During the summer days, BBQ’s and pool parties are the places to be! But, if you are getting tired of the same ol’ burgers and hot dogs at every backyard get together, then use the hottest summer recipes anyone will love to mix things up.
These delicious little treats are a great way to have something bite-sized that packs a big punch! Also, escape the heat from the oven because these babies don’t require cooking. The recipe is super simple, and it takes only about 10-15 minutes to make so you can use these as a last minute snack to bring to any summer event.
Ingredients:
-1 cup butter
-1 brownie mix
Let the butter sit out until it is room temperature, if refrigerated, so it is more pliable. Then take a mixing bowl and dump in the entire brownie box mix, throw in the butter, and stir until the dough becomes a firm paste. Then, roll small sections into balls with your palm until all the dough is gone. Lastly, sprinkle with some powdered sugar, and you’re done! These bites should be the consistency and density of a fudge slice and are rich in chocolate flavor. This is a summer recipe that everyone is sure to love.
If you want something that will wow even your guests with the most sophisticated palettes, then this eggplant lasagna is the perfect summer recipe for you. This dish is gourmet in style, delicious, healthy, and can be made easily be made vegetarian friendly! The eggplant is an underrated vegetable, so give it a little love by baking an amazing lasagna for your next summer dinner!
Ingredients:
-1 large eggplant
-6 cups Hearty Tomato Meat Sauce
-2 cups full fat ricotta cheese
-2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
-1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
-8 small fresh basil leaves, chopped
-1 tbsp dried oregano
Preheat oven to 400° Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Cut ends off eggplants and slice lengthwise in ¼ inch slices. You should end up with about 10 slices total.
Brush each slice of eggplant with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Bake about 7 minutes each side.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan and basil. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Pour 2 cups of sauce into the bottom of an 8×13 baking dish. Spread into an even layer. On top of the sauce, layer half of the eggplant slices.
Layer on half of the ricotta mixture, spreading evenly across the entire dish. Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta mixture.
Pour 2 cups of meat sauce on top of the cheese and spread in an even layer across the entire dish. Layer the remaining eggplant on top of the sauce.
Layer second half of the ricotta mixture, spreading evenly across the entire dish. Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta mixture.
Pour remaining 2 cups of meat sauce on top of the cheese and spread in an even layer across the entire dish.
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly across the entire dish. Sprinkle oregano on top of cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and broil on high 5-8 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
These are a twist on the classic American cheese slice, onion, lettuce, and ketchup burger. Instead, give your guests an entree with a more gourmet style! This is sure to be a crowd pleaser that will make them want to come back for seconds. If you want to fire up the grill for your backyard BBQ, then this is the perfect summer recipe for you.
Ingredients:
-1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
-1 packet beefy onion soup mix (recommended: Lipton)
-2 tablespoons ginger teriyaki marinade mix (recommended: McCormick Grill Mates)
-1 (8-ounce) can pineapple rings, drained, juice reserved
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper
-1/3 cup mayonnaise
-1 tablespoon wasabi paste
-1 tablespoon soy sauce
-4 whole-grain burger buns
-Lettuce, tomato, onion, for serving
Set up grill for direct cooking over high heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking.
In a mixing bowl, stir to combine ground beef, soup mix, teriyaki marinade mix, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice.
Form 4 patties slightly larger than bun. Gently press pineapple rings into tops of burgers.
Season burgers with salt and pepper and place on grill pineapple side down. Cook 8 minutes per side for medium.
Mix together mayonnaise, wasabi, and soy sauce.
Serve hot on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onions, and wasabi mayonnaise. Enjoy!
*To make a vegetarian friendly version that is safe for any plant based eaters, just switch out the meat for a black bean patty!
Looking for something a bit on the lighter side that will help you keep off the winter weight? Then these chipotle lime cauliflower tacos are the way to go. They are tangy and sweet and will leave you without the grogginess of a heavy meal because the crisp cauliflower will make you feel satisfied and light.
Ingredients:
-¼ cup lime juice (from about 2 limes)
-1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotles in adobo sauce
-1 tablespoon honey
-2 cloves garlic
-½ teaspoon salt
-1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
-1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
-1 (15 ounce) can refried black beans, warmed
-8 corn tortillas, warmed
-½ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
Sliced red cabbage, fresh cilantro, guacamole, jalapeño slices and/or lime wedges for serving
Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Combine lime juice, chipotles to taste, honey, garlic and salt in a blender. Process until mostly smooth. Place cauliflower in a large bowl, add the sauce and stir to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle onion on top.
Roast, stirring once, until the cauliflower is tender and browned in spots, 18 to 20 minutes.
Serve the vegetables and beans in tortillas, topped with cheese and garnished with cabbage, cilantro, guacamole, jalapeños and/or lime wedges.
These delicious tacos will be a hit for your summer get together and make for the perfect summer recipe to make your guests keep coming back for more!
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