20 Easy Kid-Friendly Grill Recipes

Summertime Spaghetti with Grilled Meatballs

After Hurricane Sandy, we were without power for two weeks. I learned what you can make on a grill, such as these smoky meatballs and tomato sauce. —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York

Grilled Veggie Pizza

I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Best Hamburgers

Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Meat ‘n’ Potato Kabobs

They’re summery, but these kabobs really stick to your ribs. A microwave makes quick work of cooking the potatoes, so grilling is done in a flash. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pot of S’mores

Mom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho

Herbed Grilled Corn on the Cob

I'd never had grilled corn until last summer when my sister-in-law served it for us. What a treat! So simple, yet delicious, grilled corn is now a must on my summer menu. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas

We love basil recipes, and these easy little pizzas are a wonderful change of pace from the classic cookout menu. Let everybody go crazy with the toppings. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine

Cola Burgers

A friend who’s an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. —Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania

Dilly Chicken Sandwiches

A creamy lemon-dill spread adds summery flavor to tender chicken served between slices of grilled French bread with slices of lettuce and tomato. Serve it for lunch, or for a light and breezy dinner on the patio. —Orien Major, Hinton, Alberta

Stuffed Grilled Zucchini

Pair these zucchini boats with charred pork chops, smoked fish or other grilled greats. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Corn ‘n’ Squash Quesadillas

Grilled vegetables give these quesadillas their distinctive flair, while cumin and jalapeno peppers add a little zip. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip

Serve this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Grilled Hash Browns

Since my husband and I love to grill meats, we're always looking for easy side dishes that cook on the grill, too. So I came up with this simple recipe for hash browns. There are never any leftovers. —Kelly Chastain, Bedford, Indiana

Herbed Pork Chops

Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio

Grilled Potato Skins

It’s easy to love these delicious appetizers. They’re nice to serve outside. They remind me of the potato skins I have had in restaurants—only better! —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

Banana Split Brownies

How’s this for a dish? All the joy of a banana split without the mess. Everything in this recipe fits into one pan of delectable brownie bars. —Constance Sheckler, Chestertown, Maryland

Steak Pinwheels

Discover the perfect blend of juicy steak and rich fillings with these easy-to-make flank steak pinwheels, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or an addition to a holiday table.

Potatoes Plus

On our busy farm, meals need to be ready fast. These herb-seasoned potatoes and vegetables wrapped in foil packets cook in only half an hour. They're excellent with steak or chicken. —Jill Jellett, Leduc, Alberta

Mexican Hot Dogs

My stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio

Kid-Friendly Grill Recipes FAQ

What are some fun things to grill for kids?

Cooking out is fun for the whole family. The kids can run around, play soccer or draw with sidewalk chalk while you prep the meal. For curious eaters, I would make grilled steak tacos, chicken with peach-avocado salsa or grilled shrimp kabobs.

Be ready to feel like the parent of the year when you break out a grilled dessert. Let your kids help with recipes like grilled banana brownie sundaes and grilled peaches with pound cake.

What can I grill that kids will eat?

You may find that your kids are willing to be a bit more adventurous when it comes to trying new foods if they’re cooked on the grill.

Opt for foods that can be prepared with mild flavors. Good meat and poultry options include burgers, hot dogs, pork chops, brats, chicken sausages, turkey burgers and grilled chicken breasts. Kid-friendly fish dishes include grilled fish tacos, barbecued salmon and grilled tilapia with mango.

What are the best kid-friendly barbecue sides?

The best kid-friendly barbecue sides are yummy, nutritious and easy to make. Some fun, make-ahead barbecue sides that kids love include fruit salad, fresh corn salad and crunchy chips with homemade dip.

If you’re grilling foods that your kids already love, such as hot dogs, then you can get a little more adventurous with the sides. Try a grilled vegetable platter or a colorful quinoa salad. And if all else fails, a no-bake summer dessert can save the day.