3 Things to Cook at an Outdoor Party
Outdoor parties are all about good company, fresh air, and of course, amazing food. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a beach cookout, or a camping feast, choosing the right dishes can make your gathering unforgettable. To help you plan the perfect menu, here are three delicious and easy-to-make dishes that will impress your guests and enhance your outdoor dining experience.
1. Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Nothing says outdoor cooking like skewers sizzling on the grill. Honey garlic chicken skewers are a crowd favorite because they are juicy, flavorful, and easy to eat while mingling.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade – In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, olive oil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
- Marinate the chicken – Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).
- Assemble the skewers – Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Grill – Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing them with leftover marinade while cooking.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Why It’s Great for an Outdoor Party:
✔ Easy to make in large batches
✔ No need for plates—just grab and eat!
✔ Sweet and savory flavors appeal to everyone
2. Campfire Loaded Baked Potatoes
If you want a simple but satisfying dish, loaded baked potatoes cooked over an open fire or grill are a fantastic choice. They can be customized with a variety of toppings, making them a hit with all guests.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 strips cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Prep the potatoes – Wash and dry the potatoes. Poke a few holes in each with a fork, then rub them with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Wrap in foil – Tightly wrap each potato in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Cook over the fire or grill – Place the wrapped potatoes directly on hot coals or a grill over medium heat. Cook for 45 minutes to an hour, turning occasionally.
- Add toppings – Carefully unwrap the potatoes, slice them open, and add butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions.
- Serve hot – Let guests customize their own potatoes with extra toppings!
Why It’s Great for an Outdoor Party:
✔ Requires minimal preparation and cleanup
✔ Can be cooked while grilling other dishes
✔ Perfect for vegetarians (just skip the bacon!)
3. S’mores Dip for a Sweet Finish
No outdoor party is complete without dessert, and a s’mores dip is the ultimate sweet treat. It delivers all the gooey goodness of classic s’mores without needing a campfire.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of marshmallows
- 1½ cups chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 pack of graham crackers for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or campfire – If using a grill, set it to low heat. If using a campfire, make sure you have a stable cooking surface.
- Melt the chocolate – In a cast-iron skillet or heatproof pan, melt the butter, then add the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
- Add the marshmallows – Place marshmallows on top of the melted chocolate, covering the entire surface.
- Toast until golden – Place the skillet on the grill or over the fire for 5-10 minutes, until the marshmallows turn golden brown.
- Serve with graham crackers – Use graham crackers to scoop up the melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows.
Why It’s Great for an Outdoor Party:
✔ No need to roast individual marshmallows
✔ Easy to make and share with a group
✔ Melty, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible