BBQ cookout

Fire up the grill, line up the sides, and put the playlist on shuffle. This collection is for backyard BBQs, terrace cookouts, and lazy summer afternoons where the menu is built around char, smoke, and good company.

What you'll find here

Crowd-pleasing recipes for outdoor grilling and casual hosting — the kind of food that travels well from grill to picnic table. Expect a mix of classic cookout staples and Indian-inflected favourites that earn their place beside the burgers:

• Burgers, hot dogs, ribs, brisket, and grilled chicken
• Tandoori chicken, malai tikka, paneer tikka, and seekh kebabs
• Skewers, kebabs, and grilled vegetables with bold marinades
• Slaws, pasta salads, corn on the cob, and chilled watermelon
• Beer-friendly snacks and dips for the in-between moments

When to reach for this tag

Reach for these recipes when the weather turns warm, the family's coming over, or you've promised friends you'd host "something easy." BBQs are forgiving — half the menu can be prepped a day ahead, and the grill does the heavy lifting once guests arrive. Lean into a mix of meats and vegetarian skewers so everyone has something to pile on their plate.

Tips for a smoother cookout

Marinate proteins the night before, bring meats to room temperature before grilling, and rest them off the heat for a few minutes before slicing. Sides matter as much as the mains here, so plan two cold dishes and one warm one alongside the grill spread.

For more warm-weather inspiration, browse grilled recipes and smoky flavours.