Burgers and hot dogs? Been there, grilled that. This year, swap out the same old cookout spread this Memorial Day and try something new. We’ve got 19 delicious and easy recipes that’ll have your friends and family asking for seconds.
Avocado Tomato Salad
Ditch the boring salad. This one bursts with summer flavor. Fresh veggies tossed with romaine and a tangy homemade dressing create a refreshing and light side dish.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Level up your burger game. This juicy patty is filled with melty cheddar and crispy bacon for an unforgettable bite. Put the toppings on the inside instead of the outside for a fun surprise when you bite in.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Tangy and refreshing, this chicken is marinated in a lemony kefir blend. The result? Incredibly flavorful, tender, and juicy grilled chicken that has everyone begging for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Marinated Kefir Chicken
Grilled S’mores Pizza
Sweet meets savory on the grill. Imagine a warm and melty
Get the Recipe: Grilled S’mores Pizza
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Simple lemon juice marinade keeps chicken kebabs juicy and adds a burst of citrus flavor, perfect for grilling. Pair that with delicious vegetables that make a perfect complement to the tangy chicken, and you have an entire meal all ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Kefta Kebabs
Skip the burgers and try these flavorful ground beef kebabs. Easy to make and sure to be a hit at your cookout. With simple spices you already have in your cabinet and onion to keep them juicy, no one can resist these.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Hearts of Palm Salad
Light and refreshing, this salad is perfect for a hot summer day. Made with hearts of palm, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, it’s a healthy and flavorful crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Add some color to your cookout with this vegetable dish. Baked with yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, it’s a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Beer Boiled Brats
Classic brats bursting with juicy flavor are a must-have at any cookout. Boiling them in beer adds an extra layer of delicious taste.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Ditch the canned beans! These smoky baked beans are surprisingly easy to make and packed with more flavor than store-bought options.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Smoky chipotle seasoning and a spicy jalapeno mayo kick up your classic cookout burger a notch. It’s the perfect balance of smoky flavor with a creamy bite that makes this an out of the ordinary burger that will put it into your regular rotation for sure.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Refreshing and flavorful, this lime-marinated grilled chicken is perfect for summer cookouts. It’s easy to prep in advance and toss on the grill at dinner time. It has a flavor adults love, but it’s also incredibly kid-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Frosted Banana Bars
Treat your guests to these moist and fluffy banana bars topped with creamy frosting. These are a delicious way to use up ripe bananas. Best of all? You can make these a couple days in advance to make the day of even easier.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Classic Brownies
No cookout is complete without decadent desserts. Sink your teeth into the fudgy goodness of classic brownies. These are so good they don’t even need frosting. Just dust them with powdered sugar, and you’re ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Baked Kale Chips
Healthy and satisfying, baked kale chips are a guilt-free snack that’s both nutritious and crunchy. These are an addictive snack that even people who think they don’t like kale can’t resist. It’s a fun and easy side to add to any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Banana Boats
These fun and easy banana boats are the perfect way to end your cookout on a sweet note. Fill halved bananas with caramels, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, then grill for a decadent treat.
Get the Recipe: Banana Boats
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Don’t limit yourself to just meat! Thread your favorite fruits onto skewers and grill them for a fun and delicious way to end your cookout. For an extra treat, drizzle them with a homemade brown sugar caramel sauce.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Add a smoky twist to your corn on the cob. Each juicy ear is coated in a chipotle-infused butter and grilled to perfection. These are easy to make and really amp up the flavor. Add cotija cheese at the end for a fun twist on elotes.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Miso Glazed Chicken
This chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken is marinated in a delectable miso glaze, creating a mouthwatering dish.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken