This New England clambake, made with clams, lobster, Old Bay, sweet corn, and potatoes, is a summer classic that’s easy to make at home. No sand or surf required.
This New England clambake was great! Followed directions and added some shrimp in because why not? Huge hit! Definitely making this again!!!.–Anna
★★★★★
Alex Farnum
2 of 15
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Rub
This grilled flank steak with chile rub relies on a quick and easy dry rub of cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and cayenne rather than a long-soaking marinade so you can toss it together at the last minute without hassle. Perfect for tacos.
This barbecue pimento cheese may just be the best thing that could happen to you today. One taste of this slightly spicy take on a classic Southern spread with a cult following and you’ll understand.
I made this BBQ pimento cheese for a party recently, and to say it was an enormous hit is an understatement. No fewer than 15 people asked for the recipe, and when there was no more cheese ball, one of my guests rolled up every single one of the leaves resting underneath (radiccio, cabbage, etc.), and ate those too.–Val
★★★★★
Leigh Beisch
4 of 15
Smoked Coffee Brisket
Smoked brisket with coffee takes a few of our favorite things and combines them into a meltingly tender, spicy, and smoky masterpiece.
Small red potatoes hold their shape well and make the prettiest salad. Swapping in some sour cream for mayonnaise lightens up this summer staple. The salad is best made ahead of time and chilled a few hours before serving.
This was a spectacular little red potato salad, with flavor that surprises due to its simple ingredients. Made it last night and it was a hit with everyone. I used a quite large lemon, and white Italian vinegar rather than simple white distilled. So easy to make – this one will go into the rotation.–Kelly
★★★★★
Beatriz da Costa
7 of 15
Succotash Salad
The dressing is a moment to create flavor. The heavy cream is for texture, the Champagne vinegar for taste. It lends itself well to the many components that make up the salad itself.
Yes, homemade potato chips are great but if you don’t feel like deep-frying, instead try spicing up a few bags of regular store-bought chips. The quality of the spice is the most important thing, so make sure your paprika is fresh and intensely fragrant. I like to use the very smoky Spanish paprika called Pimentón de la Vera.
This one's a backyard party classic that I've put a new spin on. Corn on the cob is cooked in the husk, then slathered with plenty of cilantro-lime pesto.
This old-fashioned peach cobbler is made with peaches, flour, milk, sugar, and a surprise trick to make the surface irresistibly crackly and crisp. It's the best cobbler we've ever tried.
I didn’t actually believe peach cobbler could be improved upon but this recipe showed that it could. It is the best cobbler I have ever tasted and according to my husband his new favorite as well. The crunchy top is the bomb.–Cleo
★★★★★
Emulsion Studio
14 of 15
Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Slab pies are perfect for feeding a crowd–or a small group of people who just really, really love pie. My take on the American favorite includes caramel-coated apples and raisins, covered with a nutty crumble topping.
These easy s'more dessert bars are every bit as good as the classic childhood campfire treat. Toasted meringue and creamy chocolate filling are piled atop a buttery graham cracker crust for the full experience. No fire required, but you will need plenty of napkins.
Let’s not mince words here—food on sticks is awesome. We all know it, so grab some skewers and start lining up stuff to grill, roast, toast, and otherwise enjoy.