15 Show-Stopping Cookout Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Nothing beats a great cookout with delicious food, good company, and beautiful weather. To make your next outdoor gathering unforgettable, we’ve compiled a list of mouthwatering recipes that are sure to impress. These dishes are not only delicious but also simple to prepare, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests. From juicy grilled meats to flavorful sides and sweet treats, these recipes have got you covered. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

For a tasty grilled honey mustard chicken, marinate four boneless chicken breasts in a mixture of 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Classic BBQ Ribs

To make classic BBQ ribs, start by seasoning a rack of pork ribs with a dry rub made from 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and bake them at 300°F for 2.5 hours. Finish by brushing your favorite BBQ sauce on the ribs and grilling them for 10 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and sticky. Serve with coleslaw and cornbread.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

For a healthy and colorful option, make grilled veggie skewers. Cut bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Toss the vegetables in a marinade of 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Thread the vegetables onto skewers and grill over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp

To prepare spicy grilled shrimp, marinate 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, in a mixture of 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Let the shrimp marinate for 20 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a side of cilantro-lime rice.

Perfectly Grilled Burgers

Make perfectly grilled burgers by mixing 1 pound of ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Form the mixture into four patties and press a small indentation in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up on the grill. Preheat your grill to high heat and cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments, and serve on toasted buns.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

For a delicious BBQ chicken pizza, start by grilling one boneless, skinless chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked, then slice it into thin strips. Spread 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over a pre-made pizza crust, sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and top with the grilled chicken, 1/4 cup red onion slices, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Grill the pizza over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

To make grilled corn on the cob, peel back the husks of six ears of corn without removing them, and remove the silk. Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on each ear, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold the husks back up and soak the corn in water for 15 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the corn for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender. Serve with an extra pat of butter and a sprinkle of chili powder for added flavor.

Smoky Grilled Pork Chops

For smoky grilled pork chops, marinate four bone-in pork chops in a mixture of 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the pork chops for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving with a side of apple coleslaw.

Grilled Pineapple

To make a sweet and tangy grilled pineapple, cut one pineapple into 1-inch thick rings and brush with a mixture of 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the pineapple rings for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and have grill marks. Serve as a dessert or a side dish with grilled meats.

Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon

For lemon herb grilled salmon, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, the juice of one lemon, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate four salmon fillets in the mixture for at least 15 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with a side of grilled asparagus or a fresh salad.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

For a delicious vegetarian option, make grilled Portobello mushrooms. Clean and remove the stems from four large Portobello mushrooms. Marinate them in a mixture of 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste for 15 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are tender and juicy. Serve on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings.

Grilled Steak Kebabs

For flavorful grilled steak kebabs, cut 1 pound of sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes and marinate in a mixture of 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for at least 30 minutes. Thread the steak onto skewers with bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.

Grilled Peaches with Honey

For a simple and delicious dessert, make grilled peaches with honey. Cut four ripe peaches in half and remove the pits. Brush the cut sides with a mixture of 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1 tablespoon honey. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the peaches cut-side down for 4-5 minutes until they are tender and have grill marks. Serve with a drizzle of honey and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Grilled Sausage and Peppers

To make grilled sausage and peppers, slice 1 pound of Italian sausage into 1-inch pieces and cut 2 bell peppers and 1 red onion into strips. Toss everything in 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the sausage and vegetables in a grill basket for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender. Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

Grilled Garlic Bread

For a tasty side dish, make grilled garlic bread. Slice a baguette in half lengthwise and spread each half with a mixture of 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the bread cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until it is toasted and has grill marks. Flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes until the butter is melted and the bread is crispy. Serve hot.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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