🔥 Come On Over: A Complete Guide to Easy and Delicious Backyard Grilling
Summer is officially here, and it’s time to fire up the grill! Whether you're throwing a low-key cookout with friends or planning a full-fledged backyard bash, Simply Recipes’ latest feature, “Come On Over: Backyard Grilling,” is your go-to guide to hosting a stress-free, flavor-packed summer gathering. Designed for everyone—from grilling novices to backyard BBQ pros—this round-up walks you through everything you need, from juicy burgers to quick side salads, homemade sauces, and no-fuss desserts.
👨🍳 Pro Grilling Tips by Expert Mike Lang
Mike Lang, grilling maestro, cookbook author, and the official photographer for Weber Grills, brings his pitmaster know-how to the table. He shares three standout grilling recipes that are approachable yet impressive:
- Grilled Half Chicken: Mike says this cut provides "the best flavor and juicy texture." Use kitchen shears or ask your local butcher to halve a whole chicken for speedy, even grilling.
- Easy Grilled Broccolini: No prep required! This vegetable is grill-ready straight from the fridge and takes on smoky char like a dream.
- Alabama White Sauce: A tangy, mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar for a punchy finish—perfect for grilled chicken or pork.
→ Don’t miss Mike’s full guide: How to Throw a Stress-Free Grill-Out
🍢 Instant Crowd-Pleasers: Simple Summer Skewers
Skewers are a grilling shortcut with big payoff! They cook quickly, brown beautifully, and don’t require knives or forks to serve. Simply Recipes offers several tasty options:
- Grilled Tuna Kebabs: Fresh seafood with light seasoning.
- Filipino-Style Pork Skewers: A sweet and savory favorite with authentic flavor.
- Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce: Packed with spices and a nutty dipping sauce.
- Grilled Veggie Skewers: Zucchini, peppers, onions, and more—for the vegetarians at your party.
🍔 The Perfect Burger: Your All-in-One Guide
Mastering the classic hamburger is a rite of passage for any backyard chef. Simply Recipes breaks it down:
- Choose the right meat: Learn the best fat-to-lean ratios and cuts from the experts.
- Best buns tested: Soft enough to bite through, sturdy enough to hold all the fixings.
- How to shape patties: Get tips to avoid shrinking and overcooking.
- Grill technique: Perfect your burger from start to flip to finish.
Go deeper with their tips: How To Grill the Best Burgers
🥗 Easy Side Dishes That Steal the Show
No cookout is complete without an array of summer sides. With 24 mouthwatering ideas, there's something for every palate and dietary need. Just a few highlights:
- Refreshing Caprese salad
- Creamy, Korean-inspired potato salad
- Classic grilled corn with butter and spices
- Ambrosia for retro flavor lovers
- Pasta salads packed with vegetables
Get every recipe: 24 Easy Side Dishes for Your Next Grill-Out
🥣 Sauces that Elevate Every Bite
Sauces are the secret weapon of a great BBQ. These recipes add zest and character to grilled dishes:
- Sesame Miso Butter: A game-changer for your grilled veggies.
- Spicy Sweet and Sour Sauce: Fantastic on burgers, sausages, and skewers.
- Creamy Maple Mustard Sauce: An unexpected hit with grilled chicken and veggies.
- Recommended Store-Bought BBQ Sauce: Rounded up and ranked by pitmasters.
Explore more sauces: Simple Sauces
🍦 The Easiest and Best Ice Cream Desserts for Summer
Cool off with ice cream-based desserts that come together with almost no prep:
- Brioche con Gelato: Italian-style ice cream sandwich.
- Ritz Cracker Ice Cream Sandwiches: The perfect salty-sweet treat.
- Ice Cream Pie: Just layer, freeze, and slice!
Bonus: Want to keep it simple? Check out their test kitchen’s top-rated store-bought vanilla and chocolate ice creams.
🛒 Store-Bought Shortcuts That Taste Homemade
Pressed for time? Bring along these expert-approved items to your next cookout and no one will know you didn’t make them yourself:
- Best Guacamole: Fresh flavor, zero mashing.
- Best Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Salsa
- Best Canned Baked Beans and Potato Chips
The team tested and taste-tested so you don’t have to.
🎉 The Big Picture: A No-Stress, All-Fun Summer Party Plan
From marinated meats and veggie-friendly mains to cheerful frozen desserts and zingy sauces, Simply Recipes' comprehensive “Come On Over” grilling guide makes summer entertaining completely foolproof. Lean on expert advice from Mike Lang, get creative with skewers, master the basics of burgers, and fill out your menu with grab-and-go offerings or quick homemade sides.
The result? A vibrant, flavor-filled backyard celebration where everyone—from the pickiest eater to the grill purist—finds something to love.
Happy grilling!
— Summary by Simply Recipes Team (Originally Published: July 15, 2025)
— Curated for Blog Use by Assistant ✨
Helpful Resources from the Article:
- Mike’s Grilling Tips & Recipes
- 24 Easy Side Dishes
- Perfect Burger Guide
- Simple Sauces
- Ice Cream Desserts
Let your grill do the talking this season—Simply Recipes has your summer menu covered from buns to BBQ sauce. ❤️🔥
