30 Delicious Cookout Food Ideas (For Your Next Backyard Cookout)

cookout food ideas

Sunshine, good friends, and AMAZING food – that’s what cookouts are all about!

But maybe you’re looking to shake things up a bit this year? Go BEYOND the same old burgers and potato salad?

You want your next backyard bash to be truly UNFORGETTABLE.

Well, you’re in the right place! We’ve gathered 30 fantastic cookout food ideas to get you inspired.

Think juicy grilled meats, cool and crunchy salads, easy-to-grab snacks, and desserts that will have EVERYONE asking for the recipe.

No matter what you’re planning, or what you like to cook, there’s something here for you.

Get ready to discover some new crowd-pleasers that will make your cookout a HUGE hit.

1. Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to.

This easy and fast recipe delivers fresh flavor that the whole family will enjoy.

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2. Falafel Recipe

Falafel Recipe

Try this Falafel Recipe with simple dried chickpeas and flavorful spices.

These patties fry to golden brown perfection and are so delicious.

This classic falafel tastes even better than restaurant-bought!

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3. Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Grilled Asparagus in Foil is the perfect side dish for any meal!

Tender, fresh asparagus stalks are cooked to perfection in foil packets with butter, herbs, and seasonings, making it a simple recipe with little cleanup.

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4. Creamy Grape Salad Recipe

Creamy Grape Salad Recipe

The Creamy Grape Salad Recipe is here to save the day, requiring minimal effort to make.

It’s a delicious grape salad with cream cheese dish bound to impress everyone!

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5. Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Dip

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Dip

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer that brings the flavors of barbecue chicken together in a creamy, delicious dip.

Just toss everything in your slow cooker, and get ready for a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love.

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6. Smoked Deviled Eggs

Smoked Deviled Eggs

Smoked Deviled Eggs are about to become your new favorite appetizer!

This recipe is a flavorful, smoky twist on the classic deviled eggs.

It’s perfect for showing off your smoker skills!

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7. Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks or a light meal.

It’s packed with goodies like black beans and corn, all tossed in a creamy Southwestern dressing, and you can even make it gluten-free!

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8. Thai Flank Steak Kebobs

Thai Flank Steak Kebobs

Thai Flank Steak Kebobs are the perfect nutty nibbles to spice up your barbecue!

These are tender, juicy, and full of amazing Thai flavors like lime, chili, and peanuts!

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9. Fried Pickle Ranch Dip

Fried Pickle Ranch Dip

Craving a new flavor sensation?

Our Fried Pickle Ranch Dip will spice up any snack or appetizer, it’s surprisingly easy to make and you’ll want to share this fried pickle dip with everyone.

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10. Chicken BLT Salad

Chicken BLT Salad

Whip up a tasty Chicken BLT Salad with ease!

It’s a simple mix of chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes that’s made even better with a special spicy ranch dressing.

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11. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Recipe.

This easy chicken dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and the buffalo sauce gives it a delicious kick.

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12. Jalapeno Popper Chicken

Jalapeno Popper Chicken

Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a flavorful, low-carb dish that brings the taste of jalapeno poppers to your dinner plate.

It’s perfect for grilling season and sure to be a new favorite!

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13. Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Garlic

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Garlic

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Garlic are the perfect answer for a simple dinner.

These baked chicken thighs require only a few ingredients and make for a quick, low-carb meal any night of the week!

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14. Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a family favorite for a reason!

Enjoy juicy, tender chicken with a crisp, cheesy parmesan crust in every bite.

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15. Homemade Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Craving a comforting meal that’s ready in a flash?

Our Homemade Sloppy Joes recipe uses ground beef and simple steps for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

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16. Honey Dijon Chicken Salad with Apples

Honey Dijon Chicken Salad with Apples

This Honey Dijon Chicken Salad with Apples is a fresh and flavorful take on a classic!

The mustard chicken salad is also gluten-free and kid-friendly, making it perfect for easy lunches.

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17. Turkey Meatballs

Turkey Meatballs

Try these delicious Turkey Meatballs, made easily in your slow cooker with simple ingredients. These Italian-style meatballs, simmered in your crock pot, are tender, juicy and packed with flavor. Serve them over spaghetti for a quick dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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18. Slow Cooker Easy Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Easy Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Easy Chicken Tacos are a breeze to make and packed with flavor.

Imagine tender shredded chicken infused with zesty taco and ranch seasonings, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

Get ready for a taco night that everyone will love!

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19. Keto Wings

Keto Wings

Keto Wings are the perfect easy dish to whip up for any occasion.

They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and are great for parties or game nights!

Enjoy your keto chicken wings with your favorite sauces and rubs.

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20. Hummus Recipe

Hummus Recipe

Craving a delicious and healthy snack?

This Hummus Recipe delivers a smooth, creamy, homemade dip that’s way better than store-bought.

Enjoy the authentic taste of real hummus!

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21. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad is a guaranteed family favorite, especially with the kids.

This macaroni salad is creamy, tangy, and has a unique oil, vinegar, and ketchup dressing that everyone will enjoy.

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22. Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip

Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip

Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip is the cheesy, gooey, and hot recipe you’ve been waiting for!

It’s loaded with chicken and ready in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate keto dip.

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23. Slow Cooker Easy Cheesy Potatoes

Slow Cooker Easy Cheesy Potatoes

Slow Cooker Easy Cheesy Potatoes are the creamiest side dish you’ll ever make!

Just toss frozen hash browns, cheese soup, and a few other simple ingredients into your Crockpot for a comforting, cheesy meal.

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24. Chicken Pesto Pasta with Veggies

Chicken Pesto Pasta with Veggies

Chicken Pesto Pasta with Veggies is a quick and easy meal.

It uses smart tricks to streamline the cooking, so you can have your pesto pasta ready in just 30 minutes!

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25. Pizza Sliders

Pizza Sliders

Pizza Sliders are the perfect, easy snack you can quickly make at home.

These delicious sliders are stuffed with your favorite pizza flavors and make a great appetizer for game day or any occasion!

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26. Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Ball

Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Ball

The Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Ball is a zesty snack packed with Mexican flavor.

It’s super easy to make in just minutes, making it perfect for game day or any get-together!

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27. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect snack for game day or any day.

These crispy cauliflower florets are baked until golden and then coated in a flavorful spicy buffalo sauce.

Serve with your favorite ranch dip and enjoy!

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28. Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

Chicken Fajita Foil Packets are an easy way to get a delicious Mexican-inspired meal on the table.

These packets are filled with cheesy, Mexican-spiced chicken, peppers, onions, and black beans.

Bake them in the oven or toss them on the grill, then add your favorite fajita toppings!

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29. Semi-Homemade Baked Beans

Semi-Homemade Baked Beans

Craving the taste of homemade baked beans without all the fuss?

Our Semi-Homemade Baked Beans recipe delivers that classic barbecue side dish flavor with a clever, easy shortcut, and it’s even gluten-free.

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30. Slow Cooker Southern Fried Corn

Slow Cooker Southern Fried Corn

Slow Cooker Southern Fried Corn is the perfect dish for a comforting, Southern-style side.

Just toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker and get ready for a delicious, simple meal.

Enjoy this simple and flavorful southern fried corn at your next gathering!

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