Cook-Out Ideas for Small Crowds (Perfect for 2 or 3 People)

Cook-out ideas for small crowds are something I find myself needing more and more these days.

Another summer holiday is here, and this year our 4th of July celebration will be a quiet one—just the two of us. As empty nesters, I’ve learned how to scale down recipes while still keeping that fun, festive cook-out feeling.

And honestly… you don’t need a big crowd to enjoy good food and a special day.

Keep it festive.  Decorate your table or cook-out area.  That will still make it feel like a holiday.

Easy Main Dish Ideas for Two

Burger and Hot Dog Board for 2

This little board is a party all on its own.

I usually make:

• 2 burgers
• 2 hot dogs
• A few simple sides and toppings

It’s easy, fun, and gives you a little bit of everything without a lot of leftovers.

HERE is the homemade Hot Dog Sauce Recipe. I make the full recipe and freeze smaller containers to pull out for smaller parties.

Filet Mignon. You can never go wrong with this.

Sliders

Steak or Chicken Kabobs

Food Boards Are Perfect for Small Gatherings

Food boards are one of my favorite ways to serve a small crowd.

You can make them as simple or as full as you like, and they always feel special.

Some favorites we enjoy:

This Chef Salad Board is one we frequently have on a hot summer day.

Steak and Chicken Wraps Board

For more Food Board Ideas click HERE

SCALED DOWN SIDES:

Deviled Eggs

Potato Salad.    This delicious homemade recipe is scaled down so you will have plenty but not an enormous bowl full of it.

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Potato Salad for 2

A creamy, flavorful, Old Fashioned Potato Salad made with potatoes, eggs, mayo, mustard, sweet relish, celery, and spices. Perfect for the upcoming cook-outs, picnics and summer parties. 

Course Salad, Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Keyword Old Fashioned Potato Salad, Potato Salad for 2

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 400kcal

Author pamelashank2015

Ingredients

• 3 large potatoes
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet relish
• 1 Tablespoon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1/4 cup celery chopped

Instructions

• Peel potatoes, wash, and cut into 1- 1 1/2 inch cubes. Place in a medium size saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium, and cook until potatoes are fork tender but not overcooked and mushy. Drain water and place back in the saucepan to cool. Place the eggs in a small saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook 8 minutes. Remove from the water and allow to cool. Peel the eggs. Chop 1 of the eggs; slice the remaining egg; set aside.
• In a medium size mixing bowl, place the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and celery. Stir together to combine all ingredients.
• Add the potatoes and the chopped egg; fold carefully to combine with the other ingredients. Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced egg and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER. Calorie count provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Protein Packed Pasta Salad

Here is the recipe for the Baked Beans. When making them for 2, I use the small can of Bush’s Pork n Beans.

DESSERTS:

This Mini Citrus Bundt Cake with Lemon Curd and Raspberry Sauce is perfect for  4th of July Recipes for 2. It includes so many fresh flavors of the season.

Decorated Sugar Cookies

Strawberry Mascarpone Pretzel Salad in a Jar

Wishing you a happy and relaxing 4th of July!

This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.