When a backyard cookout features more than just burgers and chips, paper plates disappear quickly. This roundup of 17 recipes provides a full menu—protein, sides, snacks, and dessert—so families can build a plate, go back for another serving, and still discover a different flavor.

Hearty Main Dishes

Grilled Steak, Salmon, Shrimp, Lamb, and Chicken give a solid protein base. Lamb kebabs combine ground lamb with onion, garlic, mint, cumin, and coriander, then finish with a Greek‑yogurt sauce. Grilled shrimp kabobs are tossed in a honey‑garlic paprika glaze and paired with bell peppers and mushrooms. For a seafood option, flaky grilled salmon is brushed with lemon, garlic, butter, and fresh herbs.

Classic Sides

Traditional Southern potato salad mixes russet potatoes, hard‑boiled eggs, celery, green onions, sweet pickles, and a mustard‑mayo dressing. Baked beans combine navy beans, bacon, onion, garlic, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, and smoked paprika for a sweet‑smoky flavor. Grilled corn on the cob is finished with Tajín butter, lime, cilantro, and Cotija cheese.

Handheld Snacks

Italian sub pinwheels roll salami, provolone, romaine, red onion, roasted red peppers, and seasoned cream cheese in flour tortillas, then slice into bite‑size rounds. Easy loaded potato skins are topped with mozzarella, cheddar, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. Grilled halloumi skewers with chimichurri add a cheese‑centric grill option.

Fresh Salads

Mango shrimp salad blends chilled shrimp, mango, avocado, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and lime juice for a bright counterpoint. Cucumber tomato salad mixes tomatoes, English cucumber, red onion, parsley, and cilantro with a red‑wine‑vinegar vinaigrette.

Vegetarian and Plant‑Based

Black bean burgers combine black beans, grated onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, egg, and Panko, then form into sturdy patties. Grilled Thai chicken skewers, while meat‑based, offer a curry‑infused flavor profile that differs from standard barbecue.

Dessert

Mini cheesecakes provide a bite‑size sweet finish. Graham‑cracker crusts hold a cream‑cheese filling flavored with vanilla, lemon juice, and heavy cream, then top with strawberry jam or fresh fruit.

Each recipe includes prep and cooking times, serving yields, and suggestions for how to serve alongside other items on the grill. By arranging proteins, sides, and snacks separately, hosts let guests assemble plates that suit their tastes while keeping the spread organized and the paper plates circulating.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.