Summer gatherings just got a whole lot more delicious! As the warm weather sets in, there’s no better way to bring people together than with a mouthwatering spread of Carolina-style barbecue. The Tar Heel State may be known for its sweet tea and gentle charm, but when it comes to ‘cue, North Carolinians know how to bring the heat.
From classic pulled pork sandwiches to tangy vinegar-based sauces, we’re counting down our top 20 recipes that will make your next BBQ bash a star-studded affair. Whether you’re a born-and-bred Southerner or just looking for some new flavors to spice up your summer menu, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
In this article, we’ll dive into the rich culinary heritage of Carolina barbecue and explore the diverse array of recipes that have made it a staple of Southern gatherings. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to sink your teeth into some seriously delicious ‘cue!
Classic Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich
Get ready to taste the essence of Southern comfort with this mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, tender and juicy pork is smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven and cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Using two forks, pull the pork apart into shreds.
6. Split hamburger buns in half and toast lightly.
7. Spoon pulled pork onto buns and serve with coleslaw (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Eastern NC Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce
Experience the tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors of North Carolina’s beloved barbecue tradition with this simple recipe for vinegar-based BBQ sauce. Perfect for slathering on pulled pork, chicken, or as a dip for your favorite meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Lexington-Style Red Slaw
A classic Southern side dish from the Bluegrass State, this Lexington-style red slaw is a tangy and crunchy accompaniment to your favorite BBQ dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Slow-Cooked Carolina BBQ Ribs
Slow-Cooked Carolina BBQ Ribs
Get ready for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy Carolina-style BBQ sauce. This slow-cooked recipe is perfect for a weekend gathering or a stress-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional).
4. Season the ribs with the dry rub, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour in the BBQ sauce and beef broth.
6. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
7. Serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Mustard-Based South Carolina Gold Sauce
This tangy and savory sauce is a classic Southern condiment that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, vegetables, and crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup yellow mustard
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the yellow mustard, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required! This sauce is ready to use straight away.
Smoked Carolina Whole Hog
Experience the rich flavors of the South with this tender and juicy smoked whole hog recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (20-25 pound) whole hog, cleaned and prepped for smoking
– 1 cup BBQ rub
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 2 cups wood chips (hickory or oak)
– Optional: injection solution (e.g. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Apply the BBQ rub evenly across the entire hog, making sure to cover all surfaces.
3. Place the hog in the smoker, fat side up. Close the lid and smoke for 8-10 hours or until internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
4. During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the hog with apple cider vinegar and water mixture.
5. Remove the hog from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Carolina BBQ Chicken with Pecan Wood
Get ready for a taste of the South with this tender and flavorful Carolina-style BBQ chicken, smoked to perfection on pecan wood. This recipe is perfect for backyard BBQ enthusiasts and anyone looking to elevate their grilled chicken game.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (such as Lexington-style or Eastern-style)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pecan wood chips for smoking
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F using pecan wood chips.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in the smoker, closing the lid to maintain temperature.
4. Smoke for 2-1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Brush chicken with reserved BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Tangy Carolina BBQ Brisket
This slow-cooked brisket recipe is a Southern classic, smothered in a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce that’s sure to please. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or family gathering, this tender and juicy dish is a must-try.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket
– 1 cup Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the brisket in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
5. Pour the Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce over the brisket.
6. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours or until tender.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Mop Sauce
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of pork shoulder smothered in a rich apple cider mop sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder, boneless
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or braising pan with a lid.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add butter on top of the pork.
6. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and braise for 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Remove the pork from the heat and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Carolina-Style BBQ Baked Beans
Get ready to taste the authentic flavors of the Carolinas with this recipe for slow-cooked, sweet and smoky baked beans. This comforting side dish is a staple at many Southern gatherings.
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 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine soaked and drained beans, onion, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and bake for 6 hours or until the beans are tender.
4. Remove the foil and stir in BBQ sauce. Return to oven for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 6-7 hours
Coleslaw with Carolina BBQ Dressing
A refreshing twist on classic coleslaw, this recipe combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with the smoky sweetness of Carolina BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Carolina BBQ dressing
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Carolina BBQ dressing, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (mostly prep time)
Pulled Pork Stuffed Cornbread Muffins
A twist on traditional cornbread, these muffins are filled with tender pulled pork and a hint of smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/2 cup pulled pork, shredded
– Chopped fresh cilantro (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, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the shredded pulled pork.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Carolina BBQ Grilled Oysters
Experience the sweet and tangy flavors of Carolina BBQ on a classic summer treat – grilled oysters! This simple recipe combines the richness of oysters with the bold flavors of North Carolina’s famous barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 oysters, shucked and rinsed
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, butter, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Place oysters on a piece of foil or a grill mat, leaving a little space between each oyster.
4. Brush the BBQ mixture evenly over the oysters.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, or until oysters are cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Hickory-Smoked Pork Belly Bites
Discover the tender, smoky goodness of pork belly bites infused with the rich flavor of hickory smoke. Perfect as an appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, cubed
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup hickory liquid smoke
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Toss pork belly cubes with the dry rub until evenly coated.
4. Place pork belly bites in the smoker, close lid, and smoke for 4 hours.
5. After 4 hours, increase smoker temperature to 275°F (135°C) and continue smoking for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and brush with a mixture of hickory liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and water.
Cooking Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Carolina BBQ Meatballs
Carolina BBQ Meatballs: A Sweet and Tangy Twist on Classic Meatballs
Experience the rich flavors of North Carolina’s barbecue tradition with these tender meatballs smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup Carolina-style BBQ sauce (see note)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture 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 baking, heat the Carolina-style BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss them in the warm BBQ sauce to coat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Note: For an authentic Carolina-style BBQ sauce, use a store-bought or homemade sauce that contains a sweet and tangy blend of ingredients like vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Some popular brands include Duke’s or Sweet Baby Ray’s.
Vinegar-Brined BBQ Turkey Legs
Get ready to impress with these tender and juicy turkey legs, infused with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors from a vinegar-based brine. Perfect for a summer BBQ or outdoor gathering!
Ingredients:
– 4 turkey legs
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup kosher salt
– 1 gallon water
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (optional)
– BBQ sauce, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large container, combine vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and water. Stir until dissolved.
2. Add turkey legs to the brine, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
4. Remove turkey legs from brine, pat dry with paper towels.
5. Grill turkey legs for 20-25 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Carolina-Style BBQ Nachos
Get ready to experience the sweet and tangy flavors of North Carolina-style barbecue on top of crunchy nachos. This recipe combines the best of both worlds for a deliciously unique snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup BBQ pulled pork (such as vinegar-based or Eastern-style)
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup diced fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 1 tablespoon Carolina-style BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chips.
4. Add pulled pork, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper on top of the cheese.
5. Drizzle with BBQ sauce and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Collard Greens with Smoked Pork Hocks
This hearty recipe combines the natural sweetness of collard greens with the rich, smoky flavor of pork hocks. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens
– 2 smoked pork hocks (about 1 pound)
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Rinse the collard greens and remove any stems or thick veins. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the smoked pork hocks to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with the pork hocks and onion mixture.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the greens are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fried Pickles with Spicy BBQ Dip
Elevate your snack game with this crispy and tangy treat that combines the freshness of pickles with the warmth of spicy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick gathering or as a unique twist on a classic party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 large dill pickle, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy BBQ Dip (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each pickle slice into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry pickles for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Spicy BBQ Dip:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tablespoon honey
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Serve with fried pickles.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes for frying, plus prep time.
Sweet Tea-Brined BBQ Chicken Wings
Sweet Tea-Brined BBQ Chicken Wings: A Southern Twist on Classic BBQ
This recipe combines the sweetness of sweet tea with the tanginess of a classic brine to create mouthwatering chicken wings that are perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 cup sweet tea (cooled)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together sweet tea, buttermilk, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken wings to the brine and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
4. Remove the wings from the brine, letting excess liquid drip off. Place on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Toss with BBQ sauce and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready for a summer filled with mouthwatering flavors and aromas with these 20 delicious Carolina barbecue recipes! From classic pulled pork sandwiches to tangy BBQ brisket, and from smoked whole hogs to vinegar-based sauces, there’s something for everyone. Impress your guests with slow-cooked ribs, mustang-based gold sauce, and Carolina-style baked beans. Or try your hand at grilled oysters, meatballs, or nachos with a southern twist. Whether you’re a BBQ newbie or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen. So fire up the grill and get ready for a summer of unforgettable gatherings!