Despite rising food costs, Americans still plan to grill out and are expected to spend $1 billion on meat, particularly beef, for each of the major holiday weekends this summer. Take your summer cookout from predictable to memorable with simple ingredient swaps and twists that preserve what makes these gatherings special. Don’t replace Grandma’s treasured recipes; build on their foundation with new techniques, flavors and global food trends.

It is easy to let your summer cookout menus fall into a stale routine. The same burgers, hot dogs and potato salad that appear at every gathering can leave both you and your guests craving something more exciting. But completely abandoning these nostalgic favorites isn’t necessary or desirable.

Reimagining classic grill favorites

A 2023 survey revealed a staggering 96% of Americans planned to grill at their own home or attend a social gathering with grilling over the summer. Updating cookout staples is an easy way to make your cookout stand out from the millions of others.

“I love dressing up cookout favorites with little surprises that make people smile,” says lifestyle blogger Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella. “Lately, I’ve been adding kimchi to burgers, using brioche buns for hot dogs, and tossing fresh herbs and lemon zest into potato salad for a lighter, brighter feel. It’s all about keeping those familiar flavors we grew up with but adding a fun, unexpected twist.”

New takes on burgers

Burgers are still a staple at cookouts. Nearly 75% of Americans say they’re must-haves for grilling, and you can transform your standard beef patty without losing its essential appeal. Mix in finely chopped mushrooms for juicier burgers that maintain their familiar taste while gaining depth and moisture.

Upgrade the often-overlooked burger bun to make an immediate impact. Replace boring white buns with pretzel rolls or ciabatta rolls for a different texture and flavor. These simple swaps require little preparation while changing how your burgers are perceived at your backyard BBQ.

Innovative hot dog creations

Go beyond basic condiments to make hot dogs more exciting. Create a toppings bar that balances tradition with adventure by keeping ketchup and mustard front and center while adding regional inspirations that let everyone customize. Set up small bowls of pickle spears, sport peppers and celery salt for Chicago-style options, or introduce Korean flavors with gochujang, kimchi and sliced scallions.

Try spiral-cutting your hot dogs before they hit the grill, a simple technique that changes the eating experience without changing the basic flavor. Make shallow diagonal cuts every half-inch down the length of each dog, which creates more surface area for caramelization and forms pockets that hold toppings.

Creative protein alternatives

Expand your plant-based grilling options beyond token vegetables on skewers this season. Cut cauliflower into inch-thick slabs, brush with oil and season with smoked paprika and cumin for steaks that develop char marks and smoky depth on a grill. Marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms deliver meaty satisfaction.

These simple techniques turn ordinary vegetables into filling main dishes that work with the same toppings you’d put on a burger or steak. For another non-beef option, blogger Andrea Updyke from Just is a Four Letter Word suggests, “When I’m tired of the basic cookout fare, I like to swap out the beef for albacore tuna. Seasoned tuna patties are perfectly suited for a waterfront vacation or day by the pool.”

Reinventing side dishes

Most guests expect burgers and hot dogs to taste familiar, but side dishes give you room to experiment without anyone complaining. Potato salad, coleslaw and baked beans still taste like the classics you remember, just with simple changes that make them worth a second helping.

Creative potato salad variations

Reinvent the standard potato salad at your next cookout with simple technique changes. Cut potatoes into uniform chunks and roast them instead of boiling them. This method concentrates flavor and creates edges that hold dressing better.

Create a Mediterranean version by tossing warm roasted potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh herbs and crumbled feta. Mix in crispy bacon pieces, sharp cheddar and sliced green onions for a loaded baked potato interpretation. These changes keep what everyone loves about the original while adding just enough new flavor to make people ask for your secret ingredient.

Contemporary coleslaw recipes

Update your coleslaw beyond the standard mayo-cabbage combination with simple ingredient swaps. Mix the shredded cabbage with rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger and a handful of toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired version.

Replace traditional cabbage with pre-shredded broccoli stems for a sturdier base that maintains crunch longer. Add dried cranberries and slivered almonds for a coleslaw that trades heaviness for bright textures and natural sweetness. Simple ingredient swaps take just minutes and pay big dividends.

Unique baked bean flavors

Turn standard baked beans into conversation starters with strategic ingredient additions, which work with both homemade and doctored canned varieties. Add 1 tablespoon of brewed espresso or strong coffee to your next batch for depth that complements the natural sweetness without tasting like coffee.

For an unexpected dimension, incorporate diced apple during the final 20 minutes of cooking, stir in a tablespoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotles, or mix in a square of chopped dark chocolate five minutes before serving. These simple additions maintain the comfort-food appeal of traditional beans while introducing complexity and flavor.

Adding global flavors to familiar dishes

Borrow techniques from world cooking to refresh familiar recipes without making them unrecognizable. For example, add a spoonful of curry powder and golden raisins to regular macaroni salad, keeping the mayo, celery and onions that everyone expects. The unexpected spice wakes up this picnic standard while still letting people recognize what they’re eating.

Reinvent deviled eggs with a Japanese twist by mixing the yolks with a little bit of wasabi paste and a dash of soy sauce instead of traditional mustard. The creamy, familiar texture stays the same while the flavor offers an unexpected departure from the classic version.

The balance of innovation and tradition

Successful updates keep what makes classics special. Whether it’s the smokiness of burgers, the snap of a hot dog or the creamy texture of potato salad, identify the essential quality before adding your twist.

When you make changes that respect what people already enjoy about classic dishes, guests leave with the comfort they came for and something new to talk about. Over time, these updated versions earn their own place in your cookout lineup and create fresh memories around the grill.

Anne Jolly is a seasoned writer and creator of the Upstate Ramblings blog, which explores America’s unique food culture. Her work on culinary trends and food traditions has appeared in major publications including MSN, Fortune, The Mercury News, The Seattle Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Education Week. When not writing, she experiments with new recipes and discovers local food gems in upstate New York.

Get more recipes and dinner ideas from The Washington Times food section.