This isn’t the kind of summer food that gets forgotten after one try. The 33 summer eats in this lineup are the kind you make once, then again before the last plate’s even cleared. They’re fast, satisfying, and don’t require a grocery store scavenger hunt. If you can turn on a stove or grill without calling IT support, you’re good.
Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip
There’s always one dish that gets picked clean first. In this case, it’s the Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip, and yes, even the picky eaters go back for seconds. They’re quick, fun, and disappear faster than anyone can argue about grill marks. They’re the kind of easy win that makes you forget how simple they are. Clean-up barely starts before they’re being requested again.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Skewers with Cherry Dip
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter
If summer had a sound, it would be the sizzle of Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter hitting a hot plate. These steaks don’t just land on the table—they take over dinner. They’re bold, satisfying, and don’t need a long backstory to prove their worth. By the time they’re sliced, someone’s already asking when they’re coming back.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter
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!Mini Hummingbird Cakes
Some summer recipes get made once and forgotten. Mini Hummingbird Cakes are not those recipes. They hit the table, disappear in minutes, and then get requested before anyone’s done cleaning up. They’re low-effort, high-repeat, and perfect for when you want something that works without guessing. You’ll be thinking about the second batch before the first one cools down.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hummingbird Cakes
Big Mac Tacos
There’s something wild about how fast Big Mac Tacos disappear. They’re part dinner, part magic trick—one second on the plate, gone the next. They bring the fun without needing a big explanation. They’re simple to make, and impossible not to make again.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts
Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts prove you don’t need a new recipe every night—just a better one. These hit the grill and instantly become the favorite of the week. They’re simple, fast, and more repeatable than most summer plans. If leftovers happen, it’s a miracle.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts
Redneck Eggrolls
Call them chaotic, call them brilliant—Redneck Eggrolls never last long. They’ve got the kind of appeal that crosses every possible preference. One bite in and nobody’s asking questions, just reaching for more. They come out fast and disappear even faster, so maybe double the batch.
Get the Recipe: Redneck Eggrolls
Mini Biscoff Cheesecake
Mini Biscoff Cheesecake doesn’t even pretend to wait. These things vanish so fast, you’ll wonder if you ever actually made them. They’re the low-effort kind of sweet that doesn’t hang around on the counter for long. Safe bet: one bite in, and someone’s already scheduling round two.
Get the Recipe: Mini Biscoff Cheesecake
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
You don’t need to be a vegetarian to line up for Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. These are the kind of summer meal that makes you forget what else was on the grill. They’re easy, filling, and weirdly addictive in a way no one sees coming. The platter clears before anyone’s done with their first plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Texas-Style Carne Asada
Texas-Style Carne Asada shows up and suddenly everyone’s crowding the grill. It’s fast, it’s loud, and it absolutely gets eaten before you finish your drink. These are the flavors that make people hover and ask, “Is this ready yet?” You’ll need a backup plan, because one round won’t be enough.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Nobody complains when Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter show up, and that’s saying something. These are the kind of steaks that quiet a room in the best way. They’re not complicated, but they don’t need to be. Even the person doing dishes will ask when they’re coming back.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Grilled Sausage & Peppers
Grilled Sausage & Peppers bring the kind of easy dinner that feels like a celebration without the work. It’s quick to assemble, hard to resist, and gone before the dishes hit the sink. This one gets rave reviews from everyone at the table, no exceptions. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to keep on rotation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers
California Eggs Benedict
When breakfast or brunch comes with a name like California Eggs Benedict, expectations run high—and it delivers without fuss. It’s a go-to for those mornings that need a little extra but not a full production. The flavors work together without overthinking, and it’s finished before you know it. Plan on making it again soon.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Nothing says summer grilling like Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts, and it doesn’t take long for these to disappear. The combination is straightforward but hits all the right notes. No fancy steps, just solid flavor that keeps everyone happy. Leftovers aren’t guaranteed, so be ready to make more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops
When Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops show up, the conversation quiets down fast. These don’t just fill plates—they fill the room with that irresistible grill aroma. They’re simple enough to not overcomplicate, but they get noticed every time. One serving is never enough, so plan accordingly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
Breakfast or snack, Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries knows how to keep things light without losing any punch. It’s the kind of dish that slips into your day without fanfare but demands a repeat. Quick, fresh, and satisfying enough to not feel like a filler. It’s a keeper for those easy, grab-and-go moments.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken
The grill handles the heavy lifting with Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken, making dinner something to actually look forward to. It lands on the plate ready to impress without any fuss. This one doesn’t hang around for leftovers because it vanishes fast. You’ll want to have it back on the menu soon.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken
Korean Galbi Ribs
You know the ribs are a hit when everyone’s fingers are sticky and smiling. That’s exactly what happens with Korean Galbi Ribs. They bring a big punch without needing a lot of prep drama. They disappear quickly, and the request for “just one more” comes sooner than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs
No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
No-heat desserts get a lot of love, especially when they’re as good as No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. They’re the kind of sweet that doesn’t stick around to be ignored. Easy to make and impossible not to finish fast, they’re a summer staple for a reason. Count on making them again sooner than later.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
When burgers get an upgrade, it’s usually with something like Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. They deliver bold enough flavors without taking forever to make. They’re the kind of summer meal that has everyone asking for seconds, and maybe thirds. The grill marks won’t even have time to fade.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Sweet and simple is the name of the game with Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. They’re the kind of treat that’s perfect for sharing—or not, because they disappear fast either way. This cookie has staying power in your recipe box for a reason. Expect to make more before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Cookie Butter Cake Balls
Sweet and simple, Cookie Butter Cake Balls vanish faster than you can say “dessert.” They don’t hang around waiting for the second round; that round’s already being planned as they disappear. Perfect for easy gatherings or when you want something ready without extra effort. Everyone will be asking for the recipe by the end.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Butter Cake Balls
Traeger Smoked Garlic
Sometimes it’s the simple additions that make the biggest difference, like Traeger Smoked Garlic. It’s not flashy, but it makes everything taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did. This one will be the secret weapon at your next cookout. You’ll be surprised how often it comes up in conversation.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on Blackstone Griddle
When the grill turns into a sizzle fest, you know Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on Blackstone Griddle are involved. This dish brings bold flavors without needing a full day in the kitchen. It’s quick, satisfying, and gone fast, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser. Expect repeat requests before you finish plating.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on Blackstone Griddle
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Cucumber Salad with Feta is the kind of simple side that makes every meal feel just a little fresher. It’s easy to throw together and even easier to polish off. This salad doesn’t overstay its welcome and is always the first thing to disappear. Perfect for when you want something that works without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Blueberry Shortcake
When it comes to classic summer desserts, Blueberry Shortcake checks all the boxes. It’s simple, satisfying, and never sticks around long enough to get old. Everyone gets a second look, and sometimes a third. This one is always a winner when it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp shows up and takes over any summer gathering. It’s straightforward, quick, and gone in a flash. These shrimp don’t need much to shine, but they demand repeat performances. You’ll want to have more ready before they’re even finished.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Lemon Lush
Easy and sweet, Lemon Lush hits the table and disappears fast. It’s one of those recipes that feels special without requiring a lot of effort. The best part? You’ll hear “make this again” before you’re done cleaning. It’s a definite keeper.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Lush
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes is a summer plate that somehow feels fresh and filling at the same time. It’s quick to put together and always the first thing to disappear from the table. This one doesn’t ask for leftovers because it vanishes fast. You’ll want to add it to your regular lineup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Whipped Cream Cake
There’s a reason Whipped Cream Cake is a favorite—it’s simple and gone before anyone really notices it’s there. It’s not complicated, just a solid choice that works every time. This one keeps people coming back, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together. It’s worth having the recipe on hand.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Cream Cake
Pizza Pasta Salad
If there’s a side that gets made again before the first batch is done, it’s Pizza Pasta Salad. It brings the flavor punch without the stress of a complicated recipe. Everyone likes it, which is pretty rare for a pasta salad. You’ll find yourself making it more often than planned.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Crunchy, fresh, and easy to throw together, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is a summer side that never disappoints. It’s quick, sharp, and gone before anyone thinks about second helpings. Perfect when you want something simple but not boring. It’ll become a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Lemon Goldies
Lemon Goldies bring a straightforward, fresh flavor that slips into summer menus with ease. They don’t hang around, and neither do the leftovers. This recipe is quick to pull together and has enough personality to keep people interested. Count on these showing up more than once.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Goldies
Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs
Simple doesn’t have to be boring, and Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs proves it. It’s quick, flavorful, and always one of the first things gone. This side dish keeps coming back because it just works. You’ll want it on your summer table more than once.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs