This list answers a simple question: If served on a platter during a cookout, which recipe would be inhaled the quickest?
Now, the phrasing of this question may seem crude, but making food that people genuinely want to eat is a good thing. It means you didn’t waste your money. It says you sincerely thought about what other people (who are probably less food-obsessed than you) wanted to eat. And, above all else, it proves you made something delicious.
At this point, you should have two questions: Why platters? And why are we ranking recipes? (Bonus Question: How are we ranking recipes?)
If a recipe can be served on a platter, it’s crowd-friendly. Whether it’s a sliced steak splayed across a carving board or a sheet tray lined with chocolate chip cookies, any recipe that can be grazed from a flat surface works at a barbecue.
I’ve ranked these dishes to save you time (and because it’s fun). Of the hundreds of recipes I reviewed, these are the 15 best. While all of these recipes will be devoured within mere minutes of being served, my experience suggests some would be eaten quicker than others. This is reflected in the rankings—which are informed by my experience—as they are ordered from quick (#15) to quickest (#1).
15. Garlic Grilled Shrimp
A pile of these charred, garlic shrimp disappears almost instantly. Leave them out for just a few minutes, and all that remains are discarded tails.
14. Grilled Artichokes With Tarragon-Lemon Aioli
There’s something fulfilling about extracting every thread of flavor from an artichoke petal, especially when dipped into bright, herby aioli.
13. Lamb Sliders with Feta, Red Onion, Cumin Mayo
On a regular-sized burger, feta can be too much, but on a slider—paired with onion and cumin mayo—it stays within the perfect briny balance.
12. Super Fudgy Brownies
They may not be the most technically impressive dessert, but fresh, homemade brownies never fail to excite a crowd.
11. Spicy Grilled Calamari
Think of calamari as that friend who knows when to order drinks for the table: a rare but essential presence at any gathering.
10. Grilled Favas
These grilled beans are what blistered shishitos want to be. Serve them alongside a cooler of beer, and both will disappear within minutes.
9. Tacos Norteños With Chunky Guacamole
These steak tacos, topped with serrano-studded guac, are the ultimate form of handheld, melted cheese-enveloped beef.
8. The Salsa Collection
Brimming with heat, acidity, and sweetness, homemade salsa keeps the chips and cold drinks flowing.
7. Za’atar Grilled Chicken Wings With Fava Bean Feta Dip
Grilled wings shine best when they lean into smoky flavors rather than trying to be buffalo wings. The fava bean feta dip takes them to the next level.
6. Grilled Oysters With Sriracha Lime Butter
Grilling oysters makes them more approachable for those hesitant about raw bivalves, ensuring they’ll be picked clean.
5. Grilled & Chilled Shrimp Rolls
The only way to improve garlic shrimp? Coat them in mayo, lemon, and herbs, then stuff them into buttery hot dog buns.
4. Gochujang Baby Back Ribs
Ribs follow a three-act structure: anticipation, sticky-fingered silence, and the inevitable conclusion—”We should really make ribs more often.”
3. Sicilian-Style Grilled Steak
Garlic, lemon, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs—this hanger steak is a perfect storm of foundational flavors. Plus, it’s steak. People love steak.
2. Grilled Salmon Collars, Branzino, or Plaa Phao Kleua
Whole grilled fish is always a hit. Not only is it delicious, but its effort and difficulty make every bite feel like a reward.
1. Magic Cookie Bars
The safest bet of all. These magic bars disappear instantly, with guests often sneaking extras to enjoy later.
When planning a cookout, the key to success lies in choosing dishes that are not only delicious but also easy to share and enjoy in a casual setting. The recipes ranked in this list represent the best crowd-friendly options, ensuring that every guest will find something to love. From savory grilled meats to refreshing seafood and indulgent desserts, each dish has been carefully selected for its ability to disappear from the platter within minutes.
Whether you opt for the bold flavors of gochujang baby back ribs, the smoky depth of Sicilian-style grilled steak, or the irresistible sweetness of magic cookie bars, these recipes guarantee an unforgettable feast. The rankings reflect the speed at which these dishes are likely to be devoured, but no matter which ones you choose, they will all contribute to a meal that brings people together.
The beauty of a great cookout lies not just in the food but in the shared experience—friends and family gathering around a table, enjoying every bite, and savoring the moment. So fire up the grill, set out the platters, and watch as these dishes become the highlight of your next outdoor feast.
