A Summer Cookout Menu That's Quick and Easy to Prepare
You haven't lived until you've tried corn pups.
Summer is here and the warm weather means one thing: family gatherings where adults cluster around the grill and the kids play on the slip ‘n’ slide. But hosting an outdoor feast can be stressful, especially when it comes to planning the food. Thanks to this cookout menu, however, you won't ever worry about running out of stomach-pleasing recipes to serve at your next get together.
Not only does this barbecue menu include your usual veggie burgers and chicken kebabs, but it also features unique spins on classic recipes like sugar snap pea fries, grilled squash bread, and watermelon pizza. And whether some of your guests have dietary restrictions or like to try a little bit of everything, there’s a recipe for everyone.
So go ahead and whip up this summer cookout menu that includes appetizers, main entrees, desserts, cocktails, and alcohol-free drinks. You can even include some of these into your Father’s Day and 4th of July celebrations.
Berry Sangria
With just four ingredients, this fizzy drink will keep you and your guests cool on a hot summer day.
Marinated Chicken Kebabs
You can prep these kebabs hours before your cookout starts, and then just toss them on the grill for 10 minutes.
Mason Jar Citrus Coolers
Orange juice + lime juice + lemon juice = this refreshing cooler recipe.
No-Churn Banana Split Ice Cream
There are swirls of chocolate and fruit mixed into this low-cost banana split ice cream recipe.
Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs
Forget tiny slices of pickles. This recipe calls for one pickle cut down the middle and stuffed into the bun.
Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
Avocado toast who? Zucchini, squash, and ricotta on bread will become your go-to meal this summer.
Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade Pops
Add a slight minty flavor to your ice pops with thyme leaves.
Gingery Grilled Stone Fruit and Cucumber Salad
Toss the plums for just two minutes on the grill to give them a smoky flavor.
Get the recipe for Gingery Grilled Stone Fruit and Cucumber Salad.
Beef and Mushroom Burgers with Snap Pea Fries
You can prepare the patties ahead of time and grill them for eight minutes.
Get the recipe for Beef and Mushroom Burgers with Snap Pea Fries.
Seared Summer Squash with Pistachio Pesto
Elevate grilled summer squash with homemade pesto that comes together in 10 minutes.
Get the recipe for Seared Summer Squash with Pistachio Pesto.
Marinated Tomato and Watermelon Wedges
This watermelon pizza is a refreshing and savory appetizer.
Summer Bean, Corn, and Radish Salad
Make your own dressing for this bean and corn salad with just four ingredients.
Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter
You'll never go back to plain butter when you see how easy and quick it is to make this parsley-infused version.
Glazed Pork and Apple Kebabs
Charred gala apples add a uniquely sweet flavor and make the pork on these kebabs extra juicy.
Black Bean and Avocado Salad
Set out a few bags of tortilla chips and a big bowl of this creamy, flavorful salad for an easy appetizer.
Alabama White BBQ Grilled Shrimp
Everyone at the cookout will be drooling over these juicy skewered shrimp covered in a hot 'n spicy white BBQ sauce.
Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips
Upgrade your turkey burger with a spicy apple and jalapeño slaw, a smoked mayo spread, and sweet potato chips.
Get the recipe for Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips.
Salmon Burger
Give guests a lighter option with these flavorful salmon burgers seasoned with pickled ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
Corn Pups
It doesn't get cuter than these carnival-inspired treats served with mustard and ketchup.
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