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5 Must-Have Foods for Your Summer Cookout

5 Must-Have Foods for Your Summer Cookout

Wipe down your grill and take out the sunscreen—it’s cookout season! Here are the essential foods you need for your next cookout this upcoming summer.

Cash for your car

The summertime is approaching, and it’s time to wipe the grill and clean off your patio because it’s cookout season!

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or having a get-together with your family and friends, providing good cookout food is essential to the success of your party.

There’s always a debate about which foods are essential for a successful cookout. We’re here to shut down the noise and provide you with a list of the top five must-have foods for your summer cookout.

Grilled BBQ Chicken 

When you think of cookout food, you think of various grilled meats. Grilled chicken is probably one of them. Grilled barbecue chicken is a staple for most cookouts because it’s a simple and filling dish. Remember to grill your chicken with the skin down on the grill’s hottest side first to get a nice sear.

Saucy BBQ Ribs

Delicious smoked ribs take about two hours to cook, but it’s so worth it. They’ll be smoky, tender, and sweet with a glaze of BBQ sauce. Get your favorite sauce, or create your own! Serve your ribs with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, broccoli salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans!

Tender and Juicy Brisket

Brisket is a must-have food for your summer cookout because it’s versatile; you can eat it by itself or as a sandwich. And it’s one of the best cuts of beef for feeding a large group of people. Brisket takes about an hour to cook and only needs a simple rub to enhance the smokey flavor.

Jalapeno Grilled Corn Salad

This salad is the perfect side or entree for a summer cookout because it’s light and colorful. It’s easy to make as well. All you need is:

  • corn
  • olive oil
  • pepper
  • salt
  • cream crease
  • jalapenos
  • sour cream
  • bacon
  • cheddar cheese

Mix the ingredients, and you have yourself a salad! This salad is savory but packs heat with the jalapenos.

Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese

What’s a cookout without cheesy baked macaroni and cheese? Mac and cheese is the perfect main or side dish for your cookout because it’s comforting, like a warm hug. Mac and cheese pairs perfectly with BBQ brisket and baked beans.

About the author

Stephanie Ross