We've got you more than covered this grilling season.
Skip out on those hard-to-get reservations, because come summer, the hottest place to eat in town is, of course, right next to your grill. Even if you're new to hosting a killer cookout, no need to fret. Whether you're a beginner or an expert level BBQ-er, we've got all the tips and tricks on how to make this your summer of cooking out. As the head grill master in charge, we highly suggest you get to grilling up any (or all) 53 of these ultimate cookout menu recipe ideas (like delicious ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and even more) all summer long. Get those tongs ready!
Burgers and dogs or grilled chicken and steak are classic, but don't stop there: Our favorite no-fail grilling recipes that are sure to impress your guests? Foil packs and grill skewers. They're a no-brainer, and not just because they require little prep or cleanup. Our tried-and-true favorites? You can never go wrong with our , our , our surf 'n' turf foil packs, or our grilled chicken kebabs.
Sometimes side dishes at summer BBQs completely steal the spotlight from the usual suspects at our cookouts. Regular potato salad and pasta salad are great, but it's the twists on them that'll really have people coming back for more. Try our antipasto potato salad, our Hawaiian macaroni salad, our tzatziki potato salad, or our Greek orzo salad, and see what we mean. And don't forget about lighter fruit-and-veggie-filled fare too. Our watermelon caprese, our classic coleslaw, , and our fruit salad will keep your guests feeling cool no matter how hot it is outside.
Speaking of, don't forget to round out your cookout with one of our easy frozen desserts; they've got guaranteed cool factor (in more ways than one!).
1
Watermelon Caprese
During the summer, we can’t get enough of simple, refreshing salads that put fresh fruit at the forefront. Two of our favorites? The classic caprese, and our watermelon feta salad. We loved these two summer sides so much, we decided to combine them into one refreshing recipe. The result is a simple, sweet-salty snack ready in 15 minutes (and isn’t that what summer is all about?).
Get the Watermelon Caprese recipe.
2
Baked Beans
Baked beans are sweet, tangy, savory, and the best part, surprisingly easy to make. Not to mention, they’re a one-pot wonder! Put them on your hot dogs, pair them alongside your cornbread, or enjoy them all on their own.
Get the Baked Beans recipe.
3
Campfire Hot Dog Skewers
Skip the chicken skewers or basic hot dogs in a bun—and turn to these hot dog skewers. In this recipe, we layer cut up hot dogs, bell peppers, pineapple, and onions on skewers before basting with a homemade sweet-tangy BBQ sauce and grill until charred and caramelized. The result is a slightly sweet, summer-worthy skewer made to be served at any BBQ, camping trip, or casual summer dinner.
Get the Campfire Hot Dog Skewers recipe.
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4
Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Why grill your stuffed peppers? Because it’s summer and we want to be outside! Don’t stay indoors and turn on the hot oven. Instead, step outside to the grill and take advantage of the great weather and the nice smoky charred flavor grilling brings to this classic comfort dish.
Get the Grilled Stuffed Peppers recipe.
5
Classic Coleslaw
A classic, staple side dish to rely on, coleslaw is a MUST when it comes to summer BBQs, potlucks, and picnics. Everyone needs a go-to recipe, and we happen to think that ours is the one you should reach for.
Get the Classic Coleslaw recipe.
6
Grilled Beer Brats
These beer brats are inspired by the Italian-American classic combination of sausage, peppers, and onions. Though usually made on the stove, we love this grilled version for easy cleanup and a simple process. Don't have the right skillet? Make your dogs in a foil pack, à la our .
Get the Grilled Beer Brats recipe.
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7
Grilled Shrimp Piccata Skewers
These grilled shrimp piccata skewers are the perfect combination of juicy, charred shrimp, bright lemon zest, briny capers, and white wine butter sauce that will make your friends beg you for the recipe. Since it only takes 45 minutes from start to finish, it’s ideal for everything from a backyard bash to a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Piccata Skewers recipe.
8
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, iconic comfort food that is practically synonymous with the state. It’s very simple to prepare—you might already have all the ingredients on hand!—making it the perfect easy side to bring to any cookout.
Get the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe.
9
Antipasto Potato Salad
Potato salad is about as classic a summer side as it gets, and we love experimenting with different flavor combinations. If you’re looking to lighten up your usual potato salad, look no further—this version is bursting with all the flavors of your favorite antipasto.
Get the Antipasto Potato Salad recipe.
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10
Carne Asada
Translating to "grilled meat," carne asada marinates flank or skirt steak in a flavorful, citrus-spiked mixture for several hours—or up to overnight—before grilling. The result is a juicy, beef-forward piece of meat with plenty of the smoky, signature char.
Get the Carne Asada recipe.
11
Broccoli Slaw
Nothing says summertime like a good cruciferous slaw, and this tangy, crunchy one will make you the star of your next summer cookout. It’s got the classic slaw veggies—shredded cabbage and carrots—with the addition of raw broccoli, toasted walnuts, and sweet Craisins tossed in a maple and lemon dressing.
Get the Broccoli Slaw recipe.
12
Lemon, Ricotta & Asparagus Pasta Salad
While pasta salad can get creaminess from mayo, sour cream, or yogurt, we want to make a case for ricotta. Already beloved in hot pasta dishes like our lemon-ricotta pasta, ricotta is a natural for pasta salads too. Mixed with fresh lemon juice and zest, plenty of grated Parmesan, and pasta water, the ricotta melts into a creamy, bright sauce without any additional oil. The fresh dairy flavor feels a little unexpected and totally elegant all at once, making this salad a perfect side dish to your spring and summer gatherings.
Get the .
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13
Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Butterflying the chicken leg gives the grill a chance to evenly cook the outside of the drumstick while also allowing more surface area for seasoning and smokey grill flavor. These get rubbed with a Creole seasoning-inspired blend, charred over high heat, then moved to indirect heat to finish cooking until they’re tender and juicy. Served with a tangy creamy Alabama white sauce, these grilled drumsticks are the perfect blend of spicy, smokey, and sweet.
Get the Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks recipe.
14
Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs
We know that sometimes, the grill just isn’t an option. Maybe you're traveling to your cookout, maybe the grill master's hogging the grates, maybe your grill is of the tiny variety...No matter the situation, you can still make amazingly tender, delicious ribs with this foolproof recipe. Sweet, salty, savory, tender... these ribs are like meat candy.
Get the Oven Baked Ribs recipe.
15
Loaded Campfire Nachos
Thanks to a handful of canned goods, these loaded nachos come together almost instantly, over a fire or grill!
Get the Loaded Campfire Nachos recipe.
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16
Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken
Pulled chicken in the slow-cooker = SO EASY. This version includes brown sugar, a little Italian dressing, and bourbon for some smokiness. (Feeding kids? You can totally skip the booze.) Dress up the sandwiches with homemade coleslaw for the greatest zero-effort cookout dinner.
Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe.
17
Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks
Looking for a vegetarian centerpiece for your summer grill-out? Make these teriyaki cauliflower steaks. Slathered in a brown sugar and soy glaze and showered with scallions and toasted sesame seeds, these saucy cauliflower steaks might just upstage the ribs.
Get the Grilled Teriyaki Cauliflower Steaks recipe.
18
Steak Kebab Bowls
Nothing screams summer quite like rainbow veggie kebabs dotted with cubes of marinated steak, charred to perfection over the grill. We complete this dish by resting the kebabs over a bed of crunchy spinach and cucumber salad tossed in a garlicky tahini dressing, plus a pile of herby orzo, which is toasted until golden before being gently simmered in savory chicken stock. More tahini dressing is drizzled over the whole bowl, tying everything together in a vibrant array of colors, flavors, textures, and temperatures.
Get the Steak Kebab Bowls recipe.
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19
Beer Can Burgers
No, there isn't any beer in these burgers, but using a can to create a crater in the bacon-wrapped patties means all the room to stuff with your favorite toppings. Cheese, caramelized red onions, extra pickles?! The sky is the limit.
Get the Beer Can Burgers recipe.
20
Deviled Eggs
While deviled eggs are fairly simple to make, there are a few ways you can go wrong when making this staple party appetizer. If you’re looking for a foolproof method to hard boiling and filling yours, this recipe should be your new go-to.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
