Summer Entertaining Make Ahead Menu Ideas
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There are times that it’s just too hot to cook! However; it’s also fun to entertain in the summer because everything seems to be just a bit more casual, and a bit more fun. One of my biggest tips for summer entertaining is a make-ahead menu!
Make Ahead Menus
Menus that allow you to take a little time ahead of your party day cut the stress in at least half. They also allow you to enjoy your own party – which is always a priority! Before you take a look at the menu ideas, take a look at this post on Summer Entertaining Essentials! Together – you’ll be ready to rock your summer get-together!
Check out this beautiful melamine serving bowl – I’m adding it to my party ware today!
Main Dishes
Making food ahead can take much of the stress of entertaining away. It wasn’t until I moved south that I counted on my slow cooker as much as I do for summer meals. I had always used it almost exclusively for mid-winter comfort food like pot roast. That was a mistake! Using your slow cooker all year is an entertaining tip that can be used all year.
Prepare one of these slow cooker recipes as the main dish for your summer party:
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork by Delish
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos by Creme De La Crumb
Slow Cooker Hatch Green Chile Verde by Foodie Crush
Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs by Dinner Then Dessert
Quinoa Black Bean Crockpot Stuffed Peppers by Pinch of Yum
Slow Cooker Jambalaya by Better Crocker
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken on Allrecipes by Carla Joy
Italian Beef Sandwiches by MyRecipes.com
Lip Smackin’ Ribs by Taste of Home
I love this platter for entertaining as well. I couldn’t help but share it so you can get yours too!
The Sides
Sides are usually my favorite part of the meal, and the amount of sides that can be made ahead for summer entertaining is virtually endless! Many of the sides you can choose from for summer parties can be served cold as well. You can simply pull them out of the fridge and place them on your table!
Prepare one or two of these sides for your summer entertaining menu:
Easy Roasted Stuffed Tomato Side by Sweet Humble Home
Easy Cucumber Salad by Sweet Humble Home
Creamy Dill Potato Salad by Real Simple
Chopped BBQ Chicken Salad by The Kitchen
Watermelon Jicama Salad on Food Network by Marcela Valladolid
Cabbage & Corn Slaw by The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen
Desserts
On to the best part – dessert. Summer desserts can generally be made in advance and are always refreshing and fun!
Try a couple of these make-ahead desserts for your summer party!
Rustic Blueberry & Nectarine Tart – from Oprah.com
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies by Gimme Some Oven
Peanut Butter Balls by Sweet Humble home
No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake by The Spruce Eats
Keep It Simple
Whatever you do, keep your summer entertaining menu simple! Make ahead anything you can make ahead. Throw on that summer playlist and invite your friends over to celebrate the simplicity of the season.
I’m sharing my Easy Oven Baked Ribs for you as well – because, well, they are SO incredibly easy!!
These easy oven baked ribs are in the oven in just a few minutes and cooked low and slow until they are fall-off-the-bone delicious! As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Easy Oven Baked Ribs
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Recommended Products
JJ
PS: If you have a favorite summer recipe, I’d love to see it (and try it)! Share it with us in comments so we can give it a try! Also, check out my 5 Tips for Summer Entertaining!
