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.

Summer Potluck Menu

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

Food to Pack for a Day at the Beach

Beach bound? Pack these delicious and portable foods in your cooler to extend your fun in the sun.

Thirsty Thursday: A Summery Sangria

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

Thirsty Thursday: Limoncello Spritzer

Versatile enough to make for a sophisticated brunch, but also laid-back enough for an outdoor cookout, this well-balanced cocktail is appropriate for any time of day.

So Much Pretty Food Here