People show up for the burgers, but it’s the cookout recipes that outsell the burgers that really get everyone talking. These are the dishes that disappear first, the ones folks ask about before they even grab a plate. No big tricks—just simple, bold food that hits every time. If you're trying to bring something great to the table, start here.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus uses just five ingredients and takes minutes on the grill. It’s a strong side that holds its own next to any cookout main.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping
New York steak with fresh herbs cooks fast and brings that straight-off-the-grill edge. It’s the kind of dish that quickly steals attention from the burgers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Herbed Scallion Topping
Grilled Steak Kabobs
Steak kabobs combine juicy beef with grilled veggies in a quick, all-in-one meal. They're great for cookouts where you want everything ready at once.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Kabobs
Grilled Green Beans
Grilled green beans with garlic soy sauce cook fast and go with just about anything. This side is simple but stands out at any backyard setup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Green Beans
Arepas Con Queso
Arepas con queso come together in under 30 minutes with melted mozzarella and butter. They're an easy cookout pick that’s fast and full of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Arepas Con Queso
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Grilled hot honey chicken brings sweet heat and only takes about 40 minutes. It’s great for cookouts where you want something easy that still stands out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops
Peach-glazed lamb chops paired with grilled peaches hit that sweet and savory balance. This dish earns its spot at any grill-out with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Peach Honey Grilled Lamb Chops
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Chicken thighs on skewers, grilled and coated in bang bang sauce, come together fast. These are great for cookouts where you need something bold and quick.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Elote corn ribs are bold, spicy, and cook up fast. They’re a standout side that grabs attention without slowing you down.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Grilled chicken with cilantro crema is juicy and simple, with a creamy topping that pops. It’s a no-stress option that still turns heads at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Grilled Peppers
Grilled peppers are quick to make and bring out big flavor with just a little char. They’re great for piling onto sandwiches or serving as a side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Mediterranean grilled shrimp cook in minutes and pack in lemony, herby flavor. These are perfect when you want fast and fresh to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
Tomahawk pork chops bring bold flavor without much prep. If you’re looking to grill something that beats the basics, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
Sausage and Peppers
Grilled sausage and peppers cook quickly and work with everything from buns to platters. They’re great when you want something low-effort and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers
Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
This simple grilling recipe needs just a few seasonings and little effort. It’s a solid go-to for cookouts when you want something quick and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Chipotle grilled chicken is juicy, easy to prep, and works well in tacos or on its own. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast from the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Harissa Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops
Harissa pork chops pair with peach tomato salad for a punch of heat and freshness. It’s an easy win for cookouts when you want something a bit more bold.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Rubbed Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
Chile lime chicken is fast to grill and packed with bright, bold flavor. It’s perfect when you need a quick option that doesn’t feel like a backup plan.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken
Grilled Greek chicken brings bold Mediterranean flavor with barely any prep. A strong pick when you want something fast that still feels like a standout.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Greek Chicken
Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado uses citrus and herbs for deep flavor in marinated chicken thighs. It’s a low-effort favorite that works for any backyard grill-up.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado
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