Look no further for cookout food ideas! We have recipes for everything you'll need for a delicious summer celebration.
49 All-American Recipes for Cookout Food
Updated on May 24, 2024
1/49
White Texas Sheet Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cake gets better the longer it sits, so I try to make it a day ahead. My mother-in-law introduced this deliciously rich sheet cake to me. With its creamy frosting and light almond flavor, no one can stop at just one piece! —Joanie Ward, Brownsburg, Indiana
2/49
Favorite Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
You’ll want to slather this fantastic Texas-style sauce over everything, including grilled chicken. If you want a more finger-friendly cookout food, you can grill chicken wings instead.
3/49
Watermelon Feta Flag Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
Sweet watermelon and cubs of salty feta cheese are a match made in heaven. Place them in festive stripes on a bed of arugula, add blueberries in place of stars and you have a splendid Fourth of July side dish recipe.
4/49
Red and Blue Berry Lemonade Slush
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightfully sweet-tart beverage showcases fresh raspberries and blueberries. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Make this sweet-tart slushy the night before your get-together so it has the right frozen consistency. This is a zero-proof family favorite, but you can make it boozy like these Fourth of July drinks.
5/49
Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
This dish really showcases the wonderful flavors of summer, like fresh corn, basil and gorgeous tomatoes. Make the salad ahead of time, throw the shrimp on the barbecue and serve everything together.
6/49
All-American Banana Split
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drugstore. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
What would a summer celebration for the Fourth of July or Labor Day be without an all-American dessert like the banana split? Get all the toppings like strawberries, whipped cream, peanuts and chocolate sauce ready before scooping the ice cream. Assemble and serve immediately, or better yet, let everyone make their own!
7/49
Southern Fried Chicken Strips
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What's not to love with these crowd-pleasing golden fried chicken strips? A hint of garlic makes this fried chicken tenders recipe irresistible. —Genise Krause, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
A pile of boneless fried chicken strips is the perfect option for any summer picnic. Serve with ranch dressing and crunchy celery, barbecue sauce or sriracha mayo.
8/49
Smash Burgers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Now is not the time to cut the calories or skimp on the salt. Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. The best burger comes with being liberal with the kosher salt—it's beef's best friend, trust me. — James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Get a good blend of ground brisket and short rib for the best burger, and make sure to salt liberally before throwing it on the grill. When it comes to burger toppings, a couple slices of American cheese, fresh crisp iceberg lettuce and fresh onion does the trick.
9/49
S’mores Cupcakes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Marshmallow frosting puts these cupcakes over the top. Chocolate bar pieces and graham cracker crumbs on top make them extra indulgent and even more like the real thing—but better! —Erin Rachwal, Hartland, Wisconsin
Of course every cookout should have s’mores. Or in this case, cupcakes with pieces of chocolate bars and graham cracker crumbs on top of marshmallow frosting.
10/49
Red, White and Blue Summer Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In this dish, I combine traditional Caprese salad flavors with summer peaches and blueberries. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed side dish. —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California
A mash-up of two great salads—caprese and fruit salad—is the perfect summer cookout food. With prosciutto for saltiness and a balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a full-flavored hit along with other Memorial Day side dishes.
11/49
Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Total Time
15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can't get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor in this recipe. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky
This sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can’t get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor.
12/49
Old-Fashioned Whoopie Pies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They're a treat that never lasts very long with my two brothers and me around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
The beauty of a whoopie pie is that it can be served cold right out of the fridge or at room temperature. And there are loads of filling flavors to consider, like raspberry, maple or chocolate chip.
13/49
Red Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
17 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful red potato salad recipe with egg is the perfect side for summer cookouts. The red potatoes really dress it up. —Margaret Blomquist, Newfield, New York
14/49
All-American Pie
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With apples, cherries and blueberries, this patriotic slab pie even tastes American. If the day doesn't call for stars and stripes, feel free to use any shaped cookie cutters you like for this awe-inspiring potluck dessert. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
This patriotic slab pie makes the most of apples, cherries and blueberries. While stars and stripes make great Fourth of July, Labor Day or Memorial Day dessert, you can use any shaped cookie cutter for this potluck-friendly pie.
15/49
Grilled Steak Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy aioli brings a zesty kick to steak tacos, and the ribeye is a nice upgrade from typical ground beef. Grab one and enjoy the burst of flavor in each bite! —Michael Compean, Los Angeles, California
You’ll want extra spicy aioli and avocado-corn salsa for these grilled ribeye tacos. Heat the flour tortillas on the grill for a charred flavor, but be careful, they puff up fast!
16/49
Loaded Cowboy Queso
Total Time
30 min
Servings
24 servings (6 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded Cowboy Queso is the ultimate football dip! This easy appetizer loaded with cheese, beer, black beans, tomatoes and sausage is our family's favorite tailgating recipe. I often serve it with homemade tortilla chips sprinkled with taco seasoning. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Loaded with cheese, beer, black beans, tomatoes and sausage, this is the cookout recipe for summer gatherings. Make sure to have lots of tortilla chips, pita or crackers for scooping.
17/49
The Best Grilled Sirloin Tip Roast
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a flavorful cut of meat that's still pretty lean, give this sirloin tip roast a try. I like to cook it slowly over indirect heat, mopping it frequently with red wine sauce. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Sirloin tip is lean and full of flavor, so you need to cook it over indirect heat so it doesn’t get dry out. Mop with the red wine-based sauce and serve with horseradish butter after. It’s one of the best barbecue recipes that you’ll want to cook all summer long.
18/49
Easy Strawberry Lemonade Freezer Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Three simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham cracker crust make magic while your freezer does all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you'd like! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Let your freezer do all the work with this simple three-ingredient pie. Like all easy no-bake summer desserts, just prep ahead and let it chill before serving.
19/49
Air-Fryer Potato Chips
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
Have a few batches of these crispy potato chips ready for your summer backyard barbecue. They’re perfect with dips, as a side for burgers and brats or just for snacking.
20/49
Quick Barbecued Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Sometimes the best cookout food is the easiest, like these quick baked beans. Cook them on the grill for extra smoky flavor.
21/49
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into nine bars instead of 16. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah
These bars make the perfect summer potluck dessert. The layers of pecan shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam are just what you want at your cookout.
22/49
Dilly Potato & Egg Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Dill pickles and hard-boiled eggs add some extra heft and flavor to this summer-favorite potato salad. It’s a perfect side for everything from burgers to barbecue ribs.
23/49
Grilled Vegetable Platter
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Grilling brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables like bell peppers, onions, asparagus and carrots. They’re great at room temperature, which is perfect for outdoor parties and backyard picnics.
24/49
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this creamy macaroni salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
No summer cookout or holiday would be the same without various salads and side dishes. For the creamiest macaroni salad, reserve some of the dressing to add to the macaroni salad just before serving.
25/49
Vegetable Steak Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The marinade for this steak-and-vegetable kabob is the best one I've ever found. I use it on chicken and pork, too. —Norma Harder, Weyakwin, Saskatchewan
Once you learn how to make a marinade, you’ll have the building blocks for tasty grilled meats, fish and vegetables. Make sure to reserve some of the marinade for brushing on the steak and vegetable kebabs for extra flavor.
26/49
Cherry Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It's one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida
When you have delicious peak-season summer cherry tomatoes, you need little to adorn them. This one, simply dressed with fresh herbs, olive oil and vinegar, is particularly good for Fourth of July, Father’s Day and other summer holiday cookouts.
27/49
Nutty Broccoli Slaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It's a smash hit wherever I take it. —Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio
Filled with onions, almonds, sunflower seeds and ramen noodles (for crunch!), this broccoli slaw is a fantastic alternative to traditional coleslaws. The sweet dressing really brings it all together.
28/49
Grilled Jalapenos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
These stuffed jalapenos make the perfect hot appetizer for summer cookouts. Stuffed with sausage and wrapped in bacon, they’re hearty and addictively delicious.
29/49
Peach & Blueberry Galette
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's favorite pie is blueberry, made with fresh-picked northern Ontario blueberries. Adding peaches and a rustic crust creates a bit of summer fun, perfect for a picnic. —Christine Kropp, London, Ontario
You can’t get much better than an easy fruit galette for a picnic. Use fresh peaches and blueberries, a favorite summer combo, in a delicious pastry crust (frozen will work in a pinch!). Easier than a pie, it’s a stunning addition to any Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day dessert table.
30/49
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Whether you call it a salad or a dessert, the salty pretzels, sweet whipped topping and strawberries make this treat so craveable. Measure your pretzels after you crush them, not before, to make sure there’s enough for your 13×9.
31/49
Buttery Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
The buttery sauce for these shrimp is so good, you’ll want to use it on other seafood and shellfish, like lobster tails. To ensure your bamboo skewers don’t catch fire, soak them for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
32/49
Blackberry Lemonade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a special drink that's perfect when blackberries are in season. It has a tangy, refreshing flavor. —Rich Murray, Nevada, Missouri
Use up all the fresh seasonal fruit you can with this refreshingly tangy lemonade. Make a big batch ahead of your cookout and let everyone serve themselves.
33/49
Marinated Three Bean Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
Since you’re using canned beans, this classic picnic salad takes no time to throw together, but you do want it to marinate for a few hours so the flavor melds. It’s great served at room temperature, making it the perfect cookout food.
34/49
Red, White and Blueberry Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It's as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
White chocolate pudding, whipped topping, fresh fruit—need we say more? This pie comes together quickly for the Fourth of July or any summer holiday cookout.
35/49
Macaroni Coleslaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
When you simply can’t decide between macaroni salad and coleslaw, combine them! We love the crunch of bell pepper, celery and cucumber in this recipe, but feel free to leave any out.
36/49
Pork Chops with Glaze
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Bone-in pork loin chops are great on the grill, and this glaze really makes them a standout at your summer cookout. The secret ingredients: Rosemary and orange juice.
37/49
Southwestern Star Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2-2/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoyed this sensational dip at a holiday party and begged for the recipe. No others are the ones begging me! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Filled with olives and chilies, this gooey, cheesy hot dip is a knockout starter for backyard barbecues. Make a decorative star out of tomatoes for patriotic summer holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Make sure you try these Labor Day BBQ recipes.
38/49
BBQ Brats
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin
Start these brats on the grill and then throw them in the slow cooker with beer and barbecue sauce for a few hours. You’ll wow your guests and save some room on the grill for later. We have more delicious summer barbecue ideas for stress-free get-togethers.
39/49
Patriotic Pops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas
What’s a summer cookout if the kids aren’t running around with ice pops? This recipe features frozen treats made with strawberries, lightly sweetened yogurt and blueberries, but you can swap in any seasonal fruit that you like. If you need more ideas for red, white and blue desserts, we’ve got ‘em!
40/49
Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida
These deviled eggs have everything you love about Buffalo chicken wings, including blue cheese, celery and hot sauce. They’re practically a meal on their own.
41/49
Kansas City-Style Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
You’ll want well-marbled, country-style pork ribs for this recipe, as they tend to stay moist on the grill and not dry out. Make extra rub, too; it’s great on other proteins, including chicken.
42/49
Classic Texas Caviar
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this Texas caviar from one in a cookbook I received a long time ago, and now I can't imagine a get-together at my house without this quick and healthy appetizer. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado
Black-eyed peas, lots of vegetables and a zesty dressing come together for this classic picnic appetizer. Serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
43/49
Grilled Bean Burgers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These juicy veggie patties have major flavor, with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
Make sure your vegetarian eaters have a lot of cookout food options. Made with carrots, quick-cooking oats, beans and lots of spices, these patties hold together well and come off the grill juicy and full of flavor. You can try other plant-based meat options for your summer picnics.
44/49
Iced Raspberry Tea
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Frozen raspberries lend fruity flavor and lovely color to this pretty iced tea that's good throughout the year. The recipe calls for just a few common ingredients and offers make-ahead convenience. —Lois McGrady, Hillsville, Virginia
Use fresh or frozen raspberries for this delightful iced tea. You can play with the sugar quantity according to your taste.
45/49
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
This macaroni salad is on the sweeter side, thanks to the addition of sweetened condensed milk. It’s one of our best macaroni salad recipes, perfect for summer cookouts and potlucks.
46/49
Pina Colada Fruit Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Give friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Dress fresh fruit like grapes, berries and pineapple with frozen non-alcoholic pina colada mix for a taste of the tropics. Of course, if you want to add a little rum to it, that’s OK, too. Here are our best rum picks for cocktails and sipping.
47/49
Plum Good Crisp
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great crisp that goes well with any meal, but you can also serve it as a breakfast treat or snack.When it's warm, it can't be beat! —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Use fresh summer plums and nectarines for this crisp recipe. Serve warm if you can, and have plenty of vanilla ice cream to go on top.
48/49
Creamy Coleslaw
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Cut down on prep time with bagged shredded cabbage and carrots. This creamy coleslaw is aces next to cookout food like barbecue ribs, grilled chicken and burgers.
49/49
Barbecued Picnic Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
Making homemade barbecue sauce is just about as easy as twisting the lid off a bottle or jar, and it makes a world of difference on things like this juicy chicken. Serve with your favorite side salad, baked beans or grilled corn.
