Even My Picky Cousin Went for Seconds on 29 Cookout Recipes
If a picky eater asks for more, that’s basically a standing ovation in food terms. This lineup of 29 recipes can turn hesitation into enthusiasm fast. They work for gatherings where you want the food to keep everyone around the table longer than planned.
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes
Cookouts are all about surprises, and swapping buns for sweet potatoes flips this classic on its head. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes don’t hold back on flavor, bringing a hearty filling to every bite. They strike a good balance between comfort food and something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
A cool treat is a must when the grill is going strong. Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream mixes creamy and fruity elements with that crunch everyone loves from classic shortcake. It’s a fun twist compared to plain ice cream scoops. Guests won’t just ask for dessert; they’ll ask for seconds on this one.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream
Grilled Asparagus
Veggies deserve a spotlight at cookouts too, and grilling changes the game. Grilled Asparagus adds a smoky layer that’s miles away from a basic side dish. It’s something both regular veggie lovers and skeptics might reach for. Picky eaters might be surprised by how much they enjoy grabbing a few spears off the plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Melted Ice Cream Pops
Who says melted ice cream belongs in a bowl? Melted Ice Cream Pops turn what could be a culinary mishap into something sweet and fun for everyone. The frozen twist makes them a playful cookout treat kids especially can’t resist. They’re an easy addition that offers something cool during hot cookout hours.
Get the Recipe: Melted Ice Cream Pops
Taco Pizza
Two crowd-favorites combine into something irresistible for any backyard gathering. Taco Pizza takes the handheld ease of tacos and layers it with the shareable format of pizza. It’s bold enough to be the talk of the table while still fitting in with classic grill items. No surprise when hands keep reaching for another slice.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pizza
Grilled Pork Chops
It’s not always about burgers or hot dogs at the grill. Grilled Pork Chops bring a satisfying main option with that flame-kissed texture and tenderness. They hold their own against other cookout dishes while offering a bit of variety. Even folks who stick with chicken might reconsider when they see this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Crispy on the outside with a tender interior makes this an easy go-to for everyone gathered. Buttermilk Fried Chicken isn’t new, but it’s dependable and full-textured for any cookout plate. No fancy twists here, just that crunch people lean toward for seconds. Toss it next to other grilled sides, and it always fits in.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Big Mac Pinwheels
Everybody loves sliders, but this small spin is made for casual munching at cookouts. Big Mac Pinwheels pack all the flavors of a burger in a mini, bite-sized format. They’re easy to create and even easier for guests to grab without any mess. Great for holding as folks wander around the grill for their next plateful.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Pinwheels
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Skewers give so much freedom at outdoor gatherings, and these stand out for good reason. Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are full of grill marks and fresh off the fire, making them a top grab for both seafood lovers and the curious. The mixture of sizes and visuals keep the table vibrant while offering something satisfying for all.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Blackened Chicken Clubs
Adding a twist to the regular sandwiches, these come packed with layered textures. Blackened Chicken Clubs keep guests thinking it’s their regular go-to until they catch that flavorful rub on the chicken. Great for sitting and chatting while making something filling. These hold up strong on multi-layered where seconds feel needed.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs
Grilled Hot Dogs
Sometimes simplicity steals the show, and what’s more cookout-ready than this classic? Grilled Hot Dogs prove you don’t need layers of complexity to win hearts by the picnic table. Flame marks add the needed dimension every grilling enthusiast appreciates.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Not everything at the cookout has to hit the grill. Chicken Salad Sandwich goes the chilled route while making for a refreshing change against heavier options. These plates offer a choice for folks aiming for comfort without the heat. Easy sections make sharing around the table possible without too much prep stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich
Grilled Pineapple
Whether it’s for a sweet treat or alongside your favorite dishes, this one always surprises people. Grilled Pineapple brings out a rich smoky flavor while keeping its natural sweetness intact. Each slice caramelizes perfectly, giving it that unforgettable charred finish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple
Italian Sliders
Mini sandwiches bring bold notes to any cookout table. Italian Sliders bring variety with their stacked layers and are hard to pass up for seconds. They are small enough to enjoy with other dishes but packed with enough flavor to stand out on their own.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Grilled Salmon
A reliable option for something light yet filling at cookouts. Grilled Salmon strikes a balance between tender meat and easy grilling. Cookout guests love this mix when paired with veggies or sides, offering a steady choice without overpowering the rest of the meal. It’s a clean choice that remains popular, even for picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon
Big Mac Sloppy Joe
For everyone looking for something bold, this fits the spotlight. The Big Mac Sloppy Joe is that mix of messy and fun that brings smiles across the group. You’ll see guests stacking plates for seconds because it’s loaded for sharing moments, not just meals.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sloppy Joe
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe
Slow-cooked ribs are always worth the effort at outdoor gatherings. Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe lets you enjoy that smoky, rich flavor without the mess of constant grilling. These ribs hold the crowd because they’re tender enough to keep even the toughest critics coming back for more meat.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe
Beef Tacos
Taco options are always a flexible choice for any cookout lineup. Beef Tacos allow guests to personalize while still offering a hearty filling that works well for large groups. They help balance between picky eaters and adventurous ones since they adapt easily to whatever topping guests may like.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos
Caprese Appetizer
This grab-and-go snack feels refreshing for guests handling bigger plates later. Caprese Appetizer caters to those looking for something light to start off their meal. Guests like to pick these up because they don’t fill up immediately, leaving room for the heavier main courses of the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Skewers always have a special pull at events when combined with sauces and spice blends. Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers bring in a slightly unique twist but remain accessible for everyone passing by. Guests enjoy them since they’re simple to hold and flavorful enough to stand with bigger dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Black Bean Burger
Veggie options shouldn’t feel boring to anyone attending. Black Bean Burger manages to counter that by being hearty and different from generic patties during cookouts. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike appreciate this choice since it keeps its form while staying flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger
Pico de Gallo
Side dishes don’t have to blend into the background, and fresh options can be noticed quickly in gatherings. Pico de Gallo steps in as one of those pairings that fit with nearly every plate. It’s productive for cookouts since people can grab or dip their portions without slowing down the food-sharing pace.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Veggie Burger
Cookouts need something for all tastes, including full options beyond just sides. Veggie Burger brings variety that feels like a main option and balances the cookout spread. It doesn’t fade into the background while still offering something different from grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip
This dip doesn’t shy away from being the center of attention when snacks hit the table first. Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip combines meaty textures that draw focus among party spreads, especially when family gatherings run high in guests. Seconds aren’t uncommon as this dish blends fun sharing styles during cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Hands-on options do especially well at cookouts when sandwiches hold variety for many plates. Grilled Chicken Sandwich fits as a go-to item guests can grab anytime during the gathering. They work well to balance alongside sides and drinks since they offer a filling option without requiring forks or added effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Philly Cheesesteak
Crowd favorites don’t get much better when mix-ins like this get added to larger cookout grills. Philly Cheesesteak shines as it holds hot, melted goodness that’s hard to resist during casual events. The table spaces these usually fill tend to stay busy because guests tend toward loaded portions.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Sticks and skewers work great when simplicity meets group settings. Grilled Chicken Kabobs let guests sample bites while moving easily through large outdoor venues. People grab them for smaller portions and mix them alongside larger plates without feeling boxed into larger meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Great creamy options tend to balance savory dishes during bigger tables. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese comes through as a backup when other items don’t push seconds as quickly. It holds its own against many entries without stepping on other foods, making it steady for guests undecided between bigger plates.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Tomahawk Steak
Larger plates deserve one heavy option for when guests want a full entree-feature meal. Tomahawk Steak answers with its strong grill-ready form, designed for second portions naturally. It stays unique because few other items deliver heavy setups with clear-cut appeal toward main grilling efforts.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak
