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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    The Best 21 Cookout Foods for a Crowd to Make This Summer Unforgettable

    Published: Jun 13, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    You know it’s going to be a good day when the grill’s fired up and the smell of something delicious fills the backyard. Whether it’s burgers, skewers, or side dishes that disappear in minutes, the key to a great gathering is always solid cookout foods for a crowd. These are the kinds of dishes that keep people hanging around for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Let’s make this summer one to remember, one bite at a time.

    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    A bowl of carrot and raisin salad next to a bunch of carrots.
    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Fresh carrot raisin salad is EASY and so flavorful! All you need is a bowl and a grater to make this slightly sweet classic summer salad.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    Spiral Hot Dogs

    Three spiral hot dogs on a white platter.
    Spiral Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Delicious summer recipes just in time for the season

    Nothing says summer like grilled hot dogs. Improve an American classic with spiral hot dogs for a crispy surface that’s delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Spiral Hot Dogs

    Bbq Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce

    BBQ pork chops with peach sauce on a plate.
    Bbq Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This naturally sweet barbecue sauce can be made with fresh or frozen peaches and it adds a ton of flavor to tender grilled pork chops.
    Get the Recipe: Bbq Pork Chops With Peach Barbecue Sauce

    Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

    A bowl of sliced cucumbers with a wooden spoon.
    Grandma’s Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    My Grandma’s Cucumber Salad Recipe is cool, crunchy, refreshing, and easy to throw together on a hot summer day! Great for BBQ’s or potlucks.
    Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

    Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing

    A spoon Full of fresh fruit.
    Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Add lime zest and juice along with a little honey to your summer fruit salad, featuring your favorite fruits for a perfect summer side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing

    Grilled Bbq Pork Tenderloin

    A pork tenderloin sliced and covered in bbq sauce.
    Grilled Bbq Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This simple Grilled BBQ Pork Tenderloin recipe is super simple to make without sacrificing flavor, great for cookouts.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Bbq Pork Tenderloin

    Tomato Salad With Peaches

    A black bowl of tomato salad with peaches and feta.
    Tomato Salad With Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh Peach and Tomato Salad can’t be beat when summer produce is at its best. Try combining fresh peaches with juicy tomatoes, then sprinkle with salty feta for a light and refreshing summer salad
    Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad With Peaches

    Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

    Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce.
    Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy, 20-minute grilled potato wedges recipe makes light and pillowy potatoes that are crispy on the outside.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

    Smash Burgers With Special Sauce

    Two Smash burgers in buns with sauce.
    Smash Burgers With Special Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    There’s nothing better than a juicy hamburger with crispy edges, a SMASH Burger. All it needs is some cheese and SPECIAL SAUCE.
    Get the Recipe: Smash Burgers With Special Sauce

    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw with Buttermilk

    A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes.
    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw with Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This colorful combination of crunchy red cabbage, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs adds a burst of freshness to any meal. The crunch of the cabbage, coupled with the creaminess of the dressing, takes this coleslaw to a whole new level. 
    Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

    Super Tender Grilled Skirt Steak

    Skirt steak sliced on a cutting board.
    Super Tender Grilled Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Infused with tequila, soy sauce, and brown sugar, this skirt steak recipe yields juicy and flavorful meat every time.
    Get the Recipe: Super Tender Grilled Skirt Steak

    Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad – It’s a Classic

    A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings.
    Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad – It’s a Classic. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With its gorgeous rows of colors and bright flavors, this classic Southern seven-layer salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for any cookout. Served in a clear glass bowl that showcases all the beautiful colors.
    Get the Recipe: Classic 7 Layer Salad

    Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

    A white platter full of grilled chicken drumsticks and thighs.
    Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Chicken Drumsticks on Grill are cooked over indirect heat for the most tender and juicy drumsticks or thighs.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

    Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

    A bowl of broccoli salad on a serving tray.
    Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    You’re going to love this healthy broccoli salad served with a yogurt dressing that’s sweetened with honey. An old fashioned salad you’ll love.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

    Mint Watermelon Fruit Salad With Blueberries

    A bowl of watermelon fruit salad with blueberries in a bowl.
    Mint Watermelon Fruit Salad With Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This quick and easy mint watermelon fruit salad combines crisp and juicy watermelon with sweet blueberries coated in a minty simple syrup.
    Get the Recipe: Mint Watermelon Fruit Salad With Blueberries

    Grilled Pork Kabobs With Fresh Peaches

    Pork removed from a skewer on a platter.
    Grilled Pork Kabobs With Fresh Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Tender pieces of pork are paired with juicy chunks of peaches for a fresh summertime take on classic Pork Kabobs.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Kabobs With Fresh Peaches

    Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

    A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons
    Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm summer days.
    Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

    Easy Grilled Ranch Chicken Recipe

    Three skewers of ranch chicken
    Easy Grilled Ranch Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fire up the grill and make some easy chicken kabobs the whole family will love. This super easy grilled ranch chicken recipe is a game changer.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Ranch Chicken Recipe

    Greek Wedge Salad Recipe

    Greek Wedge Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    This Greek Wedge Salad Recipe creates a fresh easy to make wedge salad that is drizzled with flavorful homemade greek dressing.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Wedge Salad Recipe

    Grilled Tequila Chicken Recipe (Chicken Marinade)

    A platter with a fork and grilled chicken.
    Grilled Tequila Chicken Recipe (Chicken Marinade). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Tequila Lime Chicken – so EASY with a marinade of Tequila, agave, orange and lime juice, a family favorite and perfect for Cinco de Mayo.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Tequila Chicken Recipe (Chicken Marinade)

    Spicy Fruit Salad With Star Anise

    A bowl of spicy fruit salad with wooden spoon.
    Spicy Fruit Salad With Star Anise. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    You can never go wrong with a bowl of fresh fruit. Spicy Fruit Salad adds just a hint of spice and seasoning to improve even the best fruit at the market.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Fruit Salad With Star Anise

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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