Summer is finally here! Yay!
For most, if not all of us, summer often brings many gatherings with friends and family, whether they be in the backyard, at the park or playground, in the church basement, or around the dining room table! Whatever the setting, these gatherings usually provide opportunities to make something yummy to eat while we also seek to encourage and edify one another.
Here are some summer recipes that we have found easy to make for a crowd!
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Sub Sandwiches for a Crowd
It can be tedious to make sandwiches for a large group. However, this method is super easy and sure to please on a summer day.
Ingredients:
Loaf of french bread (one loaf makes about 8 sandwiches)
Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing
Lunch Meat (ham, turkey or chicken)
Sliced Cheese
Your favorite sandwich toppings
Directions:
Slice the loaf of french bread down the center long ways.
Open and spread Caesar Dressing on both sides.
Layer lunch meat and cheese on the bottom half of the loaf.
Put top of loaf on over the meat and cheese and slice into 8 sandwiches.
Arrange toppings on a plate and let your guests add what they like.
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Ham and Pineapple Kabobs
I add colorful pepper chunks to these fun kabobs to make a bright and appealing appetizer. You can also serve over white rice and make it a meal! Delicious!
I use this recipe from All Recipes.com: Ham and Pineapple Kabobs
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Stromboli
Instead of serving pizza at your next get-together, try making this similar-tasting stromboli that your guests are guaranteed to love!
Here’s the recipe I use: https://laurenslatest.com/how-to-make-stromboli/
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Pulled Pork with a side of Mac and Cheese
This is a classic combination that never gets old. Try this easy freezer meal recipe for Mac and Cheese that allows you to prep days in advance.
https://www.passionforsavings.com/easy-freezer-mac-cheese-recipe/
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One-Dish Taco Salad
This is an easy dish to make for potlucks.
Ingredients:
1 pound hamburger, browned and seasoned with taco seasoning
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 – 8 ounce package shredded cheddar cheese
1 large head of lettuce, finely chopped
1 – 12 ounce package Doritos Nacho Cheese chips (or regular tortilla chips), lightly crushed
8 ounces Greek Goddess salad dressing
8 ounces Coleslaw salad dressing
Directions:
In a large serving dish, mix all ingredients together and serve immediately.
Note: Do not mix together until immediately before serving. Leftover salad does not keep–the chips and lettuce get very soggy. When taking this dish to a social gathering, I have found it helpful to prepare the ingredients as follows:
Place beans, cheese, and cooled hamburger in a Ziploc bag.
Place diced tomatoes in a separate quart Ziploc bag.
Place lettuce in a Ziploc bag.
Keep chips and dressing separate.
When ready to serve, simply dump all the ingredients together and mix together.
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Fruit Trifle
One of my favorite desserts to make in the summer is a fruit trifle, because you don’t really need any specific flavors or measurements in order for it to taste good. You can literally just use whatever you have on hand and you’ll end up with a light and delicious dessert.
What you will need:
1/2 cake, baked
I box instant pudding, prepared
3 c. fresh fruit, chopped or whole
1 container whipped topping
Instructions:
Cube the cake and layer the bottom of a bowl with it.
Add a layer of pudding and fruit, followed by a layer of whipped topping.
Repeat process over and over until your bowl is completely full. (Trust me, you’ll want the bowl full because this is one dessert that disappears quickly!)
Garnish with fresh fruit.
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What is your favorite dish to bring to a summer evening get-together?
