Easy Classics: Cookout Foods That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds

With warmer weather on the horizon, it's time to dust off the grill and indulge in the timeless tradition of a cookout. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park, one thing is for sure: delicious food is a must-have. But who says cookout classics have to be complicated? We've rounded up some easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Read on for some culinary inspiration.

Nothing says cookout like a juicy cheeseburger fresh off the grill. Keep it simple with high-quality ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. Form the patties and press your thumb into the middle of each before grilling for even cooking. Flip the patties with grilling tools like a long spatula. Once you’ve finished, serve the patties with a variety of toppings like crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a selection of cheeses. Don't forget a variety of burger buns to hold it all together. For a gourmet twist, consider adding caramelized onions or avocado slices.

Hot dogs, the quintessential cookout delight, evoke feelings of nostalgia and satisfaction with every bite. They’re also one of the easiest foods to prep for a cookout. Grill your choice of beef or pork franks and toast your favorite choice of hot dog buns using a hot dog bun toaster. Then let people choose what kinds of toppings they’d like such as mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, and even mayo. Bring vegetarian or vegan versions of franks to cook as well if people have dietary restrictions.

Sweet, tender corn on the cob takes on a whole new level of flavor when grilled. Husk the corn and remove the silk, wash then brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally until the kernels are charred and tender. Serve with extra butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.

Creamy, tangy potato salad is a cookout essential. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then mix with mayo, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings like celery salt, paprika, and black pepper. Add crunchy celery, diced onions, and chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor and texture. Chill before serving to let the flavors meld together. It's the perfect side dish to accompany grilled meats and sandwiches.

Everyone will appreciate the vibrant flavors of grilled veggie skewers. Thread your favorite vegetables onto skewers. Popular choices include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Grill until the veggies are tender and slightly charred. Serve as a colorful and nutritious side dish or add grilled tofu or halloumi for extra protein.

No cookout is complete without a sweet treat. A s'mores dip is sure to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Layer chocolate chips and marshmallows in a cast-iron skillet and place it on the grill until melted and gooey. Serve with graham crackers for dipping and watch it disappear in minutes.

With these easy classics, your cookout is sure to be a hit. From juicy cheeseburgers to tangy potato salad to sweet s'mores dip, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a summer celebration filled with delicious food and great memories.