These delicious summer recipes will have you firing up the grill all season long. From simple mains that feed a crowd to show-stopping steaks, this collection includes sides, desserts, and even cocktail-worthy ideas to help you host memorable cookouts. Read on for grilling inspiration, helpful tips, and a roundup of favorites organized by category so you can quickly find the perfect recipe for your next backyard gathering.
Steaks
Few things beat a perfectly grilled steak at a summer cookout. Whether you prefer a porterhouse, skirt, flank, or a well-marbled ribeye, the key is quality meat, a hot grill, and a simple seasoning to let the beef shine. Resting the steak after cooking and slicing against the grain for cuts like flank or skirt steak makes a noticeable difference in tenderness.
- Traeger Grilled Porterhouse
- Traeger Grilled Skirt Steak
- Grilled Flank Steak
- Grilled Wagyu Hanger Steak
- Traeger Ribeye
- Traeger T-Bone Grilled Steak
Main Dishes for a Crowd
When you’re feeding a crowd, sometimes one large main dish is the most efficient—and most satisfying—approach. Slow-smoked or roasted mains can often be prepared in advance, freeing you to spend more time with guests. These recipes scale well and tend to hold up for serving family-style at parties.
- Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork
- Smoked BBQ Beef Sandwich
- Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
Tip: Choose mains that can rest and still taste great when served warm or at room temperature—this reduces last-minute stress and keeps service smooth.
Chicken
Chicken is often underrated for barbecue, but it’s incredibly versatile and reliably pleasing. From whole spatchcock chickens to wings and skewers, chicken soaks up marinades and smoke beautifully. Brining or a short marinade helps keep breast meat juicy, and high direct heat or finishing over coals can add a crisp, caramelized exterior.
- Traeger Spatchcock Chicken
- Pineapple Chipotle Smoked Chicken Wings
- Traeger Chicken Lollipop
For more grilled chicken ideas, check the linked recipes above and experiment with citrus, herb, or spicy marinades to vary flavor profiles for different gatherings.
Fish
Grilled fish is a perfect choice for those who prefer lighter proteins. Firm white fish or oily fish like salmon both respond well to smoke and direct heat—just handle gently to keep fillets intact. Simple preparations with garlic, white wine, butter, or a touch of sweet glaze highlight the fish without overpowering its natural flavor.
- Pellet Grill Lingcod with Wine and Garlic
- Traeger Honey Garlic Salmon
- Crab-Stuffed Lingcod
Seafood
Shrimp, crab, and lobster elevate summer menus with minimal fuss. Shellfish grills quickly and pairs well with bold seasoning blends, citrus, compound butters, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For larger gatherings, prepare spiced legs, grilled lobster tails, or skewered shrimp for fast service and big flavor.
- Traeger Teriyaki Smoked Shrimp
- Traeger Cajun Crab Legs
- Traeger Grilled Lobster Tail
Best BBQ Sides
Great sides complete a barbecue and keep guests coming back for seconds. Classic choices—potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans—are always welcome, while smoked or grilled versions add complementary flavors. Consider offering a mix of creamy, tangy, and crisp sides so everyone finds something they love.
- Smoked Twice Baked Potatoes — Cheesy, buttery potatoes with a crisp skin and rich filling.
- Traeger Smoked Deviled Eggs — Classic deviled eggs with a subtle smoky twist.
- Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese — Comforting, cheesy, and finished over wood-fired heat.
- Smoked Chicken Greek Pasta Salad — Creamy, tangy, and bright with herbs and yogurt-based dressing.
- Homemade Smoked Baked Beans — Tangy, smoky, and perfect alongside pulled meats.
- Coleslaw Recipe — A crisp, tangy counterpoint to rich mains.
- Classic Potato Salad Recipe — Simple, creamy, and endlessly popular.
Whether you are hosting a small family dinner or a large backyard party, mixing a few standout mains with a selection of thoughtful sides will make your cookout memorable. Plan ahead where possible, keep seasoning simple to highlight quality ingredients, and focus on a few well-executed recipes to keep the day relaxed and delicious.