Nothing says summer like a cookout filled with mouthwatering dishes that bring everyone together. These 44 Best Cookout Food Ideas are packed with bold flavors, from smoky grilled meats to zesty salads and sweet treats. With just 10 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a spread that’s as effortless as it is impressive. Think juicy burgers with a perfect char, creamy dips with a tangy kick, and sides that crunch with every bite. Each recipe is designed to delight your taste buds and keep the party going.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or a casual gathering, these dishes are sure to steal the show. The textures are irresistible—crispy edges, tender centers, and smooth finishes that melt in your mouth. From savory to sweet, every bite is a celebration of summer’s best flavors. With minimal time in the kitchen, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the company and the delicious food. Let these recipes inspire your next cookout and create memories that last long after the grill cools down.
Ingredients for Black Bean Burgers
- 3 cups cooked black beans (drained and rinsed)
- ⅓ cup grated yellow onion (about ½ medium onion)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo (diced), plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
- Cooking spray (if grilling)
- Hamburger buns and desired fixings (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the black beans, grated onion, minced garlic, diced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic vinegar, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until the mixture holds together but still has some visible chunks of black beans.
- Add the egg and use a spatula to fold until fully combined. Then, fold in the panko bread crumbs.
- Use your hands to form the mixture into 6 patties. The mixture should be cohesive and slightly wet. If it’s too wet to handle, chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up or mash the beans a bit more.
- For stovetop cooking: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Brush with a little olive oil and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes per side, until charred on both sides. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- For grilling: Preheat an outdoor grill to 400°F. Lightly brush the patties with olive oil and spray the grill grates with cooking spray. Grill for 8 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side.
- Serve the burgers on hamburger buns with your desired fixings.
Delicious Topping Ideas for Your Black Bean Burgers
Elevate your black bean burgers with creative toppings! Try avocado slices, spicy mayo (mix mayo with a dash of hot sauce), or pickled red onions for a tangy kick. For a fresh twist, add sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and a dollop of guacamole. Don’t forget a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese for extra flavor!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Burgers
These black bean burgers pair wonderfully with grilled corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, or a zesty quinoa salad. For a lighter option, serve with a mixed greens salad dressed in lime vinaigrette. A cold craft beer or sparkling lemonade makes a refreshing drink to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftover Burgers
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side or pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the patties between parchment paper and thaw before reheating.
Quick Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Save time by using canned black beans instead of cooking them from scratch. Pre-minced garlic and pre-grated onion can also speed up prep. If you’re grilling, preheat the grill while you form the patties to save a few extra minutes. Double the recipe and freeze half for a future quick meal!
Grill vs. Skillet: Which Cooking Method is Best?
Both methods work great, but they offer different results. A cast-iron skillet gives a crispy exterior and is perfect for indoor cooking. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and beautiful char marks—just make sure to spray the grates to prevent sticking. Choose based on your preference or the weather!
44 Best Cookout Food Ideas
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup grated yellow onion* (about 1/2 medium)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotles in adobo, diced plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamari
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- Cooking spray, if grilling
- Hamburger buns and desired fixings, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the beans, onion, garlic, chipotles, adobo sauce, tamari, balsamic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until the mixture holds together but still has some visible chunks of black beans. Add the egg and use a spatula to fold until combined. Then, fold in the panko.
- Use your hands to form the mixture into 6 patties. The mixture should be cohesive and a little wet. If it’s too wet to handle, chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up or mash your beans a little bit more.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Brush with a little oil and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes per side, until charred on both sides, turning the heat down as necessary. The exact timing will depend on the heat of your stove and cookware.
- Alternatively, preheat an outdoor grill to 400°F. Lightly brush the patties with olive oil, spray the grill grates, and grill for 8 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side.
- Serve with hamburger buns and desired fixings.