I Rely on These 29 Cookout Recipes for Last-Minute Summer Plans

Last-minute summer plans can feel stressful, but easy cookout recipes save the day. These 29 options are simple, quick, and perfect for any gathering. They bring big flavors without much effort, making summer fun even better. Every cookout feels special with these ready-to-go ideas. No rush, no hassle, just great food for great moments.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken is the perfect way to get that crispy crunch without overthinking dinner. Whether you’re grilling or frying, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser. The chicken stays juicy inside, making it ideal for feeding a group. It’s a simple option when you want something hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Tomahawk Steak

When you’re craving something meaty, Tomahawk Steak brings the right balance of juicy and tender. This steak is great for a quick cookout that needs to impress. It’s easy to cook, but the size and presentation take it to the next level. You don’t need much else to make it a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Thid dish is a twist on the classic that’s perfect for a laid-back cookout. The sweet potatoes add a comforting texture and richness to the mix. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes works well if you’re looking for a filling meal without much fuss. It’s a great option when you’re low on time but want something tasty.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

A Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a quick, easy, and reliable choice for any cookout. You can throw it together in no time and still have something fulfilling. The char from the grill gives the chicken a great smoky flavor. Serve it up with your favorite toppings, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Cowboy Caviar

Need a fresh side for your cookout? Cowboy Caviar offers a crunchy, fresh alternative to the usual chips and dip. It’s super simple to make but will have everyone coming back for more. This dish is perfect when you want something light that still packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

If you’re looking for something cheesy and comforting, Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip is your go-to. It’s the kind of dip that disappears fast, making it a favorite at any gathering. This dip is rich and creamy, perfect with crackers or chips. It’s an easy, no-fuss appetizer that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Taco Pizza

Taco Pizza brings a fun twist to pizza night with all the taco toppings we love. It’s a great option when you want a quick and casual dinner. The crispy crust gives a perfect base for the fresh toppings. This dish works well if you’re feeding a crowd and need something simple but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pizza

Grilled Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are easy to make and always a crowd favorite. The thighs stay juicy, even when grilled, making them perfect for a cookout. Grilled Chicken Thighs are packed with flavor and can be served with just about anything. This recipe is great for when you need something filling without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilled Hot Dogs are always a go-to for a quick and easy meal. They’re the type of food that everyone can grab and go. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a last-minute cookout, hot dogs never disappoint. You can get them on the grill and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs

Seven Layer Salad

When you’re craving a fresh and filling side, Seven Layer Salad has you covered. It’s packed with layers of different textures, making it more interesting than your usual salad. The variety of ingredients makes each bite a little different. It’s a perfect dish to bring to a cookout when you want something easy yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw is a simple and fun way to serve chicken at your cookout. The sliders are easy to assemble, and the slaw adds that extra crunch. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to mix up the usual burger and hot dog routine. The sweet BBQ sauce brings everything together.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Grilled Tri Tip

For a meaty meal that doesn’t take all day, Grilled Tri Tip is a great choice. This cut of beef cooks quickly and offers a nice balance of tenderness and flavor. It’s a good option when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend too much time on prep. Pair it with a simple side, and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tri Tip

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

If you’re in the mood for something fresh, Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is the way to go. It’s a great mix of grilled chicken, corn, and rice that feels fulfilling without being too heavy. This bowl brings together different textures and flavors in a way that works every time. It’s perfect for a casual, yet filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Beef Tacos

Beef Tacos are a classic option that’s simple and fast for any cookout. They’re easy to make and can be customized with whatever toppings you prefer. This dish is great when you need something quick and still want to feed a crowd. Plus, tacos are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Grilled Asparagus

When you need a quick side, Grilled Asparagus is always a win. It’s simple but adds a nice crunch to any plate. This dish comes together fast and doesn’t need much to stand out. Great for when you’re short on time but want something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Big Mac Sloppy Joe

This dish is perfect when you want a twist on a classic. Big Mac Sloppy Joe is a fun, quick option that’ll have everyone grabbing seconds. It’s all the good parts of a burger without the need for buns. Simple, easy, and a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sloppy Joe

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Shrimp makes a simple yet impressive dish for any cookout. It’s quick to prepare and goes perfectly with a variety of sides. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more special event, this shrimp always delivers. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that won’t keep you tied to the grill for long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

Italian Sliders

Looking for a snack that’s easy to handle? Italian Sliders are a great choice. They’re small, packed with flavor, and easy to serve up for a crowd. Perfect for last-minute gatherings when you need something quick but still impressive.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

Grilled Shrimp Kebobs are a fun way to serve up seafood at any cookout. Skewered and grilled, they come together fast, making them a great option for when you’re short on time. They also hold up well with a variety of sides and dips. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to impress guests.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

Mini Tacos

They work well as a casual appetizer or a fun main dish. Mini Tacos also don’t take up much space on the plate, making them great for buffet spreads. You can mix and match fillings without much effort. They’re small, but they never go unnoticed.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

Grilled Lobster Tail

If you want to feel like you’ve stepped up your game, Grilled Lobster Tail is the way to go. It’s simple to make but has a touch of elegance to it. With minimal prep, you’ll have a dish that makes a big impression. It’s a go-to for any last-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lobster Tail

Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Spicy Greek Feta Dip adds a bit of kick to your cookout spread. It’s a dip that works well as an appetizer or paired with other grilled items. With the right balance of heat and creaminess, it won’t last long. It’s a quick and flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Craving something savory and easy to serve? Ham and Cheese Sliders are perfect. They’re small, quick, and perfect for throwing together in no time. Whether it’s a snack or part of the main meal, they’ll hit the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Caprese Appetizer

For a fresh, light bite, Caprese Appetizer is the way to go. It’s quick to put together and adds a refreshing touch to your spread. With the combination of simple ingredients, it’s an easy hit at any gathering. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Grilled Salmon

Grilled Salmon is a simple, yet elegant way to serve up fish. It cooks quickly and pairs well with just about any side. Perfect for when you’re looking to keep things light without skimping on flavor. It’s a great last-minute option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon

Cucumber Tomato Salad

You can also prep Cucumber Tomato Salad ahead of time and let it chill until you’re ready to eat. The longer it sits, the better it gets. It’s a quick fix when you want something crisp without much effort. Great for cookouts or simple dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Lobster Roll

Lobster Roll brings a classic touch to any cookout. It’s perfect when you want something that feels a little fancy but doesn’t take much time to prep. Quick and fulfilling, it’s a go-to for a low-effort, high-impact meal. This one’s always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Roll

Black Bean Burger

This burger is a great vegetarian option that won’t leave anyone hungry. It’s filling and holds up well with all your favorite toppings. If you need something easy and meat-free, Black Bean Burger is a solid choice. It’s a quick fix for a last-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers will do the trick. They bring a punch of flavor and can be prepped in no time. These skewers are a great option when you need to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. Perfect for any last-minute cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers