Fire up the grill and make the most of August nights with these 39 backyard cookout recipes. Each dish is simple, full of flavor, and made for sharing with friends and family outside. From easy mains to crowd-pleasing sides and sweet finishes, these recipes make any cookout feel relaxed and satisfying.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Miso Glazed Salmon
Fire up the grill and let salmon fillets soak in a rich miso glaze that cooks tender and flaky every time. The glaze caramelizes just enough to add deep flavor without making it heavy or hard to prepare. This is one of those backyard cookout recipes made for August nights when you want a dish that feels special but stays easy.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Put fresh fruit on skewers and watch it turn sweeter with a smoky edge as it grills. A quick drizzle of buttery brown sugar caramel makes every bite taste like dessert without any fuss. These kebabs are a fun and simple recipe for end-of-summer gatherings when you want something sweet to share.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Give plain corn a bold upgrade with chipotle butter that melts into every kernel. A light char from the grill keeps it smoky, juicy, and full of flavor from the first bite to the last. This is a delicious cookout recipe that works perfectly for end-of-summer gatherings when corn deserves the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Traditional Peach Kuchen
Slice into soft cake layered with ripe peaches that bake into a juicy and sweet dessert. The fruit stays tender while the cake gives it a warm base that makes every bite satisfying. This is a great recipe for end-of-summer gatherings when you want a dessert that feels homemade without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Peach Kuchen
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Bring zucchini, squash, and tomatoes together in a hearty vegetable dish that stays simple but full of flavor. Everything cooks down into a rustic mix that tastes rich while still being easy to serve. This ratatouille is a smart choice for end-of-summer gatherings when you need a veggie dish that holds its own.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Lemon Kale Salad
Brighten up the table with crisp kale tossed in a tart lemon dressing that softens just enough without losing its bite. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty finish that balances the flavor in a simple way. This salad is an easy recipe for end-of-summer gatherings when you want something fresh that people actually eat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Mango Custard
Blend ripe mango into a smooth custard that sets creamy and light in the fridge. It chills perfectly, keeping the fruit flavor bold while staying cool and easy to serve. This custard is a great dessert for end-of-summer gatherings when you want something fruity that can be made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Roast potatoes until crispy and toss them with warm garlic and wilted spinach for a hearty side. The flavors blend together in the oven, giving the dish a rich taste without extra steps. This is an easy recipe for end-of-summer gatherings when you want comfort food that still has greens.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Skewer juicy chicken and bright vegetables in a lemon marinade that keeps them tender on the grill. The char adds smoky flavor while the citrus makes every bite pop with freshness. These kebabs are one of the best backyard cookout recipes made for August nights when you want skewers that everyone grabs first.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Sink your teeth into a juicy burger layered with smoky chipotle flavor and creamy jalapeno mayo. Each bite is bold and rich while still being balanced enough to keep people coming back for more. This burger is a top pick for end-of-summer gatherings when you need something filling that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fluffy quinoa mix together for a salad that feels light but still filling. The flavors stay bright even after sitting, so it works well when made ahead. This is a smart dish for cookouts or casual dinners when you want something fresh that also keeps people satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes come together with crisp lettuce for a side full of texture and color. The quick dressing ties everything together without hiding the simple flavors. This salad is perfect for group meals when you need a veggie dish that looks good and takes little effort.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Juicy chicken soaks up fresh lime marinade that brings a sharp and bright flavor. The grill adds a smoky char that makes each bite taste bigger than the work it takes. This is a simple main dish for backyard meals when you want something flavorful that’s easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
German Plum Kuchen
A soft cake base holds juicy slices of plum that bake tender and slightly tart. The fruit gives each bite a burst of fresh flavor without making the dessert heavy. This is a great choice for gatherings when you want something homemade that still feels simple and inviting.
Get the Recipe: German Plum Kuchen
Frosted Banana Bars
Ripe bananas bake into soft bars topped with smooth frosting that chills up perfectly. They slice clean, keep their moisture, and taste even better the next day. These bars are an easy dessert to bring to potlucks when you want something that travels well and pleases everyone.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Crisp cucumbers and sweet tomatoes are tossed with a bold dressing that takes just minutes to mix. The flavors are sharp and refreshing without needing much work. This is a reliable side dish for big group meals when you want something quick that pairs with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Tender chicken gets cooked with smoky barbecue sauce until it pulls apart with ease. It’s perfect piled on sandwiches, mixed into salads, or spooned over baked potatoes. This recipe is a handy pick for casual cookouts when you want something hearty that feeds a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
Frozen bananas blend into a creamy filling that gets tucked between crunchy graham crackers. These little sandwiches are cold, sweet, and ready in minutes with no special tools. They make an easy dessert for laid-back gatherings when people want something cool to grab and go.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
Veggie Pasta Salad
Tender pasta gets tossed with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and a bit of cheese for balance. It tastes even better after sitting, which makes it ideal for prepping ahead. This is a solid dish for parties when you need something simple that holds up on the table.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Chicken, vegetables, rice, and cheese cook together in foil packets that keep everything juicy. The grill seals in the flavors while leaving cleanup easy. These packets are a smart meal for outdoor dinners when you want something filling that doesn’t make a mess.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Foil Packets
Beer Boiled Brats
Juicy bratwurst simmered in beer before hitting the grill makes every bite smoky, tender, and full of flavor. They’re easy to toss on the barbecue and go great with simple toppings. These are a classic pick for backyard nights when the grill is hot, the drinks are cold, and people just want hearty food.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Grilled S’mores Pizza
A crisp pizza crust turns into dessert when topped with Nutella, gooey marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers. The grill adds a subtle smoky edge that makes it taste like a campfire favorite. This is a playful treat to serve when everyone is hanging around after dinner and craving something sweet.
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Tomato Basil Biscuit Cups
Flaky biscuit dough holds a warm filling of fresh tomatoes and basil, turning simple ingredients into bite-sized snacks. They’re fun to grab and surprisingly filling, which makes them perfect for sharing. These little cups shine at outdoor potlucks, where finger food is the easiest way to keep people happy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Biscuit Cups
Dessert Nachos
Crispy chips get layered with fruit, chocolate, and whipped cream for a mix of crunchy, sweet, and creamy in every bite. They look like a big party platter, but only take a few minutes to throw together. This is a go-to dessert when friends gather outside and you want something playful that doesn’t need plates.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Kefta Kebabs
Seasoned ground meat gets shaped into skewers that cook up smoky and juicy on the grill. They’re packed with flavor and a fun alternative to burgers or hot dogs. Serve these at a cookout when you want something bold and different that still feels easy to eat outside.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Nutty quinoa gets mixed with roasted squash, feta, cranberries, and peppers for a colorful, hearty salad. The mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes every bite feel balanced and fresh. This is a perfect dish for late-summer meals when lighter food still feels right but the season is shifting toward heartier flavors.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Blueberry Peach Crisp
Juicy peaches and blueberries bake under a golden, crunchy oat topping until bubbling and sweet. The warm fruit and crisp topping make it feel like comfort food without being heavy. It’s the kind of dessert that fits right in after a relaxed evening barbecue when you want something homemade and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crisp
Twix Copycat Bars
Buttery shortbread, thick caramel, and smooth chocolate stack up into a homemade version of a classic candy bar. They slice cleanly and hold their shape, making them easy to pass around. These are an ideal make-ahead treat for casual gatherings when you want something nostalgic that everyone recognizes.
Get the Recipe: Twix Copycat Bars
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Creamy goat cheese spreads over crisp crust while roasted asparagus adds a fresh, earthy bite. Each slice balances richness and lightness, making it satisfying without being too heavy. This pizza works well for outdoor dinners when you want something shareable and a little unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Cherry Bavarian Custard
Smooth and airy like mousse, this custard is packed with cherry flavor and looks fancy without much effort. It sets just firm enough to slice, but stays soft on the spoon. This dessert is a great choice for warm evenings when you want something light but still impressive to finish the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bavarian Custard
Banana Boats
Grab some bananas and fill them with chocolate and marshmallows before grilling for a warm, gooey dessert. The chocolate melts and the marshmallows soften, creating a treat that is fun for kids and adults alike. This is a simple grilling recipe to bring out when friends or family gather for a relaxed end-of-summer evening.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Asian Marinated Steak
Coat a steak in garlic, soy, and sesame for bold flavor before it hits the grill. The heat locks in the juices and adds a smoky finish that makes each slice satisfying. This is a must-try grilling recipe that shines when you want a standout main dish for a casual backyard get-together.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Brush baby bok choy with a little oil and place it on the grill until the edges are crisp and the centers are tender. The smoky flavor pairs well with any main dish and keeps the plate fresh and balanced. Try this simple side when you want vegetables that impress without extra work at an easy gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
7 Layer Bars
Layer chocolate, caramel, coconut, and nuts into a simple dessert that comes together quickly. Each bite is rich and satisfying without being difficult to make. These bars are perfect for an informal gathering where people want sweet treats that everyone can grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Miso Glazed Chicken
Brush chicken with a sweet and savory miso glaze and grill until it caramelizes and stays juicy. The glaze adds deep flavor without adding complicated steps. This is an easy, impressive dish to serve when friends or family are gathered around the grill.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Cherry Crumb Bars
A buttery crust holds a thick cherry filling topped with a crisp crumb that bakes golden brown. These bars slice cleanly and travel well, making them easy to bring along. They are a dependable, fruity dessert for a relaxed gathering where everyone can enjoy a sweet bite.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Mix beans with a sweet and smoky sauce and let them simmer until the flavors blend together. The beans are full of rich, comforting taste without extra effort. This recipe is ideal for casual barbecue nights when you want a side that pairs perfectly with grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Baked Kale Chips
Toss fresh kale with a little oil and salt and bake until crispy for a crunchy snack. They are quick to make and far more satisfying than you might expect. These are a fun way to offer a lighter option at a backyard gathering where snacks are shared.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Layer whole strawberries in a light glaze inside a crisp pie crust for a dessert that is fresh and easy to serve. Each slice stays bright and juicy while being simple to plate. This pie is a perfect choice for a sweet finish when friends and family gather for one last summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie