Home » Trending » 39 Grilled Meals That’ll Get You Out of the House, Off the Couch, and Straight Into Backyard Mode

39 Grilled Meals That’ll Get You Out of the House, Off the Couch, and Straight Into Backyard Mode

Getting outside just got easier with 39 grilled meals that make you want to leave the couch. These recipes aren’t about complicated marinades or fancy gadgets, just solid food that kicks off backyard mode faster than you can say “where’s the lighter?” Whether you’re a grill rookie or a weekend warrior, these meals have the kind of flavor that convinces indoor fans to step up to the flame.

Shredded Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Smoked Pulled Pork on a white plate.
Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce

Ninja Woodfire Grill Wings with Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauce on a white plate.
Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Wings are a classic, but Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce add a smoky edge that makes people pay attention. This recipe turns the grill into the centerpiece of any gathering without needing a lot of fuss. Perfect for those who want flavor with a side of casual hangout vibes. Wings like these don’t stay around long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Guacamole and grilled corn team up in this recipe to get everyone’s attention, and Grilled Corn Guacamole delivers on that promise. It’s a fun way to bring the grill into appetizer territory without feeling like a lot of work. Great for kicking off any cookout and getting people mingling. Simple, fresh, and a good excuse to head outside.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

The Backyard Table

An e-book titled "The Backyard Table: Recipes for Summer Cookouts" by Chef Jenn Allen is displayed on a tablet, featuring a bowl of potato salad on the cover.

Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.

You'll get ad-free recipes like:

  • Grilled Corn Guacamole
  • Grilled French Onion Burgers
  • Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
  • Blueberry Grunt
  • and so many more!

Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!

Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!

Buy Now!

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken turns a simple backyard meal into something memorable without overcomplicating things. It’s a dish that manages to feel fresh but approachable at the same time. Perfect for those who want a bit of variety in their grill routine without stressing over the details. It’s easy to see why this recipe makes the list.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimps on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Not just a seafood option, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp brings a fresh, easygoing flavor that gets people talking. It’s the kind of meal that makes backyard dinners feel lighter but still satisfying. Perfect for those looking for something simple yet impressive. It’s a reminder that grilling isn’t just for big cuts and heavy meals.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Wings get a spicy, smoky twist in Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings, making them perfect for backyard gatherings. They’re casual and flavorful, designed to keep everyone reaching for more. It’s a recipe that makes you want to leave the couch and stand around the grill with friends. These wings bring the heat and the hangout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

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

Grilling fruit might sound odd, but Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes quickly proves it’s worth trying. This salad turns a typical side into something unexpected, making it a conversation starter at any backyard gathering. It’s fresh enough to balance out heavier meals and simple enough to keep things casual. A smart way to mix things up outside.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Four bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a white rectangular plate garnished with sprigs of parsley.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Wrapping chicken in bacon sounds like a no-brainer, and Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts deliver on that promise. This meal brings a casual but confident vibe to your cookout. It’s the kind of recipe that makes grilling feel less like a chore and more like a reason to hang out. Good company and good food go hand in hand here.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pork chops with pineapple salsa on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Nothing says backyard grilling like a good chop, and Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa bring a flavor punch that keeps people coming back. This one’s built to get you out of the house and enjoying the open air without fuss. It’s a balanced meal that works for any kind of cookout, from casual hangouts to small celebrations. A no-brainer for grill fans.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken

Smoked whole chicken on Ninja Woodfire Grill.
Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s something about a whole bird on the grill that instantly changes the vibe, and Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken nails that feeling. It’s a meal that turns backyard hangouts into something more than just an excuse to avoid the kitchen. This one feeds a crowd without needing constant attention. Perfect for when you want to focus on company, not complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken

Grilled Tomahawk Steak

A sliced tomahawk steak on a white plate.
Grilled Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

The sheer presence of a Grilled Tomahawk Steak is enough to get people curious and off the couch. It’s a serious cut that makes a cookout feel like an event without any extra drama. If backyard grilling was a competition, this would be your trophy dish. It’s about big flavor and big moments in a casual setting.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tomahawk Steak

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you want steak with a little extra kick, Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter step up the game. This one gets you out of the house because it’s worth the effort, even if the effort is just firing up the grill. It combines straightforward flavors with a touch that makes a regular steak night feel like something more. A solid pick for any backyard session.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skewers bring easy and shareable together, and Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo add a bold punch without being complicated. This recipe is built to get you outside and into backyard mode without extra fuss. It’s a great way to mix up your grill lineup with something straightforward and flavorful. Perfect for casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Close-up shot of Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill topped with cheesy onion on a plate.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When pork burgers get a French onion twist, it’s time to step away from the couch. Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers bring a new flavor profile that keeps things interesting without going overboard. This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress without stress. A solid way to keep your backyard meals fresh and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Grilled T-Bone Steaks

A grilled t-bone steak on a black platter.
Grilled T-Bone Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Few things say backyard cookout like Grilled T-Bone Steaks, and this recipe doesn’t miss the mark. It’s a straightforward, no-frills way to get serious flavor without extra fuss. Perfect for those who want to keep it classic but memorable. This steak makes firing up the grill feel like a must, not a maybe.
Get the Recipe: Grilled T-Bone Steaks

Korean Galbi Ribs

Korean Galbi Ribs on a slate platter with red chopsticks beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Korean Galbi Ribs take traditional grilling up a notch with bold flavors that don’t need a fancy presentation. This recipe is about making the grill the star and getting everyone talking. It’s a dish that invites casual get-togethers with serious flavor. A solid choice for switching things up without changing the vibe.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Four pieces of Fruit Quesadillas on a white plate.
Grilled Fruit Quesadillas. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled fruit meets melted cheese in a way that makes sense with Grilled Fruit Quesadillas. This is the kind of recipe that sparks curiosity and delivers without fuss. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for mixing up dessert or snack options at any backyard event. Expect questions and satisfied nods around the grill with this one.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Chicken wings on a white plate with sauce and carrots.
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce bring a classic favorite to the grill with all the flavor punch you want. This recipe is designed to get people out of the house and around the fire pit. It’s casual, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for game day or any day you want to kick back with friends. Wings done right, no excuses.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If burgers wrapped in bacon don’t get you moving, nothing will. Bacon-Wrapped Burgers are the kind of meal that turns an ordinary cookout into a reason to celebrate. This recipe makes firing up the grill feel less like a task and more like a win. Perfect for when you want something simple with a little extra edge.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled corn ribs might be new to some, but Grilled Elote Corn Ribs make a quick case for adding them to your rotation. They bring a fun twist to classic corn with a grill-friendly vibe. This recipe is casual, shareable, and perfect for getting people out of the house and into the backyard. A clever side or snack for any grill night.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Three Grill Mediterranean Lamb Chops topped with gremolata on a white plate.
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops bring bold flavors and a little backyard flair without needing a lot of extra work. This recipe is about making grilling feel a bit more special but still accessible. Perfect for those who want a step up from the usual without complicating dinner. Lamb lovers will appreciate the straightforward approach here.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

A plate of sliced Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri, served on a white rectangular dish.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Steak and chimichurri are a classic combo, and Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri deliver it with ease. This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful, perfect for those who want backyard meals without extra hassle. It’s a reliable choice when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Easy to serve, easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Grilled Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Mezcal BBQ Sauce

A plate of Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill-Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Mezcal BBQ Sauce.
Grilled Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Mezcal BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoking a pork tenderloin takes the grill game up a notch, and Grilled Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Mezcal BBQ Sauce is proof. It’s a meal that feels special without demanding all day in the kitchen. Perfect for backyard gatherings that want flavor with a relaxed vibe. This recipe brings something different without complicating things.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Mezcal BBQ Sauce

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Beef Finger Meat on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Beef Finger Meat. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sometimes the simplest cuts steal the show, and Grilled Beef Finger Meat proves that point. This recipe is about making grilling easy, flavorful, and approachable. It’s a great way to get everyone outside and into the backyard routine. Perfect for casual nights where the grill is the main attraction without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken on a white plate with lemon slices.
Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Greek Chicken brings familiar flavors that work hard without overdoing it. This recipe is perfect for when you want to keep the backyard vibe relaxed but the meal satisfying. It’s a straightforward way to switch up your grill routine. Easy to enjoy and even easier to serve up for any kind of gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

A top-down shot of Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak on a cutting board with veggies.
Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who want something special without overthinking it, Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak hits the spot. This recipe turns backyard grilling into a small event that’s all about flavor and simplicity. Perfect for those who want a rich, satisfying meal without turning the grill into a project. It’s steak, but with a little extra something.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

Grilled Feta

Grilled Feta with Herbs in a black serving dish with toasted bread and a lemon wedge.
Grilled Feta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheese on the grill sounds risky, but Grilled Feta pulls it off with a surprising twist. This recipe offers a bold, simple flavor that’s perfect for sharing or adding to other dishes. It’s a quick way to add something different to your backyard menu without turning things into a project. A nice change of pace for grill fans.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Smoked Berry Crisp

A spoon lifts a portion of Smoked Berry Crisp from a bowl.
Smoked Berry Crisp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Desserts on the grill get a smoky spin with Smoked Berry Crisp, a clever way to finish off any cookout. This recipe is about taking familiar flavors and making them fit the grill setting. It’s casual but impressive, perfect for those who want to close the night with something tasty and unexpected. Great for sharing and making the grill the star.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Berry Crisp

Grilled Sausage & Peppers

A sandwich with grilled sausage & peppers, and onions on a plate.
Grilled Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Sausage & Peppers are classic backyard fare that never gets old. This recipe is built to get you out of the house and into simple, satisfying meals without fuss. It’s a no-nonsense choice that works for any kind of gathering. Easy to serve, easier to enjoy, and sure to get everyone around the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Three pieces of grilled cauliflower steaks on a black plate.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Vegetables get a grill moment with Grilled Cauliflower Steaks, proving you don’t need meat to enjoy backyard cookouts. This recipe makes grilling approachable and satisfying for everyone. It’s a solid choice for adding variety to your lineup without making things complicated. Great for casual nights or when you want something lighter but filling.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Four pieces of Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet and tangy meet the grill with Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze, a fresh take on dessert or a side. This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor that gets people curious. It’s perfect for those looking for something different without extra effort. A smart way to end any backyard meal on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bringing sizzle and flavor, Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle is a recipe that turns outdoor cooking into a laid-back experience with a kick. Perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors but wants to keep the prep and cleanup simple. It’s a fresh way to mix up backyard meals without sacrificing taste or fun.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Three ears of husked corn were arranged on a dark slate plate.
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Nothing says summer like Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob, and this recipe captures that feeling perfectly. It’s a straightforward way to bring smoky flavor to a classic side without overcomplicating things. Ideal for backyard meals that want something familiar but with a little extra. Easy to share, easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Grilled Smoked Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast arranged on a white plate.
Grilled Smoked Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoking meets simplicity in Grilled Smoked Turkey Breast, a recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful results without fuss. It’s perfect for those who want a leaner option that still feels indulgent. Great for backyard meals that want a touch of smoky comfort without hours of prep. A solid choice when you want to impress without overcomplicating.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Turkey Breast

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Three pieces of Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers on a white plate.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Dessert meets grill with Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers, a fresh way to mix up your backyard routine. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a fun, shareable treat without fuss. It’s perfect for those who want to end a meal with something unexpected but easy. A sweet finish that keeps people around the fire pit longer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Four pieces of Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bright and easy, Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken is a go-to for no-fuss backyard meals that still pack a punch. This recipe keeps things light, fresh, and approachable—perfect for those who want reliable grilling with a bit of zing. It works great for casual dinners or when you want something that feels just right without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Grilled Vegetables

A variety of grilled vegetables on a platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilling vegetables is a no-brainer, and Grilled Vegetables keep things simple, fresh, and satisfying. This recipe adds variety without adding stress, perfect for mixing up your backyard routine. It’s a solid choice for adding color and flavor that pairs with any main dish. Casual and reliable,
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Ninja Woodfire Pork Souvlaki with Horiatiki Salad and pita bread on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Perfect for easy backyard meals, Grilled Pork Souvlaki brings that fresh, smoky vibe without overcomplicating things. This recipe balances boldness and simplicity for anyone craving something with a Mediterranean twist. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes grilling feel approachable and satisfying. Great for casual cookouts or weekend gatherings where flavor is the priority.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Texas-Style Carne Asada

A sliced and grilled Carne asada on a wooden cutting board.
Texas-Style Carne Asada. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bold and straightforward, Texas-Style Carne Asada brings the backyard to life with no-nonsense flavor. This recipe is perfect for those who want a grilled meal with some serious attitude but no complicated steps. It fits right into casual cookouts where the focus is on juicy, satisfying bites and good company. A dependable pick for any grill master.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet meets heat in Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers, a recipe that’s anything but boring. It’s the kind of grill fare that sparks conversation and keeps everyone coming back for more. Perfect for those who want to punch up their backyard meals without fuss. Bold flavors, simple prep, and great results every time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

By

Leave a Comment