10 Summer Cookout Menu Ideas To Print Now

Summer is here, and the sun is shining bright. It's time to gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy some delicious outdoor cooking. A summer cookout is a perfect way to make memories and create a fun atmosphere. But, the question is, what to cook? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are 10 summer cookout menu ideas that you can print now and get ready to wow your guests.

Menu Idea #1: Classic Backyard BBQ

Nothing beats a classic backyard BBQ. This menu features all-time favorites like burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob.

• Main Course:
  • Burgers
  • Hot Dogs
  • Grilled Chicken
• Sides:
  • Coleslaw
  • Baked Beans
  • Corn on the Cob
• Desserts:
  • Watermelon
  • Brownies

Menu Idea #2: Summer Salads and Sandwiches

Perfect for a light and refreshing summer cookout, this menu features a variety of salads and sandwiches. Try pairing a grilled chicken sandwich with a side of pasta salad or a fresh fruit salad.

• Main Course:
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
  • Turkey Wraps
  • Veggie Burgers
• Sides:
  • Pasta Salad
  • Fresh Fruit Salad
  • Chips and Dip
• Desserts:
  • Fresh Fruit Kabobs
  • Ice Cream Sandwiches

Menu Idea #3: Seafood Extravaganza

If you're near the coast or just love seafood, this menu is perfect for you. Grill up some shrimp, scallops, and fish, and serve with a side of seafood paella or a refreshing seafood salad.

• Main Course:
  • Grilled Shrimp
  • Scallops
  • Fish Tacos
• Sides:
  • Seafood Paella
  • Seafood Salad
  • Garlic Bread
• Desserts:
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Fresh Berries

Menu Idea #4: Mexican Fiesta

Add a little spice to your summer cookout with a Mexican-themed menu. Grill up some fajitas, tacos, and quesadillas, and serve with a side of guacamole and salsa.

• Main Course:
  • Fajitas
  • Tacos
  • Quesadillas
• Sides:
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Mexican Street Corn
• Desserts:
  • Churros
  • Fresh Fruit

Menu Idea #5: Italian-Style Cookout

Bring a taste of Italy to your summer cookout with this menu. Grill up some Italian sausage, peppers, and onions, and serve with a side of pasta salad or garlic bread.

• Main Course:
  • Italian Sausage
  • Grilled Peppers and Onions
  • Chicken Parmesan
• Sides:
  • Pasta Salad
  • Garlic Bread
  • Caprese Salad
• Desserts:
  • Tiramisu
  • Fresh Fruit

Menu Idea #6: Grilled Veggie Delight

A perfect menu for vegetarians and vegans, this menu features a variety of grilled veggies, including portobello mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.

• Main Course:
  • Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
  • Veggie Burgers
  • Grilled Veggie Skewers
• Sides:
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Quinoa Salad
  • Grilled Pita Bread
• Desserts:
  • Fresh Fruit Salad
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies

Menu Idea #7: Southern-Style Cookout

Add a little Southern charm to your summer cookout with this menu. Grill up some BBQ ribs, chicken, and burgers, and serve with a side of coleslaw and baked beans.

• Main Course:
  • BBQ Ribs
  • Grilled Chicken
  • Burgers
• Sides:
  • Coleslaw
  • Baked Beans
  • Cornbread
• Desserts:
  • Peach Cobbler
  • Sweet Potato Pie

Menu Idea #8: Breakfast for Dinner

Why not have breakfast for dinner? This menu features a variety of breakfast favorites, including pancakes, waffles, and eggs.

• Main Course:
  • Pancakes
  • Waffles
  • Eggs Benedict
• Sides:
  • Hash Browns
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Yogurt Parfait
• Desserts:
  • Fresh Fruit Kabobs
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies

Menu Idea #9: Picnic-Style Cookout

This menu is perfect for a picnic-style cookout. Pack up some sandwiches, fruit, and cheese, and head to the park or a nearby lake.

• Main Course:
  • Sandwiches
  • Wraps
  • Fruit and Cheese Platter
• Sides:
  • Chips and Dip
  • Trail Mix
  • Fresh Fruit
• Desserts:
  • Brownies
  • Cookies

Menu Idea #10: Luau-Style Cookout

Add a little tropical flair to your summer cookout with this menu. Grill up some Hawaiian-style BBQ, including kalua pig and poke bowls.

• Main Course:
  • Kalua Pig
  • Poke Bowls
  • Grilled Shrimp
• Sides:
  • Coconut Rice
  • Grilled Pineapple
  • Macaroni Salad
• Desserts:
  • Haupia (Coconut Milk Dessert)
  • Fresh Fruit

We hope these menu ideas help you plan a delicious and memorable summer cookout. Don't forget to print out your favorite menu and get ready to wow your guests!

What's your favorite summer cookout menu idea? Share with us in the comments below!