25 Summer Cookout Recipes for a Backyard Party

Warm weather is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and bring everyone together outdoors. Homemade dishes, fresh seasonal flavors, and easy recipes make it simple to serve a meal that's as enjoyable to prepare as it is to share. Every recipe adds something special to a relaxed afternoon of summer entertaining.

Juicy Smoked Chicken Thighs

Crispy skin, juicy meat, and a flavorful barbecue glaze make this an easy main dish everyone will enjoy. The homemade seasoning brings plenty of smoky flavor that's perfect for outdoor meals.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Smoked Chicken Thighs

Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

Sweet, tangy, and full of bold flavor, this homemade sauce makes grilled meats even more delicious. Making it ahead gives the flavors time to come together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip

Crunchy, creamy, sweet, and fruity layers make every bite a fun mix of textures. Whether you serve it as a side or dessert, it's always a crowd favorite during the summer.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip

Grilled Corn Ribs with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Grilling gives every piece a smoky char while the dipping sauce adds a sweet and spicy finish. They're fun to eat and guaranteed to get people talking around the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Ribs with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Crispy Honey Buffalo Wings

Crispy wings are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. They're always a favorite for sharing with friends and family around the picnic table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Honey Buffalo Wings

Grilled Potato Wedges in Just 20 Minutes

Crispy edges and fluffy centers make these potatoes a delicious alternative to traditional fries. They cook quickly on the grill and pair well with just about any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges in Just 20 Minutes

Dill Pickle Potato Salad

Creamy potatoes get an extra burst of tangy flavor from chopped pickles and pickle juice. It's a fun twist on a classic cookout side that everyone will want a second helping of.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Potato Salad

Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Smoky barbecue chicken, melted cheese, and buttery rolls come together in warm, satisfying bites. They're easy to make ahead and always disappear quickly at a cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Arizona Chopped Salad

Crisp vegetables, bold flavors, and plenty of texture make every bite fresh and satisfying. It's the kind of colorful side dish that balances out all the grilled favorites on the table.
Get the Recipe: Arizona Chopped Salad

Homemade Blueberry Iced Tea

Fresh blueberry flavor turns classic iced tea into a refreshing drink that's perfect for warm afternoons. Make it ahead so it's ready whenever guests stop by.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Blueberry Iced Tea

Classic Maine Lobster Rolls

Sweet, tender lobster is lightly dressed and tucked into a buttery toasted roll for a fresh and satisfying bite. It's the kind of meal that instantly makes any summer afternoon feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Classic Maine Lobster Rolls

Classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

Thinly sliced onions cook right into the beef, creating juicy burgers packed with rich, savory flavor. Simple ingredients prove that sometimes the old-fashioned recipes are still the best.
Get the Recipe: Classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

Classic Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe

Crunchy cabbage is coated in a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing that tastes even better after it's chilled. It's one of those classic sides that belongs at every barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe

Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Bacon

Smoky baked beans get extra richness from bacon along with a touch of sweetness from apples and bourbon. Every spoonful is hearty, comforting, and made for barbecue season.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon

Easy Loose Meat Sandwich

Perfectly seasoned ground beef is piled onto a soft bun for a simple sandwich that's full of comforting flavor. It's an easy meal that feels right at home at any casual backyard gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Loose Meat Sandwich

Peach Ice Cream with Buttermilk

Fresh peaches and a creamy base come together in a frozen treat that's rich, smooth, and full of summer flavor. It's the perfect way to cool off after an afternoon outside.
Get the Recipe: Peach Ice Cream with Buttermilk

Kale Crunch Salad

Crisp greens, crunchy cabbage, and a flavorful vinaigrette create a refreshing side that's anything but boring. It pairs beautifully with burgers, barbecue, and grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Kale Crunch Salad

Street Tacos with Fresh Pico De Gallo

Fresh toppings and flavorful meat come together in soft tortillas for an easy meal everyone can customize. They're quick enough for busy days but festive enough for weekend entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Street Tacos with Fresh Pico De Gallo

Alabama White Sauce

Creamy, tangy, and packed with Southern flavor, this sauce is a great match for grilled chicken and smoked meats. Once you try it, you'll want to keep a batch in the refrigerator all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Alabama White Sauce

Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese

Sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil come together in a simple dish that tastes like summer. It's easy to serve as an appetizer or a fresh side for grilled meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese

Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Sweet grilled peaches and creamy burrata create a fresh combination that's both simple and impressive. A drizzle of hot honey adds just the right finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Lavender Vodka Cocktail Recipe

Light floral notes give this refreshing cocktail a relaxed summer feel without being overpowering. It's a lovely drink to sip while catching up with friends on the patio.
Get the Recipe: Lavender Vodka Cocktail Recipe

Roasted Hatch Chile Salsa Verde

Roasted chiles create a bright, flavorful salsa that's delicious with chips or spooned over grilled favorites. It's an easy way to add a little extra freshness to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Hatch Chile Salsa Verde

Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

Tender green beans are tossed with crispy bacon and sweet onions for a simple side that's full of flavor. It's an easy way to round out any backyard meal.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

Miniature Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberry topping, and crisp graham cracker crusts come together in perfectly portioned treats. They're easy to serve and make a beautiful finish to any outdoor meal.
Get the Recipe: Miniature Strawberry Cheesecake Bites