Summer Cookout Food Ideas: The Menu That Makes Every Guest Happy

A summer cookout is one of the best social events of the year — and the food is the reason people show up. Here is the complete menu guide.

Burgers: 80/20 beef, 6 oz patties, salt and pepper only. Let the beef do the work.

Hot dogs: All-beef franks, scored diagonally, grilled over high heat for char.

Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.

Corn on the cob: Grilled in the husk, then charred directly on the grates.

Veggie skewers: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, red onion. Olive oil and salt.

Potato salad — Make the day before. Yooze It Sauce® in the dressing.

Mac salad — Same. Make ahead, refrigerate overnight.

Coleslaw — Creamy, tangy, with Yooze It in the dressing.

Baked beans — Low and slow with bacon.

Watermelon — Sliced, cold, no preparation needed.

The anchor: Yooze It Sauce® Original — works on burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and every side dish. Put it front and center.

Supporting cast: Yellow mustard, dill pickles, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onion, cheese slices.

Keep it simple: water, lemonade, iced tea, and whatever else your crowd prefers. Keep drinks in a separate cooler from the food.

Day before: Make potato salad, mac salad, and coleslaw. Prep veggie skewers.

Morning of: Set up tables, coolers, and condiment station.

2 hours before: Light the grill (charcoal) or preheat (propane).

1 hour before: Start chicken thighs (they take the longest).

30 minutes before: Burgers, hot dogs, corn.

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