My 21 Go-To Cookout Recipes That Make Paper Plates Look Fancy

These are the cookout recipes I lean on when I want to keep things easy but still impress. They’re easy to prep, travel well, and always bring big flavor that people actually remember. I don’t bother with complicated ingredients, just simple, stress-free dishes that make even paper plate meals feel a little extra.

Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

These ham and cheese sliders are always part of my cookout lineup because they’re fast, gooey, and taste way fancier than they look on a paper plate. The buttery glaze and golden top make them feel special, even though they’re wildly easy to throw together. They disappear in minutes and somehow manage to steal the spotlight from anything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Cucumber Pinwheels

I make these cucumber pinwheels when I want something light, pretty, and just a little extra without adding work. Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and crunchy cucumber rolled into neat little spirals instantly dress up even the most casual cookout spread. They take barely any effort but always get those “Wait, you made these?” reactions that make paper plates feel almost elegant.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Pinwheels

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

These slow cooker baby back ribs are my secret weapon when I want full-on barbecue vibes without hovering over a grill. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender, sticky with sauce, and make even a flimsy paper plate feel like a BBQ joint platter. I barely lift a finger, but they always look and taste like I spent the whole day on them.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Popeyes Coleslaw

Coleslaw is my go-to side when I need something fresh to balance out all the heavier cookout eats. It’s creamy, crunchy, and adds just the right pop of color and texture to whatever else is piled on the plate. Even when everything’s served on disposable dishes, this slaw keeps the whole spread looking crisp and well-thought-out.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

These bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are one of those ridiculously easy things that somehow feel fancy every time. Sweet, juicy pineapple with crispy bacon is a combo I’ll never stop making, especially since it only takes 10 minutes to prep. They’re always the first to go, and no one ever guesses how little effort went into them.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pineapple

Healthy Chicken Salad

This healthy chicken salad gets a permanent spot at my cookouts because it looks gorgeous, tastes fresh, and checks all the feel-good boxes. Avocado, tomato, and a yogurt-lime dressing turn plain chicken into something bright and modern that holds its own on a paper plate. It’s fast, light, and just upscale enough to impress without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Bacon Cheddar Dip

Bacon cheddar dip is what I reach for when I want something crowd-pleasing and over-the-top delicious without turning on the oven. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of crispy bacon with just the right ranchy kick, and it works warm or cold, depending on how lazy I’m feeling. Somehow, it always ends up being the thing people hover around while balancing their plates.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

I love serving bruschetta at cookouts because it brings that rustic charm that instantly makes everything else look more put-together. Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and crusty bread keep it classic but always impressive. Even on a paper plate, it feels like a little slice of something special.
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Tilapia Tacos

These tilapia tacos are a total crowd favorite and somehow make a folded paper plate feel like a restaurant tray. With crispy-edged fish, tangy slaw, and creamy avocado sauce, they’re as fun to eat as they are to look at. I never have leftovers, and I never regret adding them to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Tilapia Tacos

Corn Dip

I always bring this corn dip when I want something that’s low-effort but still earns recipe requests. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with sweet corn, jalapeños, and crispy bacon, just messy enough to feel indulgent, but not so much that it’s a pain. Served warm or cold, it turns casual paper plate snacking into something people remember.
Get the Recipe: Corn Dip

Basil Tomato Mozzarella Skewers

Basil tomato mozzarella skewers are my not-so-secret weapon when I want a cookout dish that looks high-effort without the stress. They’re colorful, fresh, and always get extra attention, even on a wobbly paper plate. The balsamic drizzle makes them feel a little upscale, which is exactly why I keep making them.
Get the Recipe: Basil Tomato Mozzarella Skewers

Avocado Salad

This avocado salad is one of my go-to sides when I want something that feels bright, fresh, and way fancier than the effort it takes. Between the creamy avocados, crunchy cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes, it brings all the texture and flavor without dragging out prep time. It always adds that extra pop to a cookout spread, even if everything’s served on paper.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Deviled Eggs without Mayo

I bring these deviled eggs without mayo to cookouts when I want something that looks classic but feels like a little surprise twist. Swapping in avocado and sour cream gives them a smooth, rich flavor that always catches people off guard in the best way. They’re simple, easy to prep, and make a plain paper plate feel like a brunch board.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs without Mayo

Italian Salad

This Italian salad brings major flavor and crunch without feeling heavy, which makes it perfect for balancing out all the grilled stuff at a cookout. I chop everything small so each bite is loaded with veggies, cheese, and creamy dressing, and somehow it always feels more special than “just a salad.” Even in a backyard setting, it makes a paper plate look extra put-together.
Get the Recipe: Italian Salad

Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing

I make this coleslaw with creamy dressing anytime I want something cool and colorful that works with pretty much everything else on the grill. The crisp cabbage and sweet-tangy dressing keep it light and refreshing, but still packed with flavor. It’s one of those easy sides that always makes the whole cookout plate look more thoughtful.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing

Beach Charcuterie Board

This beach charcuterie board is proof that snacks can look fancy without needing a real table, let alone a serving platter. I load it up with fruits, meats, cheeses, and crackers, and suddenly even a beach towel and paper plate feel like an event. It’s a go-to when I want laid-back snacks that still feel like something special.
Get the Recipe: Beach Charcuterie Board

Prosciutto E Melone

Prosciutto e melone is so simple but always feels elegant, which is why I love serving it at cookouts when I want something light but fancy. Juicy melon wrapped in salty prosciutto hits every flavor note, and it takes zero time to pull together. Even on a paper plate, it feels like something you’d find at a catered party.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto E Melone

Cheap Grilled Meat

I stick with these cheap grilled meat cuts when I want to feed a crowd without blowing the budget, but still make it look like I did something impressive. They’re juicy, flavorful, and totally delicious, especially when they’re seasoned right and cooked to perfection. People never guess how affordable they are, especially when they’re stacked high on a plate that looks way more gourmet than it is.
Get the Recipe: Cheap Grilled Meat

Corn and Black Bean Salad

This corn and black bean salad has been a cookout staple for me because it’s fast, flexible, and looks way more vibrant than most cold sides. The mix of sweet corn, hearty beans, and colorful veggies always brightens up the spread and makes a paper plate feel more like a fiesta. It’s even better the next day, so it pulls double-duty if I’m planning ahead.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Black Bean Salad

4-Ingredient Guacamole

My 4-ingredient guacamole is so good and easy that no one ever believes how little went into it. A bowl of chunky avocado, lime, salt, and salsa looks casual, but when I serve it with fresh chips or veggie sticks, it suddenly makes the whole setup feel more extra. It’s a dip that upgrades even the simplest cookout without any extra stress.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Guacamole

Carrot Raisin Salad

This carrot raisin salad is one of those nostalgic dishes I keep making because it always brings color and crunch to the table. It’s creamy, a little sweet, and totally refreshing, especially when the rest of the meal is hot off the grill. On a paper plate next to a burger or ribs, it still manages to stand out in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad