Easy Summer Cookout Menu

Fire up your grill for this collection of impressive outdoor-inspired recipes.

"The Burger Bar."

"The Burger Bar."

Mix and Match

Start your summer cookout with a mix of vegetables and protein. A fruity mango salsa and lime-infused shrimp skewers go particularly well together, and neither take that long to prepare. Or, try grilled veggies as a starter or side.

Recipes:


 

Easiest Entree

If you’re looking for a super-easy main course, go with simple grilled clams and oysters. All you have to do is clean them, put them on the grill, wait a couple of minutes for them to open, and you’re done!

Recipes:


 

Feasts Fit for the Grill

Ready for a bigger challenge? Feed a crowd with skirt steak fajitas or a couple of grilled vegetable pizzas. Or go with an old favorite (with a new twist) like grilled Tuscan chicken or grilled salmon with salsa verde, which both work nicely. Classic burgers always hit the spot, like a bacon-blue cheese burger or juicy "super" burgers with homemade ranch on top. Or, let guests build their own burgers by firing up basic patties and then laying out bowls of caramelized onions, rosemary-scented bacon and more toppings.

Recipes:


 

Sips and Sweets

You’ll need a drink to wash that all down –– go with tequila-spiked lemonade or a simple agua fresca. For dessert, grilled fruit is easy and refreshing: Try grilled bananas topped with maple creme fraiche or grilled peaches drizzled with honey and yogurt. 

Recipes:

Next Up

Desserts on the Grill

The grill can be just as good for your sweets as it is for your meats. Here are some tips for making desserts on the grill.

Unwind With Wine Milkshakes and 3 More Buzzworthy, Boozy Frozen Desserts

Get a wine milkshake recipe from Vince Young Steakhouse in Austin, Texas and Cooking Channel's other alcoholic ice cream dessert recipe ideas.

Thirsty Thursday: A Summery Sangria

Nothing quite says “good host” like a pitcher of chilled red wine bursting with textured, alcohol-infused fruit.

Summer Potluck Menu

Ensure that everyone gets their fill with these hearty recipes for a packed potluck. 

Thirsty Thursday: Peach Sangria

Cooking Channel's three-ingredient punch is uncomplicated, refreshing, and chock-full of summer's best peaches.

Thirsty Thursday: Mojito Slushy

It’s no secret that mint and lime offer depth and refreshment to summer cocktails, and in Cooking Channel's version of the popular Cuban cocktail, fresh mint leaves and lime zest are the star ingredients.

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