Top Recipes from Symon's Dinners Cooking Out 40 Photos
Fire up the grill and head outside, because Michael Symon is sharing his best how-tos for easy, enjoyable summer cooking.
Daily Dinners with Michael
Did you tune in for #SymonDinners on our Food Network Kitchen Facebook page? Michael cooked up dozens of go-to meals *LIVE* from his home! Catch up on what you missed or re-make any of his clever, adaptable recipes.
Episodes
See Episode GuideChicken and Waffles Gone Greek
Inspired by his heritage, Michael Symon combines traditional Greek dishes with backyard American grilling. Utilizing the earthy flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, Michael makes Sesame Roasted Chicken Thighs by marinating the chicken in a sesame seed sauce to add crunch before finishing on the grill. While he whips up some traditional Baba Ganoush, his wife, Liz, joins him to make Feta Waffle Chips, elevating tangy feta by transforming it into crispy waffle fries.
BBQ Burger Meltdown
Michael Symon can't help but make burgers when he fires up his grill! He shares a lesson in Meat 101, including the fat content of the perfect juicy burger, as he makes Beef and Chorizo Stuffed Burgers. He adds a side of Cast Iron-Charred Broccoli Salad with creamy dressing to contrast the char, and his wife, Lizzie, stirs up Peach Sangria.
You Say Tomato, I Say Delicious
The debate over whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable doesn't take away from its tremendous flavor, so Michael Symon is making a whole meal with tomatoes at the center. He starts with meaty Stuffed Tomatoes on the grill and also makes a delicate Tomato Tart Tatin with sweet caramelized onions that's equally delicious served hot or cold.
Parm and Polenta Cake Make Everything Better
Michael Symon is determined to make his friend Olivia love eggplant Parmesan, and the only way to do it is to reinvent it the Symon way. He makes his Grilled Eggplant Parmesan outdoors on the grill, topping fresh eggplant slices with garden tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and salty Parmesan. He also whips up a classic accompaniment with salami and provolone, Antipasti Salad with Campfire Dressing. For dessert, Michael's wife, Liz, helps out by making a simple, seasonal Cherry Polenta Cake with Michael's favorite Michigan cherries.
Ranching Out with Ribs and Corn
One of the few things Michael Symon often doesn't like is ranch dressing, so he challenges himself to rethink the flavors as a rub and transforms his standard coal grill into a smoker for tender and juicy Ranch-Rubbed Pork Ribs. Thrilled with the rub, he also uses it in Baked Sweet Potatoes with Charred Onion Ranch Dip. Michael's wife, Liz, makes Grilled Corn with Ranchovy Butter, featuring the rub yet again.
You Say Tomato, I Say Delicious
The debate over whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable doesn't take away from its tremendous flavor, so Michael Symon is making a whole meal with tomatoes at the center. He starts with meaty Stuffed Tomatoes on the grill and also makes a delicate Tomato Tart Tatin with sweet caramelized onions that's equally delicious served hot or cold.
Classic Cleveland "City Chicken"
"City Chicken" may hail from the Depression era, but this meal is anything but dreary. Michael Symon takes the now Midwestern classic and revives it as Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin. He adds asparagus to grilled, breaded pork and pairs the nutty flavors with a tangy dressing, adding horseradish to resurrect the dish and give it a new lease of life. Last but not least, Michael's wife, Lizzie, joins him to make foolproof Mason Jar Strawberry Ice Cream.
Family-Style Fish Fry
Flame on! Michael Symon's outdoor, family-friendly meal starts with a Fish Fry with Lime Aioli, where he fries fresh fluke in a pot over coals on the grill. It's not a fish fry without taters, so he uses the grill again to make crispy, creamy Smashed Potatoes. Michael's wife, Liz, joins him to help balance out the meal with a Quick Pickled Zucchini Salad.
Lizzie's Favorite Italian Feast
Italian food tastes like home, so Michael Symon and his wife, Lizzie, prepare an elegant Italian feast. They pair Lizzie's tender and delicious Chicken Cutlets with Michael's Spaghetti with Pesto Tomato Sauce, a classical tomato sauce with a tangy twist. They top off the day with Lizzie's refreshing, fruity C and C Slushy.
Greek Like Me
Michael Symon goes all in on comfort food as he makes some of his mother's classic Greek dishes. From Mom's Chicken to Lemon Potatoes with a side of Greek Greens -- a tasty dish of kale, collard greens and Swiss chard in a light sauce -- Michael puts a twist on one of his all-time favorite meals. His wife, Liz, joins in with an inspired "Ouzo-tini" cocktail that complements the spread.
Brunch Spread
It's time for brunch in Michael Symon's backyard! He makes Homemade Bagels with poppy seeds and sesame seeds, and his wife, Liz, whips up Homemade Cream Cheese to go with them. Michael also makes Planked Everything Bagel-Spiced Salmon, placing the wood plank right on the grill, for an unforgettable brunch.
Lizzie's Favorite Italian Feast
Italian food tastes like home, so Michael Symon and his wife, Lizzie, prepare an elegant Italian feast. They pair Lizzie's tender and delicious Chicken Cutlets with Michael's Spaghetti with Pesto Tomato Sauce, a classical tomato sauce with a tangy twist. They top off the day with Lizzie's refreshing, fruity C and C Slushy.
Grilling All Grown Up
Michael Symon gets nostalgic, and with a few extra ingredients and some simple steps, he makes childhood favorites worthy of any dinner party. Starting with mac and cheese, he adds wine and a selection of mushrooms to transform the dish into a creamy Marsala and Mushroom Pasta Bake. Making toast is a basic skill for young cooks, but Michael pumps it up with his Rosemary Bruschetta, and his wife, Lizzie, makes Boozy Frozen Cream Bars.
Meats and Sweets Feel the Heat
Only Michael Symon would think to make Moussaka on the Grill, taking the Mediterranean casserole layered with meat, veggies and cheese sauce outside to show just how simple the cooking technique can be. His wife, Liz, joins him to create a light, complimentary side dish of Grilled and Steamed Artichokes. They keep the grill firing for a sweet dessert of Red Wine Poached Fruit and creamy vanilla bean ice cream.
Family-Friendly Sunday Supper
Michael Symon whips up a flavor-packed Italian dinner inspired by his college dorm days. It's simple with a touch of sophistication, starting with his One-Pan Pasta with a hint of seafood and a loaf of rustic Roasted Garlic Bread. Michael's wife, Lizzie, joins him to make Arugula and Fresh Mozzarella Salad, and they pour some red wine for a quick, satisfying and restaurant-worthy meal.
Memories to Grill For
Food is often the center of good times -- or for Michael Symon, the best times. He makes Grilled Swordfish with Salsa Fresca, reminding him of his last meal with his parents before he headed off for college, and his Spicy Cucumber Salad is just like his grandfather Pap made throughout Michael's childhood. For dessert, Michael's wife, Lizzie, joins him to make Ricotta Cornmeal Pound Cake, taking them back to the restaurant where they first met and worked together. It's a meal with all the makings of good memories.
Summer Vibes
Nothing screams summer party weekend like BBQ Shrimp, Michael Symon-style. Michael creates his delicious shrimp dish on the grill along with a side of Creamed Corn with Lime and tangy Tomatillo Sauce. His wife, Liz, joins in the fun by whipping up her Summer Vibes cocktail.
Family-Friendly Sunday Supper
Michael Symon whips up a flavor-packed Italian dinner inspired by his college dorm days. It's simple with a touch of sophistication, starting with his One-Pan Pasta with a hint of seafood and a loaf of rustic Roasted Garlic Bread. Michael's wife, Lizzie, joins him to make Arugula and Fresh Mozzarella Salad, and they pour some red wine for a quick, satisfying and restaurant-worthy meal.
Anything Butt Bland
Between the anticipation and the flavor, slow-cooked pork is phenomenal. Michael Symon takes the time to make a Slow-Cooked Pork Butt Steak, and while that's on the grill, he works on Roasted Cauliflower. No epic dinner would be complete without dessert, so Michael's wife, Lizzie, pulls out all the stops to create an All-American Crepe Cake with layers of strawberry, blueberry and lemon.
Clambake on the Grill
Michael Symon makes a summertime seafood meal that's all about the prep and then letting the foil and grill do the work. He starts with foil packets of Clams with Sausage and Peppers, which steam to perfection over coals. His wife, Liz, helps him use the same technique for a dessert of Peaches with Mascarpone and Honey, and she concocts a refreshing, summertime beverage to bring it all together, Rose Sangria.
Comfort Classics and Fruity Cocktails
Proving you can make any dish outside on a grill, Michael Symon prepares a rich Mac and Cheese loaded with Smoked Ham with Cream Cheese, Gouda and Pecorino. Plus, even desserts can come together over live fire, so Michael creates a Grilled Apple Crisp while his wife, Liz, joins him to concoct a Vodka Punch, her favorite summertime cocktail.
Mama Mia, What a Meatball!
Inspired by his mom's cooking, Michael Symon masters Chicken Parmesan Meatballs on the grill. As one cheese is never enough, Michael adds smooth ricotta to the meat and makes a quick and easy Sweet Red Sauce while his wife, Liz, joins him to cook Soft Polenta over their fire pit. Then, Liz whips up a simple Vinegar and Cream Dressing to accompany Michael's mom's favorite garden salad before they relax in the sunshine together, enjoying every tasty bite.
Breakfast on the Grill
Breakfast on the grill? Michael Symon shows how easy it is as he creates his decadent Eggs in Heaven, with perfectly cooked eggs in a creamy cheese sauce. He adds some Savory Herb and Parmesan Rolls, and his wife, Liz, stirs up her tasty BBC cocktails for a great way to start any day.
