If you’ve never tried a BBQ Sundae, you’re in for a delicious surprise.
This playful take on a classic ice cream sundae replaces the sweet layers with savory barbecue favorites. Served in mason jars, BBQ Sundaes stack smoky baked beans, crisp coleslaw, creamy mac and cheese, and tender chopped brisket for a portable, crowd-pleasing dish.
Perfect for backyard cookouts, Fourth of July celebrations, tailgates, and family gatherings, these BBQ Sundaes are designed to get everyone talking — and coming back for seconds.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple to assemble for parties and events
- An excellent way to use leftover brisket or pulled pork
- Easily customized with your favorite BBQ sides
- A fun, eye-catching presentation that always gets attention
Ingredients
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Macaroni and cheese
- Chopped brisket
- BBQ sauce
- Sliced jalapeños for garnish
See the recipe card below for suggested quantities and warming instructions.
How to Make BBQ Sundaes
Assembling BBQ Sundaes is quick and flexible. Start by spooning a layer of warm baked beans into the bottom of each mason jar to create a savory base.
Add a layer of creamy coleslaw next to introduce a cool, crunchy contrast to the rich barbecue elements.
Top the coleslaw with a generous scoop of warm mac and cheese, then pile on the chopped smoked brisket. Finish with a drizzle of your preferred BBQ sauce and a few thin slices of jalapeño for color and heat.
For a festive touch—especially on patriotic holidays—top each jar with a mini flag or other seasonal garnish.
“So much better than a regular sundae. It’s BBQ in a jar!”
- Kyle Stafford (via Instagram)
Shop My Rubs
Great grilling is as much about flavor as it is technique. A bold rub elevates your brisket, pulled pork, and other BBQ staples—making gatherings memorable.
Variations and Substitutions
- Pulled pork: Substitute smoked pulled pork for brisket and finish with a sweet BBQ sauce.
- Loaded: Add pickles, crispy fried onions, bacon bits, or shredded cheese between layers for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy: Stir diced jalapeños into the mac and cheese and top with a hot barbecue sauce for more heat.
Want More BBQ Recipes?
Explore additional crowd-pleasing ideas and BBQ small bites to round out your menu and keep guests satisfied.
BBQ Sundaes combine the best elements of a barbecue—smoky meat, creamy sides, and tangy sauce—into a single, portable serving. They look impressive, taste even better, and are an easy way to serve favorite sides without a lot of fuss.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday cookout, a tailgate, or a casual backyard meal, these jarred BBQ Sundaes are a creative and tasty way to serve brisket and sides. Expect compliments—and plenty of second helpings.
BBQ Sundae Recipe
5 from 1 review
Layers of baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and smoked brisket served in a mason jar — an ideal tailgating and holiday dish.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups baked beans, warmed
- 2 cups prepared coleslaw
- 2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese, warmed
- 3 cups chopped brisket, warmed
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 6 mini American flags (optional)
Instructions
- Add about ⅓ cup of baked beans to the bottom of each mason jar.
- Layer approximately ⅓ cup of coleslaw over the beans.
- Add a layer of warm mac and cheese.
- Top each sundae with ½ cup of chopped smoked brisket or pulled pork.
- Drizzle BBQ sauce over the top and garnish with sliced jalapeños if desired.
- For a festive presentation, place a mini American flag or similar seasonal garnish on top.
- Author: Jordan Hanger
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch or dinner
- Cuisine: American BBQ