Get ready to fire up those grills and embrace the sizzle of summer with this handpicked collection of cookout recipes. From juicy burgers to mouthwatering sides, refreshing salads to delectable desserts, this blog post is your ultimate guide to creating unforgettable outdoor feasts. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply looking to elevate your grilling game, these recipes are here to make your cookouts truly sensational.
Watermelon Mojito
Beat the summer heat at your cookout with a refreshing Watermelon Mojito! This delicious cocktail combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon with the bright flavors of mint, lime and rum.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Mojito
Caprese Salad Skewers
Serve up a classic summer dish in a fun and portable way with these Caprese Salad Skewers. The combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar works perfectly as an appetizer or side dish for any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad Skewers
Cold Brew Iced Tea
Make this Refreshing Cold Brew Iced Tea recipe and enjoy the smooth and refreshing flavors of homemade iced tea that will keep your barbecue guests cool all day. Serve it with lemons or fresh berries for a tasty libation.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew Iced Tea
Bacon, Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini
Impress your cookout guests with this delicious and elegant Bacon, Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet figs, and creamy goat cheese will surely wow everyone at your summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini
Blueberry Lemonade
Fresh and bright, Blueberry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing drink for summer barbecues, cookouts, parties and lemonade stands. Make it with fresh berries and lemons for the most flavorful drink.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Lemonade
Beer Cheese Dip
Take your cookout appetizers to the next level with this easy and delicious beer cheese dip. Serve it with pretzels or bread for a crowd-pleasing bowl of cheesy goodness that will disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet and salty, these Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates are a crowd favorite. The combination of chorizo, bacon and dates creates a flavor explosion that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
These mouth-watering grilled shrimp skewers will satisfy seafood cravings at your summer cookout. The shrimp’s crispy exterior and juicy interior create a delightful texture, making them a perfect choice for outdoor grilling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Arnold Palmer
No cookout is complete without an Arnold Palmer, a classic combination of iced tea and lemonade. It’s a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age.
Get the Recipe: Arnold Palmer
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Serve up crispy and flavorful chicken wings at your cookout — without taking up space on the grill. These air fryer chicken wings are perfect for a party snack, and you can customize them with your favorite dipping sauces and veggie snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Dirty Shirley Cocktail
Add a nostalgic twist to your summer cookouts with a Dirty Shirley. This adult version of the classic Shirley Temple drink is full of flavor and will bring back fond memories. Of course, serve non-alcoholic Shirley Temples to the kiddos.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Shirley Cocktail
Lemon Drop Cookies
Indulge in summer’s bright and zesty flavors with these Lemon Drop Cookies. Covered in a tangy glaze, they are like a burst of lemonade in every bite. They are the perfect cookie to bring to a potluck or cookout!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Drop Cookies
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris will cool you down on the hottest summer day. They will beckon anyone inside to grab a cool drink before enjoying more of your cookout. Fresh berries with rum are always a beautiful match.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
Queso Fundido
Serve up a hot and flavorful cheese dip at your cookout with this easy Queso Fundido. Perfect for taco night or a dinner party outdoors, this dip is best enjoyed warm with tortilla chips or warm tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Queso Fundido
Strawberry Rosé Sangria
Elevate your summer drink game at your cookout with this easy Strawberry Rosé Sangria. Packed with fruity flavors, it’s a delightful and refreshing drink for any summery occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rosé Sangria
Corona Sunrise
No one at your cookout will forget this drink! Give the classic Tequila Sunrise a bubbly twist with the Corona Sunrise. Made with orange juice, tequila, Mexican lager beer and grenadine syrup, it’s a unique and flavorful cocktail that beer lovers and tequila lovers alike will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Corona Sunrise
Jalapeño Mule
Spice up your summer cookouts with a round of jalapeño mules. The combination of spicy jalapeño tequila and spiced ginger beer delivers a one-two punch of heat and sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Mule
Peach Salsa
Take advantage of summer’s bounty with this fresh and flavorful peach salsa that’s a lovely addition to any cookout menu. Made with juicy peaches, tomatoes, and peppers, it’s the perfect appetizer or topping for grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salsa
Tuscan White Bean Dip
Impress your BBQ guests with this creamy and flavorful Tuscan White Bean Dip. Made with cannellini beans, garlic, fresh herbs and olive oil, it’s a delicious and healthy appetizer that pairs well with crusty bread or crispy crackers.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip
Margarita Jello Shots
These tequila-infused Jell-O shots with fresh lime juice would be a fun addition to any outdoor BBQ. Guests will love the boozy twist on a classic treat and the optional salt or sugar rim adds a customizable touch.
Get the Recipe: Margarita Jello Shots
S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
These S’mores Rice Krispie Treats are easy to make, require no baking and combine the deliciousness of chocolate, graham crackers and toasted marshmallows into one delightful dessert. Perfect for summer cookouts where you want to capture the essence of the campfire treat, but don’t want to start a fire.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
Peach Whiskey Smash
Fresh peach simple syrup and your favorite bourbon create a refreshing Peach Whiskey Smash. This fruity and summery libation is perfect for hot summer cookouts and will be a hit among whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Peach Whiskey Smash
Skillet Blueberry Cake
This one-bowl Skillet Blueberry Cake makes for a delicious dessert to end a cookout. It’s a simple and delicious summer treat showcasing fresh blueberries. With minimal cleanup required, it’s a convenient choice for those anyone wanting to whip up a memorable treat without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Blueberry Cake
Prosecco Popsicles
Add a touch of elegance and patriotism to your summer cookouts with Prosecco Popsicles. These treats, made with frozen bubbly and berries, are both adorable and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Prosecco Popsicles
Marinated Cheese
Elevate your cookout’s appetizer game with Marinated Cheese. Layered with two kinds of cheese, herbs and pimento peppers, this make-ahead dish is bursting with flavor. When served with crackers or bread, it becomes the star of any party.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Cheese
Ranch Water
Everyone at your cookout will stay refreshed with a light, low-carb tequila cocktail called Ranch Water. Made with just lime juice, tequila and sparkling water, it’s a perfect substitute for traditional margaritas. Its simplicity and refreshing taste make it a must-try for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Water
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer in just 30 minutes with this easy, hot Spinach Artichoke Dip. With only five ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for last-minute get-togethers. Your cookout’s guests will love the creamy, cheesy, savory combination that makes this dip a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip
Watermelon Mimosas
Celebrate summer with Watermelon Mimosas. These vibrant and bubbly cocktails combine the refreshing flavors of watermelon with the classic mimosa. The result is a colorful and fruity beverage that perfectly complements grilled deliciousness at any summer barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Mimosas
Popcorn Shrimp
Enhance your summer cookouts with the addition of homemade Popcorn Shrimp. These bite-sized delights bring a delightful crunch to the appetizer table or on the side of steak for a surf & turf combination. They’re sure to level up your outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Shrimp
Michelada
Embrace the savory and salty goodness of a Mexican beer cocktail called Michelada. It’s a unique and delicious beverage choice similar to a Bloody Mary but made with lager beer, and it pairs perfectly with anything grilled.
Get the Recipe: Michelada
Limoncello lemonade
Combine zesty Italian limoncello with homemade lemonade for a refreshing tart sipper at your cookout. Limoncello Lemonade is an ice-cold glass of sweet-tart goodness and is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of lemons on a hot summer day.
Get the Recipe: Limoncello lemonade
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Enjoy a hearty and low-carb summer salad with Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Packed with flavor from crispy bacon and blueberries, this cold salad is perfect for potlucks or gatherings. It’s a nutrient-rich and satisfying option suitable for the side dish table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Blackened Cod Tacos
Spice up your weekend cookouts with these smoky and savory Blackened Cod Tacos. With charred tortillas, fresh lime juice and a flavorful combination of spices, these tacos are an easy and delicious choice for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Loaded with bacon, broccoli and ranch seasoning, this one-pot side dish is a hit with any cookout. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a go-to option for busy summer days.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
Blackberry Mojito
A colorful and refreshing Blackberry Mojito is the perfect way to beat the heat. Made with fresh mint, blackberries, lime juice and rum, it’s an excellent cocktail for enjoying the warm weather and good company.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Mojito
Grilled Steak Kabobs
Become the grill master with these mouthwatering Grilled Steak Kabobs. The combination of marinated steak and colorful veggies results in a delicious main dish that everyone will love. The juicy steak and charred vegetables provide a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Kabobs
Seafood Pasta Salad
Beat the summer heat with a refreshing Seafood Pasta Salad. This light and flavorful dish combines shrimp, crab and pasta in a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect option for seafood enthusiasts and those seeking a refreshing salad for summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Raspberry Peach Bars
Capture the essence of summer with the perfect dessert: Raspberry Peach Bars. These buttery and fruity dessert bars feature the sweetness and vibrancy of fresh raspberries and peaches. They’re a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for cookouts and showcases the best summer fruits.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Peach Bars
Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Treat your backyard barbecue guests to the irresistible flavors of Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers. These bite-sized wonders are packed with smoky and spicy goodness. The combination of pork, cheese and bacon is a crowd-pleasing appetizer choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Fajita Burgers
Spice up your burger game with sizzling Fajita Burgers. Infused with smoky spices and topped with grilled onions and peppers, these burgers combine the best of bold, juicy beef and zesty fajita flavors. They’re perfect for those looking to jazz up a cookout.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Burgers
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. The combination of lime, chile and sea salt enhances already juicy and tender grilled chicken. It’s a perfect summer dinner option that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
Mexican Macaroni Salad
Add a flavorful twist to your summer potlucks and cookout gatherings with Mexican Macaroni Salad. This delicious pasta salad features chopped vegetables and a taco seasoning dressing, pleasing both Mexican food enthusiasts and pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad
Mixed Pickles
Transform your garden vegetables into bright and tangy pickles with Quick Mixed Pickles. With just a few minutes of preparation, you’ll have a vibrant and flavorful addition to your summer burgers at your cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles
Cowboy Caviar
Infuse your cookouts with Southwestern flair by serving Cowboy Caviar. It can be either a side salad or a dip, combining black-eyed peas, colorful veggies and zesty dressing to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s a perfect accompaniment to chips and an excellent choice for a vibrant and refreshing salad option.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Grilled Corn On The Cob
Enhance your grilling experience with Grilled Corn On The Cob. Grill fresh corn in the husks for a weekend treat that captures the essence of summer. It’s a must-try for corn lovers and an easy addition to any cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn On The Cob
Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeño Crema
Infuse your summer cookout with vibrant flavors by serving these Peach Salmon Skewers. The juicy peaches complement the succulent salmon, while the zesty kick of the peach jalapeño crema adds an extra layer of excitement. Your guests will love the burst of freshness and the combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salmon Skewers with Peach Jalapeno Crema
Grilled Feta with Herbs
Impress your cookout guests with this simple yet flavorful appetizer of grilled feta with herbs. Fresh herbs and a zing of lemon take the creamy feta cheese up a serious notch. This dish is a surefire hit at summer cookouts, offering a unique twist on traditional cheese appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta with Herbs
Bacon Ranch Cream Cheese Dip
Indulge in the ultimate summer appetizer with this creamy and flavorful Bacon Ranch Cream Cheese Dip. The combination of crispy bacon, zesty ranch seasoning and smooth cream cheese creates a crowd-pleasing dip that is ideal for poolside gatherings and backyard barbecues, your guests will finish this dip in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Cream Cheese Dip
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Take your deviled eggs to the next level with these Bacon Deviled Eggs. Upgraded deviled eggs, thanks to the addition of crispy bacon, are a smooth and creamy appetizer with a hint of saltiness that’s ideal for any summer barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Whip up this easy meatless appetizer, Taco Dip with Cream Cheese, in just 15 minutes and watch it become a total crowd-pleaser at your summer gatherings. The creamy texture and flavorful blend of ingredients make it a perfect dish for parties and summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs
Create a refreshing summertime appetizer in minutes with this creamy Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs. The combination of smooth ricotta cheese, zesty lemon and aromatic herbs makes it a perfect choice for pairing with bread, crackers or even fruit and olives. This versatile dish will add a touch of elegance to your summer cookouts and is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon and Herbs