When hunger shows up halfway through a hike or right after swimming, these 29 outdoor cooking recipes don’t just fill the gap—they make you consider seconds before finishing your first bite. There’s no need for restaurant-style plating or complicated gear. This lineup hits the exact point between “I’d eat anything” and “this is actually great.” Be warned: repeat requests are likely, so don’t pack light.
Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork
Some meals feel like breakfast, lunch, and dinner all crashed together. Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork is exactly that in the best possible way. Hearty, simple, and somehow just what everyone needed without asking. This one disappears fast, with people circling for ‘just a little more.’ Great for mornings, afternoons, or whatever time it is when you’re starving.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork
Homestyle Hamburger Stew
After a long hike or a windy beach day, something warm and simple hits different. Homestyle Hamburger Stew keeps things grounded without feeling boring. It’s the kind of food people didn’t know they were craving until the first bite. A quiet hit that usually turns into a group favorite. Perfect when the sun goes down but the appetite doesn’t.
Get the Recipe: Homestyle Hamburger Stew
The Backyard Table
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 Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
These aren’t the chops that get ignored at the end of the table. Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa find that sweet spot between smoky and fresh without trying too hard. People take one bite and suddenly remember how much they like pork chops. It’s low-fuss, big-return cooking that keeps the grill busy. And yes, someone will ask if there’s more salsa.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Cookout burgers are great, but this one pulls ahead without even breaking a sweat. Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers bring in a hit of comfort that feels oddly familiar, just not boring. They’re the kind of burgers that don’t need a long intro—just one bite and the conversation stops. Messy, flavorful, and gone before you even notice. Don’t count on leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Easy Skillet Lasagna
Some outdoor meals are just there to fill the gap, but this one earns a spot on repeat. Easy Skillet Lasagna brings the comfort of home to a picnic table without missing a beat. It’s filling, satisfying, and somehow tastes even better when eaten in camp chairs. This is the kind of dish that makes people hover near the stove, hoping for leftovers. Good luck finding any once everyone’s done.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Lasagna
Queso Blanco Rotel Dip
People usually bring chips expecting something forgettable, but Queso Blanco Rotel Dip changes the whole vibe. It’s warm, simple, and just messy enough to require a second helping. There’s something about dipping outdoors that feels right since no one’s judging your double-dip. It’s not fancy, but it’s the thing people keep coming back to. And they will keep coming back, guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco Rotel Dip
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
Dessert at a cookout usually means pre-packaged cookies or someone’s mystery pie. Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers break that trend in the best way. It’s one of those things that looks casual but feels like a real treat, especially after a salty main. Don’t expect leftovers unless you hide a few. Even then, someone’s probably already found your stash.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Nothing says ‘worth the wait’ like burgers that go the extra mile. Bacon-Wrapped Burgers show up strong, hold their own, and vanish before the grill cools down. They bring just enough smoke to earn a spot in future weekend plans. You might hear people planning their next cookout before they finish chewing. No one ever regrets making too many, just not making enough.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Cookouts can lean heavy, but this one brings some balance without losing crowd appeal. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken looks light, but it still feels like a real meal. It’s the kind of dish that makes people pause and go, ‘What is this? It’s good.’ It somehow works on both paper plates and dinnerware. And it gets requested again before the grill’s even cool.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Most outdoor meals aim for convenient. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter aim for memorable. There’s no overthinking it—just enough bold flavor to make people stare at their plate. The kind of dish that makes folks wander over for a second look. Don’t be surprised if chairs get pulled closer to wherever the steak landed.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Grilled Vegetables
No one gets excited when someone says “vegetables” at a cookout—until these hit the grill. Grilled Vegetables go from side dish to scene stealer the second they show up. Char marks do all the work, and somehow everyone becomes a fan. You’ll wish you made a second tray. Even the kids might reach for them.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Greek Chicken
This isn’t the chicken that gets lost between the burgers and ribs. Grilled Greek Chicken lands on the plate with enough flavor to hold its own without being loud about it. It keeps things bright without losing the comfort factor. Works great for big groups and pickier eaters alike. Somehow it makes leftovers feel like planned meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken
Texas Corn Succotash
This dish is the cookout equivalent of showing up in boots—reliable, sturdy, and totally in the mix. Texas Corn Succotash brings in just enough punch to stand tall next to ribs, wings, or whatever’s hot off the grill. It’s not fancy, but it knows exactly what it’s doing. People scoop big, then come back for more. Somehow the pan always ends up scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
These steaks don’t mess around. Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri are bold enough to grab attention without saying a word. The kind of dish that makes people go quiet after the first bite, then immediately start asking what’s in it. Pairs well with anything, or nothing at all. You’ll regret sharing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg
This one might raise eyebrows until it hits the plate. Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg feels like it wandered in from a brunch menu but fits right into the camp chair lineup. It’s quick, easy, and gets surprisingly enthusiastic feedback. Good for mornings when cereal won’t cut it. Or evenings when no one wants to cook but everyone wants breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg
Chicken Fried Rice
There’s always one dish that works with everything, and this is it. Chicken Fried Rice is the background MVP—quiet, steady, and somehow the first to vanish. It balances out the grill without getting lost in the shuffle. Pairs well with everything from wings to vegetables, or just eaten out of the pan. No one ever says no to a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
This is the kind of recipe that feels like a break from the usual. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp comes in light, fast, and just different enough to make people ask questions. It’s not over-the-top, just smart cooking that doesn’t get in its own way. Great for groups that want something grilled but not heavy. It always disappears faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Grilled T-Bone Steaks
These aren’t the steaks you cook when you’re feeling casual. Grilled T-Bone Steaks are the kind people notice from across the yard. They show up big, bold, and exactly how folks imagine steak should taste outside. You’ll see guests sizing up which one to grab before you even flip the first. Don’t expect small talk once they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Grilled T-Bone Steaks
Honey Almond Granola
This one doesn’t need to be warm to feel like a good idea. Honey Almond Granola hits that early morning craving when you want something simple but still worth chewing. It’s easy to stash, even easier to finish, and somehow always better outside. Works solo or next to just about anything. And it’s usually gone before the coffee is.
Get the Recipe: Honey Almond Granola
Grilled Tomahawk Steak
If you’re firing up the grill for this, you’re not playing around. Grilled Tomahawk Steak turns heads and makes people pull out their phones before anyone eats. It’s bold, big, and exactly what outdoor cooking should feel like. You’ll want to carve it like a pro, but no one will wait for that. By the end, all that’s left is the bone and a few jealous looks.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tomahawk Steak
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
These aren’t your standard quesadillas—they’re the ones people talk about after. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas sneak in strong flavor wrapped in something familiar. Crispy, melty, and somehow never enough no matter how many you make. You could serve them with sides, but they don’t need the help. They do just fine as the main event.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash
This one’s built for mornings when toast isn’t cutting it. Montreal Smoked Meat Hash brings serious flavor in a format that works for breakfast, brunch, or whenever the grill fires back up. It’s smoky, hearty, and just messy enough to feel right outdoors. People usually act surprised it’s that good. Then ask if you’ll make it again tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers
Sweet and heat usually fight for attention, but this one figured out how to get along. Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers bring big flavor without overcomplicating the moment. It’s the kind of food that gets picked clean off the skewer. Guests start planning seconds before they finish the first. You’ll wish you made double—because someone else already grabbed your backup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
Wings are a crowd-pleaser, but these go straight to favorite status. Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce are messy, bold, and exactly what outdoor eating is supposed to be. People try to be polite, but it’s all elbows and paper towels after the first round. Make more than you think you need. And then make more than that.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
This is one of those dishes that disappears before the cook even sits down. Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo manage to be simple and impressive at the same time. They’re fast, flavorful, and exactly the right size to keep snacking. Everyone grabs one like it’s no big deal—then goes back for three more. They never last long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
Brisket Fried Rice
Leftovers don’t usually get this kind of upgrade. Brisket Fried Rice hits the pan like it’s the main event, not the backup plan. It’s smoky, filling, and makes everyone pause mid-conversation. A quiet hit that earns loud praise. Cook it once, and it becomes a repeat request.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Bacon Fried Corn
Corn is fine. Bacon Fried Corn is what happens when someone says, “Let’s make that better.” It’s the side that somehow gets eaten like a main dish. People spoon it up without asking what it is, they just know it works. You’ll want a second pan just for you.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Grilled Sausage & Peppers
It’s hard to mess this one up—and even harder to stop eating it. Grilled Sausage & Peppers are the definition of “just right” when it comes to outdoor food. They hold their own at any cookout and pair with pretty much anything on the table. Big flavor, minimal effort, and somehow always the first thing gone. It’s not a meal. It’s a strategy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Corned Beef Fritters
These come out hot and disappear fast. Corned Beef Fritters are the kind of bite-sized food people keep reaching for, even when they’re full. They walk the line between snack and meal without breaking stride. You’ll hear crunching and compliments in equal measure. And there’s never enough.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters