what to cook in your outdoor kitchen using fresh garden ingredients

if you have an outdoor kitchen or a built-in grill in the western suburbs of chicago—whether you're in naperville, plainfield, batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, or lisle—chances are you’re already enjoying the joy of cooking outside. but let’s take it up a notch. when your outdoor meals feature fresh, natural ingredients from your own garden, something magical happens. the flavors are brighter, the prep feels more intentional, and everything tastes just a little more satisfying.

start with the basics—grilled veggies fresh out of the vegetable garden. homegrown tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are perfect for kabobs or a quick roast on the grill. toss them with olive oil, sea salt, and a handful of chopped herbs from your planter (hello basil, thyme, and rosemary), and you’ve got a simple, crowd-pleasing side dish or main course.

have a pizza stone for your grill? even better. layer on fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and garden-picked arugula for a quick flatbread that tastes like summer. got more basil than you know what to do with? blend up a garden pesto and brush it onto grilled chicken or mix it into pasta salad for a punch of flavor.

for backyard entertaining, i love to keep it casual but creative. grilled corn on the cob slathered with herb butter, foil packets of seasoned potatoes and garlic, and maybe even some fresh peaches or apples on the grill for dessert. when you grow it yourself, you know it’s clean, flavorful, and full of love.

your outdoor kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s a space to connect with nature, your food, and your favorite people. so get out there, grab what’s ripe, and let your backyard become your new favorite restaurant.