Keep your summer cookouts fun and stress-free with Crock Pot recipes (they do most of the work for you), cold dishes like pasta and potato salad, and these cookout recipes! They can all be made in advance, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend. We have you covered with 30 make-ahead dishes, from fruit to homemade hamburger buns, that will make your Memorial Day cookouts and beyond a total success. Prioritize cookout recipes that are easy to assemble, can be made in large batches, and are versatile enough to be served as a main course or side dish.
Cookout Recipes You Have To Try
Wraps are a super tasty and super easy meal to make before any group dinner. We're filling ours with spiced chicken, red peppers, spinach, and avocado. Our mouths are already watering. (via Brit + Co)
Black Bean Burgers
Prep these black bean burger patties for any veggie guests coming to the BBQ. This cookout recipe can be personalized to your tastes with your preferred bean style and only take about 15 minutes to prep. (via Brit + Co)
Homemade Salsa
Save the jar salsa for another time and whip up this super fresh, spicy, and chunky homemade version. Be careful when blending the ingredients so not to turn it into a gazpacho. (via Brit + Co)
Elote One-Pot Pasta Recipe
Name a better group food than pasta salad. We'll wait. (via Brit + Co)
3-2-1 Ribs Method
The 3-2-1 method of cooking ribs refers to the number of hours spent at each stage. Three hours are spent smoking the meat, unwrapped and at a low temperature. Then there are two more hours of continued smoking, this time wrapped in foil. Lastly, there’s one final hour of smoking. This method ensures flavorful and tender ribs every time. (via Fox Valley Foodie)
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheese and potatoes are one of the best combos ever, amirite? These scalloped potatoes can be made way in advance and reheated right before serving. Just try not to eat them all before your guests arrive. (via Chew Out Loud)
Strawberry Oreo Chocolate Icebox Cake
Icebox cakes have been a potluck staple since… forever. This strawberry Oreo recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will be loved by adults and children alike. The cake needs to be made at least eight hours before your party so the cookies have time to soften, so allow for plenty of chilling time. (via Sweetest Menu)
Crockpot Corn On The Cob
Give yourself at least two hours before your dinner to make this dish. The key to making a corn on the cob that everyone will remember until next summer's cookouts is the garlic herb butter. Yummmm. (via Brit + Co)
Honey Strawberry Basil Margarita
Not only is a marg one of our favorite poolside sips, but strawberries, basil, and honey just all hit different in the summertime. This recipe only makes sense. (via Brit + Co)
Hailey Bieber's Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These drool-worthy wings have a secret ingredient in them for maximum crispiness: avocado oil. You can prep the buttermilk marinade and refrigerate the wings in brine for a few hours before they're ready to quickly cook in an air fryer. (via Brit + Co)
Mexican-Style Hot Dogs Cookout Recipe
With tomatoes, avocados, and corn, this cookout recipe is making us seriously consider chopping up a hot dog the next time we make burrito bowls. (via Brit + Co)
BLT Deviled Eggs
Sundried tomatoes, green onions and bacon are the delicious threesome that makes up the filling of these delightful deviled eggs. Be sure to make extra, because these will fly off of the platter as soon as you set them out. (via Ketogasm)
Cowboy Caviar
If you’re interested in testing out your knife skills, this dip is great for practice. It’s full of hearty beans, cilantro, chopped peppers and onion. You can even try adding a chopped avocado if you’re a major guac fan (and who isn’t?). (via Culinary Hill)
Homemade Hamburger Buns
If you really want to impress a crowd, show up to a party with homemade hamburger buns. They’re not at all as difficult as you would think, and they’re the best accompaniment to a gourmet burger. (via Domestic Dreamboat)
Your Summer Won't Be The Same Without These Cookout Recipes
Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad
Pasta salad is a must-have cookout recipe, but you may not have had it with orzo. It’s just the right size to mix with finely chopped veggies and goes great with the fresh flavors of lemon and cucumber. Allow this to sit in the fridge overnight so the pasta can absorb all that delicious flavor. (via Give Recipe)
Fruit Salad With Lemon Dressing
By the time everyone has scarfed down their burgers and potato salad, dessert might be an afterthought. This fruit salad is a wonderful post-dinner treat that eases your sweet craving without being too heavy. (via Paleo Leap)
Vegan Bacon + Cheese Loaded Potato Skins
With spicy cashew cream sauce and mushroom bacon, these potato skins might just become your favorite summer dish. We'll be making these for every cookout forever and always. (via Brit + Co)
Boozy Sangria Popsicles
We love sangria. We love popsicles. This is a match made in heaven. You'll definitely want to make these ahead of time so that they have enough time to freeze, but make sure you wait to take them out of the freezer so they don't melt ;). (via Brit + Co)
Make-Ahead Layered Picnic Salad
Your mom will be so proud when you bring out this dish she made when you were a kid. There’s a reason this type of layered salad has stood the test of time: It’s easy, delicious and can be assembled way before your barbecue. (via The Kitchen Is My Playground)
Grilled Maple Sriracha Chicken Skewers
These simple skewers have only four ingredients, but pack some intense flavor. The chicken is best marinated overnight and takes only 15 minutes to grill the next day. Score! (via Table for Two)
Minty Pea Salad
We’ve all had those moments when we forget about a barbecue until the day before. Those times call for this easy salad that can be made on the fly or ahead of time. (via Budget Bytes)
Potato Salad Bites
It’s just not a Memorial Day cookout without potato salad, but the same-old-same-old can get a bit boring. These little two-bite potatoes are a mix of potato salad and a twice-baked potato. They’re perfect as an appetizer or as a cute hand-held side dish. (via The Recipe Rebel)
Blow Your Own Mind With These Tasty Cookout Recipes!
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon With Sage and Black Pepper
Class up any outdoor party with these sweet and salty prosciutto-melon bites. The mix of flavors is addictive, but there’s no cooking involved. That means you can wrangle in just about anyone to help you assemble. (via The Homemade Haus)
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Put together all of these shrimp boil packets whenever you have a spare moment — that way, all you have to do is throw them on the grill come party time. Did we mention there’s also ZERO cleanup involved? (via Damn Delicious)
Vegan Barbecue Baked Beans
When hosting a cookout, it may be tempting to grab a can of baked beans from the store and call it a day. Refrain from that temptation and you will *not* be sorry you took the time to make your own. The flavor is unreal, and you can even mix everything up and throw it in your crockpot if you like. (via A Virtual Vegan)
Easy Cheesy Hot Corn Dip Cookout Recipe
This dip is chock full of enough cheese to please the kids, and enough veggies to please the parents. Everyone will be happy! Serve with chips or just dig in with a spoon. (via Brit + Co)
Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad
This pasta salad could be a whole meal in itself. It’s packed with veggies, protein and whole grains that will keep you energized for all the fun outdoor games (lookin’ at you, volleyball). (via Well Plated)
Vegan Mexican Sweet Potato Salad With Avocado Dressing
You’ve never had potato salad like this before. If you’re dying to switch it up, go for this Mexican version with corn, avocado and chipotle. Everyone will be begging you for the recipe. (via Food Faith Fitness)
Cajun Crawfish Queso
When you think of queso you might not think of seafood, but you'd be surprised how tasty this crawfish cheese dip actually tastes. Don't forget the cajun mix! (via Brit + Co)
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt Popsicles
Cold treats on a hot day are absolute summer perfection. These pops last in the freezer for weeks, so don't be afraid to make a big batch… just in case. (via Tastes of Lizzy T's)
Healthy Coleslaw
A coleslaw recipe is a pre-req for any Memorial Day or cookout bashes! Carrots and celery come together with a healthy swap for the classic mayonnaise dressing made with yogurt. You'll love it and so will your guests. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Carrot Hot Dogs
Prep your carrots with maple syrup and coconut aminos to give them a surprisingly meaty flavor. Whip up some BBQ sauce and aioli, and throw your favorite hot dog toppings into tiny bowls for everyone to serve themselves. (via Brit + Co)
Breakfast Burger
There's a chance you've had an egg on a burger before, but have you had an egg *and* sausage *and* hash browns?! If your answer is no, it's never too late to try it out. (via Brit + Co)
Decadent Potato Chip Brownies
This cookout recipe is an amazing addition to any #TreatYourselfThursday. There are lots of sweet and salty combos we love, and these brownies take the cake! (via Brit + Co)
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This article has been updated from a previous post.
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Paige Johnson
Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.
