up the mashed potatoes, topping the potatoes with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions.
- Cook the green beans with bits of bacon for extra flavor.
- Assembly: Arrange everything on a large serving platter or tray, grouping each item generously so guests can easily dive into this epic feast!
Service Suggestions
- Serve piping hot right in the center of the table family-style.
- Accompany with extra napkins, wet wipes, extra barbecue sauce, and hot sauce on the side.
- Pair with ice-cold sweet tea, lemonade, or a crisp craft beer.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meats and sides in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the meats in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil to keep them from drying out. Reheat side dishes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk (for mac & cheese or mashed potatoes) to restore creaminess.
FAQs
- Can I make parts of this platter ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the mac and cheese, boil the potatoes, and rub the ribs a day in advance to save time on cooking day.
- What kind of BBQ sauce works best? A thick, sweet, and smoky Kansas City-style BBQ sauce complements both the pork ribs and chicken exceptionally well.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Backyard BBQ Feast Platter is a show-stopping centerpiece that delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right to your home. Whether you are hosting a summer cookout, a game day party, or a family weekend dinner, this spread guarantees happy guests and empty plates!