• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Recipe Collections

22 backyard cookout recipes that deserve a comeback

Published: Jul 4, 2026 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Some cookout recipes quietly faded away, but they never stopped being delicious. These backyard favorites bring back the comforting flavors and timeless dishes that once made every summer gathering memorable. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and just as satisfying today as ever. Sometimes the old favorites really are worth bringing back.

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This grilled peach salad features tomatoes, snap peas, feta, and pickled onions with a tangy dressing that ties it all together. It works well at backyard dinners when you want something fresh and colorful to serve with grilled meat or fish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Hot Dog and Potato Foil Packs

Top view of an opened Hot Dog and Potato Foil Pack.
Hot Dog and Potato Foil Packs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These foil pack meals combine hot dogs and potatoes in one easy-to-prep packet, great for grilling or camping. They’re perfect for backyard dinners where cleanup needs to be quick.
Get the Recipe: Hot Dog and Potato Foil Packs

Grilled Peppers

An overview of a bowl of Grilled Peppers.
Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Grilled peppers cook quickly and develop a soft texture with natural sweetness that comes through after just a few minutes on the grill. They’re a practical option for backyard dinners where you want something simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Avocado Deviled Eggs

A close up image of avocado deviled eggs.
Avocado Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Avocado deviled eggs are a creamy and easy variation of the traditional recipe. They make a smart snack or starter at any backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs

Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables

Two plates of Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables.
Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bay scallops, zucchini, corn, and tomatoes all cook on the grill and are tossed with garlic basil butter for a simple, complete dish. It’s a convenient choice when you want everything ready in one go for your backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Basil Butter Bay Scallops with Summer Vegetables

Swirl Garlic Bread

Close-up image of sliced swirl garlic bread on a cutting board.
Swirl Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Swirl garlic bread combines herbs and butter into a soft loaf that’s as nice to look at as it is to eat. It’s a strong choice to round out your backyard dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Swirl Garlic Bread

Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

An image of a grilled halloumi lamb burger.
Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These grilled lamb burgers are made with fresh herbs and topped with sweet grilled onions and sun-dried tomato pesto. They bring bold flavor to backyard dinners without a complicated process.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger

Grilled Vegetables

Close-up view of Grilled Vegetables on a plate.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These grilled vegetables are easy to make and let you use up whatever fresh produce you have on hand. Topped with balsamic and oregano, they’re a smart choice for rounding out the table at your next backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This homemade Margherita pizza uses fresh ingredients and comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s a fast and flavorful option for a backyard dinner, especially if you're using a grill or pizza stone.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Grilled Pork Chops

An overview of Grilled Pork Chops.
Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

A quick marinade brings bold flavor to these grilled pork chops, which cook up juicy and tender every time. This recipe fits right in at any backyard dinner during grilling season.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

An open grilled French onion pork burger on a plate with greens.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These French Onion Pork Burgers bring in deep flavor and melty cheese, inspired by the classic soup. Perfect for the grill, they’re a solid choice when you want something a bit different for your backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Watergate Salad

A close-up view of a bowl of Watergate Salad with cherries on top.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Watergate salad uses simple pantry staples like canned pineapple, pudding mix, and whipped topping to create a cool, creamy side. It’s quick to make and works well at any casual backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

A plate full of Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops.
Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled lamb chops glazed with peach honey are paired with a peach and watercress salad for a simple, seasonal meal. This works well for backyard dinners when you're after something that looks and tastes like summer.
Get the Recipe: Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops

Grilled Corn Salad

A plate of Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad with a fork.
Grilled Corn Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This grilled corn salad includes a tangy cumin-orange dressing and works on any kind of grill or stovetop. It’s a colorful and easy addition to your backyard dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

Campfire Hot Dogs and Beans

Campfire Hot Dogs and Beans. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grilled hot dogs with beans, bacon, and tomatoes come together in one skillet for a hearty meal that tastes like it came straight off the campfire. It’s a strong option when you're feeding a group during a laid-back backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Campfire Hot Dogs and Beans

Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes

Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These foil packet potatoes cook right on the grill with adobo seasoning that adds depth without much effort. They’re a great pick for backyard dinners when you want a no-fuss side that still brings something extra to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This buttermilk fried chicken recipe uses straightforward ingredients to create a crispy, golden crust with a juicy inside. It’s easy to batch cook and bring out for backyard dinners with a classic comfort food feel.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Grilled Skirt Steak with Brussels Sprouts Salad

Grilled Skirt Steak with Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled skirt steak pairs with a chopped Brussels sprouts salad dressed in lemon and dijon, making it a solid meal option for warm evenings. This dish brings balance and ease to your next backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak with Brussels Sprouts Salad

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled steaks topped with cowboy butter take just a few steps and come out rich and full of flavor. They make a strong centerpiece for any backyard dinner where something bold and easy to cook is what you’re going for.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

BBQ Hot Dogs

BBQ Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

BBQ hot dogs take only a few ingredients and come together quickly on the grill. They’re a great pick when you want a no-stress main for a relaxed backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Hot Dogs

Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad

Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Summer vegetables are tossed in a tart cherry balsamic glaze and grilled before being combined with orzo. This makes a great pasta salad served warm or cold at any backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Balsamic Grilled Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These shake and bake pork chops come together fast in the oven with a crispy outside and juicy center. They’re perfect when you need something low-effort but satisfying for a casual backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

More Recipe Collections

  • An image of Korean fried cauliflower in a plate with a person getting a piece.
    20 recipes that always earn a second helping
  • Stack of mixed berry jello on a wooden board.
    24 fruit desserts that let seasonal produce shine
  • An image of a vegetarian tater tot casserole.
    20 family favorites that never last long on the table
  • An overhead image of carrot cake loaf slices.
    22 classic recipes that are making a quiet comeback

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

More about me →

Popular

  • An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl.
    17 summer favorites that never go out of style
  • An image of a slice of sweet potato cornbread on a plate with butter and honey on top.
    19 homestyle recipes that never let you down
  • A plate of peaches stuffed with goat cheese and basil.
    18 fresh peach recipes you’ll wish you tried sooner
  • Top view of Banoffee Pie.
    23 vintage desserts that taste better than you remember

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC