30 Tasty Cookout Dishes for Your Next Party
Cookouts are all about fun, good company, and delicious food, and these ideas ensure your grill is always filled with tasty dishes.
From juicy burgers to smoky grilled veggies, these recipes offer a variety of flavors perfect for outdoor cooking.
Let's enjoy a delicious spread with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Grilled Cabbage
Grilling cabbage changes its flavor, giving it a delicious smoky taste that many people enjoy.
Not everyone loves cabbage, but this cooking method can make it more appealing.
Preparing a large amount allows for versatility in meals during the week.
Adding grilled cabbage to various recipes enhances their taste and texture.
Trying out different dishes with this ingredient can surprise your palate and add excitement to your meals.
Grilled Mushroom Burgers
Grilled mushrooms serve as a tasty alternative to regular beef burgers.
Sautéing them first enhances their flavor before grilling until perfectly cooked.
A slice of cheese adds richness, while a whole wheat bun contributes extra health benefits.
Feel free to pile on your favorite toppings; they complement the mushrooms beautifully.
Pair this dish with corn on the cob or traditional French fries for that nostalgic cookout experience, and consider adding your special BBQ sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Grilled Bananas
Grilling bananas creates a delicious treat that surprises the taste buds.
As they cook, natural sugars caramelize, turning them into a delightful dessert.
Pairing grilled bananas with ice cream adds an extra layer of indulgence.
A drizzle of syrup enhances their sweetness even more after a filling meal.
This fruity addition to the grill elevates any barbecue experience with its unique flavor profile.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Getting kids involved in cooking can be a fun way to bond.
Veggie skewers provide an easy and enjoyable activity for families.
Various vegetables can be used, including zucchini, yellow squash, red onion wedges, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Many people find that these colorful combinations encourage family members to try new veggies they might usually avoid.
Adding homemade remoulade sauce for dipping elevates the experience even more; it adds flavor that everyone will love while keeping things healthy.
Grilled Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp holds a special place in American culture, especially at cookouts where it feels like a celebration of patriotism.
Grilling this dessert enhances its flavor, ensuring the top layer becomes perfectly crispy while the rest remains warm and inviting.
Each bite offers an explosion of sweet goodness that can only be described as heavenly.
Pairing it with vanilla ice cream elevates the experience even further, creating a delightful contrast between hot and cold flavors.
This combination makes any gathering feel extra special and memorable.
Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes differ from mashed potatoes in texture and preparation.
This easy cookout dish requires only a few ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.
Over the years, these smashed potatoes will become a favorite at your gatherings due to their mouthwatering taste.
Enjoying them alongside grilled meats or fresh salads enhances any meal experience.
A delightful addition to any table, they never fail to impress guests with their flavor and simplicity.
Grilled Shrimp
Shrimp can add excitement to your next cookout, offering a tasty alternative to traditional meats.
Quick and easy to prepare, these seafood delights work well on skewers or as a topping for rice dishes.
Proper seasoning enhances their flavor significantly, so pay attention to that step.
Try this shrimp recipe for an enjoyable culinary experience at your gathering!
Grilled Asparagus
Grilling vegetables adds a fresh touch to any cookout.
Asparagus pairs well with many dishes and is simple to prepare on the grill.
While hollandaise sauce is a classic choice, seasoning with just salt and pepper highlights its natural flavor beautifully.
With the grill already heated, this green vegetable becomes an effortless side dish that complements your meal perfectly.
Macaroni Salad
Cookouts often feature a delicious macaroni salad that pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes.
Cold pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast, especially on warm days.
Preparing this dish ahead of time simplifies your cooking process, allowing for stress-free serving later.
Leftovers can easily last throughout the week, making it both practical and tasty.
Many families have their own versions, but this recipe stands out for its ease and flavor at gatherings.
Three Bean Salad
Three bean salad shines at cookouts, complementing the hearty dishes often served.
Preparing vegetables in advance makes the process smoother, especially when hosting a large gathering.
This refreshing dish enhances various meals and ensures everyone enjoys it.
With its colorful mix of beans and veggies, this salad adds a nutritious element to any spread.
Serving it chilled brings out its flavors even more, making it an excellent choice for warm days outdoors.
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops have become a staple at cookouts.
A perfectly cooked chop on the grill offers a taste that pan-frying simply cannot match.
Adding fresh flavors keeps meals exciting and prevents repetition, even for skilled cooks.
Experimenting with different seasonings can elevate the dish and surprise guests with delightful new tastes.
Each gathering can feature something special that everyone will remember fondly.
Fruit Salad
A solid fruit salad always pleases the palate.
Fresh fruits provide a wonderful balance to savory dishes, enhancing every bite.
Health benefits come naturally with this colorful mix, making it a smart choice for any meal.
Enjoying this dish brings joy and nourishment together in one bowl.
Simple yet satisfying, it’s hard to resist such a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Beer Can Chicken
Beer can chicken stands out as a true southern favorite.
Juiciness and tenderness define this dish, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Preparation requires only about 10 minutes, mainly for the rub, while cooking takes around 90 minutes on the grill.
Friends will enjoy gathering around as you check on it periodically and relax together during the cooking process.
Consider making two chickens; one usually disappears quickly!
Grilled Pineapple
Grilling pineapple can elevate its flavor in an unexpected way.
Charring the edges creates a smoky taste that pairs wonderfully with barbecue sauce, whether homemade or store-bought.
The aroma wafting through the air at a cookout draws people in, eager to try this tasty treat.
This delightful side complements many dishes but shines when added to burgers.
Everyone will be surprised by how delicious grilled pineapple can be!
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Corn Salad
Colorful and full of flavor, jalapeno popper grilled corn salad enhances any cookout.
A delightful mix of ingredients combines beautifully, offering a smoky taste that everyone will enjoy.
Served cold, this dish complements hot proteins perfectly and adds freshness to the meal.
Guests will appreciate its vibrant appearance alongside their favorite grilled foods.
This salad stands out as a must-have at summer gatherings for its deliciousness and eye-catching colors.
Grilled Apples
Grilled apples provide a delightful alternative to lengthy dessert preparations.
In just 15 minutes, these warm treats can be ready for you and your guests to enjoy.
The natural sweetness of the apples shines through, offering a taste that surpasses many elaborate desserts.
A drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of flavor, making this dish feel complete and satisfying.
Friends will appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness in every bite!
Coleslaw
Coleslaw shines as a classic dish at cookouts.
A wonderful pairing with meats, it also serves well as a standalone side.
Preparing this dish requires little effort; chopping vegetables and mixing them with dressing is all that's needed.
Many varieties exist, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Everyone can find a version they enjoy, ensuring coleslaw remains a favorite for gatherings.
Grilled Bbq Chicken
Grilling chicken brings out its best flavors.
A mix of spices in the sauce adds a tasty kick that enhances every bite.
Cooking a chicken breast on the grill may seem challenging, yet it becomes easy with careful attention.
After cooking, generously coat the chicken with BBQ sauce for an amazing finish.
Chefs enjoy sampling their creations before serving, making the experience even more rewarding.
Short Ribs
This short rib recipe guarantees a memorable cookout that will have everyone chatting.
Ribs cooked this way become tender and flavorful, offering a taste experience that surprises many.
Low and slow grilling for around four hours ensures they reach the perfect fork-tender texture.
After trying these, cooking ribs on the stovetop will feel like a lesser option.
Loaded Potato Salad
A loaded potato salad bursts with flavor, setting it apart from the usual recipes.
Bacon and cheese enhance this dish, creating a taste that everyone will adore.
Bringing this salad to a cookout might lead to enjoying it all on your own due to its irresistible deliciousness.
Various cheeses like blue cheese crumbles or cheddar can elevate the experience even more, adding rich layers of taste.
Grilled Romaine Lettuce Salad
Grilling romaine lettuce may seem unusual, yet this recipe surprises with its rich flavor.
Pairing well with a variety of dishes, it adds a fresh twist to meals.
Many find themselves wanting to include it in their weekly menus rather than reserving it for special occasions.
Trying this unique method elevates the ordinary into something memorable.
Enjoy the unexpected delight that grilled romaine brings to your table!
Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Combining hot dogs and grilled cheese creates a delicious treat perfect for cookouts.
This recipe takes the flavors of both favorites and brings them together on the grill, offering a unique experience.
Those who haven't tasted this delightful mix are truly missing something special.
For an even cheesier meal, pairing it with mac and cheese adds extra comfort to your plate.
Grilled Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob shines at any cookout.
A buttered ear of corn brings joy to many, and adding seasoning enhances its taste.
This classic dish pairs well with grilled meats and fresh salads, making it a favorite for gatherings.
Its bright yellow color adds a cheerful touch to the table.
Grilled Green Beans
Grilling green beans introduces a delightful smoky flavor that enhances their taste.
Friends will be amazed at how delicious these simple vegetables can become when cooked over an open flame.
Ensuring even cooking is essential to prevent burning, allowing the natural sweetness of the beans to shine through.
Those who haven't tried this method are truly missing out on a tasty experience.
Once you savor grilled green beans, they might just become your favorite side dish for every gathering.
Grilled Avocado With Veggie Ceviche
Ceviche can be delicious without fish, especially when avocados are available.
Grilling the avocados adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
Building your ceviche on this grilled base creates a satisfying texture and taste.
Adding cilantro or parsley brings freshness, completing the experience with authentic flavors.
Broccoli Salad
A refreshing side adds a nice balance to the savory dishes at any cookout.
Healthy recipes can enhance your menu, making it more enjoyable for everyone.
Quick preparation saves time, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
Many ingredients are available prepped and ready to use, simplifying the cooking process even further.
Enjoy delicious flavors without the hassle!
Lemonade
Refreshing drinks are essential for any cookout.
A classic lemonade recipe always pleases guests and remains timeless.
Adding vodka can turn this drink into a fun cocktail for adults.
For a twist, flavored seltzer water can enhance the taste while keeping it light.
Prepare two pitchers to ensure everyone stays cool, especially on hot days when this drink vanishes fast.
Grilled Potatoes
Crispy grilled potatoes add excitement to any cookout.
Their versatility allows them to pair well with a variety of dishes.
Charring them over an open flame creates the best texture, enhancing their flavor significantly.
Cutting potatoes into different shapes adds a fun twist, while placing smaller pieces in a foil pouch helps keep them tender and juicy.
Fresh herbs elevate the taste even more, and serving these delicious bites with ketchup or homemade sauce guarantees they’ll become a favorite at every gathering.
Grilled Watermelon Salad
Watermelon on the grill adds a burst of flavor that enhances any salad.
Preparing this dish is quick and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for cookouts.
The smoky sweetness of grilled watermelon pairs wonderfully with fresh ingredients, creating a delightful contrast.
A refreshing salad featuring grilled watermelon elevates the meal experience effortlessly.
Grilled Chicken Wings
Grilling chicken wings delivers unbeatable flavor and crispiness.
Seasoning them well before cooking enhances their taste, creating a mouthwatering experience.
Cooking on the grill for 25 to 30 minutes, with occasional flipping, ensures even heat distribution.
Friends will ask for more once they try these delicious wings fresh off the grill.
No pan or oven can replicate this delightful outcome; grilling truly makes all the difference.