Summer cookouts are a fantastic way to gather family and friends, enjoy the sunshine, and indulge in delicious food. But let’s face it, sometimes the traditional cookout fare doesn’t quite excite the younger crowd. If you’re planning a BBQ and want to ensure smiles from all ages, especially the kids, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the research – straight from the grandkids themselves! – to bring you a list of Cookout Foods that are guaranteed to be a hit with children. Get ready to make your next summer cookout a kid-approved culinary success with these fun and easy ideas.
Planning a cookout involves more than just firing up the grill; it’s about creating a memorable experience for everyone. While adults might appreciate classic BBQ staples, kids often have different palates and preferences. This guide focuses on tapping into what kids truly enjoy at a summer cookout, ensuring they are just as excited about the food as the games and sunshine. Forget the stress of picky eaters – these cookout food ideas are designed to please even the most discerning little critics.
To get the inside scoop, we went straight to the source – the grandkids! A fun cooking session was organized where we explored different cookout food options and even set up a festive table. The goal was to identify dishes that are not only tasty but also fun and engaging for children.
While classic cookout dishes like baked beans, potato salad, and deviled eggs have their place, kids often crave something a bit more exciting and hand-held. While they might enjoy those traditional sides, this list focuses on alternatives and additions that are specifically tailored to children’s tastes. So, let’s dive into some kid-approved cookout food ideas that go beyond the usual suspects.
Taco in a Bag: A Fun and Interactive Cookout Meal
Taco in a bag is always a massive hit, and surprisingly, adults love it just as much as kids! This interactive and customizable meal is perfect for cookouts and children’s parties because it’s both delicious and easy to eat on the go.
To create this cookout favorite, simply prepare taco meat according to your favorite taco seasoning mix instructions. Set up a toppings bar with bowls of seasoned ground meat, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, onions, and the star of the show: individual bags of Doritos. Guests (especially kids!) can then crumble their Doritos bags slightly and fill them with their choice of taco meat and toppings, creating a personalized and portable taco fiesta.
Hot Dogs: A Cookout Classic with Kid-Friendly Customization
Hot dogs are a quintessential cookout food, and they are almost always a top choice for kids. Their simplicity and versatility make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Serve hot dogs with a variety of toppings to cater to everyone’s preferences. Offer classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish, but also consider adding kid-friendly options like homemade hot dog sauce, chopped onions, coleslaw, or even just plain hot dogs for the purists. For an extra touch, try grilling the hot dog buns lightly for added texture and flavor. Don’t forget to check out our Homemade Hot Dog Sauce recipe for a truly special touch.
Sliders: Mini Burgers for Little Hands
Sliders are an excellent cookout food choice for kids because they are essentially mini hamburgers or cheeseburgers, perfectly sized for smaller appetites and easier for little hands to manage.
Sliders offer great versatility as well. While beef sliders are always popular, you can also make sliders using pulled pork or BBQ chicken, providing different flavor profiles and catering to various tastes.
Pulled Pork BBQ Sliders are a particular favorite with many children, offering a sweeter and tangier BBQ flavor that kids often adore.
Kabobs: Fun Food on a Stick for Cookouts
Kabobs are a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables and protein in a fun and appealing way for kids at a cookout. The novelty of eating food on a stick instantly makes them more exciting.
Kids love things on skewers! Consider making steak kabobs, chicken kabobs, or even fruit kabobs. You can get creative with the ingredients and let the kids help assemble their own kabobs, making it a fun and interactive cookout activity.
Corn on the Cob: A Sweet and Simple Cookout Side
Corn on the cob is a classic summer cookout side dish that is naturally sweet and enjoyable for children. Its simple preparation and delicious flavor make it a reliable kid-friendly option.
Grill or boil corn on the cob until tender and slightly charred. Serve it with butter and salt, or offer fun toppings like flavored butters or parmesan cheese for a more adventurous twist.
Popcorn Bar: A Light and Munchable Cookout Snack
A popcorn bar is a playful and engaging addition to any cookout, especially for kids who are always on the move. It provides a light and munchable snack that they can grab and enjoy while playing games or running around.
Simply fill a large container with popcorn and set out a variety of sweet and savory toppings in ছোট bowls around it. Think beyond butter and salt – include options like chocolate candies, sprinkles, shredded coconut, cheese powder, or flavored seasonings. Check out our guide HERE for popcorn bar inspiration.
Fresh Fruit and Dip: A Refreshing Cookout Treat
Fresh fruit and dip trays are a light, refreshing, and healthy cookout dessert or snack option, particularly welcome on a hot summer day.
Create a colorful platter with a variety of seasonal fruits like strawberries, melon, grapes, and pineapple. For the dip, consider a simple yogurt-based dip, a pudding-based dip, or even a light whipped cream. For an extra touch of fun, serve the dip in a hollowed-out pineapple or watermelon. Other easy munchie options kids will enjoy include classic chips and dip and cheese puffs.
Drinks: Kid-Approved Cookout Refreshments
Hydration is key at a summer cookout, and offering a variety of kid-friendly drinks is essential.
Popular choices include Capri Sun pouches, bottled water, lemonade, sweet tea, and a special treat like Root Beer Floats. Root Beer Floats are incredibly simple to make and always a hit. Just place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a glass and pour root beer (or any soda flavor) over it. Don’t forget colorful straws or fun spoons to make it extra festive!
Desserts: Sweet Endings to a Kid-Friendly Cookout
No cookout is complete without dessert! When it comes to kid-friendly cookout desserts, think fun, colorful, and easy to eat.
Top dessert choices include decorated sugar cookies, cupcakes, cobbler, rice Krispie treats, and of course, ice cream. Let the kids get involved in decorating cookies or cupcakes for an extra layer of fun.
For a slightly more sophisticated but still kid-friendly dessert, consider a Rustic Blueberry Cobbler Roll.
Another great option for individual servings and kid appeal is Punch Bowl Cake Cups.
Ultimately, the best cookout foods for kids are those that are light, colorful, tasty, and easy to eat while on the go. Foods that can be held in hand, enjoyed on a stick, or dipped are always winners. Kids often prefer not to sit down for long periods to eat, so these grab-and-go cookout food options are perfect for keeping them happy and satisfied throughout your summer gathering.
