Summer’s coming to an end, but there’s still time for one last cookout. Take yours to the next level with these 23 recipes that will add intense flavor, excitement and adventure to end the summer on a high note.
From Korean Gochujang Chicken and Mexican Grilled Corn Elote to cold, creamy S’mores Ice Cream, these dishes are so full of flavor, they’ll be setting off their own fireworks. Let’s end the summer with a bang!
Char Siu
Elevate your grilling game with this Chinese barbecue favorite. Tender and flavorful, this pressure cooker-prepared Char Siu is finished on the BBQ grill, adding smoky depth to your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Take your taste buds on a flavor-filled journey with this grilled flank steak recipe. Topped with a sweet and spicy chili butter, this dish is the perfect addition to your summer spread. Prepare to savor every juicy and tender bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Beef Bulgogi
Tender slices of marinated beef are grilled to perfection, bringing the vibrant flavors of a global cookout. This flavorful BBQ beef is great over rice, in tortillas for Korean tacos, or stuffed into a bun.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi
Gochujang Chicken
Embrace the fiery flavors of Korea with this mouthwatering recipe. Marinated in spicy gochujang paste, this chicken can be grilled on the barbecue or stovetop for a global cookout. Experience the umami-packed taste that will keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Transport your taste buds to the Middle East with these flavorful skewers. Ground lamb, fresh herbs, and Middle Eastern spices create juicy kebabs that are perfect for a summer cookout. Serve with tzatziki, harissa, hummus, and pita for an authentic experience.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Japanese Pickled Daikon
Pickled Daikon Radish is a refreshing, tart-sweet, and salty side dish that’s a perfect accompaniment to spicy grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Pickled Daikon
Thai Chicken Satay
Embark on a culinary journey to Thailand with this grilled chicken recipe. Infused with aromatic spices like turmeric, lemongrass, and chiles, these tender skewers are a delightful addition to any backyard BBQ. Dip them in a rich and spicy Thai Peanut Sauce for an explosion of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Korean Bulgogi Tacos
Experience explosive flavors with these Korean-inspired beef tacos. Marinated grilled steak, tangy kimchi, and creamy sriracha mayo come together in a tender corn tortilla, adding an exciting twist to your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Korean Bulgogi Tacos
Elote
Add a touch of Mexico to your menu with this addictive and easy elote recipe. Grilled corn is slathered with a mouthwatering combination of flavors, making it an irresistible side dish for your BBQ celebration.
Get the Recipe: Elote
Pickled Onions
Indulge in the creamy goodness of guacamole, the beloved star of any summer BBQ. The buttery richness of avocados, zesty lime juice, tomatoes, and spicy chiles make this classic dip a must-have for your festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions
Watermelon and Feta Salad
This refreshing summer salad brings together the classic combination of watermelon, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. With its vibrant colors and contrasting flavors, it’s perfect for summer celebrations, offering a delightful taste of the Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad
Best Cookout Coleslaw
Add a creamy and tangy side dish to your summer BBQ with this classic coleslaw recipe. With its crisp texture and a hint of spice, it complements grilled meats and brings a refreshing element to your celebration.
Get the Recipe: Best Cookout Coleslaw
Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema
Spice up your grill with these flavorful turkey burgers. Infused with chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, cilantro, scallions, and lime, these burgers offer a global twist to cookout menu, pleasing both spice enthusiasts and burger lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema
Hoisin Spare Ribs
These tender spare ribs are infused with a savory-sweet hoisin glaze, and the Instant Pot ensures they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. Finish them on the grill for an irresistible dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Spare Ribs
Pickled Jalapenos
These tangy and spicy pickled jalapenos add a fiery kick. Ready in just 20 minutes, they are the perfect condiment to enhance the flavors of tacos, sandwiches, and more, making your taste buds dance with joy.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Jalapenos
Chickpea Burgers
These flavorful and tender chickpea burgers are a delicious vegetarian alternative. Whether cooked in a skillet, air fryer, or on the grill, they bring a satisfying vegetarian option that will impress even the most devoted meat-eaters.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Burgers
Guacamole
Guacamole is the food of the gods. Rich, butter avocado countered by bright, acidic lime juice and tomatoes, and punctuated by spicy chile, fresh cilantro, and zesty onion—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Lemon Coconut Macaroons
Indulge in these chewy and sweet macaroons that offer a tropical twist. Bursting with the flavors of lemon and toasted coconut, they bring a delightful taste of paradise. They’re a perfect sweet treat for a summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coconut Macaroons
Triple Berry Hand Pies
Triple Berry Hand Pies are the perfect way to put an abundant berry harvest to good use. Flaky, buttery pastry crusts are filled with juicy, sweet berries bursting with flavor. They’ll be a huge hit at your summer BBQ, especially if you serve them with a scoop of cold, creamy
Get the Recipe: Triple Berry Handpies
Mango Habanero Salsa
Bring the heat to your backyard BBQ with this fiery and flavorful mango habanero salsa. Perfect for topping fish tacos or as a zesty dip, this salsa is a must-have for those seeking a global twist on their celebration.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa
Salted Toffee Cookie Bars
Indulge in layers of buttery toffee and rich chocolate with these irresistible cookies. Topped with flaky sea salt, these luscious cookie bars make a decadent ending for your cookout, providing a sweet and savory delight for your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Salted Toffee Cookie Bars
S’more s Ice cream
Capture the essence of summer with this frozen delight. Bringing all the flavors of a classic s’more in a creamy ice cream form, it’s the perfect cool treat for your global cookout, reminding everyone of childhood memories around the campfire. It’s a perfect way to cap off a summer BBQ meal.
Get the Recipe: S’more s Ice cream
Rocky Road Ice Cream
Take a delightful trip down memory lane with this classic ice cream flavor. Silky chocolate ice cream filled with mini marshmallows, toasty nuts, and mini chocolate chips offers a cool and indulgent summer treat.
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Ice Cream