Neighborhood Grill-Out Guide: More Than a Meal

Neighborhood Grill-Out Guide: More Than a Meal

There’s something special about neighborhood grill-outs. When you gather neighbors and newcomers to share a homemade meal, you’re making more than just delicious food—you’re creating the joy of belonging, what we call Moregetherness. Whether you're grilling in your backyard or bringing a dish to share, our simple, better-for-you ingredients make it easy to create memories that last, long after the grill cools down!

Easy Summer Grill Recipes

There's no denying it: there’s no juicy burger, no cul de sac cookout, no pile of tasty toppings, without the perfect bun. Thankfully, our trusty Artisan Bread Flour gives these Ultimate Easy Burger Buns the strength they need to hold up to the heartiest of fillings, while Potato Flour keeps every bite soft, tender and oh-so-satisfying. Toast them on the grill for extra flavor!

Burgers and dogs are a classic for a reason, but everyone needs a go-to veggie burger recipe: we’ve got two to share now. Our Dill Pickle Veggie Burger takes one of our favorite toppings—pickles, of course—and puts them in the burger, too! This tangy, satisfying burger fuels the party with plant-based protein from Petite French Green Lentils and Protein Oats, with veggies for extra flavor and mushrooms, Nutritional Yeast and soy sauce for an extra hit of umami. Topped with tzatziki sauce and (of course) extra pickles, this is a crowd favorite everyone loves.

Next up: our oozy, luscious, indulgent Pimento Cheese Veggie Burger! Similar to our Dill Pickle burger, above, this protein- and fiber-packed grillable masterpiece features Petite French Green Lentils and Protein Oats, topped with rich, creamy pimento cheese to make it utterly irresistible.

Sandwiches at a barbecue? Naturally. Nothing says summer like a quintessential BLT, loaded with juicy, sliced garden tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil. Our Grilled Artisan BLT starts with a hearty, easy-to-make artisan bread made from our premium Artisan Bread Flour, trusted by bakers of all skill levels for its beautiful rise and crisp crust. Toast it right on the grill beside those burgers, and you've got a simple summer pleasure that's easy to love and even easier to share.

cookout Sides and Sweets

Of course, cookouts cannot live by grill alone: we need side dishes (and dessert) for a truly memorable party. Our baking mixes and flours make it simple—and delicious—to share dishes with that “wow” factor that you can whip up in an hour.

Everyone needs an impressive (but oh-so-easy) go-to statement side to bring to the grill-out! Enter our super colorful, incredibly flavorful Mexican Street Cornbread, made with our Golden Cornbread Mix. Our expert blend of premium flours and stone-ground cornmeal gets a bold upgrade with sweet honey, fresh corn, chopped jalapeño, Tajín seasoning, crema and cilantro. Keep this recipe in your back pocket, and get ready to be the most popular guest at the cookout.

 

Add a little color (and plant-based protein) to your next backyard gathering with this make-ahead-friendly Kale & Quinoa Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing. Roasted sweet potato, nutritious Tri-Color Quinoa and fresh kale make it a favorite any time of the year, perfect as a side salad or topped with grilled meat or fish. 

Finally, we bring you a classic summer dessert with a twist: Sour Cherry Shortcake! Two twists, actually, as this tender, buttery treat is made with our Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, an expert blend of trusted gluten free flours, so everyone at the party can enjoy a piece. A zingy sour cherry compote and fluffy whipped cream take it over the top—add some fresh blueberries to make it a fireworks-worthy treat!

Top 10 Tips for the Best Neighborhood Grill-Out  

  1. Pick a date early and spread the word. 
    Weekends work best—give neighbors time to plan by sending a flyer, group text or handwritten invite a week or two ahead.
  2. Keep the menu simple and flexible. 
    Think burgers, veggie skewers, and one or two standout sides. Offer options for different diets (a few plant-based or gluten free choices, like those suggested here, go a long way).
  3. Set up zones: grill, chill and eat. 
    Arrange seating and tables so there’s space to gather, serve food and let kids run free. Use folding tables, blankets and lawn chairs—whatever you have.
  4. Have a plan for drinks and coolers. 
    Stock a big cooler with water and sparkling drinks, and invite BYOB to keep it easy. Bonus: a drink station encourages mingling.
  5. Prep what you can the day before. 
    Prep burgers, chop veggies and set out serving platters ahead of time so you can spend less time in the kitchen, and more time enjoying your guests.
  6. Invite everyone—even people you don’t know well. 
    The goal isn’t a perfect party—it’s connection. A friendly flyer or invite to the whole block can turn acquaintances into friends.
  7. Mix and match seating to spark conversation. 
    Set up a few small tables or circles of chairs so people naturally gather in little groups. Add name tags if it’s a big crowd.
  8. Create a potluck moment. 
    Ask guests to bring a favorite side, snack or dessert to share. It’s less work for you—and gives people something to talk about and feel proud of.
  9. Include a few shared activities. 
    Yard games, a sidewalk chalk station for kids or even a round of neighborhood trivia can create easy ways to connect.
  10. End with a sweet gesture. 
    Whether it’s homemade cookies to go, a group photo or just thanking everyone for coming, those last few minutes often leave the warmest impression.

Whether you're welcoming a few new faces or the whole block, we're here to make sharing homemade food easy—so you can bring more people to the table. Here's to neighborhood grill-outs that spark traditions, and friendships that last. 

Elisabeth Allie
June 19 2025

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