Phen PavelkaOctober 15, 2021

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Food truck popularity and viral trends on Instagram make for some pretty interesting takes on traditional foods.

That’s where these individual BBQ sundaes come into play.

Each sundae is contained in an easy to carry, individual sized portion for people to grab and eat on the go. It’s also a clever take on how to use leftover BBQ.

In this quick and easy recipe, we’ll walk through how to make BBQ Sundaes using common BBQ entrees and sides that you have on hand.

Why BBQ sundaes?

Whether you’re planning an upcoming cookout or finding a way to use leftovers, the BBQ sundae is a convenient and fun serving option.

You essentially get a meal in a cup with all the popular BBQ foods: Smoked protein, mac and cheese, baked beans and coleslaw.

These may not be for everyone – especially those that are particular about their food not touching – but trust me, when you get a bite with all the flavors melding together, it’s delicious.

Plus, it’s easier to hold in one hand than a plate, especially with a drink in the other, and less likely to spill.

Which container to use for BBQ sundaes

A common container used for BBQ sundaes is a mason jar, and for good reason. They’re cost effective, you can use them more than once, readily available, and have a rustic, timeless feel to them. They go hand in hand with BBQ.

clear quart cup layered with mac, beans, pork, slaw with 2 lit sparklers — Think outside the square when selecting your vessel, but make sure it’s clear so you can see the layering

However, you don’t need mason jars to serve this recipe. Any cup-like container will do. Pint glasses are a good portion size, as are standard Solo cups for easy cleanup. The clear ones make for a more dynamic presentation.

In this recipe, I used clear quart-sized containers for a larger portion size.

Gather your leftovers

The ingredients for a BBQ sundae are most likely things you’ll have already made or plan to make for a traditional BBQ.

individual bowls of mac, beans and slaw, pulled pork on board — Don’t limit yourself to these specific ingredients, layer up whatever leftovers you have

It all starts with a foundation of a thick, gooey mac and cheese.

Next up is a rich and smoky layer of baked beans.

Then add the star of the show: the tender and juicy pulled pork.

Top it all off with a helping of southern slaw and a drizzle of your favorite bbq sauce and you’re good to go.

If you need quality recipes for those dishes, check out our recommended versions in the highlighted links above. Those flavors meld together perfectly but don’t be afraid to try your own family versions of the dishes as well.

Grab and go

With all the ingredients stacked, it’s as easy as a bartender doling out drinks. Throw a fork in the container and they’re mobile ready.

BBQ Sundaes are great if you’ve had a cookout the night before and have lots of leftovers or just a fun way to change up the traditional BBQ meal. Make them in whatever size suits your needs. They’re great for appetizer sized mini-cups as well as full sized meals-to-go.

Lay the ingredients out like a buffet and let your guests build their own BBQ sundae. You could add a variety of different sauces, such as siracha, or chopped jalapenos, or pickles. That way you can cater for everyone’s tastes.

They’re customizable with whichever protein you choose as well. Brisket works great in these, especially if you have leftovers that need a home. Don’t rule out smoked chicken either.

Whatever you decide, you’re getting a delicious smoke-stack in a cup that’s a fun play on traditional BBQ.

Some more BBQ sundae combos

Roasted Potato Salad
Smoked turkey
Smoked sausage stuffing
Gravy
Celery and parmesan salad

Mac and cheese
Smoked pulled beef
Smoky garlic mushrooms
Apple and beet slaw