The last days of summer are perfect for gathering friends and family outside. You can keep things simple while still serving food that everyone loves. These 25 recipes make it easy to put together a menu that is tasty, filling, and ready to share. Pick a few dishes, fire up the grill, and get ready for a relaxed end-of-summer gathering.
Grilled S’mores Pizza. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Chicken, vegetables, rice, and cheese cook together in foil for a meal that stays juicy and full of flavor while keeping cleanup simple. The packets lock in taste and make it easy to serve everyone without extra steps. Try these foil packets at your end-of-summer gathering and enjoy a filling meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Baby bok choy grills with crisp edges and tender centers that soak in a smoky flavor, giving it a satisfying taste and texture. The prep is simple, so it adds a fresh, easy-to-make side to any meal. Serve this at your end-of-summer cookout and impress guests with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Twix Copycat Bars
Layers of buttery shortbread, thick caramel, and smooth chocolate come together to make a homemade version of the candy bar classic. They slice neatly and hold up well, which makes them easy to share with a group. Make a tray for your end-of-summer gathering and give everyone a dessert they recognize and love.
Get the Recipe: Twix Copycat Bars
Lemon Kale Salad
Crisp kale tossed in tart lemon dressing softens slightly while keeping its bite, and parmesan adds a salty finish that balances the flavors. The salad comes together quickly and looks fresh on the table without extra work. Bring this to your end-of-summer cookout and offer a simple side that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumbers and tomatoes get tossed in a bold dressing that takes just minutes to mix, creating a crisp and refreshing side. The flavors are sharp and bright without needing much effort to prepare. Make this salad for your end-of-summer gathering and watch it disappear quickly from the table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Peaches and blueberries bake under a golden, crunchy oat topping until warm and bubbling, giving a perfect balance of soft fruit and crisp texture. The dessert feels comforting without being heavy and is simple to make. Serve this at your end-of-summer cookout and treat everyone to a homemade dessert that pleases a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crisp
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
A juicy burger layered with smoky chipotle flavor and creamy jalapeno mayo delivers bold taste in every bite. The balance of flavors keeps people coming back for more without needing extra toppings. Make these burgers for your end-of-summer gathering and give everyone a hearty main dish they will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Kefta Kebabs
Seasoned ground meat gets shaped into skewers that cook up smoky and juicy on the grill, offering a fun alternative to burgers or hot dogs. They are packed with flavor while staying easy to eat outside. Serve these at your end-of-summer cookout and provide a dish that feels bold but effortless.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Grilled S’mores Pizza
A crisp pizza crust becomes a dessert when topped with Nutella, gooey marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers, and the grill adds a subtle smoky flavor. The toppings melt together perfectly to create a soft, sweet treat everyone will love. Serve this at your end-of-summer gathering and make dessert a fun part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Beans simmer in a sweet and smoky sauce until they are rich and full of flavor without needing much effort. The dish pairs perfectly with grilled foods while being simple to make. Make this recipe for your end-of-summer cookout and add a hearty, crowd-pleasing side to the table.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Fresh fruit grills to bring out a sweet, smoky edge and gets a drizzle of brown sugar caramel for a quick dessert. Each skewer is easy to assemble and tastes like a treat without extra work. Pass these around at your end-of-summer gathering and watch them get grabbed first.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Chicken soaks in a lime marinade that keeps it juicy and bright while the grill adds a smoky char that enhances the flavor. The dish feels bigger than the work it takes to make. Serve this at your end-of-summer cookout and provide a main dish that is simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Baked Kale Chips
Kale leaves tossed with oil and salt bake until crispy, making a crunchy snack that is light yet flavorful. They cook quickly and stay crisp for everyone to enjoy. Put out a bowl at your end-of-summer gathering and offer a snack that is fast, healthy, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Nutty quinoa mixes with roasted squash, feta, cranberries, and peppers for a colorful and hearty salad that is both light and filling. Each bite balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors for a satisfying dish. Bring this to your end-of-summer cookout and provide a salad that stands out on the table.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Miso Glazed Salmon
Salmon fillets brushed with miso glaze grill until tender and caramelized, giving deep flavor without extra work. The glaze adds richness while keeping the fish easy to serve. Make this dish for your end-of-summer gathering and enjoy a main course that feels special but stays simple.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Veggie Pasta Salad
Tender pasta mixes with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and a bit of cheese to make a balanced, easy-to-serve side. The flavors develop if it sits for a while, making it ideal for preparing ahead. Serve this salad at your end-of-summer cookout and provide a dish that holds up well on the table.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Cherry Crumb Bars
A buttery crust holds thick cherry filling topped with a golden crumb, baking into a dessert that slices cleanly. The bars travel well and stay easy to serve for groups. Bring these to your end-of-summer gathering and hand out a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Mango Custard
Ripe mango blends into a smooth custard that sets creamy and light in the fridge, keeping the fruit flavor bold. The dessert is easy to serve and looks appealing on the table. Make this for your end-of-summer cookout and offer a fruity dessert that can be prepared ahead.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn brushed with chipotle butter grills until smoky and juicy, with a little char for extra flavor. The result is bold yet easy to eat for groups. Serve this corn at your end-of-summer gathering and make it a side that everyone reaches for.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Banana Boats
Bananas filled with chocolate and marshmallows grill until warm and gooey, blending into a fun treat. The dessert is simple to make and works for both kids and adults. Bring these to your end-of-summer cookout and watch them disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce combine with a simple dressing that keeps flavors fresh. The salad comes together quickly and is easy to serve to a group. Make this for your end-of-summer gathering and enjoy a dish that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
7 Layer Bars
Layers of chocolate, caramel, coconut, and nuts make a rich and easy dessert that comes together quickly. Each bite is satisfying while staying simple to prepare. Bring these to your end-of-summer cookout and let everyone grab a sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Whole strawberries in a light glaze sit inside a crisp pie crust for a fresh, easy-to-serve dessert. Each slice stays juicy and holds its shape for the table. Serve this pie at your end-of-summer gathering for a sweet finish that is simple and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Roasted asparagus and creamy goat cheese top a crisp crust, making a dish that feels light yet filling. Each slice is easy to share and looks inviting on the table. Bring this pizza to your end-of-summer cookout and offer something a little different that people will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Beer Boiled Brats
Bratwurst simmered in beer before grilling becomes smoky, juicy, and full of flavor. They cook quickly and pair well with simple toppings for easy serving. Make these brats for your end-of-summer gathering and give everyone a reason to come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats