This guide to an easy summer cookout menu features classics like dips, hot dogs and potato salad, as well as some special items like strawberry pretzel salad and cauliflower steak. No matter which of these summer cookout recipes you make, friends and family will love being at your backyard BBQ!
Appetizers - Pretzels and Dip for Summertime Snacking
Summer cookout food should be no fuss and crowd-friendly. Opting for appetizers you can make ahead of time are ideal for a summer cookout menu. Items that are cold should be served on ice or kept inside in the fridge until it’s time to eat.
Pretzels and dip are a great idea for easy appetizers. Some of our favorites are:
2. Warm Feta Dip: Summer cookout food should be light and flavorful. This dip is just that, especially when you pair it with our crunchy pretzels for dipping.
3. Whipped Brie Dip: Sweet and savory, this summer cookout menu idea is a great way to start the evening. Since it’s perfect to serve at room temperature, it’s a backyard BBQ delight.
Elevate your summer cookout menu with these fancier ideas for summer cookout appetizers that are super simple to make, but look impressive:
4. Crab Pretzel Nachos: Our seasoned sourdough pretzel nuggets serve as the “chips” for these nachos and the Chesapeake seasoning blend gives you all the flavor you expect for a dish that features shellfish. Make the crab salad ahead of time and keep it separate from the pretzels before your summer cookout begins
5. Hummus Platter: A hummus board is similar to a charcuterie board, but instead of using meats and cheeses, the focus is on the delicious vegan dip made from chickpeas and fresh veggies. It’s a light and vegetarian-friendly option to add to your summer cookout menu.
6. Italian Sushi: Another fun twist on charcuterie boards for your summer cookout menu is Italian sushi. It’s prosciutto and cheese rolled up to look like sushi. Our recipe has a crunchy pretzel surprise inside!
Main Courses - Grilling Recipes for Feeding a Crowd
Hot dogs, burgers and chicken wings are classic main course ideas for summer cookout menus. Consider mixing things up with a main course that’s a little more flavor forward. Here are some grilling ideas:
7. Chimichurri Steak: The sauce is simple to make, but will give your backyard BBQ an elevated feel. Using flank or skirt steak is a great option for feeding a crowd.
7. Cauliflower Steak: If you have vegetarian friends or family, try this recipe as a main course option for your summer cookout menu.
Summer Side Dishes - Backyard Cookout Salads and More
When it comes to planning the perfect summer cookout menu, you have to think about what will compliment what comes off the grill. Here are some summer cookout sides we love.
8. Strawberry Pretzel Salad: It might look like dessert, but this summer cookout side has enough spice that we think it can be served with dinner.
10. Deviled Eggs: These are a classic summer cookout side. We love topping our deviled eggs with the crunch of our seasoned sourdough pretzel nuggets.
11. Crouton Salad: Looking to add some freshness to your summer cookout food lineup? Salads are a great way to feed a crowd without spending a ton of cash.
Plus, here are 7 summer cookout side dish ideas that will wow your guests!
Summer Cookout Desserts - Pretzel Desserts
A sweet treat (or two) is the perfect way to complete your summer cookout menu. If you are serving ice cream, be sure to have a beverage bin filled with ice to place your ice cream containers in to prevent melting. If you’re serving chocolate treats at your backyard BBQ, chill them in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving so guests don’t get messy.
Some of our favorite summer cookout desserts are:
12. Chocolate Mousse Bars: These are cool, creamy and have a crunchy crust that is the star of the show. You can serve them on a platter over ice if your summer cookout is on a super hot day.
13. Dessert Nachos: We love this for a summer cookout dessert because you don’t have to bake anything and it’s interactive, which is always fun for a party.
14. Ice Cream Ideas: Who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot summer day? Here are our favorite pretzel ice cream ideas to serve as summer cookout desserts.
15. Smore’s Dip: A July 4th must, this summer cookout dessert dip is gooey, warm and can be made on the grill.
No matter what you decide to make, we hope these summer cookout menu ideas have inspired you to host a backyard BBQ this summer! Happy entertaining.
