I Brought 27 Cookout Recipes and Avoided the Side-Eye From Aunt Linda
The chairs stayed full, the gossip stayed light, and nobody whispered about store-bought anything. Bringing 27 crowd-pleasers to a cookout really cuts off complaints before they can start. Aunt Linda didn’t even squint when she saw the spread, and that’s saying something. The only drama at the table was someone stealing the last one off the platter.
Beet Salad
Fresh and colorful, this is a side that gets noticed on the table. Beet Salad has a natural sweetness and a unique texture that people always enjoy. It’s light enough to balance heavier dishes at a cookout. Adding it to your lineup is a great way to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
7 Layer Dip
Layers of bold flavors make this dish perfect for sharing. 7 Layer Dip is always a crowd favorite, offering something for everyone in every scoop. People love dipping chips and going back for more. It’s simple to bring and always an easy hit at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Bringing bold flavors to the table, Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect side for grilled mains. Its mix of sweetness and spice makes it a standout for potlucks or barbecues. This salad works well alongside almost anything and feels fun to eat. People always come back for more since it’s so easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Grilled Asparagus
Simple yet delicious, Grilled Asparagus is always a reliable choice for cookouts. Its smoky flavor pairs perfectly with other grilled dishes, making it a great addition to the menu. Easy to serve and quick to disappear, everyone loves this veggie option. Even non-vegetable fans will grab a few spears.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Cold salads like this always work well for outdoor gatherings. Mediterranean Orzo Salad combines grains with robust, fresh flavors that hold up throughout the day. It’s perfect for mixing different textures and keeping things light. Bring it to the table, and it’ll be gone in no time.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Fruit Pizza
Bright and colorful, Fruit Pizza is more than just dessert, it’s a great way to add some fun to the menu. Its mix of refreshing fruits over a light base makes it ideal for kids and adults. Perfect for cookouts or gatherings where you want something a little unique. People love grabbing a slice as a sweet finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza
Pico de Gallo
A simple side that boosts any dish it’s paired with, this recipe is always a win. Pico de Gallo is fresh, flavorful, and works perfectly with chips or as a topping. Making it a go-to option for cookouts keeps the table varied. Everyone appreciates having something bright and balanced to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Veggie Pizza
Handheld dishes are always a good fit for big gatherings. Veggie Pizza brings together a variety of toppings on a crispy base, making it as fun to eat as it is versatile. It’s great as an appetizer or even as the main attraction for lighter meals. Guests often appreciate having a go-to dish that feels fresh yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza
Corn Fritters
Small bites that are crispy and flavorful always go over well at cookouts. Corn Fritters are perfect as a side dish, snack, or even an appetizer to get things started. Their slight sweetness and golden crunch make them fun for all ages to enjoy. Once on the table, they often disappear faster than you can make them.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters
Grilled Eggplant
Smoky flavors pair perfectly with the soft texture of this easy-to-make dish. Grilled Eggplant works wonderfully as a main dish for vegetarians or as a hearty side for everyone else. It’s a great way to add variety to your cookout menu while keeping things simple. Even those who aren’t fans of veggies may reach for a slice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant
Mushroom Pizza
Pizza with a twist works well at outdoor gatherings, which is why Mushroom Pizza is such a standout. It offers an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with other cookout dishes. Slice it up for easy sharing, and it’s guaranteed to go fast. Even picky eaters find themselves reaching for another piece.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza
Grilled Peppers
Simple dishes like Grilled Peppers bring a pop of color and flavor to potluck tables. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor is perfect for pairing with grilled meats or enjoying on their own. They’re an easy crowd-pleaser that never stays on the plate for long. Plus, they look amazing on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers
Vegetable Stir Fry
Stir fry brings bold flavors to familiar vegetables, making Vegetable Stir Fry a great side for any cookout. It’s quick to serve and pairs well with just about any grilled dish on the menu. People often appreciate a warm, flavorful veggie option next to their mains. You’ll likely see this dish cleaned out quickly.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Italian Pasta Salad
Cold sides keep cookouts balanced, and Italian Pasta Salad offers a flavorful twist in every bite. It’s perfect for making ahead, so there’s no stress on the day of the gathering. This salad pairs well with grilled meats or stands on its own as a refreshing option. You never see leftovers with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Putting food on a stick always feels fun, especially here. Grilled Veggie Kabobs are colorful, flavorful, and easy to grab off the grill. They work as a side or even a main for anyone looking for lighter options. A perfect way to mix up your cookout options.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Mushroom Tacos
Changing up the taco game is easy with Mushroom Tacos, bringing a meat-free but flavorful option to the party. They’re hearty enough to feel substantial while still standing out for their fresh ingredients. These tacos are easy to customize, making them a flexible choice for guests. Everyone loves their unique and bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tacos
7 Layer Salad
Big gatherings need layered dishes like 7 Layer Salad, which delivers a variety of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect make-ahead option that gets better after sitting in the fridge for a bit. This salad is always a conversation starter because of its impressive presentation. Guests love digging in and uncovering each tasty layer.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Veggie Burger
Cookouts wouldn’t feel complete without this classic option for everyone. Veggie Burger is hearty, packed with flavor, and a great plant-based alternative to traditional burgers. It’s perfect as a main dish and pairs well with all the usual sides. Even meat eaters find themselves enjoying this addition to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Adding a splash of color to the table, Red Cabbage Coleslaw is both crunchy and refreshing. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with all the smoky and grilled flavors at a cookout. You can bring it to any potluck and know it’ll be a hit. Guests always appreciate a coleslaw with a slight twist.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Neapolitan Pizza
Combine classic pizza with bold flavors in Neapolitan Pizza, a dish that feels special at any cookout. Its thin crust and simple toppings let the flavor speak for itself. Easy to slice and share, it’s a hit with everyone at the table. You can’t go wrong bringing this to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Pre-made finger foods like Pinwheel Sandwiches are great for keeping the energy up at cookouts. They’re easy to grab and packed with layers of flavor in every bite. Perfect for both adults and kids, these sandwiches are an instant hit. Bring a plate, and watch them disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches
French Onion Dip
Dips are essential for gatherings, and French Onion Dip always hits the mark. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and perfect with chips, crackers, or even veggies. This dip can be prepped in advance, so it’s a no-stress addition to your menu. Everyone gravitates to it as soon as it’s out.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Easy Caprese Salad
Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly in Easy Caprese Salad, giving cookouts a light, flavorful twist. It’s quick to put together and presents beautifully on the table. This salad is perfect for those looking for something bright and simple. Guests always comment on how refreshing it is.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
Baked Potato
A comforting classic can easily fit into any cookout spread. Baked Potato brings hearty warmth to the table and works well with a range of toppings. It’s simple, filling, and loved by everyone who grabs one. Keep these easy ones on the menu for a reliable option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Cool dishes with a little kick work perfectly on warm days. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad offers a blend of refreshing crunch and heat that stands out from other sides. It pairs well with grilled options or as a light snack on its own. A memorable dish that balances bold and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Sweet Potato Tacos
Building variety into a cookout is made easy with this handheld option. Sweet Potato Tacos bring a mix of soft and bold flavors wrapped in a portable shell. They’re great for large gatherings where a mix of dietary preferences needs to be addressed. It’s hard to go wrong with something so easy to grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos
Grilled Vegetables
A simple, go-to option that works for everyone, this recipe is always welcome. Grilled Vegetables share smoky, tender bites that pair well with nearly everything. They’re colorful, fresh, and easy to make in bulk.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
