A cooler, a grill, and an appetite are all you need to make backyard cooking the highlight of the weekend. With 19 different recipes to try, your outdoor feast will cover the bases for guests of all tastes. The setup may be minimal, but the options are far from boring. Leave the complicated menus behind and keep everyone coming back for more.

Green beans with pork on a black plate. — Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Strawberry Lemonade

When you’re gathering outdoors, Strawberry Lemonade can be a refreshing addition that’s easy to prepare. The combination of sweet strawberries and tart lemons creates a balanced drink that appeals to different palates. Using fresh fruits boosts the flavor profile, making it feel special. Serve it over ice, and you’ll have a beverage that complements and enhances a variety of recipes.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade

Asian Noodle Salad With Ginger-Sesame Dressing

A bowl of colorful noodle salad with vegetables, topped with cilantro, placed on a blue plate with chopsticks, with peanuts and lime on the side. — Asian Noodle Salad With Ginger-Sesame Dressing. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Packed with textures and bold flavors, Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing is a fantastic choice for any meal setup. The crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles are tossed in a tangy dressing that brings everything together seamlessly. It’s a versatile side or a standalone dish that guests can enjoy cold. Toss and prepare it ahead of time for convenience without sacrificing any flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asian Noodle Salad With Ginger-Sesame Dressing

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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I've gathered 31 of my favorite casseroles for you and your family to love! I've created and tested each recipe many times, and you can be sure of no AI. Just dependable, scratch-made dishes to dig into!

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Guacamole Snack Board

Perfect for sharing, Guacamole Snack Board sets up a visually appealing and delicious spread for guests to enjoy. Pair creamy avocado dip with fresh veggies, crunchy chips, and even cheese for plenty of dipping and pairing options. It’s an easy way to bring people together around a communal board. Arrange the components thoughtfully, making the board feel inviting and full of choices.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Panzanella Salad

A hearty choice for gatherings, Panzanella Salad mixes chunks of toasted bread with ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. The addition of olive oil and tangy vinegar ties the flavors together while allowing the natural ingredients to shine. It’s simple yet effective, offering a dish that’s both filling and fresh. Letting it sit for a short time gives the bread the perfect texture for soaking up the dressing without falling apart.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Cold Corn Dip

A bowl of Chilled Corn Dip with chips on a black plate. — Cold Corn Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright and full of layers, Cold Corn Dip brings a hint of creaminess and crunch to your food spread. Sweet corn pairs with spices, cheese, and just the right balance of cream to create a versatile appetizer. Scooping it with chips or crackers is simple for crowds, making it ideal for casual entertaining. Its preparation is easy and doesn’t require heating, which adds practicality.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip

Cucumber Salad With Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl. — Cucumber Salad With Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a cool and refreshing plate, Cucumber Salad With Feta blends crisp cucumbers with the creamy, tangy taste of feta cheese. With the added seasonings and a light dressing, this dish works wonderfully as a side for grilled selections and barbecue options. It’s light yet enjoyable, offering a nice contrast to heavier menu items. Preparing it a little in advance allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad With Feta

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

There’s no better way to enjoy dessert than with Strawberry Upside Down Cake, which offers a sweet and fruity finish to any meal. The caramelized strawberries on top create a pleasing texture and complement the moist cake underneath. It’s a crowd-pleaser that cuts and serves effortlessly on-site. Pair it with whipped cream for anyone wanting an extra dash of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake

Black Bean & Corn Salad

A bowl of black bean and corn salad placed next to a spoon and a blue napkin. — Black Bean & Corn Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Vibrant and hearty, Black Bean & Corn Salad is a protein-packed dish that works great alongside grilled options. The combination of tender beans, fresh corn, and a tangy dressing delivers bold flavors in every bite. On its own, it’s a filling dish, but it blends seamlessly as a side. Preparing this is simple and keeps for a decent amount of time, so it’s convenient for group setups.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean & Corn Salad

Summer Squash Casserole

A spoon holds a serving of yellow squash casserole with a crumbly topping above a glass baking dish on a kitchen counter. — Summer Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When looking for comfort and flavor, Summer Squash Casserole can be a top pick on the menu. Creamy, tender squash pairs with a crispy topping for a dish that’s universally appealing. Baking it ahead saves time while ensuring the casserole is packed full of the right textures. It fits wonderfully next to grilled dishes as a warm, tasty companion option.
Get the Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole

Tabouli Salad With Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes. — Tabouli Salad With Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you need a dish that’s light yet fulfilling, Tabouli Salad With Smoked Tomatoes makes a fantastic addition to meals. The refreshing parsley base and smoky tomato tones give it dimension without overpowering. A side of grains and vegetables ensures balance and variety in each serving. Pair it with grilled items to create a complete, well-rounded combination.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad With Smoked Tomatoes

Classic Hoppin’ John

Full of tradition and comfort, Classic Hoppin’ John offers a blend of smoky flavors, tender rice, and fulfilling black-eyed peas. Seasoned to perfection, it comes together as a warm, hearty dish perfect for sharing. Ingredients like bacon or ham can be incorporated to enhance the overall taste. Serve it as a standalone or complement it with a side for a rich food setup.
Get the Recipe: Classic Hoppin’ John

Thai Noodle Salad With Mango And Spicy Peanut Dressing

Bright and flavorful, Thai Noodle Salad with Mango and Spicy Peanut Dressing packs a perfect mix of sweetness, spice, and freshness. The sweetness of fresh mango cuts through the richness of the peanut dressing, creating a balance of bold tastes. It’s an excellent choice for both casual eating and more upgraded dinners. The ingredients come together quickly, yet the dish feels thoughtfully put together.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Salad With Mango And Spicy Peanut Dressing

Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

When it comes to dips, Queso Blanco Rotel Dip combines a creamy cheese base with a touch of spice and heat from Rotel. The result is a flavorful, crowd-friendly choice perfect for accompanying chips, veggies, or other small bites. As it holds its consistency well, it stays enjoyable throughout the event. Offering it warm takes the experience up a notch, making it hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

A close-up shot of a fork lifting a portion of macaroni salad, with a bowl of the salad in the blurred background. — Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

A tropical twist on a classic dish, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad combines pasta, creamy dressing, and a hint of tanginess to make it memorable. Adding touches like pineapple or unique seasonings enhances its distinctiveness while keeping it approachable. It pairs well with grilled meats or even stands alone as a cold pasta option. The simplicity of preparing it ensures it fits conveniently into any food setup.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Bacon Fried Corn

Few side options are quite as irresistible as Bacon Fried Corn, which marries sweet corn with the tangy richness of bacon. The caramelized texture adds depth while the bacon’s smoky flavor keeps plates coming back for more. Just a few ingredients go a long way in achieving a dish that balances simplicity and boldness. Serving it as a warm side leaves plenty of possibilities for complementary combinations.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!

Overhead shot of a glass bowl filled with BLT pasta salad. — BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Taking inspiration from a beloved sandwich, BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon! delivers a mix of creaminess, crunch, and lovely flavors. Incorporating fresh lettuce, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes ensures each bite is balanced and enjoyable. Pasta ties everything together, making it filling for guests while remaining versatile. Chill it before serving to give it just the right texture and feel.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!

Mexican Black Beans

A side dish with versatility, Mexican Black Beans brings warmth and a touch of spice to whatever it accompanies. The beans are simmered to reach just the right consistency, soaking in the richness of seasonings. Every bite delivers a straightforward yet warming bite, perfect alongside grilled items or salads. It’s an excellent choice that can anchor a variety of plates without overwhelming them.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Corn Pudding Casserole

A balance of sweet and tangy flavors in Corn Pudding Casserole makes it a standout option for any feast. This baked dish is smooth yet textured, with corn providing bursts of natural sweetness. It’s easy to scoop and serve, making it user-friendly for gatherings. As a crowd favorite, it works beautifully with more robust mains like grilled chicken or steak.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

A bowl of smashed cucumber salad with sesame seeds, cilantro, red chili flakes, and a light dressing. — Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Refreshing and flavorful, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad relies on the crispness of cucumbers and a bold mix of vinegar, garlic, and seasoning. The smashing process enhances the texture, allowing the dressing to infuse thoroughly into the cucumbers. It’s a no-fuss dish that complements heavier grilled foods wonderfully while offering a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad