One of the best parts of owning an outdoor kitchen is how effortlessly it turns everyday meals into something memorable. Whether you’re firing up a built-in gas grill, a flat-top griddle, or a charcoal setup, the right recipe makes all the difference.
Below are some of our favorite outdoor grilling recipes designed for real backyard cooking, minimal prep, big flavor, and plenty of room to make it your own.
Juicy, forgiving, and packed with flavor, chicken thighs are ideal for outdoor grilling, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd.
Ingredients
Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
Olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Garlic (minced)
Fresh rosemary and thyme
Salt and cracked black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill skin-side down first, then flip once golden and crisp.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pro Tip: A built-in grill with consistent heat control makes this recipe nearly impossible to mess up.
If you own a griddle, smash burgers are a must. Crisp edges, juicy centers, and zero guesswork.
Ingredients
Ground beef (80/20 works best)
Salt and pepper
Sliced cheese
Brioche or potato buns
Instructions
Heat your flat-top griddle until smoking hot.
Roll beef into loose balls (don’t overwork).
Place on the griddle and smash firmly with a spatula.
Season generously and cook until edges crisp.
Flip, add cheese, and cook another 30–60 seconds.
Optional Add-ons: Caramelized onions, grilled jalapeños, or a quick garlic aioli.
This is one of those recipes that pairs with everything and looks incredible on a serving platter.
Ingredients
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Red onion
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Balsamic glaze
Instructions
Slice vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill over medium heat until lightly charred.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Why it works: High grill heat brings out natural sweetness without overcooking.
Cedar plank salmon is a backyard classic for a reason. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Salmon fillet
Cedar plank (soaked for at least 1 hour)
Olive oil
Lemon slices
Fresh dill
Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium heat with lid closed.
Place soaked plank on the grill until it begins to smoke.
Add salmon, season, and top with lemon and dill.
Close lid and cook until flaky and just opaque.
Best for: Built-in grills with lids and indirect heat capability.
Dessert on the grill is wildly underrated, and this one takes five minutes.
Ingredients
Fresh pineapple slices
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Instructions
Mix sugar and cinnamon.
Sprinkle generously over pineapple slices.
Grill over medium heat until caramelized.
Serve as-is or with vanilla ice cream.
Cooking outside isn’t just about food. It’s about:
Fewer dishes inside
Better airflow and heat control
Hosting without feeling stuck in the kitchen
Using your outdoor space the way it was meant to be used
Whether you’re running a built-in gas grill, charcoal setup, or flat-top griddle, the right recipe turns your outdoor kitchen into the heart of your home.
We’ll be adding more outdoor kitchen recipes, grilling guides, and product tips to help you get the most out of your setup. Bookmark this page or explore the rest of our blog for inspiration.
