Grill It Like Arizona: Summer Barbecue Foods You’ll Crave

Nothing says “Arizona summer” quite like the smoky sizzle of a backyard barbecue—especially around the Fourth of July. Lighting the grill is a welcome alternative to heating up the house to cook a meal.

Whether you're firing up the smoker for a delicious brisket, starting the grill for burgers, or opening the freezer to top off your backyard fare with some cool ice cream, summer barbecue is a welcome treat from the heat.

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Arizona's Backyard BBQ Must-Haves

Carne asada is a staple at Arizona cookouts. Thinly sliced beef, typically flank or skirt steak, is marinated in a citrus, garlic, and Southwestern spice mixture, then grilled over high heat for a charred, juicy finish.

Grab some tortillas, pico de gallo, and a cold cerveza, and for the perfect Arizona summer cookout.

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Southwest Burgers Worth the Sizzle

You don't get more "Fourth of July Cookout" than grilled burgers. They're as classic as finishing your meal with a slice of Apple Pie.

For the best grilled burgers, try a 75/25 meat-to-fat ratio for juicy patties. Try brushing your patties with a bit of mayonnaise or mustard before grilling to add some extra flavor. Make them Southwest style: add jalapeños or green chiles and top with salsa for the perfect Arizona burger.

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Elote: The Side Dish That Steals the Show

And then there’s elote, Mexican street corn. It's become a beloved side dish at Arizona barbecues. Here's how you make it: grill the corn until lightly charred, then slather it with mayo or crema. Finish it off with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a dusting of chili powder or carne asada seasoning for a spicy-sweet kick. It’s messy, delicious, and totally worth it.

Why Arizona’s BBQs Hit Different on the Fourth

In Arizona, the Fourth of July is all about fireworks and flavor. Here's the rest of the list, Arizona's top 15 Favorites for a perfect backyard barbecue!

Sources: Walking on Sunshine Recipes | Taste of Home

Why Arizona’s BBQs Hit Different on the Fourth