Summer favorites in your outdoor kitchen

There are a lot of great reasons to install an outdoor kitchen. Whether you want to expand your living space outside, create an amazing entertaining space, or just increase the value of your home, an outdoor kitchen can be a great solution. And while you can use your outdoor kitchen all year long, it’s during the summer months that it really shines.

So this season, prepare and cook a variety of foods for your family and friends where you all really want to be – outside. Use these recipe suggestions to get started:

Breakfast … outside

For something fun and unexpected, prepare breakfast outside on a lazy summer weekend. With your fully equipped kitchen, you already have everything you need. Pancakes are a great choice and easy to make for a crowd. Serve ‘em up with a delicious fruit salad, plus plenty of syrup, and breakfast is served.

Grilling favorites

If your outdoor kitchen includes a grill, Honey Chicken Kabobs make a delicious main dish. Marinate the chicken and veggies overnight in your outdoor refrigerator for the best flavor, and feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables to the mix. These are delicious with Classic Rice Pilaf, or maybe some whole grain rolls from your local bakery.

It’s a theme!

Since your outdoor kitchen is so versatile, you can even do a theme night. Hold a taco party, but keep the mess – from prep through party time – outside. Prepare your favorite taco recipe – beef and chicken would be great, plus crunchy and soft shells. Make some traditional side dishes like Mexican Rice and great toppings like salsa, corn salsa, guacamole – whatever you like. Don’t forget the cheese, chips and sour cream!

Cooking and eating outdoors is a summertime tradition. Outdoor kitchens simply elevate that experience we all love.