When summertime rolls around, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday than at an all-day warm-weather cookout. Whether you’re hosting or just attending, it's always nice to show up with something to add to the spread. And we don't mean sides that take hours to prepare; we're talking about easy, tasty options that everyone will love.
Here we're sharing some of our favorite ideas that any host or hostess would welcome. Tote one along to your next cookout—you'll get invited back every time!
Crudités
A colorful crudités platter adds instant freshness and fun to any cookout spread. Plus, it’s easy to throw together! Prepare an array of crunchy and refreshing vegetables (such as cucumber spears, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, carrot sticks, and blanched green beans), and serve with a crowd-pleasing dip, like Heluva Good! Buttermilk Ranch Dip, for a delicious snack.
Chips and Dip
Half the fun of any summer cookout is all the snacking you get to do.. Potato chips are as classic as snacks come, and when they're served with a fan-favorite dip like Heluva Good! French Onion Dip, don't be surprised if they're the first to disappear. For a spicy twist, try pretzels and Heluva Good! Jalapeño Cheddar Dip!
Grill-Ready Veggies
Whether you're partial to grilled corn on the cob, charred peppers, or colorful vegetable skewers, veggies are a cookout essential. Try bringing vegetables that are pre-prepped for grilling so all the host or hostess has to do is throw them over the flames.
Specialty Condiments
Chances are, the hosts already have the basics like ketchup, mustard, and relish covered. But a few extra condiments and dips for dunking, drizzling, and dipping provide everyone with options to customize their burgers, dogs, and wings to their heart's content. Top a bacon cheeseburger with some Heluva Good! Bacon Horseradish Dip, or pile grilled onions on a hot dog and top 'em with Heluva Good! French Onion Dip for a fun frank.
Extra Ice
No matter how well a host plans, ice is one of those things no one ever seems to have enough of —especially when large coolers and frozen drinks are involved. So you'll instantly be crowned the cookout MVP if you show up with a few bags for making frosty drinks or topping off a beverage.
Homemade Cookies
"No need to bring dessert," said no host ever. A batch of cookies is a sweet finish to a great day: They're crowd-pleasing, easily transportable, and always welcome amid a spread of mostly savory snacks and foods. For extra points, bring a couple of pints of ice cream so guests can make their own DIY ice cream sandwiches.
Heluva Good! compensated The Pioneer Woman for providing content contained in this article.
