• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
My Dominican Kitchen
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Work with us
    • Contact
    • Disclosure
  • Shop
  • Latin Cooking
  • Dominican Food
  • Kitchen Tips
        • How-Tos
        • Guides
        • Latin Cooking Staples
  • All Recipes
        • Latin Cooking
        • Dominican Food
        • Under 30 Minutes
        • Instant Pot
        • Slow Cooker
        • Appetizers
        • Breakfast
        • Desserts
        • Main Dishes
        • Side Dishes
        • Dips + Sauces
        • Drinks
        • Snacks
        • Soups
        • Salads
        • BY SEASON
        • Thanksgiving
        • Game Day
        • Christmas
        • Fall
        • Summer
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Latin Cooking
  • Dominican Food
  • Kitchen Tips
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work with us
  • Contact
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Kitchen Tips » How-Tos » How To Host A Cookout and Menu Ideas

    How To Host A Cookout and Menu Ideas

    Last Updated: Jul 2, 2020

    How to Host a Cookout and Menu Ideas Collage

    Get all of my top tips for how to plan and host the best cookout this summer! Lots of different menu ideas for inspiration, from appetizers and drinks, to mains, sides and desserts. Throw the best summer party right in your backyard!

    How to Host a Cookout and Menu Ideas Collage

    I am so happy that Summer is finally here! I truly cannot wait to start cooking out on the grill, con la cervesita, el vinito y la musiquita a todo volumen (with a little beer, a little wine and loud music), and of course plenty of food!

    What is a cookout?

    A cookout is simply a gathering of friends and family (sometimes it can turn into a rowdy party!) where food is cooked and eaten outdoors. The food is anything that can be cooked on an outdoor grill, as well as cold dishes like potato and green salads.

    What's the difference between a BBQ and a cookout?

    The difference between a BBQ and a cookout is mainly dependant on where you live. In the South, a BBQ is a certain type of meal, meat that is slow cooked on the grill like ribs and pulled pork. For most, the terms are interchangeable.

    What to bring to a cookout

    If you are invited to a cookout, it's customary to bring a dish with you that can be served with the rest of the food. In the first instance, ask your host if they want something specific. Maybe they are in need of a specific side. It's best to bring something that will travel well, so anything with mayonnaise is best to avoid. Salads, cold appetizers or desserts are all safe options.

    Top Tips To Host The Best Cookout

    Pre-season the meat the night before 

    Clean, season and store the meat you will be grilling the day before. This will allow the meat to marinate over night and enhance the flavors after cooking. As a true Latina, I always marinate my meats with my homemade sofrito, which I make ahead and store to simplify and minimize the time I spend in the kitchen.

    Buy tablecloths and paper goods at the discount store

    If you are like me, cooking outside is just a big excuse to avoid the mess of having to clean the dishes when you cook inside. Because of this, I always buy disposable plates, utensils and cups that can be thrown out after used. However, since I'm always on a budget, I like to go to the dollar tree to get these. You would be surprised at the variety of cute and inexpensive stuff you can find there to supply and decorate your cookout.

    Provide variety

    As Latinos or should I say Dominicans?, I don't know, but we like meat. When we talk about cookouts, BBQs or grilling, all we think about is meat. However, it is always great to offer some variety. Some of the things I like to do is have a small salad and/or fruit station to offer options. And, if you like sweets, you can also include a dessert table or even an ice cream station. The little ones will love that!

    Have sunblock, bug spray and wipes available

    In a designated area, set up some bug spray, sunblock and wipes to help your guest stay comfortable throughout the day.

    Keep the music going

    Make sure you have a good source of music to last the afternoon. Set up a radio or a small speaker connected to you phone, iPod or iPad playing your favorite music outside. Nothing sets the tone better for a good party than music. Don't you agree?

    Planning A Cookout Menu

    Here are some great recipes that are perfect for a cookout. Pick your favorites and mix and match! I like to choose food that can be made ahead of time for the most part so that you can get to enjoy the day with your guests!

    Cookout Appetizer Recipes

    • Queso Fundido with Chorizo
    • Spicy Shrimp and Guacamole Bites
    • Strawberry Salsa Recipe
    • Sweet and Salty Party Platter
    • Mexican Grilled Corn Salad
    Grilled corn salad

    Side Dishes For A Cookout

    • Caprese Salad
    • The Best Potato Salad!
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Fennel and Apple Coleslaw
    • Shrimp, Mango and Avocado Salad
    Pico de gallo served in a white bowl with tortilla chips on the side

    Main Dishes Perfect For The Grill

    • Foil Baked Salmon
    • Grilled Garlic and Cilantro Chicken Skewers
    • Grilled BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
    • Juicy Steakhouse Burgers
    • Grilled Honey Chipotle BBQ Skewers
    honey chipotle chicken skewers on a baking sheet

    The Best Cookout Desserts

    • Coconut Flan
    • Dulce De Leche Brownies
    • Chocolate Maizena Pudding
    • Lemon Berry Triffle
    • Mango Raspberry Yogurt Popsicles
    Mango Raspberry Yogurt Popsicles on a plate with ice

    Drinks To Serve At A Cookout

    • Peach and Raspberry Spritzer
    • Cherry Pineapple Mojito
    • Grapefruit Lime Margaritas
    • Sparkling Berry Sangria
    • Spicy Mango Micheladas
    Spicy Mango Michelada served in large beer glass

    Do you have any other tips for summer cookouts or favorite recipes? Please share them with us in the comments below. 🙂

    Sharing is caring!

    40 shares
    • 8
    « Previous Post
    What Is Yuca and How To Cook It
    Next Post »
    Coconut Tres Leches Cupcakes
    Girl in a jacket

    I’m a working mom, whose love for food led me to start this blog as a resource for other busy parents. I’m passionate about creating quick and easy versions of the recipes I grew up eating to share with busy parents who want to cook foods filled with Latin flavors that don’t take a ton of time to prepare.

    It is my mission to show you that you can make great flavorful dishes at home without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

    Find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Eli Richardson

      July 29, 2021 at 12:25 pm

      It's great that you talked about how to plan a cookout party. Recently, my wife and I moved into another house, and we're eager to host our first pool party. We want to get one of those outdoor grills and invite our new neighbors and friends, so we'll be sure to follow your party tips! Thanks for the menu ideas for our cookout.

      Reply
    2. Natalia

      June 23, 2014 at 10:24 pm

      I loved this post. Great tips!!!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    HOLA & WELCOME

    hi im vanessa

    I grew up learning to cook traditional Dominican food, and I believe in the power of a good meal to bring a family together.

    As a busy mom, my goal is to show you that time or culinary skills don’t have to stand in the way of cooking delicious meals at home for your family.

    I’ll help you bring these craveable and comforting flavors into your busy life!

    MORE ABOUT VANESSA

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Stay up to date

    Get the top 5 secrets to becoming an expert at cooking Latin meals in no time!

    popular posts

    Mofongo being eaten with a fork.

    How to Cook the Perfect Mofongo: The Ultimate Mofongo Recipe

    grilled pineapple and peaches with vanilla ice cream and dulce de leche on a grey plate

    Grilled Pineapple Ice Cream Sundaes with Dulce de Leche

    One overhead shot of a pastel en hoja topped with hot sauce

    Pasteles en Hoja (Dominican Plantain Leaf Pockets)

    A mamey smoothie served in a glass jar with a straw.

    Mamey (Sapote) Smoothie

    as featured on...








    latin holiday recipes

    slice of coconut flan being served

    Coconut Flan Recipe (Flan de Coco)

    ensalada rusa (Dominican Potato Salad) served in a bowl

    Ensalada Rusa Recipe (Dominican Potato Salad) - Two Ways

    A glass of holiday sangria with orange and mint garnish.

    The Best Pomegranate Holiday Sangria Recipe

    Pineapple chipotle glazed ham on a serving plate.

    Easy Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

    search recipes

    Footer

    get the latest recipes delivered to your inbox

    the goods

    • LATIN COOKING
    • DOMINICAN FOODS
    • TIPS & TOOLS
    • ALL RECIPES
    • ABOUT
    • HOME
    • SHOP

    follow us

    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • TWITTER
    • PINTEREST
    • ^TOP
    • HOME
    • FEATURED

    Search

    COPYRIGHT 2022, SMART LITTLE COOKIE MEDIA, LLC
    PRIVACY POLICY - TERMS & CONDITIONS - WEB DESIGN BY BRAND HER STYLE

    ENGLISH - ESPAÑOL

    AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA FOOD PUBLISHER

    Copyright © 2022 My Dominican Kitchen on the Foodie Pro Theme

    • English