Savor the Flavors of Summer: BBQ Recipes Perfect for The Colony Residents

There’s something special about summer in Bastrop—blue skies, warm evenings, and the smoky aroma of barbecue drifting through the neighborhood. At The Colony, these moments are made even better by the close-knit community and the spacious backyards perfect for grilling, gathering, and making memories. Whether you’re planning a family cookout or inviting the neighbors over for a weekend feast, we’ve rounded up our favorite BBQ recipes to help you bring bold flavors and summer joy to your table.

Grilling Favorites: Main Courses That Steal the Show

Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

Nothing says “Texas summer” like a juicy smoked brisket. Season it with a simple rub of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika, then let it slow-cook for hours over hickory or mesquite wood. The result? Tender, flavorful slices that are worth every minute of the wait.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a smoker, a charcoal grill with indirect heat and a foil pouch of wood chips can do the trick!

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Veggies

For a lighter and quicker option, marinate chicken breast pieces in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Thread onto skewers with bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, and grill until golden and juicy. They’re colorful, healthy, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Spicy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow-cook pork shoulder in your favorite BBQ sauce with a bit of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a kick of cayenne. Once it’s tender enough to shred, pile it onto toasted buns and serve with crunchy slaw for that irresistible combo of heat and tang.

Side Dishes That Bring the Balance

Classic Southern Potato Salad

Creamy, tangy, and topped with a sprinkle of paprika, this side dish is a BBQ essential. Mix boiled potatoes with mayo, mustard, chopped celery, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs for a flavor-packed salad that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Fresh corn gets a serious upgrade when grilled over open flames and slathered with herb-infused butter. Mix softened butter with parsley, garlic, and a squeeze of lime for a simple yet elevated topping.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Cool off with this sweet-and-savory combination. Toss watermelon cubes with crumbled feta, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s refreshing, colorful, and unexpected—in the best way.

Cool Drinks for Hot Days

Homemade Lemonade with a Twist

Classic lemonade is even better when you toss in a handful of blueberries or muddled strawberries. It’s a refreshing way to beat the heat, and kids can help stir and taste test!

Iced Sweet Tea

No Texas summer is complete without sweet tea. Brew strong black tea, stir in plenty of sugar, and serve over ice with lemon slices. Add a sprig of mint for a little extra flair.

Fruit-Infused Water

Keep guests hydrated with pitchers of water filled with fresh slices of citrus, cucumber, or berries. It’s a light, flavorful option that looks as good as it tastes.

Dessert Worth Saving Room For

Peach Cobbler

Use ripe Bastrop peaches to make a classic Southern cobbler. The combination of soft, cinnamon-spiced fruit and golden, buttery crust makes this dessert a family favorite—especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

For a quick treat, grill pineapple slices and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. The heat caramelizes the sugars and brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Berry Parfaits

Layer fresh berries with whipped cream and granola in mason jars for an easy, make-ahead dessert that’s light and delicious.

BBQs at The Colony: More Than Just a Meal

One of the best parts of living in The Colony is the sense of connection. Whether it’s waving to a neighbor on your morning walk or inviting the whole block over for a weekend cookout, there’s something special about the way this community comes together.

Our spacious backyards and beautiful outdoor spaces make it easy to host casual gatherings. So fire up the grill, set out some lawn chairs, and let the laughter roll as neighbors share stories and swap recipes under the Texas sky.

Share Your Summer Meals!

We’d love to see your BBQ creations and backyard setups! Snap a photo of your favorite dish or a gathering with friends and tag us with #TheColonyBBQ or #SummerAtTheColony on social media. We may even feature your spread in an upcoming post!

Summer is a time to savor—and there’s no better place to do that than right here at The Colony. Whether you’re grilling brisket, tossing a fresh salad, or simply sipping sweet tea as the sun sets, these are the moments that turn houses into homes.

So fire up that grill, invite the neighbors over, and savor the flavors of summer—one delicious bite at a time.