BBQ Ideas from Around the U.S.

Barbecue and warm weather go hand in hand. It's no surprise since there are so many special events to celebrate from Memorial Day to July 4th to Labor Day. As you plan your next summer party, consider different barbecue styles from around the U.S. and focus your menu on the flavors that best suit you. Barbecue aficionados will argue their recipes are the best and making it any other way doesn't begin to compete. Here is a round up of the best methods and sauces from regions in the U.S. to help with your decision.

Carolina Style BBQ

Carolina style barbecue belongs in two distinct camps based solely on the sauce preparation. North Carolina touts a vinegar sauce made with pepper, while South Carolina prides itself on "Carolina Gold," a mustard-based sauce. Both areas pour the sauces over pork, whether pulled meat for sandwiches or whole hog.

Favorite Restaurant Picks

• Parker's Barbecue
• Maurice's BBQ

Make Your Own Carolina Style Barbecue

• North Carolina-Style Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Mustard and Molasses BBQ Sauce

Memphis Style Barbecue

Pork, both ribs and pulled, is the go-to meat in Memphis. Because of the "Memphis in May" barbecue competition, this style is considered by many to be the standard in barbecue preparations. What makes Memphis-style unique? A molasses and vinegar based sauce results in sweet, tangy flavor and pulled pork sandwiches topped with a signature scoop of coleslaw.

Favorite Restaurant Picks

• Corky's Ribs and BBQ
• Neely's Barbecue

Make Your Own Memphis Style Barbecue

• Pulled Pork with Old-Fashioned Cole Slaw
• Memphis Rub

Texas Style Barbecue

The one ingredient that makes Texas-style barbecue stand out from the rest is the meat. While most barbecue is made with pork, Texans use beef, most specifically beef brisket. Usually made without sauce, a mesquite spice rub is the preferred flavoring on the slow-smoked barbecue.

Favorite Restaurant Picks

• Goode Co. Barbecue
• The Salt Lick

Make Your Own Texas Style Barbecue

• Texas BBQ Braised Beef Brisket
• Best BBQ Rub in Texas

Kansas City Style BBQ

In Kansas City, the barbecue isn't so much about the meat as it is about the sauce that makes it special. Often described as thick, sticky and spicy, the heavily tomato-based sauce used in Kansas City is served on everything from pulled pork to ribs to chicken.

Favorite Restaurant Picks

• Jack Stack Barbecue
• Arthur Bryant's BBQ

Make Your Own Kansas City BBQ

• Kansas City Classic Sauce
• Big Al's K.C. BBQ Sauce

Alabama Style BBQ

While much of Alabama barbecue is similar to that in the Memphis tradition, one distinct difference arises in the northern section of the state - white barbecue sauce. Originating from Big Bob Gibson's restaurant in Decatur, white barbecue sauce starts with mayonnaise and is brushed on all types of barbecue meats after cooking.

Favorite Restaurant Picks

• Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
• Dreamland BBQ

Make Your Own Alabama Style BBQ

Big Bob Gibson's White BBQ Sauce

Best BBQ Side Dishes

No matter what style of barbecue you serve, certain side dishes always fit in. These classics are summer favorites, delicious and easy to make. Set them out buffet-style in big bowls where everyone can pile them on next their BBQ main course.

• Potato Salad
• Corn-on-the-Cob
• Baked Beans
• Cole Slaw