The grill is working overtime, someone’s lost the tongs, and the table’s already running out of space. With 19 backyard cookout plates in the mix, things are moving fast and nobody’s mad about it. Every plate comes with a side of crowd noise and someone yelling, “Did you try this yet?” It’s messy, loud, and exactly how backyard eating should look.
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
A backyard cookout wouldn’t be complete without this seafood favorite. Southern Style Pickled Shrimp is a cool, tangy dish that fits right in with the heat of the grill. Whether you’re stacking them on crackers or munching straight from the plate, they’re perfect for sharing. It’s one of those dishes that brings something fresh to your smoky cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Sometimes, you need something creamy and cool to balance out all the grilled stuff. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad has that rich, tangy vibe that rounds out a plate. It’s rich enough to stand on its own, but simple enough to pair with every other dish. Make extra because everyone comes back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars
You can’t go wrong with a dessert that’s handheld and packed with sweet-tart goodness. Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars bring a balance of fruity and crumbly textures that everyone enjoys. They hit the sweet spot without being over-the-top sugary, making them perfect for a sunny day feast. These bars are great because they can be eaten while you’re still chatting around the table.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars
Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles
Every cookout needs an old-school, creamy potato salad. Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles adds just the right amount of crunch and tang to keep it interesting. It fits in whether you’re grilling burgers, ribs, or anything in between. Serve it chilled, and it’ll disappear before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles
Strawberry Lemonade
Nothing beats washing everything down with something refreshing. Strawberry Lemonade is that sweet, tangy drink that pairs with basically everything on your plate. It’s cool enough to keep on repeat all afternoon without feeling too heavy. Bonus tip: the kids and adults both keep coming back for refills.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade
BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
When you mix two crowd-favorites, you know it’s going to be a hit. BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon! brings that smoky, crispy bite people expect, with some pasta goodness mixed in. It works as a stand-alone plate or a hearty side. Either way, folks won’t leave much in the bowl.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Corn Pudding Casserole
You need something that hits that warm, comforting spot at every cookout. Corn Pudding Casserole brings that slightly sweet, baked texture that goes well with grilled anything. It’s a dish that gets scraped clean because it’s good with just about everything else. Perfect for piling onto already full plates.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole
Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie
Sweet and tangy desserts always seem to balance out a heavy meal. Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie is cool, creamy and just the right finish after all that barbecue. With its graham cracker crust and smooth bite, it’s crowd-friendly and easy to slice up. It’s one of those desserts that doesn’t hang around for long.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie
Fried Green Tomatoes
You can’t have too many shareable munchies at a cookout. Fried Green Tomatoes combine crispy outsides with a tender inside that’s packed with lip-smackin’ goodness. Whether people eat them plain or pile on extras, they always find a home on someone’s plate fast. Make them fresh so they stay warm and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
When you want something messy in the best way possible, this dish does it. Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs take the fun of grilled corn and make them bite-sized and easy to share. They bring big bold flavors but are still light enough to squeeze in alongside everything else. Perfect for a smoky, outdoor vibe.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Smoked Cauliflower
Let’s talk veggies that show up big at a cookout. Smoked Cauliflower brings a smoky edge that complements everything else on the grill without being overshadowed. It works as a side dish that feels hearty enough to hold its own on a loaded plate. Throw this into the mix, and it’s one more reason to hang around the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Epic Nacho Snack Board
You know what pairs perfectly with the vibe of friends hanging out by the fire pit? Epic Nacho Snack Board stacked high with layers that make every chip worth grabbing. It’s the kind of sharable thing that turns snack time into a major occasion. Keep it messy, grab some napkins, and let everyone dig in.
Get the Recipe: Epic Nacho Snack Board
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
This one is all about the subtle crunch alongside that smoky cookout aroma. Yellow Bean & Potato Salad brings just the right blend of textures that fit right in next to meat fresh off the grill. Plus, it’s easy to scoop onto your plate when you’re ready for seconds. It’s just another staple for everyone eating outside.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb
Some dishes steal the show during backyard meals, and this is one of them. Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb packs depth that stands out even next to other smoky grill favorites. It’s a centerpiece that feels special but still fits into the casual, laid-back scene. Bonus points to whoever slices it up for the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb
Pizza Pasta Salad
Let’s put two crowd-pleasers into one dish for no-fail picnic vibes. Pizza Pasta Salad mixes all the flavors that remind us of comfort food with an easy-breezy cold salad twist. It has all the sharable energy to make group outings even better. Throw it onto the picnic table, and watch how fast it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Queso Blanco Rotel Dip
Let’s just say no one’s forgetting the chips when this dish shows up. Queso Blanco Rotel Dip works as the go-to centerpiece for everyone to gather around. It’s extra fun in a backyard setting where there’s smoke from the grill nearby. This dip doesn’t just sit on the table, it starts conversations.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco Rotel Dip
Cucumber Salad with Feta
For all the heavier cookout dishes, it’s nice to have something lighter but still on point. Cucumber Salad with Feta throws a fresh, cool breeze into the mix that balances the smoky grill offerings. By staying simple, it doesn’t compete but complements nicely while filling out the plate. It’s just that perfect addition.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Smoked Eye of Round
Let’s make room for some serious barbecue vibes with this dish. Smoked Eye of Round brings those bold smoky layers that everyone loves without overwhelming the lineup. Slicing it thin and sharing is half the fun, especially when it comes to fitting onto crowded plates. It’s always a hit and great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Eye of Round
Wild Rice Salad
There’s always room for something hearty yet easy to dig into. Wild Rice Salad not only adds texture but fills the plate with grains that make every bite worthwhile. It pairs nicely with smoky meats or even stands out on its own. Throw it into rotation, and it quickly becomes a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad