Who’s ready for a cookout? We are!
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, gather with friends and family, and enjoy delicious meals in some shade. Here at the Farm On Central in Carlisle, Ohio, we are excited to share some of our favorite cookout recipes that will make your gatherings memorable. From our signature kabobs to mouth-watering beef burgers, these recipes feature fresh ingredients available right here at our farm.
Farm On Central Signature Kabobs
Kabobs are a cookout classic, and our signature recipe is sure to be a hit. These kabobs are packed with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes*
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds*
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes*
- 2 ears of corn, cut into 1-inch rounds*
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced*
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables.
- Slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Cut the corn into 1-inch rounds.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Assemble the Kabobs:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and corn onto the skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Grill the Kabobs:
- Place the kabobs on the preheated grill.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Serve:
- Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the kabobs hot, either on the skewers or off the skewers on a platter.
Tips:
- You can add other vegetables to the kabobs, such as bell peppers or onions, for more variety.
- Baste the kabobs with any remaining marinade during grilling for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of rice, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Farm On Central Mouth-Watering Beef Burger
No cookout is complete without a juicy burger. Our beef burger recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, perfect for any summer gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)*
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese (optional)*
- 4 hamburger buns
- Toppings of your choice* (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the burgers tender.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up on the grill.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Burgers:
- Place the patties on the preheated grill.
- Grill the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
- If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- Toast the Buns:
- While the burgers are grilling, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Place each patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
- Add your favorite toppings and condiments.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve:
- Serve the burgers hot with your favorite side dishes like fries, coleslaw, or a salad.
*Available at the Farm On Central
Visit The Farm On Central for Fresh Ingredients
At the Farm On Central, we pride ourselves on providing fresh, high-quality ingredients that make your summer cookouts unforgettable. Visit our farm in Carlisle, Ohio to pick up everything you need for these delicious recipes and more. Don’t forget to join our summer U-pick events for even more fresh, locally-grown produce.