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    Home » Recipes » Party Food

    Best Cookout Recipes

    Published: May 23, 2023 by Ang Paris · 24 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    We've got a fabulous collection of cookout recipes including salads, sides, beverages, desserts, and of course lots of grilled steak, chicken, pork, and seafood dishes, too! via @jugglingactmama

    We've got a fabulous collection of cookout recipes including salads, sides, beverages, desserts, and of course lots of grilled steak, chicken, pork, and seafood dishes, too!

    Collage of the Best Cookout Recipes.
    Jump to:
    • How to Plan a Cookout
    • Best Cookout Recipes
    • Easy Main Dishes
    • Simple Side Dishes
    • 💬 Comments

    The best part of summer - aside from the fabulous weather - is spending time with family and friends. One of the best ways I know of to do that is with a good old-fashion backyard barbecue. Today I've got loads of amazing cookout recipes to share with you.

    How to Plan a Cookout

    Here are some of my top tips for planning a cookout:

    • Put on some fun upbeat music and make sure you have plenty of seating areas. You'll want to make sure you have some shaded areas for people to sit.
    • I prefer using plastic silverware and paper plates for a cookout. It just makes things easier!
    • Be sure to place a trash can and recycling bin where they are easily accessible for your guests also.
    • Clean out the fridge a day or two beforehand so you have plenty of room for all your dishes.

    Best Cookout Recipes

    What kind of food do you have at a cookout?

    The type of food really depends on your guests and their preferences. Generally speaking, you want to offer the following types of items:

    • Main Dishes
    • Snacks, Sides, and Salads
    • Beverages
    • Desserts

    For a family gathering with lots of kids, be sure you have kid-friendly food like these Chili Cheese Hot Dogs from Doodlecraft, burgers, and fresh fruit. I like to offer two main dishes for larger gatherings.

    For instance, I might make grilled chicken and kielbasa. Then, I cut the chicken breasts in half, and the kielbasa into smaller pieces. This way everyone can try a little bit.

    Let guests bring a side dish or dessert to share. If you're going for a certain theme, you can share that. Otherwise, if someone offers, let them run with it! This makes for a little less work for you!

    For adults, be sure to offer a variety of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Juice boxes are great for the kids. However, a dispenser for lemonade and water is a great idea, too.

    Easy Main Dishes

    Tender Petite Sirloin Steaks with Cowboy Steak Rub is an impressive recipe and perfect for a smaller gathering.

    For an awesome batch of ribs, check this recipe from Deb at Bowl Me Over for How to Cook Ribs on the Grill.

    Amy from House of Nash has a fabulous Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs recipe that is super easy and full of great flavors like garlic, cilantro, lime, and cumin.

    • Maple Garlic Grilled Pork Tenderloin - Cheese Curd in Paradise
    • Shrimp and Sausage Kabobs - The Mandatory Mooch
    • Grilled Pesto Chicken - Everyday Eileen
    • Teriyaki Chicken Skewers - Bowl Me Over for Juggling Act Mama 
    • Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers - Bowl Me Over
    • Grilled Garlic Salmon - Lazy Budget Chef
    • Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops - Juggling Act Mama

    You'll love these homemade condiments!

    • strawberry beach BBQ sauce
    • spicy ketchup
    • pineapple bourbon bbq sauce
    • cherry bbq sauce
    • lime mayo
    • Tangy Lime Mayonnaise in a jar with a spoon.
    • Close up of Strawberry Peach BBQ Sauce on a spoon.
    • Pineapple Bourbon BBQ Sauce on a wooden spoon over a jar.
    • Jar of Cherry BBQ Sauce surrounded by fresh cherries.
    See more Sauces & Dips →

    Try a yummy compound butter on your grilled proteins!

    • cowboy butter sauce
    • garlic chive butter
    • steak butter
    • garlic basil butter
    • Steak with garlic cowboy butter dipping sauce on it.
    • Close up of Maple Bacon Butter in a jar.
    • Close up of carrot bread on a white plate with Brown Sugar Butter.
    See more Compound Butters →
    Grilled Sirloin Steak Tips
    Grilled Sirloin Steak Tips is a flavorful Summer dinner option that even your kids will love.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Chicken Kabobs
    Easily acquired pantry staples combine to create a delicious depth of flavor in this recipe where I show you how to grill chicken kabobs.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
    This Lemon Pepper Chicken has a tangy lemon flavor that pairs beautifully with pepper and garlic to deliver just the right amount of punch.  Pair this recipe with a simple side salad for the perfect summer meal!
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Photo of Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken on a white plate garnished with rosemary and grilled lemons.

    Simple Side Dishes

    Cornbread Salad is a great dish for vegetable lovers! It's got tons of peppers, onions, tomatoes, grilled corn and black beans. To make this a vegetarian dish, just skip the bacon.

    Lisa at Bloghetti has an incredible Homemade Peach Salsa with jalapeno peppers, peaches, red onion, a pinch of chili powder and of course, cilantro.

    This Maple Grilled Asparagus from Lazy Budget Chef is an easy cookout recipe with just three simple ingredients!

    Close up of Cowboy Baked Beans topped with bacon in a small crock with a spoon.

    Our Cowboy Baked Beans are the BEST dish to take to cookouts or to make if you're hosting your own. Everyone piles them on their plates, and you won't have to worry about taking leftovers home. They're so savory and delicious!

    Close up of Cowboy Corn Casserole topped with bacon in a white baking dish.

    This cowboy corn casserole is loaded with cheddar cheese, crunchy bacon, sweet corn, and our cowboy seasoning mix that elevates so many dishes from sides to meats.

    • Side Dishes
    • Salads
    • Bread, Rolls and Biscuits
    • Veggies

    More yummy sides:

    • Cowboy Caviar - Juggling Act Mama
    • Roasted Corn and Zucchini Salad - Karen's Kitchen Stories
    • Grilled Mexican Street Corn - House of Nash
    • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - Bowl Me Over
    • Tropical Fruit Salsa - A Day in Candiland
    • Grilled Vegetable Kabobs - Juggling Act Mama
    • Loaded Baked Potato Slides - The Mandatory Mooch
    • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
    • Grilled Cheesy Spinach Dip Stuffed Peppers
    • Grilled Asparagus in foil with a grilled lemon.
    • A pile of Grilled Corn on the Cob garnished with chives.
    • Grilled Pineapple Fruit Salad with strawberries.
    • Grilled Rainbow Vegetable Kabobs on a white platter.
    See more Grilled Side Dishes →
    Grilled Asparagus
    Grilling asparagus in tinfoil imparts flavor without burning and gives you perfectly tender, perfectly cooked veggies every time.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Mediterranean Grilled Veggies
    This is the best guide for how to cook vegetables on the grill and it will become a new Summer side dish at your house.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Close up of Grilled Veggies cropped square.
    Grilled Potatoes
    These are the Best Grilled Potatoes you'll ever eat. They are easy to make and the best grilled summer side dish.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Grilled Corn on the Cob
    This is the best grilled corn on the cob recipe! There are many different methods for cooking corn on the grill, but this is by far the easiest - and most delicious!
    Get the Recipe >>>

    Summertime Drinks and Cocktails

    These Cherry Lime Mojitos from Cheese Curd in Paradise are made with white rum, cherry lime syrup, club soda and fresh mint and lime.

    Sesame Ginger Iced Tea from Simple and Savory is a great non-alcoholic drink that is especially perfect if you're serving dishes with Asian flavors.

    This unique Bloody Mary from Terri Steffes is complete with leafy stalks of celery and a meat stick!

    More tasty beverages:

    • Tropical Storm Punch - Juggling Act Mama
    • Orange Pomegranate Sangria - Karen's Kitchen Stories
    • Skinny Mojito - Live Love Texas
    • Berry Margarita - Juggling Act Mama
    • Hibiscus Coolers - Frugal n Fit
    • Close up of Lemon Lime Spritzer garnished with lemons and limes and mint.
    • Close up of Mermaid Drink Lemon Drop cocktail.
    • Blueberry Lemonade in an old fashion milk bottle with a straw.
    • Summertime Cocktails square collage with text overlay.
    See more Beverages →
    Mermaid Drink
    Blue-Green Lemon Drop Recipe will give you the perfect Mermaid Drink!
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Fruity Pineapple Cocktail
    Fruity Pineapple Cocktail - naturally sweet and so beauitful, too!
    Get the Recipe >>>

    Delicious Desserts Recipes

    This Raspberry Cream Cheese Dessert from Who Needs a Cape is a great make ahead dessert!

    Cool refreshing Coconut Granita from For the Love of Food is

    More amazing desserts:

    • Grilled Pound Cake with Fresh Berries - Blogghetti
    • Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream - House of Nash
    • Icebox Margarita Cheesecake Bars - Hezzi D's Books and Cooks
    • Lemon Poke Cake - Life Curents
    • Pineapple Delight - Juggling Act Mama
    • Homemade Pistachio Ice Cream - Bowl Me Over
    • Close up of Cherry Pie Bars stacked and tied with bakers twine.
    • Close up of Almond Joy Brownies.
    See more Brownies and Bars →
    S’mores Skillet Dip
    Loaded with melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows, plus a drizzle of caramel, this Smores Dip is a decadent game day treat, party dessert, or family game night treat.
    Get the Recipe >>>

    If you need more grilling ideas, check out the best grill recipes and 55+ grilling recipes from top bloggers to whet your appetite too!

    • Spicy Grilled Chicken on a cutting board next to hot peppers.
    • Sirloin Steak Tips on a plate with potatoes, corn, and cherries.
    • Grilled Brats with Beer Cheese Sauce, onions, and peppers.
    • Close up of Chipotle Marinated Chicken garnished with parsley.
    See more Grilling →
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    « Delicious Summertime Cocktails
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carlee says

      May 16, 2019 at 7:05 am

      These all look so good, I am not sure which one to make first!

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        May 16, 2019 at 12:31 pm

        Thank you Carlee!!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer says

      May 17, 2019 at 8:45 am

      Wow, so yummy!

      Reply
    3. Robin Abrams says

      May 17, 2019 at 8:47 am

      I love to grill everything but my favorite is corn on the cob and steaks

      Reply
    4. Dianna Porter says

      May 17, 2019 at 8:48 am

      I love a good bbq - will definitely try some of the recipes!

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        May 17, 2019 at 11:45 am

        Enjoy Dianna!
        Thanks for stopping by 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jodi W says

      May 17, 2019 at 8:48 am

      Brats from local butcher that is the home of The gummy bear brats

      Reply
    6. Jonathon Smith says

      May 17, 2019 at 9:12 am

      These recipes look amazing can’t wait to try them.

      Reply
    7. Jacqueline Preas says

      May 17, 2019 at 9:20 am

      We love grilling steaks and veggies.

      Reply
    8. Lazy Budget Chef says

      May 17, 2019 at 9:23 am

      Our house motto is if it doesn't move, grill it!

      Reply
    9. Dominique Walton Brooks says

      May 17, 2019 at 9:32 am

      I love to have my son or husband grill ears of corn and sausage!

      Reply
    10. Minta Boggs says

      May 17, 2019 at 9:36 am

      OMGosh! everything looks delicious! We love grilling and we love trying new recipes.

      Reply
    11. Trisha Cooper says

      May 17, 2019 at 10:13 am

      These recipes all look amazing! We will definitely be trying some soon!

      Reply
    12. Ina Fowler says

      May 17, 2019 at 11:56 am

      I wish everyone who enters the best of luck, for this would be a blessing of a win for the Memorial Day Holiday's & Fourth Of July approaching!

      Reply
    13. Linda Szymoniak says

      May 17, 2019 at 12:09 pm

      Gee, I love to grill so many things. Chicken, pork (my mom made the best bbq pork steaks and I grill them the way she did), burgers, sausage, and even salmon. I think my favorite thing to grill is veggies, though. Corn on the cob takes amazing on the grill, as do other veggies, like onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc. I could live on grilled veggies.

      Reply
    14. Jenny Ham says

      May 17, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      The Teriyaki Chicken Skewers look amazing I am going to have to look into trying to make that. I usually keep it simple I like to grill Brats and Corn.

      Reply
    15. Sonya Allstun says

      May 17, 2019 at 1:12 pm

      Ribeye steaks is my favorite making my mouth water just thinking about it LOL

      Reply
    16. Seyma Bennett Shabbir says

      May 17, 2019 at 2:06 pm

      I love to grill chicken, steak, octopus and especially veggies. I love grilled corn, onions, grilled onions, mushrooms and zuchinni!

      Reply
    17. Lorraine Mabbett says

      May 17, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      I love to grill veggies in foil so they are steamed. I love to experiment with flavors when I grill chicken.

      And thank you so much for this opportunity to win a great selection of prizes.

      Reply
    18. Michelle Myers says

      May 17, 2019 at 5:18 pm

      Love grilling chicken, steaks, burgers, and veggies. Plan to try fruits this year!

      Reply
    19. Tracy Robertson says

      May 17, 2019 at 8:03 pm

      I love to grill burgers and chicken!

      Reply
    20. Rebecca B says

      May 17, 2019 at 8:42 pm

      We do mostly burgers since that is what the kids will eat!

      Reply
    21. brittany doerfler says

      May 17, 2019 at 9:20 pm

      I always love grilling some chicken

      Reply
    22. smfsprout says

      May 17, 2019 at 10:54 pm

      I think I might try the Cowboy Caviar.

      Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

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