Make the most of the last warm days by bringing people together with food that is easy to share. These 22 recipes are simple to make and filled with flavors that work well for any outdoor gathering. From fresh sides to hearty mains and sweet desserts, there is something here that makes planning less stressful and eating more fun. Celebrate the season with dishes that keep everyone gathered around the table.
Cherry Bavarian Custard. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Frosted Banana Bars
Ripe bananas bake into soft and flavorful bars topped with smooth frosting that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. The bars keep well when made ahead and hold together nicely for serving at a big table. Share these with friends and family, and watch the plate clear faster than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Beans simmer in a sauce that is sweet, smoky, and thick enough to cling to every bite. This dish makes plenty to go around and pairs well with almost anything on the grill. Put out a big pot and let everyone scoop up seconds without thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Twix Copycat Bars
A crisp shortbread base holds a layer of caramel and chocolate that cuts cleanly into neat squares. The bars are simple to slice and taste just like the candy bar everyone knows. Stack them on a tray and bring a dessert that disappears in no time.
Get the Recipe: Twix Copycat Bars
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Whole strawberries in a shiny glaze sit inside a crust that stays firm enough for neat slices. Every bite is juicy and sweet, but still easy to eat without a mess. Bring this pie to the table and count on it being one of the first desserts gone.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Pie
Baked Kale Chips
Lightly oiled kale leaves bake into crisp chips that have a salty crunch in every bite. They are quick to make, need only a few ingredients, and stay crisp long enough to set out for snacking. Make a big bowl and watch it empty as people grab handfuls without stopping.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
Frozen bananas blend into a creamy filling that gets spread between crackers for a simple frozen treat. They hold up well in the freezer and taste cool and refreshing on a warm evening. Pass these around and bring a fun twist that kids and adults will both enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Banana Nice Cream Sandwiches
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Quinoa mixes with squash, peppers, cranberries, and cheese to make a bright and hearty salad. The mix of savory and sweet flavors works well alongside grilled meat or other fresh dishes. Serve this at the table and add a colorful option that everyone wants to try.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Miso Glazed Chicken
A miso glaze coats chicken as it cooks until the outside is sticky and golden while the inside stays juicy. The flavor is savory with just the right amount of sweetness. Set this down at dinner and watch it become the first thing everyone reaches for.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Cherry Bavarian Custard
This chilled dessert sets into a light and airy custard with cherry flavor in every spoonful. It slices neatly but still feels creamy and smooth once it hits the plate. Make this when you want a dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Bavarian Custard
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken cooks until tender, then gets shredded and coated in tangy barbecue sauce that soaks into every bite. It is easy to prepare in large amounts and works well piled onto buns, potatoes, or even rice. Serve this up and let people make plates that keep them full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Banana Boats
Bananas stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows turn soft and gooey once warmed on the grill, creating a fun mix of flavors in each bite. The dessert comes together in minutes, yet it feels playful and special enough to stand out on the table. Pass a tray around and watch kids and adults grab one before they are gone.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Crisp, golden potatoes mix with tender spinach and warm garlic for a side dish that balances hearty comfort with freshness. Each spoonful brings a mix of crunch, softness, and savory flavor that fits with almost any meal. Set a big bowl out, and it will be one of the first dishes to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Tomato Basil Biscuit Cups
Warm tomatoes and fresh basil bake inside flaky biscuit cups, giving you little bites that are easy to pick up and enjoy. The snack may be small, but each piece is filling and packed with flavor. Place a platter on the table and watch guests circle back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Biscuit Cups
Asian Marinated Steak
A marinade of garlic, soy, and sesame soaks into the steak before grilling, making the flavor bold even before it hits the fire. High heat seals in the juices while adding smoky edges that make every slice rich and satisfying. Serve the meat sliced on a board and expect everyone to crowd around with plates.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Avocado Tomato Salad
Juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado mix with crisp greens to create a salad that looks fresh and colorful on the table. A light dressing ties the flavors together while keeping the dish quick to prepare. Fill a large bowl and enjoy a side that vanishes before the main course is done.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Beer Boiled Brats
Bratwurst simmer in beer before hitting the grill, turning juicy, smoky, and full of rich flavor. Simple toppings like mustard and onions make the sausages easy to serve but still satisfying. Pile them high on a platter and watch guests line up for a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn brushed with chipotle butter cooks on the grill until smoky, juicy, and charred in all the right spots. The spiced butter gives each bite bold flavor without making it hard to eat. Lay a stack of corn on the table and count on it being gone in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Mango Custard
Ripe mango blends into a smooth custard that chills into a cool and creamy dessert. The flavor stays fruity and fresh while still holding a soft, silky texture. Spoon it into bowls ahead of time and serve a sweet finish that feels light after a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Mango Custard
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chunks of chicken and vegetables soak in lemon marinade that keeps the meat juicy and bright once cooked over the grill. The citrus pops even more against the smoky edges, making each skewer full of flavor. Place a platter in the center of the table and watch the sticks empty fast.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Baby bok choy chars on the grill until the leaves are smoky and the centers tender. The fresh vegetable takes on a bold taste that feels different from the usual cookout sides. Add it to the spread and give everyone a dish that stands out from the rest.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Miso Glazed Salmon
Salmon coated with a miso glaze grills into a tender, flaky main that holds savory flavor in every bite. The glaze caramelizes just right, creating depth without extra steps or effort. Serve the fillets whole or sliced, and bring a dish that draws attention right away.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Veggie Pasta Salad
Tender pasta tossed with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of cheese for a side that feels fresh yet filling. The flavors blend even better when made ahead, which makes it easy to prepare for a crowd. Fill a big bowl and count on everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Roasted asparagus and tangy goat cheese bake on a crisp crust that turns golden and light in the oven. The toppings balance fresh flavor with a touch of richness, giving each slice a mix that feels complete. Cut the pizza into pieces and share a dish that disappears one slice at a time.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza