cookout best order reddit

Cookout Best Order: Reddit's Top Picks

By Olivia TaylorFebruary 2, 2026

Ever found yourself scrolling through Reddit, hungry and curious about what dishes to fire up at your next cookout? You're not alone. The Reddit community has shared a wealth of wisdom on the best order to cookout foods for maximum efficiency and deliciousness. Let's dive into the most popular strategies, backed by Reddit users' experiences.

Before we start, remember that the best cookout order can vary based on your specific menu and equipment. However, these Reddit-approved tips provide a solid foundation for planning your next outdoor feast.

Understanding the Cookout Order: The Reddit Way

Reddit users often suggest a two-pronged approach: starting with high-heat, quick-cooking items and finishing with lower-heat, slower-cooking ones. This ensures everything is ready at the same time and prevents overcooking.

the cook out tray is shown in red and white

an image of the ultimate bbq cookout plate with instructions to make it easy and delicious

a colorful menu with different types of food

Here's a breakdown of the most popular cookout order, according to Reddit:

High-Heat, Quick-Cooking Items

Kickstart your cookout with items that take minutes to cook and require high heat. These include:

Burgers and Hot Dogs: Cook these first to get that perfect sear and allow time for resting.
Chicken Wings: Toss them in sauce after cooking to avoid burning the sauce.
Skewers: Veggies, tofu, or shrimp skewers cook quickly and can be seasoned to your liking.

Medium-Heat, Moderate-Cooking Time Items

Once the high-heat items are cooking, move on to dishes that require medium heat and a bit more time. These can include:

Steak: Season and cook to your desired doneness, then let it rest.
Pork Chops: Similar to steak, cook to your liking and let rest.
Corn on the Cob: Wrap in foil and place on the grill for about 15-20 minutes.

Finishing Touches: Low-Heat, Slow-Cooking Items

With the main dishes cooking, it's time to focus on sides and items that require lower heat or longer cooking times.

Here are some low-heat, slow-cooking items to add to your cookout order:

Cook Out Menu Guide: Hours, Shakes & More

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the ultimate bbq cookout platter is shown in this graphic above it's instructions

Cook Out Menu | Burgers, BBQ, Hot Dogs, Chicken & Shakes

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Low-Heat Sides

These dishes can be started towards the end of your cookout and won't require much attention:

Baked Beans: Heat in a foil packet on the grill's cooler side.
Potatoes: Wrap in foil and place on the grill for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Grilled Fruit: Slice, season, and grill until caramelized.

Slow-Cooking Items

For dishes that require a longer cooking time, consider using a slow cooker or instant pot before transferring to the grill for final touches:

BBQ Pulled Pork: Cook in a slow cooker, then shred and place on buns for the final grill marks.
Ribs: Cook low and slow in the oven or a smoker, then finish on the grill.

As you plan your cookout, remember that practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cooking orders and techniques to find what works best for you. Happy grilling!