These 23 Cookout Sides Helped Me Feed Everyone Without Going Overboard
There’s something great about bringing food that disappears but doesn’t drain your whole afternoon. With 23 different sides in rotation, there was enough variety to make everyone happy without turning it into a major event. Nothing felt too over-the-top, but every bowl somehow emptied anyway.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilling gives veggies a smoky touch that feels like summer. Grilled Vegetables work as a simple option that goes well with almost anything. They’re quick to make and leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for balancing heavier dishes at a cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
7 Layer Dip
Layers of textures make 7 Layer Dip a crowd favorite, bringing together creamy, crunchy, and vibrant elements. It’s easy to scoop and pairs great with chips, making it a communal appetizer. This dish often disappears quickly at gatherings. A go-to when you need something filling yet shareable.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip
Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Skewering makes everything more fun, and Grilled Veggie Kabobs are proof. Each bite packs variety in texture and a hint of char. People enjoy picking these up and grilling feels less messy with them. They’re ideal for outdoor events like cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Veggie Pizza
Turning pizza into a cookout item, Veggie Pizza makes for an easy way to share slices loaded with fresh toppings. It doesn’t feel heavy, so it complements grilled foods. You can adapt the ingredients to fit any crowd’s preferences. This works well when you’re serving larger groups casually.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza
Mushroom Tacos
Using mushrooms adds something different to your cookout lineup, making Mushroom Tacos an unexpected favorite. Their chewy texture suits this dish perfectly. They’re portable, so no plates needed—great for mingling. It’s just a smart idea for both vegetarians and curious meat-eaters alike.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tacos
Easy Caprese Salad
Simple in presentation yet full of flavor, Easy Caprese Salad is that dish you throw together when you need something light but impactful. It’s fresh and comes together without much effort. It pairs seamlessly with heavier grill items or as a refreshing bite. This is one to keep on standby.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
Grilled Eggplant
Smoky slices of Grilled Eggplant always bring something new to the table. It offers a soft texture that contrasts with crunchier sides without overwhelming. Works great as a standalone side or layered into other dishes during a cookout. People are often surprised by how well it fits the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant
Mexican Street Corn Salad
You can skip messy-on-the-hands corn cobs when serving Mexican Street Corn Salad. It takes the familiar flavors and turns them into a shareable bowl. It brings a fresh twist without needing much space on the table or grill. Expect people to scoop up every last spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Neapolitan Pizza
A simpler spin on traditional cookout foods, Neapolitan Pizza is thin, light, and always a crowd-pleaser. Its thin base gives it crunch without feeling heavy, so it complements other grilled food well. You can slice it for easy sharing. This can be a hit with little effort at group events.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza
Pico de Gallo
Adding a fresh burst to your cookout spread, Pico de Gallo serves as a side or topping for other dishes. It keeps things crisp and bright among heavier options. Easy to refresh people’s plates with this classic option. Great for pairing with chips, tacos, or grilled items.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
7 Layer Salad
Offering everything in one bite, 7 Layer Salad stacks together multiple textures into a layered colorful bowl. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but complements grilled dishes just fine. A reliable choice for feeding a crowd while keeping things neat. Always a good conversation starter at group meals.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Grilled Peppers
Smoky and soft—Grilled Peppers are simple but effective cookout staples. They’re versatile enough to pair with just about anything or toss into other dishes. People enjoy them because they’re bold without demanding attention. A straightforward addition to balance stronger flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers
Baked Potato
Buff up your cookout spread with Baked Potato, straightforward yet filling. They sit well next to nearly any main dish and are always customizable for individual preferences. You know what you’re getting every time, making them safe event bets. Easy to prepare while pleasing everyone.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Something lighter yet still filling, Mediterranean Orzo Salad adds some variety during the cookout. Its small portions make it easy to share, especially when people are looking to graze. With its clean taste, this fits well with grilled food. You won’t have leftovers at the end of the party.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad
French Onion Dip
Grab-and-go simplicity makes French Onion Dip an easy win at most cookouts. It offers a bold, creamy option for chips or veggies without taking up grill space. It’s one of those dips that gets people circling back for seconds. Reliable when you don’t want anything complicated.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Vegetable Stir Fry
Mixing things up with Vegetable Stir Fry gives a nice alternative to typical grilled items. It’s packed with bite-sized variety that pleases vegetarians and adventurous eaters. Stir fry balances heavier grill dishes without stealing the show. A straightforward cookout addition.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Crisp bites with just the right amount of kick make Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad stand apart during a cookout. It’s refreshing yet different compared to other sides. This fits into smaller serving bowls when you’re tight on space. People appreciate its bold option among safer side picks.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Serving as a handheld option, Pinwheel Sandwiches work well when you need something manageable. They’re light, easy to grab, and fit into busy gatherings without disruption. Perfect for filling gaps between heavier grilled items. Make-ahead simplicity adds convenience to the mix.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Adding crunch without much prep, Red Cabbage Coleslaw mixes textures that complement anything grilled. It’s more colorful than traditional versions and catches attention on the table. People enjoy how simple yet fresh it feels next to heavier foods. Always welcomed as a quick addition.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Veggie Burger
Offering balance to the usual heavier options, Veggie Burger gives guests an alternative focal dish. It grills up cleanly and tastes lighter than its meat counterparts. Perfect when serving mixed groups with varying preferences. Works as a go-to vegetarian main item at cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger
Mushroom Pizza
Swapping typical ingredients for creative flavor, Mushroom Pizza shakes up expectations during cookouts. It’s light yet filling enough to satisfy pizza lovers and curious crowds. Guests enjoy this for its different but familiar profile. Easy to serve and less mess overall.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza
Pizza Salad
Combining traditional cookout feels with fresh elements, Pizza Salad tweaks things in an easy, shareable way. It holds up well to heat while supporting heavier grilled plates. Just enough variety without needing complicated steps. Fits neatly into most cookout spreads without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Sweet Potato Tacos
Focusing on texture, Sweet Potato Tacos bring a slightly different option to your cookout. They’re hearty without being overwhelming, making them a favorite among varied eaters. This dish feels fresh while letting people use their hands. Great for mingling setups like outdoor events.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos
