Best Summer Grill Recipes to Savor the Season
Get ready for summer cookouts with the best summer grill recipes! Find easy, mouthwatering ideas for grilling meats, veggies, and even desserts.
There’s something about summer that just begs for outdoor meals—when the grill takes center stage, the kitchen stays cool, and everything tastes better under the open sky.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a 4th of July bash, a casual family dinner, or just because you can’t bear to turn on the oven, these best summer grill recipes are guaranteed to bring big flavor with minimal fuss.
From hearty entrees to vibrant sides and sweet grilled desserts, I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favorites (plus a few you might not have tried yet!). Let’s dive into some delicious ways to make the most of grilling season.
Mouthwatering Main Dishes
Summer calls for hearty, flavorful meals that come together easily over a hot grill. These main dishes are tried, tested, and guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. A few of them have even made it onto our family favorites list after just one bite!
- Grilled Beef Heart Skewers Don’t let the idea of beef heart scare you off—it’s rich, tender, packed with nutrients, and takes on marinade flavors beautifully. These skewers are a must-try for adventurous eaters.
- Grilled Trout with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Fresh trout on the grill with a drizzle of lemony garlic butter? Simple, rustic, and absolutely perfect for a summer evening.
- Grilled Calzones Hand-held calzones baked right on the grill? Yes, please. These are hearty, cheesy, and seriously fun for a family night around the fire.
- Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken This marinade screams summer with its bright lime, smoky chipotle, jalapeño, and just a splash of tequila. Perfect for backyard gatherings.
- Barbecued Jerk Chicken Breasts If you like a little heat with your grilled meats, this bold, spicy jerk chicken will be your new favorite.
- Clams and Corn on the Grill Bring a little lakeside vacation to your backyard with this easy, smoky combo of fresh clams and juicy sweet corn.
Irresistible Grilled Sides
A great summer meal isn’t complete without some delicious sides. These recipes are simple, fresh, and perfect for filling your table with color and flavor. I’ve made a few of these for backyard dinners, and let me tell you—they disappear fast!
- Grilled Corn on the Cob Grilled right in the husk, this method keeps corn extra juicy and flavorful. Just peel back, slather with butter, and devour.
- Grilled Artichokes with Creamy Butter Dip Slightly smoky and perfectly tender, grilled artichokes feel a little fancy but are surprisingly easy to master.
- Smoky Cheddar Potato Foil Packs Cheesy, hearty, and cooked right on the grill—these foil packs are the ultimate low-maintenance side dish.
- Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce Grilling asparagus brings out its natural sweetness. Finish with lemon butter for a fresh, summery touch.
- Grilled Peppers with Cheese and Bacon Crispy bacon, melty cheese, and sweet peppers—need I say more? Perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
- Grilled Polenta Cakes Slightly crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside. These grilled polenta rounds are a fresh (and gluten-free!) change of pace.
Sweet Treats From the Grill
If you’ve never tried making dessert on the grill, you’re missing out! Grilled sweets bring out deep, rich flavors that just scream summer. I’ve tried several of these recipes myself, and they’re now a must whenever we host a cookout.
- Grilled Chocolate Cherry Ricotta Pizza Chocolate, cherries, and creamy ricotta baked onto grilled pizza dough—it’s as decadent as it sounds and ridiculously easy.
- Outdoor Cooking: Chocolate Banana Boats A fun twist on classic campfire treats! Chocolate melts into warm bananas for a gooey, satisfying dessert.
- Grilled Shortcake Skewers Thread strawberries, pound cake, and marshmallows onto skewers and toast to golden perfection. Summer dessert doesn’t get easier.
- Campfire Cooking: Rob Roy Cookies These leaf-wrapped, grill-baked cookies are like edible little surprises—rustic, charming, and perfect for an outdoor gathering.
- Cupcakes Grilled in an Orange Tuck cupcake batter into hollowed-out oranges and grill them for a fresh, citrusy twist. Fun for kids (and adults, too).
- Pina Colada Grilled Dessert Tropical flavors shine in this simple dessert packed with pineapple, lime, and coconut goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Grilling
Final Thoughts Before You Fire Up the Grill
There’s something special about gathering around the grill in the summer—the smells, the flavors, the laughter. These recipes will help you soak up every bit of it. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard bash or just cooking for your family, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep your grill sizzling all season long.
Pin these recipes so you’re ready for your next cookout!
Grilling season isn’t just about burgers and hot dogs (though don’t get me wrong, I love a good grilled burger, too). It’s about simple ingredients, fresh flavors, and those long summer evenings where the food tastes even better because you made it yourself.
With these best summer grill recipes in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to serve up smoky, sizzling meals all season long—without ever breaking a sweat indoors.
Looking to round out your cookout menu? Don’t miss my go-to recipe for homemade BBQ sauce that beats anything from the store. For a sweet finish, try one of these quick and easy dessert ideas—every one is ready in an hour or less. And if you want a crispy side dish that’s always a hit, these Southern-style hush puppies with creamy ranch are the perfect pick.
What’s your favorite thing to grill once summer hits? Share your favorites below!
