Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out: Grilling Mastery with Michael Symon
Discover how chef Michael Symon transforms backyard grilling into delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing meals right from his home.
Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out: Backyard Grilling With Heart
Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out is a celebrated Food Network series where chef Michael Symon guides viewers through the art of outdoor cooking. From his own backyard, Symon offers approachable techniques, foolproof recipes, and the welcoming atmosphere of gathering with family and friends. With every episode, he proves that delicious, memorable meals are always best enjoyed together, outdoors and fresh from the grill.
About the Show
The series, debuting in 2020, finds Michael Symon shifting away from studio kitchens, instead embracing relaxed, sunny days by the grill. Joined frequently by his wife Liz Symon and their close circle, including camerawoman Olivia Annacone, the show combines outstanding food with authentic, heartwarming connections. Symon’s hands-on approach and clear, encouraging explanations have quickly made this a must-watch for aspiring grillmasters and Food Network fans alike.
- Genre: Reality/Cooking
- Host: Michael Symon
- Featured cast: Liz Symon, Olivia Annacone
- Premiere year: 2020
- Broadcast: Food Network & streaming platforms
Signature Approach: Outdoor Cooking, Symon Style
At the core of Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out is the belief that great grilling need not be complicated. Symon shares expert insights while keeping the vibe laid-back and inviting, making it easy for home cooks of all levels to get involved. Viewers will find:
- No-fuss techniques: Simple, direct instructions for novices and experienced cooks alike.
- Accessible ingredients: Recipes featuring easy-to-find, everyday items.
- Grilling tips: Advice on mastering charcoal and gas grills, controlling heat, and achieving perfect sears.
- Crowd-pleasers: Dishes designed to be shared with family and friends.
The People Behind the Show
| Name | Role | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Symon | Host & Chef | Brings culinary expertise, approachable instructions, and a charismatic presence. |
| Liz Symon | Frequent Guest | Contributes cocktails, side dishes, and lively banter with Michael. |
| Olivia Annacone | Camerawoman & On-screen Guest | Films the action and joins select cooking segments, adding a warm, familial touch. |
Signature Dishes & Highlights from the Show
Michael Symon crafts a wide array of irresistible outdoor dishes. Below are just a few standout recipes and techniques from the series:
- World’s Greatest French Toast with Praline Bacon Crumble: Made using a baguette for classic custardy texture, finished with smoky, crispy praline bacon for a sweet-salty punch. Topped with maple syrup and often paired with fresh fruit.
- Classic Grilled Steaks & Chops: Symon’s step-by-step demos on seasoning steaks, managing grill heat, and timing for perfect doneness.
- Family-style Sides: Everything from summer salads and roasted vegetables to inventive potato dishes.
- Cocktails & Refreshers: Liz Symon often whips up easy, seasonal drinks that complement the main feast.
Each recipe is tailored for backyard cooking—whether you’re using a charcoal kettle, gas rig, or even a simple cast iron over an open flame.
Fan-Favorite Recipes in Detail
French Toast with Praline Bacon Crumble
- Baguette Slices: Used for the classic “pain perdu” foundation.
- Custard Soak: Eggs, cream, and a touch of sugar infuse deep flavor and a silky center.
- Grilled Perfection: Cooked over medium-high coals in a cast iron pan for a golden, crisp exterior.
- Praline Bacon: Bacon pieces mixed with pecans, brown sugar, and caramelized for a crunchy topping.
- Finishing Touches: Maple syrup and fresh fruit (berries, bananas, or seasonal picks).
Symon’s playful commentary and practical tips—like monitoring grill temps and moving toast to the indirect heat for perfect doneness—make it easy to reproduce restaurant-worthy results at home.
Classic Grilled Steaks & Chops
- Ingredient selection: Picks the best cuts available, often highlighting local or butcher-sourced meats.
- Seasoning: Advocates for minimalism—just salt, pepper, and sometimes herb-infused oils.
- Techniques: Demonstrates zone grilling, resting meats, and slicing against the grain.
- Serving Ideas: Encourages pairing with simple, bright salads or fire-grilled veggies.
Grilling Tips and Tricks
What differentiates Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out is Michael’s willingness to demystify the outdoor kitchen. He shares wisdom on every episode that helps viewers master the grill with confidence. Noteworthy guidance includes:
- Managing Heat: Advice on creating direct versus indirect heat zones.
- Fuel Choices: When to use charcoal for smoky flavor versus gas for convenience.
- Tools of the Trade: Recommends must-have gear like an instant-read thermometer, tongs, and cast iron pans.
- Flavor Expansion: Tips on marinades, dry rubs, and adding wood chips for aromatic smoke.
- Timing: Reminders to rest proteins before slicing and how to spot perfect doneness.
Backyard Vibes: Why the Show Resonates
The show’s charm lies in its relaxed, unscripted atmosphere. Family banter, lighthearted jokes, and moments of casual troubleshooting (“when the wind picks up, move the grill to a sheltered spot!”) add to the sense that viewers are being welcomed into an authentic backyard gathering. This makes the techniques feel achievable for all, not just seasoned chefs.
- Natural, unstaged presentation: Segments are filmed at home, not in a commercial kitchen.
- Inclusive to all cooks: Whether you’re a grilling newbie or a pitmaster, the inviting style encourages experimentation.
- Family and friends: Recurring guests add warmth and make every meal feel like a shared celebration.
Audience Reception and Impact
Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out has earned high reviews for both its culinary substance and its inclusive atmosphere. On major review platforms, such as IMDb, it receives strong ratings around 8.5/10. While some viewers prefer the spotlight to remain on Michael Symon’s solo cooking, many appreciate the real-life interplay among cast members, especially the dynamic between Michael, Liz, and Olivia.
- Praised for clear, concrete explanations and professional expertise
- Loved for relatable family moments and authentic setup
- Occasional criticism: Some feedback notes that co-host energy can detract from Michael’s solo focus, though many disagree, citing the show’s charm in its group interactions.
User Reviews Highlights
- “Michael’s explanations are clear, concrete, informative showing his wealth of knowledge and professional expertise. A total pleasure!”
- “He explains everything very well and gives alternative ingredients which I appreciate.”
- “I love the way he cooks on the grills and shows you how to do everything. I love the little tips before a commercial break.”
- “Really enjoying this show! It doesn’t seem so staged like some of the other cooking shows.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out unique among grilling shows?
A: The show’s charm comes from its unscripted, family-centric format combined with Michael Symon’s deep culinary expertise and approachable teaching style. The backyard setting, use of real-life scenarios, and a focus on techniques anyone can master set it apart from more formal, studio-based cooking shows.
Q: Are the recipes suitable for beginners?
A: Yes. Michael Symon designs his outdoor recipes to be accessible for cooks of all skill levels, breaking down the steps with easy-to-follow guidance and offering tips for adjusting the complexity up or down based on your comfort level.
Q: Will I need special equipment to cook along?
A: No extensive equipment is needed. Most recipes can be done on a basic charcoal or gas grill, with occasional use of grill baskets, skewers, or cast iron pans. Symon often shares ways to adapt recipes for whatever grill you have available.
Q: How does the show address grilling mishaps?
A: True to its relaxed ethos, the show embraces mishaps as learning moments. Michael demonstrates how to adjust to weather, fluctuating temperatures, or ingredient substitutions, sharing expert fixes for common grilling pitfalls.
Q: Do the family and guests contribute to the cooking?
A: Yes, Michael is often joined by his wife Liz, who brings cocktail recipes and lively conversation, and daughter Olivia, who sometimes films and occasionally takes part in the culinary fun. Their contributions add warmth and authenticity to the backyard gatherings.
Seasonal Inspiration: Cooking with the Elements
Each season of Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out embraces fresh, seasonal ingredients drawn from the garden, farmers’ markets, and classic summertime pantry staples. Signature summer dishes include grilled seafood, smoky vegetables, and inventive desserts like stone fruit crisps and rustic pies, encouraging cooks to make the most of outdoor markets and homegrown herbs.
- Summer grilling: Fresh produce, light proteins, herby salads.
- Holiday cookouts: Tips for mastering crowd-pleasing mains, big-batch sides, and unique twists on traditional recipes.
- Heat management: Strategies for grilling in hot weather, wind, or light rain.
How to Watch Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out
The show can be viewed on Food Network and select streaming platforms. Many episodes are also featured on YouTube and through Food Network’s on-demand services, making it easy for viewers to cook along on their own schedule.
- Food Network TV & Streaming
- YouTube Playlists with select episodes and recipe highlights
- Food Network GO app for on-demand viewing
Related Cooking Shows
If you’re a fan of grilling or want to build your Food Network watchlist, consider exploring other popular series:
- Beat Bobby Flay
- 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing
- Wildcard Kitchen
- Tournament of Champions
- Bobby’s Triple Threat
Get Inspired: Grill Like Michael Symon
Whether you’re seeking help perfecting your steak, mastering breakfasts outdoors, or just gathering recipe ideas for your next family cookout, Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out offers everything you need to make backyard eating both simple and spectacular. With dozens of episodes full of expert instruction, easy-to-source ingredients, and the joy of sharing a meal under the open sky, Michael Symon continues to inspire a new era of home grilling. Fire up your grill, invite your loved ones, and make every meal memorable—just like Michael does, all season long.
