Backyard parties reach peak fun when meals come together with fire, tongs, and pure confidence. Quick grilling keeps everyone laughing and hanging out instead of fussing with instructions inside. These 19 easy dishes show dinner can impress without fancy recipes or endless steps. Who knew the best warm-weather evenings start with trusting your gut over hot coals?

A skillet filled with creamy Queso Blanco Rotel Dip containing ground meat and diced tomatoes. — Queso Blanco Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

A black plate holds a square Blueberry-Rhubarb Crumble Bar topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh mint, with a fork on the side. — Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Everyone loves a dessert that comes together without too much fuss. Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars are all about contrasting textures and flavors. A crumbly topping meets a perfectly balanced filling for something memorable after a cookout. No mess, no guess, just good eating!
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Looking for something refreshing that guests can snack on? Southern Style Pickled Shrimp has a tangy twist, making it stand out from usual shrimp dishes. The marinade adds depth to the flavor, while the shrimp’s tenderness makes it easy to enjoy. It’s simple for those hosting a busy cookout.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing

Guests will appreciate something unique yet simple to load onto their plates. Tired of the same boring cookout sides? Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing adds a bold twist to the table. With its refreshing base and punchy dressing, it grabs attention quickly.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing

Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie

A key lime pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and lime slices, sits on a marble surface with lime wedges nearby. — Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

End your cookout perfectly with a timeless dessert. Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie balances sweet and tangy in a way no one can argue with. Its smooth texture is perfect after a smoky main course. Keep it cool and share a slice with everyone around.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

A bowl of smashed cucumber salad with sesame seeds, cilantro, red chili flakes, and a light dressing. — Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

When looking for a quick side, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad delivers cool, crispy bites packed with flavor. Its crunch complements heavier grilled dishes perfectly. There’s a boldness in every bite without it being overcomplicated. It adds a refreshing balance to any cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

Classic Hoppin’ John

Families love traditional dishes that bring stories to the table. Classic Hoppin’ John combines hearty ingredients to ground the meal. It’s a fantastic addition for guests looking for something homey and filling. Cookouts get better with a nod to well-loved traditions like this one.
Get the Recipe: Classic Hoppin’ John

Strawberry Lemonade

Drinks matter as much as food when planning a cookout. Strawberry Lemonade offers a flavorful refreshment everyone can enjoy. It bridges the gap between sweet and tangy for a drink that feels just right with grilled foods. Keep pitchers ready because seconds will be a must.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade

Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles

Everyone expects potato salad at a cookout, but not everyone makes it right. Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles stands out for its balanced tanginess and creaminess. It provides comfort alongside grilled meats. Bring it once, and people will ask you to bring it again next time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Red Potato Salad with Pickles

Corn Pudding Casserole

Soft, comforting, and easy to scoop onto plates, Corn Pudding Casserole is a guaranteed hit at any cookout. Its smooth texture and sweet notes make it unforgettable. Everyone enjoys how it complements all the grilled items sitting on the table. It’s a simple dish that never goes wrong.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Add a little fun to your grilling selections. Smoked Shotgun Shells deliver both flavor and flair to your cookout menu. Their smoky twist and surprise factor are a hit with guests. Expect these to become one of your most talked-about contributions to the grill scene.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Chips and salsa will level up with this twist. Roasted Tomatillo Salsa brings a deep, roasted flavor to everyone’s favorite dip. It’s simple but adds that something extra that everyone will appreciate. Packaged salsas can’t compete once you bring this to the table for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Need a dessert that catches the eye without too much effort? Strawberry Upside Down Cake is a beautiful option that’s as flavorful as it looks. It’s especially great for outdoor gatherings where you want simplicity and taste. Bring it once, and people will request it again.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Grilled chicken breast on a white plate with fork and knife, sliced tomatoes, lemon halves, cilantro, and salt and pepper shakers on a checkered cloth. — Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A cookout classic with no surprises needed. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken makes things easy yet flavorful for a main dish. Its balance of marinade simplicity and smoky hints from grilling keeps guests happy. Keep this as a reliable option that doesn’t take unnecessary chances with flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Creamed Corn

Simple dishes like this never go unnoticed at cookouts. Creamed Corn works as a side dish that gets scraped clean. Don’t let its subtle appearance fool you because its rich texture and balanced flavor are always a hit. Serve alongside grilled meats or main dishes without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Tomato Bruschetta

Light options have their place at cookouts, too. Tomato Bruschetta brings bite-sized convenience and fresh flavors to lighten the mood. It is ideal for balancing heavier grilled items without overwhelming the meal. Guests love the grab-and-go style for munching between conversations.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate. — Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Some sides need no spotlight to shine. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans is one such dish that’s packed with flavor and effortlessly complements many mains. It cooks while you grill, making your day easier. Guests will appreciate how it rounds out the menu so subtly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes. — Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Salads can be bold too, especially when they offer a smoky twist. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes combines fresh textures with rich flavors in every bite. It’s refreshing but still packs enough taste to stand strong on the table. It’s perfect if you want something unique and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Not everyone craves meat at a cookout, and that’s okay. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks offer a hearty, plant-based option made simply over the flames. It’s all about the char and seasoning here. You’ll show anyone that vegetables can hold their own at the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Grilled options are great, but sides do their share of heavy lifting too. Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes offer crispy bites and flavor-packed goodness. It’s filling enough to compete with your mains but still complements everything else on the plate. Perfect for any outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes