Ah, summer cookouts and picnics. They’re the best! You’ve got the mains for the grill covered, right? I’m here to back you up with all of the goodies that go with the hamburgers, brats, steaks, bbq chicken, corn on the cob, and kebabs. Every cookout needs an assortment of snacks, sides, drinks, and desserts. I got you. Let’s scroll!
Appetizers & Snacks
Appetizers are a draw at any party, as people love to nibble as they mingle and chat and move from activity to activity. Summer’s dips and finger foods are savory and light(ish) and often vegetable-driven from the season’s best local crops. Irresistible.
Ranch Veggie Pizza Appetizer
The recipe has been around forever in some form or other and, like boot-cut jeans and bohemian florals, circles back around again and again. But that's because Ranch Veggie Pizza Appetizer is the classic party appetizer that people still can't get enough of! Cut into 4"-bite squares for nibbling, and use pretty rainbow veggies (they make people forget that it’s, you know, veggie-loaded).
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Triple Layer Guacamole Creamy Cotija and Confetti Salsa Party Dip
A show-stopping dip for your party table, Triple Layer Guacamole Salsa Dip is a dreamy combo of chunky salsa layered over a creamy cotija cheese spread layered over homemade guac. Serve it in a somewhat shallow glass bowl — it's pretty, too! — with big, sturdy tortilla chips so that the peeps can dig down and get all three flavors in one scoop.
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Grilled Sausages, Peppers and Potatoes
I'm not even sure how to classify this. Is it an appetizer? A side? Or even a main? Idk, but serve these hearty Grilled Sausages, Peppers and Potatoes with dipping sauces, and it’s a delightful option at any cookout or tailgate party. This one shows up at Casa SoupAddict throughout the summer and well into fall.
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Vegan Queso Stuffed Mini Peppers
I usually don’t tell people that these cute little stuffed peppers are vegan because the nacho-y filling is so creamy and cheesy that no one would ever guess. I always like to have something for the dairy-avoiders in the group, but you’re also free to use these Vegan Queso Stuff Mini Peppers as a jumping-off point with something like Boursin instead.
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Dill Pickle Chickpeas
This surprising snack is both blessing and curse. Blessing in that they’re so good, you can’t stop eating them. And curse in that they’re so good, you can’t stop eating them. It’s a better person than I who can refrain from demolishing half the batch long before party time. Crunchy and just slightly puckery, Dill Pickle Chickpeas are far more addictive than potato chips (says this potato chip lover).
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Mediterranean Salsa
If you’re wanting to serve something unique, this Mediterranean Salsa might just be your new favorite party salsa. It’s filled with the salty flavors of olives and feta and made lush and smoky with roasted red peppers and sundried tomatoes. Perfect with pita chips.
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Sides
The grill might be the focus of the cookout, but no summer meal is complete without a tempting selection of scrumptious sides.
Easy Mashed Potato Salad
This popular picnic salad is made with, as the name implies mashed potatoes rather than chunks thereof and is heavily dotted with classic summer salad add-ins, such as celery, sweet pickles, red onions, mayo, and mustard — all served chilled. Made with prepared mashed potatoes, Mashed Potato Salad is a super easy side dish that takes only minutes from cutting board to refrigerator.
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Oven-Baked Canned Baked Beans
Don't settle for ordinary baked beans at your next cookout. These super-charged, easy Oven-Baked Canned Baked Beans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, adding a burst of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to your cookouts and picnics.
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Herbed White Bean Picnic Salad
This is my go-to summer cookout salad. Since there are no dairy-based ingredients, this dish can stand up to the heat a little more readily. Herbaceous and bright, Herbed White Bean Picnic Salad is a lovely alternative to pasta salads. It's also dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan, so it's very crowd friendly.
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Italian Antipasto Salad
Liven up your summer cookout menus with this Italian Antipasto Salad! Think of it as a deconstructed antipasto platter – all the classic Italian flavors you love, transformed into a refreshing salad that's perfect for sharing. A nice alternative for folks who want to stop at one burger but would like another helping of something substantial.
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Broccoli Grape Salad Recipe
A retro, family-favorite summer recipe from my mom, Broccoli Grape Salad is the hit of every cookout. Who knew broccoli could be so delish!
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Italian Pasta Salad
No cookout is complete without a tasty, colorful pasta salad. On any other day, this Italian Pasta Salad is actually a full meal at Casa SoupAddict, with its antipasto leanings, but for picnics, it’s a beautiful side.
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Rainbow Melons Salad
This isn’t just a pretty bowl of melon balls. A lively citrus and herb marinade brightens the fruits’ natural sweetness and keeps them juicy. Chill the melons deeply beforehand (but don’t freeze) and set the Rainbow Melon Salad serving bowl on a tray of ice to keep everything nice and frosty.
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Sweet Corn Salad
Fresh corn season is upon and I wanted to get this on your radar because it’s a summer staple around here. Sweet, crunchy corn and more of summer's best veggies highlight this Sweet Corn Salad. The dressing and big sprinkle of feta on top is a refreshing alternative to pasta salads.
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Beverages
Take your pick: thirst-quenching or stress-quenching! It’s 2024. We could probably use a bit of both.
Party Punch
This is my go-to, crowd-pleasing party punch. Light, refreshing, and bubbly, Summer Party Punch is always a hit, even with the beer drinkers. Both adults and kids love it!
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Homemade Vitamin Water
If your outdoor parties are more ultra-competitive badminton tournaments than sit under a fan on a shaded deck affairs, keep your peeps well-hydrated with big pitchers of ice-cold, fruit-infused Homemade Vitamin Water. So refreshing (optional: add a splash of fizzy water for a refreshing variation).
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Zesty Lemon Lime Mojitos
Mojitos for a crowd, made in a bowl, like punch, with some unique twists. Is it only me who shoulder-slumps at the thought of crushing mint leaves in individual glasses, one at a time, for a line of whole people? Mm, probably. No worries. We’re still muddling the mint for these Zesty Lemon Lime Mojitos. Just … all at once.
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Frozen Margaritas
Let’s get this out of the way: This recipe contains frozen limeade. But you’re going to be a-oh-dokey-kay with that because we’re talking Frozen Margaritas by the pitcher. Not top-shelf margaritas. By the pitcher, people! A refreshing cocktail to wind down your party.
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Sweets
I love simple desserts to wind down a cookout party. No slicing, no plates … just put out a big platter and off you go.
Bowl-lickin’ Mocha Vegan Brownies
Okay, so, no cringing. There are no head-scratching ingredients here. Bowl-lickin' Mocha Vegan Brownies are made with real chocolate and coffee and flour, but without eggs or dairy, and it's all quite simple and sensible. The lack of eggs and dairy means that they will travel well and, best of all, most people can have them, whether they're vegan or lactose intolerant. Brownies for everyone, is my motto!
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XXL Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are my favorite chocolate chip cookies. Soft and big and thick with tons of chocolate chips. It's impossible to be grumpy when nibbling on oversized XXL Softbaked Chocolate Chip Cookies!
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Hungarian Shortbread
Hungarian Shortbread is the dessert recipe I bake most often from my own blog — I love it that much! Tender layers of sandy shortbread surround a schmear of your favorite jam or preserves to create an irresistible sweet-citrusy treat. It’s the dessert you make when you want to effortlessly impress a crowd with a unique, but deliciously familiar, cookie bar recipe.
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S’mores in a Jar
Having a small get-together? Create a special dessert treat with these portable, perfectly portioned S'mores in a Jar. Gooey, chocolatey goodness baked right in adorable mason jars, making them a less-messy, super-fun treat for any cookout or picnic. Get ready for s'more smiles!
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Blueberry Fool
This super easy summer dessert is a light and refreshing combination of homemade vanilla whipped cream with blueberry sauce. Blueberry Fool is the perfect no-bake dessert, especially when your guests are looking for something a little sweet but not heavy.
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Summer will be gone before you know it. Feast and enjoy!
