There’s a certain kind of meal that doesn’t question the bugs, the wind, or the missing napkins. All 17 here meet that mark without hesitation. They cook better when the sun’s dropping and someone’s got a headlamp on. Each one feels like it skipped the test kitchen and went straight to the backyard. It’s food that understands the job: hold up, tastes good, and doesn’t complain about the dirt.
Baked Bean Casserole
Layers of smoky flavors and hearty textures make Baked Bean Casserole worth firing up the grill. It comes together to create a warm and filling option for outdoor meals. This recipe is simple to bring to gatherings, as it pairs well with anything else being grilled. Plus, its bold, comforting flavors make it popular with both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta
Sweet and juicy pieces of melon meet a tangy kick in Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta, making it a fresh and vibrant choice. The combination of textures is surprising, with the soft cheese and crisp fruit. Ideal for light eating outside, this option is refreshing when you’re out in the sun. Balancing salty and sweet flavors, it stands out among other picnic-style dishes.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta
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!Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
Warm and hearty flavors come together beautifully in Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon for an open-air meal. Smoky accents from the bacon match well with the earthy tones of the vegetables. Ideal for those craving something simple yet filling, this dish always delivers. Pairs well with grilled proteins or stands alone as a solid side option. It’s fulfilling without being complicated to make outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce
Smoky charred flavors highlight Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce, giving a new spin to typical outdoor vegetables. The dipping sauce adds an exciting twist with heat that’s adjustable for different tastes. Fun to serve as an appetizer or snack, especially during casual gatherings. Cooking them outside adds an extra smoky depth not found in other methods.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce
Grandma’s Three-Bean Salad
A classic cold dish with just enough crunch and flavor, Grandma’s Three Bean Salad is a crowd-pleaser at outdoor meals. It’s light yet packs enough protein to satisfy between hot servings. You’ll find it holds up well even under warm weather for longer picnics. This traditional favorite often brings back memories and works beside more modern recipes without stealing focus.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Three Bean Salad
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Bold flavors of grilled corn and chicken mix perfectly in this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl to give you a complete outdoor meal. The rice base makes it filling, while the toppings add bursts of contrasting textures. Great for outdoor group gatherings, as everyone can build their own bowl version of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna
Perfect for one-pan cooking outside, Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna simplifies traditional lasagna into an easy outdoor recipe. Layers of rich flavors pair perfectly with the simplicity of skillet meals. Great for camping or group dinners where you want something warm and hearty without juggling several ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Combining crispy garlic bread with gooey cheese makes Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese perfect for casual outdoor meals. The crunch from grilling adds an irresistible touch with cheese melting between slices. Ideal as a standalone dish or paired with soups, this puts a fresh spin on a classic sandwich. Fun to make and comforting to eat, especially for smaller settings.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Versatile and easy to bring along, Bow Tie Pasta Salad mixes chewy pasta with crunchy textures to create a picnic-friendly dish. The added flavors make it suitable to sit next to bold grilled foods or softer options. Works well for friends and families looking for fresher alternatives to heavy dishes. This is one of those recipes that feels like it belongs with celebrations outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Ground Beef Fried Rice
Stirring smoky flavor into fried rice makes Ground Beef Fried Rice great for outdoor cooking with simple tools. Filling and quick to prepare, this option uses classic elements in a no-fuss way that satisfies all ages. It’s adaptable for different taste preferences, making it ideal for gatherings with mixed crowds.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice
Texas BLT
Adding barbecue elements to a Texas BLT gives it an outdoor feel that pairs well with grilling vibes. Packed with smoky and fresh flavors, this sandwich stands out for quick and flavorful bites. Perfect alone or served alongside picnic-style salads, it feels like it was made to be enjoyed outside. The simplicity of this option makes it easy to whip up without sacrificing boldness in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
Outdoor cooking adds that extra smoky edge to Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce, making them perfect for lively gatherings. The sauce’s tangy heat brings excitement to an already flavorful choice. Wings always hold up as party favorites, and serving them straight off the grill keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Quick use of leftovers turns creative in Leftover Steak Quesadilla with smoky grilling elements added. Perfect for casual meals where you don’t want over-complicated dishes but something that feels complete. Melting textures with charred notes make this option slightly different than stove-top versions people are used to.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets
Wrapping everything together in Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets means fewer dishes without missing great flavors. The delicate balance between seafood and bright hints keeps this option fresh and attention-grabbing. Great for smaller outings or even quick meals outside when keeping tools minimal is key.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy edges pair perfectly in Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa for a tropical twist on a basic option. Adding fruit elements to the meal keeps it lighter while highlighting smoky flavors from grilling. Works well for outdoor meals where sweet and delicious combinations are welcomed.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Classic elements switch gear in Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak when cooked outdoors for a smoky upgrade. Quick and perfect for sandwich-style eating, it’s great to pair with chips or other sides. Building the fire becomes a fun, interactive element among friends and family during outdoor cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Light yet flavorful grilled seafood shines in Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp, ideal for quick outdoor meals. The fresh flavors fit perfectly into gatherings where lighter options pair well with heavier dishes. Shrimp cooks quickly, keeping it simple for those looking to eat without much wait. Great for smaller outings or as appetizers, where bold yet simple combinations stand out.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp