Cookout Chronicles: Mountain Khakis Meat Recipes and Late Summer BBQ V

Introduction

As August melts into September, the temperatures cool just enough to remind us that fall is right around the corner. But let’s not rush through those mellow late summer evenings, they’re practically begging for a backyard BBQ. You know, the kind where smoky meat perfumes the air, laughter rings out, the kids are running wild, and every bite tastes like a celebration of good times outdoors.

At Mountain Khakis, we’re all about making life ruggedly memorable, and there’s nothing better than a solid cookout surrounded by your favorite people. Whether it’s beneath the stars after a long hike or a casual grill session on your deck, pairing hearty eats with fresh air is what late summer and early fall are all about.

We’ve rounded up four killer BBQ meat recipes (and a vegetarian wildcard) plus some go-to sides to take your cookout spread into legendary status. So grab your grill, your favorite brews, and let’s talk about how food brings people together in style.

1. Sweet and Smoky Carolina Pulled Pork

When it comes to BBQ, the Carolinas know what’s up. Sweet, tangy, smoky pork is the pièce de résistance of late summer, and it's a low-maintenance crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

5-6 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in for extra juiciness)

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup ketchup

3 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

A dash of Mountain Khakis adventure (optional, but highly recommended)

How to Cook It:

Rub the pork shoulder generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Throw it in your slow cooker on low heat or wrap it up in heavy foil to sit in indirect heat on the grill. Cook for 8 hours. It’s worth it, trust us. Whip up the sauce by combining the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar in a pan, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once the pork falls apart at a touch, shred it with a couple of forks, mix it with the sauce, and serve it on buns or over slaw.

Pair It With:

Fresh coleslaw and thick-cut sweet potato fries. Add an ice-cold IPA, and you’re officially set.

2. Backyard Bison Burgers

Sometimes you've got to swap out the traditional beef for something a bit more adventurous, and bison is just the ticket. It’s lean, a little sweet, and packs a protein punch.

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground bison

1 egg (for binding)

Worcestershire sauce (a big splash)

Garlic powder (to taste)

Salt and pepper

Sharp cheddar, onion jam, and brioche buns

How to Cook It:

Mix the ground bison with the egg, Worcestershire, and seasonings in a bowl. Form into hefty patties, you’re going for backyard hero status here, after all. Grill over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side to hit that perfect medium-rare sweet spot, or cook longer for well-done fans. Toss on some sharp cheddar minutes before pulling them off the heat.

Pair It With:

Load these burgers with onion jam, arugula, and a little dollop of mayo. Serve with a side of grilled corn on the cob brushed with chili-lime butter to bring out the bold flavors.

3. Spicy Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs don't get the hype they deserve, but we’re here to change that. They’re juicy, forgiving to cook, and downright

versatile. Bonus: They work perfectly for those laid-back evenings when you’ve still got

sunset chores or stories to share around the fire.

Ingredients:

2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Sriracha (increase if you like it hot!)

Juice of 1 lime

Olive oil, salt, and pepper

How to Cook It:

Pat your thighs dry, because crispy skin = happy eaters. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Meanwhile, whisk up your glaze, a sweet and spicy combo of honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, and lime. Brush the glaze over the chicken for the final 5 minutes of cooking, letting it caramelize just enough for maximum finger-licking goodness.

Pair It With:

Grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers plus a side of creamy potato salad. It's simple, satisfying, and keeps the focus on that glazing perfection.

4. Smokehouse-Style Beef Brisket

Calling all pitmasters! Brisket is the ultimate BBQ test of patience, a labor of love that pays off in tender, smoky glory. It’s a meat choice fit for those early fall weekends when you’ve got football on in the background and a whole day to chill outdoors.

Ingredients:

5-7 lbs beef brisket

Your favorite BBQ rub (or make your own with paprika, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder)

1 cup beef broth

2 cups wood chips (apple or hickory, based on your vibe)

How to Cook It:

Rub the brisket with your spice mix and let it sit overnight to soak up that flavor like a boss. Fire up your smoker or grill and get it to 225°F. Add soaked wood chips for a smoky aroma that’ll make your neighbors jealous. Place the brisket indirectly on the heat, cover, and cook low-and-slow for 6-8 hours. Baste the brisket with beef broth every few hours for that extra juiciness. Slice thin and serve proudly.

Pair It With:

Mac and cheese is non-negotiable here, folks. Throw in some baked beans, pickled jalapeños, and soft rolls for a brisket feast to remember.

5. Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers (Vegetarian Showstopper)

Even the most rugged carnivores will lean in for seconds when you’ve got smoky, slightly sweet veggies paired with crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside halloumi.

Ingredients:

1 block halloumi cheese (cubed)

Cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, and bell pepper chunks

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Oregano

Salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes

How to Cook It:

Thread the halloumi and veggies onto skewers like a backyard boss. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, then season with oregano, salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. Grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the cheese and veggies are perfectly charred and irresistible.

Pair It With:

Serve alongside a quinoa salad packed with herbs, dried cranberries, and pistachios for a light but hearty vegetarian plate.

Final Thoughts

BBQ season, with its smoky grills, endless sides, and full-belly smiles isn't just about great food; it’s about connection, laughter, and soaking in the outdoor vibes. Whether it’s brisket for Sunday football or honey-glazed chicken for a quiet weekday dinner, cooking over a flame just hits different.

So, roll up your sleeves, pour a drink, and embrace the long evenings. A late summer BBQ is proof that life doesn’t get much better than this.

Cheers to good food, good company, and good times outdoors!

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Introduction

1. Sweet and Smoky Carolina Pulled Pork

2. Backyard Bison Burgers

3. Spicy Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs

4. Smokehouse-Style Beef Brisket

5. Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers (Vegetarian Showstopper)

Final Thoughts

Best Sellers

Pants

Shirts & Flannels

Jackets & Vests

Best Sellers

Pants

Shirts & Flannels

Jackets & Vests

Cart 0

No more products available for purchase

Introduction

1. Sweet and Smoky Carolina Pulled Pork

2. Backyard Bison Burgers

3. Spicy Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs

4. Smokehouse-Style Beef Brisket

5. Grilled Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers (Vegetarian Showstopper)

Final Thoughts

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