Grill Recipes That Brought My Whole Family Outside—19 To Try

ByMandy

Grilling has a way of getting everyone outside without much effort, and these 19 recipes made that happen fast. They’re simple, crowd-friendly, and perfect for lazy afternoons or unplanned hangouts. Even the picky eaters kept coming back for seconds. The grill stayed hot, and so did the conversation.

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Thai chicken skewers topped with a creamy sauce and garnished with chopped herbs and peanuts, served over a bed of white rice.
Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Perfect for grilling outdoors, these skewers are ideal for sharing with friends. Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers offer smoky and bold flavors everyone loves. They’re a backyard favorite that adds a fresh twist to shared meals. Make family gatherings more memorable with this crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and ketchup on a plate. A bowl of lettuce is in the background.
Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Few dishes bring people together like a juicy burger hot off the grill. Loaded up just right, Cheeseburger delivers all the warmth and indulgence that patio dinners deserve. It’s a go-to for casual outdoor meals. Add this to your cookout rotation to impress the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Grilled Eggplant

Close-up of grilled eggplant slices garnished with chopped herbs and a glossy glaze.
Grilled Eggplant. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for something on the lighter side? Grilled Eggplant brings rich texture with char-grilled smokiness to outdoor dinners. It’s a vegetarian-friendly addition everyone appreciates during grilling season. Pair it with other dishes to round out your barbecue spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Backyard grilling meets restaurant-quality flavors. Copycat Smash Burger captures that crispy, flat burger style that people can’t resist. Flipping these up will get everyone talking around the grill. This one’s perfect for fans of authentic smashed patties.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

While ovens can handle ribs, they’re made for outdoors, hands-on moments. Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe delivers smoky layers that are perfect for grilling. The juicy texture gets upgraded by slight grill char. It’s the go-to dish ready for family gatherings under the open sky.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini slices garnished with chopped herbs on a light-colored plate.
Grilled Zucchini. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Quick and always reliable, Grilled Zucchini fits perfectly into backyard barbecue plans. Tossed on the grill, it takes on something unexpected with the texture shift. Even vegetable skeptics stop and grab for seconds. Side or main, it complements just about everything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fans of cheeseburgers will love its unique twist on a classic dish. The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole combines big flavors in an easy way for outdoor parties. Hearty, flavorful, and filling, it’s perfect for feeding larger crowds. Serve it up for something out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled meat ribs garnished with chopped herbs and garlic, served on a white platter with fresh parsley in the background.
Grilled Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Packed with smoky, charred goodness, these thighs always impress. Grilled Chicken Thighs are a versatile BBQ staple that works for casual or special meals. They’re juicy and cooked to perfection every time. Perfect for keeping everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus spears served on a plate with two charred lemon halves.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Vegetables can feel exciting after grilling, and Grilled Asparagus is proof of it. The crisp texture with just enough char makes this go from boring to memorable for any group. Even picky eaters seem to find reasons to scoop seconds. A simple side dish for backyard meals done right.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Close-up of a cheeseburger with a sesame bun, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and beef patty.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ideal for handheld meals around the patio, these sandwiches are quick and fun. Grilled Chicken Sandwich offers a smoky flavor wrapped in fluffy bread. Easy to prep and share, it’s perfect for small or large gatherings. Add toppings and it’s even better.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Hot Dogs

Four hot dogs in buns topped with crispy fried onions are arranged on parchment paper in a basket.
Grilled Hot Dogs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Few things say cookout more than Grilled Hot Dogs during an outdoor meal. The grill char gives this simple meal its special outdoor vibe. Quick, approachable, and loved by all ages, it’s a classic everyone expects. Kids especially run fast to grab these from the table first.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs

Tomahawk Steak

Close-up of cooked beef slices on a wooden board, with a fork holding one piece. The meat appears juicy with a seasoned crust.
Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Great for celebrating, this steak is sure to turn heads at the table. Tomahawk Steak isn’t just big, it’s packed with incredible grilled flavor. Perfect for impressing guests at outdoor meals. Bring something unforgettable to your next grill night.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak

Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

A white plate holds grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Shrimp Kebobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Easy to snack on or include as part of the meal, Grilled Shrimp Kebobs always have that extra smoky flavor. Portable portions make it hard to resist grabbing “just one more.” It’s great for breaking out seafood options during outdoor grilling. Little effort, big impact for patio cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For anyone who enjoys bold flavors, this dish is always a favorite. Chipotle Grilled Chicken brings smoky heat that’s hard to resist. Perfect for backyard meals with a little extra kick. These chicken pieces will spice up your grill night in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled Lobster Tail

Cooked lobster tail with herbs and seasoning served on a white plate.
Grilled Lobster Tail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Seafood feels like a treat, and Grilled Lobster Tail adds a little flair to your grill nights. The grilling process brings out something special while keeping it simple. Fancy without too much effort, it works for impressing even picky eaters. Perfect for small gatherings or special family moments.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lobster Tail

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ideal for a side dish that stands out, this combines smoky veggies with fresh pasta. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies balances hearty bites with light textures. Great for those who prefer cold pairings with their barbecue mains. Add this to your cookout menu for variety.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Grilled Salmon

A close-up of a cooked salmon fillet topped with a mixture of chopped herbs, garlic, and seasonings.
Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re testing seafood options, Grilled Salmon stands out for its smoky and hearty flavors. The grill adds just enough char that mixes perfectly with the underlying taste. It’s a reliable option when wanting something different that fills you up. Nothing extra, just solid grilling fun for all.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon

Grilled Vegetables

A platter of grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, bell peppers, and red onions, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Always a popular addition to outdoor meals, this mix is a classic. Grilled Vegetables bring color, flavor, and smokiness to almost any backyard meal. They’re versatile, complementing both grilled mains and sides. Perfect for rounding out your barbecue menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bold flavors shine in this twist on burgers with extras that stand out. Korean Burgers offer smokiness paired with savory and slightly sweet hints. Something unique for your barbecue nights. Everyone will be excited to try this fun take on classic burgers.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *