Summer often leaves us looking for exciting ways to amp up our outdoor grilling recipe game. Did you know that over 75% of U.S. households own an outdoor grill or smoker? This article is your secret weapon: a curated list of the best outdoor grilling recipes for summer cookouts.
Prepare yourself to become the star at every backyard party!
Key Takeaways
- Over 75% of U.S. households own an outdoor grill or smoker, making outdoor grilling a popular summer activity.
- Grilled main dishes like Grilled Bruschetta, Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers, and Grilled Lobster Tails. These are flavorful options that will impress your guests at summer cookouts.
- Elevate your summer cookouts with delicious grilled side dishes like Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter, Farmers Market Orzo Salad, and Grilled Potato Packets.
- Indulge your sweet tooth with mouthwatering grilled desserts like Bananas Foster on the Grill and Grilled Peach Sundaes.
Grilled Main Dishes
Grilled main dishes are the star of any summer cookout. These mouthwatering recipes will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Grilled Bruschetta
Sizzling from the grill, Grilled Bruschetta is a must for every summer cookout. Unlike its classic version served on toasted bread, this dish brings together softened grilled tomatoes and caramelized onions held atop charred baguette slices, providing a smoky spin to your taste buds.
First brush those fresh slices of baguette with olive oil before letting them kiss the grates of your fiery grill. Toss diced tomatoes and thin onion slivers on the grill as they toast to golden perfection.
Vegetables get tender with a unique sweetness only achieved through open-flame grilling. Combine these juicy grilled veggies with fragrant basil leaves and robust balsamic vinegar for an easy yet spectacular topping that bursts in every mouthful.
Simple ingredients yet full of rich flavors — now that’s how Grilled Bruschetta triumphs at brightening up any BBQ gathering! Serve it alongside your main meal or relish it solo; it guarantees divine satisfaction to delight all outdoor cooking enthusiasts!
Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers
Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger, combining the juicy goodness of chicken with the bold flavors of ranch. Burgers are perfect for summer cookouts when you want something lighter with flavor.
Mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried herbs, and a generous amount of ranch seasoning to make these mouthwatering burgers. Shape them into patties and grill them to perfection over an open flame or on your trusty barbecue.
The result is a tender and flavorful burger that will leave your guests begging for seconds. Serve on toasted buns with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and an extra drizzle of ranch dressing for an irresistible combination that will have everyone raving about your grilling skills.
Grilled Lobster Tails
Grilled Lobster Tails are a luxurious and mouthwatering main dish that impresses guests at summer cookouts. The lobster meat gets even more flavorful when cooked over an open flame, imparting a smoky taste that complements the delicate seafood.
To prepare this delectable dish, split the lobster tails in half lengthwise and brush them with melted butter infused with garlic and lemon juice. Then, place them on a preheated grill for 5-7 minutes per side until the flesh is opaque and charred.
Serve these grilled lobster tails with extra melted butter and fresh lemon wedges for dipping, creating an indulgent meal that will leave everyone craving more. Lobster Tails are a must-try recipe for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
Grilled Pork Chops with Smokin’ Sauce
Grilled Pork Chops with Smokin’ Sauce is a mouthwatering main dish that will take your summer cookouts to the next level. These juicy pork chops are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and delicious flavor.
The secret ingredient is the homemade Smokin’ Sauce, which adds an extra kick of sweetness and heat. Whether hosting a backyard party or enjoying a meal with family and friends, these grilled pork chops will surely impress.
Fire up the grill, slather on the sauce, and get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Grilled Flank Steak with Summer Relish
Grilled Flank Steak with Summer Relish is the perfect main dish for summer cookouts. This flavorful recipe combines juicy, grilled flank steak with a refreshing and tangy relish from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs.
The steak is marinated in a delicious blend of spices and a hint of lime juice to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Once grilled to perfection, it is topped with the vibrant summer relish that adds freshness to every bite.
Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying an outdoor meal with family and friends, this mouthwatering dish will impress your guests. So fire up the grill and indulge in this delectable flank steak with summer relish!
Easy Outdoor Grilling Recipes: Side Dishes
Get ready to elevate your summer cookouts with these mouthwatering grilled side dishes. From easy grilled corn with chipotle-lime butter to farmers’ market orzo salad, these sides will complement any main dish cooked on the grill.
Don’t forget about the flavorful grilled green beans and the irresistible grilled potato packets that will have everyone returning for seconds. And for a twist on a classic, try pairing Caesar salad with juicy grilled steak and potatoes.
Your outdoor gathering got a whole lot tastier!
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
Grilled corn with chipotle-lime butter is one of the easiest and tastiest side dishes for your summer cookouts. This simple recipe takes fresh ears of corn and examines them to perfection, giving them a charred and smoky flavor that pairs with the spicy kick of chipotle-lime butter.
The creamy butter mixture combines zesty lime juice, smoky chipotle peppers, and a touch of sweetness for a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether hosting a backyard BBQ or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this easy grilled corn recipe will surely be a hit with both grilling enthusiasts and outdoor cooks alike.
So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy this delicious summertime side dish!
Grilled Green Beans
Grilled Green Beans are a delicious and easy outdoor grilling recipe that adds a pop of freshness to your summer cookouts. Toss the green beans in olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them on a preheated grill.
Cook them for about 5-6 minutes until they become tender and charred, giving them that perfect smoky flavor. You can also add some garlic or lemon zest for an extra kick. These grilled green beans are the ideal accompaniment to any main course you throw on the grill.
They’re easy to make and impress your guests with their vibrant color and unique taste. So fire up the grill, grab some fresh green beans from your local farmers market, and get ready to enjoy this simple yet flavorful side dish at your next outdoor gathering.
Farmers Market Orzo Salad
One of the best side dishes for your grilled meats and veggies is the Farmers Market Orzo Salad. This refreshing salad has fresh, vibrant ingredients to flavor your summer cookout.
This dish is light yet satisfying and is made with orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing. The combination of the juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers creates a delightful contrast in texture while the tangy feta cheese adds a creamy element.
The Farmers Market Orzo Salad is delicious and appealing with its bright and colorful presentation. It’s also easy to prepare, making it perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Grilled Potato Packets
Grilled Potato Packets are the perfect side dish for any summer cookout. They’re easy to make and bursting with flavor. Start by slicing potatoes, then toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Next, place the potatoes on aluminum foil and fold the edges to create a packet. Place the packets on the grill over medium heat and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and crispy.
The great thing about Grilled Potato Packets is that they can be customized to your taste. Add onions, bell peppers, or even bacon to take them to another level. The best part is that these packets can be made ahead of time and transported for outdoor gatherings.
Caesar Salad with Grilled Steak and Potatoes
Grilled Caesar Salad with tender steak and crispy potatoes is a delightful twist on the classic salad. The charred romaine lettuce adds a smoky flavor, while the grilled steak brings a hearty protein element.
Topped with grated Parmesan cheese and homemade Caesar dressing, this salad is a showstopper at any outdoor cookout. You can add grilled potatoes for an extra crunch to make it even more flavorful.
It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that will impress your guests at summer parties or backyard gatherings. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering combination of flavors!
Grilled Desserts
Indulge your sweet tooth with these mouthwatering grilled desserts that will impress at your summer cookouts.
Bananas Foster on the Grill
Bananas Foster on the Grill is a mouthwatering and unique dessert that will impress your guests at your next summer cookout. This classic recipe takes grilling to a new level by caramelizing ripe bananas over an open flame, creating a rich and indulgent treat.
The heat from the grill enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas while adding a subtle smoky flavor. Topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze and flambeed with rum, this dessert will surely be a showstopper.
Serve it alongside some vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of warm and cold, creamy and sweet. So fire up your grill and enjoy this delicious twist on a traditional favorite!
Grilled Peach Sundaes
Grilled Peach Sundaes are the perfect sweet treat to end your summer cookout on a high note. The combination of warm, juicy peaches with a smoky flavor from the grill is irresistible.
To make this delicious dessert, start by halving and pitting fresh peaches. Brush them with oil to prevent sticking and place them on a preheated grill over medium heat. Grill 4-5 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and softened.
Once the peaches are done grilling, please remove them and let them cool. Serve each peach half in a bowl or dish, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle your favorite sauce over it all – caramel, chocolate or even homemade fruit syrup for an extra flavor.
Eclairs on the Grill
Grilling isn’t for savory dishes. Did you know that you can grill desserts too? One delicious dessert idea to try out this summer is grilling eclairs. Imagine the combination of a crispy, charred exterior and a soft, creamy filling – it’s heavenly! To make grilled eclairs, slice them in half lengthwise and place them on the grill until they get those lovely grill marks.
Then fill them with your favorite cream or custard filling for an indulgent treat. The heat from the grill gives these eclairs an extra layer of smokiness that pairs with the sweet filling.
It’s an unexpected and delightful twist on a classic dessert that will wow your guests at summer cookouts. So why not fire up that grill and take your dessert game to the next level?
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Fruit Salsa
One delicious and unexpected dessert option for your summer cookout is a grilled angel food cake with fruit salsa. Grilling the angel food cake adds a beautiful smoky flavor and a crispy texture to the soft, fluffy cake.
To make this mouthwatering treat, slice the angel food cake into thick slices and place them on a preheated grill for a few minutes per side until golden brown. Serve it with a refreshing salsa made from diced seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus.
Combining the warm grilled cake and tangy fruit salsa creates a delightful contrast that will impress your guests. Whether you’re grilling up main dishes or sides, don’t forget this unique grilled dessert – it will surely be a hit at your next outdoor gathering!
Cashew Mango Grilled Chicken
Looking for a flavorful twist on your traditional grilled chicken? Try the delicious combination of cashew and mango in this mouthwatering recipe—the creamy, nutty taste of cashews pairs with the sweet and tangy flavor of ripe mangoes.
Marinate your chicken in a mixture of cashew butter, lime juice, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling to infuse it with incredible taste. Once on the grill, the heat will enhance these flavors even more, giving you juicy and tender chicken with a hint of smokiness.
This dish will impress your guests at any summer cookout or backyard party!
Conclusion
These outdoor grilling recipes are a must-try if you want to impress at your summer cookouts. From juicy steaks and mouthwatering burgers to grilled seafood and flavorful veggies, there’s something for everyone.
Fire up the grill, invite your friends over, and get ready to enjoy delicious meals that will make your cookouts unforgettable. Happy grilling!
FAQs For Easy Outdoor Grilling Recipes
1. What are some popular outdoor grilling recipes for summer cookouts?
Some popular outdoor grilling recipes for summer cookouts include grilled burgers, grilled chicken skewers, grilled vegetables, and grilled seafood such as shrimp or salmon.
2. How do I ensure my meats are perfectly cooked on the grill?
To ensure your meats are cooked to perfection on the grill, it is essential to preheat the grill before cooking, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and let the meat rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.
3. Are there any vegetarian options for outdoor grilling at summer cookouts?
Vegetarian outdoor grilling options at summer cookouts include vegetable kebabs with marinated tofu or halloumi cheese, portobello mushroom burgers, or grilled corn on the cob.
4. Can you provide some tips for successful outdoor grilling at summer cookouts?
To have a successful outdoor grilling experience at your summer cookout, make sure to clean and oil the grill before cooking, marinate meats or veggies in advance for added flavor, keep a close eye on heat levels to prevent burning or undercooking, and always have essential tools like tongs and spatulas handy.
