Summer is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! There’s nothing like the smell of smoky BBQ wafting through the air to get you in the mood for a backyard barbecue. And if you’re from the Carolinas, you know that BBQ is not just a meal, but a way of life. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 spicy Carolina barbeque recipes that are sure to become your new summer staples.
From classic pulled pork sandwiches to tangy slaws and smoky ribs, we’ve got you covered with the best of the best in Carolina BBQ cuisine. And don’t even get us started on the sauces – from vinegary to mustard-based, we’ll be exploring all the different flavors that make Carolina BBQ so unique.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Classic Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich
Classic Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of the Carolinas with this slow-cooked pulled pork recipe, perfect for sandwiches or a crowd-pleasing main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Pickle slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker and add apple cider vinegar, water, and any accumulated juices from the meat.
5. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and stir to combine with the cooking liquid.
7. Split hamburger buns in half and spoon pulled pork onto each bun.
8. Top with coleslaw and pickle slices (if using).
9. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Eastern NC Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce
This tangy and sweet Eastern NC-style BBQ sauce is a staple of the region’s barbecue tradition. Perfect for slathering on pork shoulders, ribs, or chicken, this vinegar-based sauce adds a depth of flavor to your grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Usage: This BBQ sauce is best served at room temperature or slightly warm. Use it as a marinade, a finishing glaze, or as a dipping sauce for your favorite grilled meats.
Lexington-Style Red Slaw
Get ready to taste a classic Southern twist on traditional coleslaw! This Lexington-Style Red Slaw recipe is a staple in Kentucky’s BBQ culture, featuring sweet and tangy flavors that pair perfectly with grilled meats.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground mustard.
2. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in the mayonnaise until the slaw is coated evenly.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (prep time: 10 minutes, chill time: 30 minutes)
Slow-Cooked Carolina BBQ Ribs
Slow-Cooked Carolina BBQ Ribs Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of Southern-style barbecue with this slow-cooked recipe for tender and juicy ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs (this will help tenderize them).
4. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and sprinkle with the dry rub mixture evenly.
5. Pour the Carolina-style BBQ sauce over the ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
6. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight on low heat.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Mustard-Based South Carolina Gold Sauce
This tangy and creamy condiment is a staple in South Carolina, perfect for complementing traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken, shrimp ‘n’ grits, or as a dip for crispy hushpuppies.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (such as French’s)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and yellow mustard until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy assembly of ingredients.
Smoked Carolina Whole Hog BBQ
Experience the rich flavors of the Carolinas with this mouthwatering whole hog barbecue recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender and juicy hog is smothered in a tangy vinegar-based sauce that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole hog (about 20-25 pounds), split and cleaned
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or oak)
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Season hog with salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
3. Place wood chips in smoker box or directly on coals.
4. Place hog in smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke for 12 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. During last hour of smoking, brush hog with Carolina-style barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar mixture.
7. Let rest for 30 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: 12 hours
Carolina BBQ Chicken with Tangy Glaze
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of the Carolinas with this mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup wood chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on the grill and brush with Tangy Glaze every 5 minutes for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
4. If using wood chips or chunks, add them to the grill during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Mop Sauce
This fall-inspired recipe combines the rich flavors of pork shoulder with a tangy and sweet apple cider mop sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid.
5. Add olive oil to the pot, covering the bottom by about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Carolina BBQ Baked Beans
Get ready to taste the sweet and tangy flavors of Carolina-style baked beans, perfect for your next backyard barbecue or family gathering!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine soaked navy beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Transfer the bean mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 6 hours.
5. Remove the foil and stir in the Carolina-style BBQ sauce.
6. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and caramelized.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or scallions.
Cooking Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce for Carolina Ribs
This sweet and spicy BBQ sauce is the perfect accompaniment to tender Carolina-style ribs. With a hint of peach and a kick of heat, this sauce will elevate your rib game to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
– 2 ripe peaches, diced (about 1 cup)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle peppers, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in diced peaches and remove from heat.
5. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before using.
Cooking Time: None (sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated up to a week)
Carolina-Style BBQ Turkey Legs
A twist on traditional barbecue, this recipe brings the flavors of the Carolinas to your turkey legs. Sweet and tangy, these slow-cooked turkey legs are perfect for a summer cookout or tailgating party.
Ingredients:
– 4 turkey legs
– 1 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (see below)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
3. Season the turkey legs with the dry rub, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the turkey legs in the smoker, bone side down. Close the lid and smoke for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey legs with Carolina-style BBQ sauce.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Tips:
– For an added layer of flavor, you can add wood chips like hickory or apple to your smoker during the last hour of cooking.
– If using a charcoal grill, adjust the vents to maintain a consistent temperature and smoke for 6-8 hours.
Smoked Brisket with Carolina Rub
This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoked brisket with the bold, tangy taste of a classic Carolina-style rub. The result is a tender, juicy brisket that’s perfect for BBQ enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole beef brisket (5-6 pounds)
– 1/2 cup Carolina Rub (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 cup wood chips (post oak or hickory work well)
Carolina Rub Recipe:
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 2 tablespoons garlic powder
– 2 tablespoons onion powder
– 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Apply the rub evenly to both sides of the brisket.
4. Place the brisket in the smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke for 10-12 hours, or until the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
6. Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 hours
Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Carolina Glaze
Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Carolina Glaze Recipe
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional burnt ends, this recipe combines the rich flavors of pork belly with a sticky Carolina-style glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup Carolina glaze (see below for recipe)
Carolina Glaze:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the dry rub mixture to the pork belly cubes and toss to coat evenly.
4. Place the coated pork belly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 2 hours.
5. Remove from oven and brush with Carolina glaze.
6. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15-20 minutes
Carolina BBQ Cornbread Muffins
These sweet and savory muffins are a twist on traditional cornbread, infused with the flavors of Carolina-style BBQ. Perfect for a brunch or breakfast gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– Honey or brown sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and BBQ sauce. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or brown sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this comforting and flavorful recipe, where tender pulled pork meets sweet and fluffy sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 pound pulled pork (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times to allow steam to escape.
3. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. While sweet potatoes are baking, mix pulled pork with butter, brown sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Once sweet potatoes are done, slice them in half lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork.
6. Divide the pulled pork mixture evenly among the sweet potato halves, spooning it into the centers.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including baking time for sweet potatoes)
Carolina BBQ Meatballs with Dip
Carolina BBQ Meatballs with Dip Recipe
Get ready to taste the flavors of the South with these tender and tangy meatballs smothered in a rich Carolina-style BBQ sauce, served with a creamy dip for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup Carolina BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with Carolina BBQ sauce.
7. Serve warm with dip on the side.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Grilled Carolina BBQ Shrimp Skewers
Experience the sweet and tangy flavors of the Carolinas with these tender shrimp skewers, smothered in a rich barbecue sauce. Perfect for a summer cookout or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup Carolina BBQ sauce (or your favorite brand)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the BBQ mixture evenly onto both sides of the shrimp.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately with additional BBQ sauce for dipping, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Carolina-Style BBQ Nachos with Pulled Pork
Experience the flavors of the South in a delicious twist on classic nachos! Tender pulled pork, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce come together to create a mouthwatering snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 lb pulled pork (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Spoon pulled pork over the chips, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pork.
5. Drizzle Carolina-style BBQ sauce over the top, making sure all the chips are coated.
6. Top with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeño pepper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in the bold flavors of Carolina barbecue! This summer, try out these 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the region’s signature vinegar-based sauces, tangy slaws, and slow-cooked meats. From classic pulled pork sandwiches to smoked whole hog BBQ and spicy peach sauce-glazed ribs, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just looking to spice up your backyard gatherings, these recipes will have you covered.
