Time to dust off the grill, gather your crew, and get ready for some serious eating. These 19 recipes aren’t just your average hot dog and burger fare. We’ve got quick and delicious dishes that are perfect for throwing on the grill or bringing a pop of flavor to your cookout spread. Get ready to impress your friends and family with some easy-to-make 4th of July winners.
Kool Aid Cupcakes
Liven up your BBQ with these fun and colorful Kool-Aid cupcakes! Tangy and bursting with flavor, they’re a hit with both kids and adults and perfect for a summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Kool Aid Cupcakes
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
This vibrant dish brings together summer squash, zucchini, and tomatoes in a flavorful medley. Infused with fresh herbs, it’s a festive side dish for your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Surprisingly easy to make and bursting with flavor, these deviled eggs feature a creamy filling studded with savory bacon bits. Perfect for any occasion, including your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Kefta Kebabs
Skip the usual burgers and try these flavorful lamb kebabs. Seasoned with delicious spices, they’re a unique and delicious option for your summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Avocado Tomato Salad
Ditch the boring salad and bring on the summer flavors! This refreshing avocado tomato salad is packed with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, making it the perfect light side dish for your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Don’t just grill meat! Thread your favorite fruits onto skewers and grill them to perfection. Drizzled with a homemade caramel sauce, these are a delicious and refreshing way to end your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Chewy S’mores Bars
No fire, no problem! These chewy s’mores bars are the perfect solution for your cookout. They’re easy to make and deliver all the flavors of the classic campfire treat.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Baked Kale Chips
Skip the greasy snacks and opt for healthy kale instead. Baked to crispy perfection, these guilt-free chips are packed with nutrients and make a satisfying alternative for your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake
Celebrate in style with the Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake, a festive centerpiece adorned with swirls of colors and layers of flavors. This stunning cake is a delicious way to show your national pride and perfect for your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Add a smoky twist to your cookout with chipotle grilled corn on the cob. Marinated in a chipotle butter sauce, this flavorful side dish is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Brighten up your BBQ with these lemon-marinated chicken kebabs! The chicken is infused with citrusy flavor and pairs perfectly with colorful veggies on the grill. They’re easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Skip the canned beans and make these smoky baked beans instead. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and they’re far cheaper than buying the mushy canned beans. Packed with flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Frosted Banana Bars
Treat your guests to a delicious dessert with these frosted banana bars. Moist and flavorful, they’re a great way to use up ripe bananas and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Beer Boiled Brats
These beer-soaked brats are a cookout classic for a reason. Bursting with juicy flavor, they’re a delicious and easy crowd-pleaser and a great alternative to plain hot dogs.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Smoky chipotle seasoning adds depth to the juicy beef patty, while the spicy jalapeno mayo delivers a kick. This is a burger for those who crave excitement – perfect for your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken
Tangy and refreshing, this chicken is marinated in a creamy kefir blend, resulting in tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for grilling on a hot summer day. The creamy kefir adds a touch of tang that complements the char from the grill beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken
Veggie Pasta Salad
This refreshing pasta salad is packed with summer veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect side dish for your BBQ. Best of all, it doesn’t have mayo, which makes it safer to serve.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Beat the heat with this light and refreshing dish. Marinated in lime juice, the chicken has a bright and zesty flavor that’s perfect for a summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Hearts of Palm Salad
Escape the ordinary with Hearts of Palm Salad. This refreshing salad features unique palm hearts with a delightful crunch and mild flavor, complemented perfectly by juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. It’s a light and flavorful way to cleanse your palate between bites of grilled food at your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad