This probably isn't a surprise, but we LOVE summer here at Southern Baked. Warm nights out in the backyard catching fireflies. Long weekends spent out by the lake or the pool. Even simple moments like sitting on the porch with a glass of sweet tea and enjoying the sounds of nature.

Summer brings so many opportunities to slow down and to gather together - that's why we're counting down the days until its unofficial start this weekend!

One more thing we love about summer is playing host to friends and family and (you guessed it) celebrating life with pie! But we know that planning a menu can be capital-S-Stressful. That's why we've pulled together some of our all-time favorite summer recipes and we're sharing them with you here!

It doesn't matter if you're hosting the party, or simply adding to the table, this Memorial Day spread has something for everyone (and we do mean EVERYONE) to enjoy, so take a look (and be sure to tell us which recipe you enjoyed most)!

1.) First item to bring out for hungry guests, are these Elevated Pigs in a Pie Blanket. Instead of boring crescent roll dough, upgrade your appetizer game by using pie crust as the blanket, and sub hot dogs for smoky, delicious Conecuh Sausage! So easy, even the kids can even help make them!

View the recipe and how-to video here!

 

2.) Next item to bring out, is Amanda's tried-and-true Roasted Potato Salad. This dish is dressed in a vibrantly, creamy dressing that perfectly complements the potatoes, and pairs beautifully with sweet, salty, classic BBQ staples. 

The best part? You can make this in under 30 Minutes! You can find it here. 

 

3.) For guests who want a lighter option, still packed with bright summer flavors, the Melon Strawberry Arugula Salad is just the thing!

The colors alone will have your guests adding it to their plate. Grab the recipe here. 

 

4.) For the Main Course, you and your guests are definitely going to want to dig into Smoked Boston Butt Sliders with Homemade Southern-Style BBQ Sauce. In fact...we're getting hungry just thinking about it! 

Sweet, Tangy, and deliciously mouth-watering...you gotta try these out! View the Sliders recipe here, and click here for how-to-make the BBQ sauce. 

 

5.) Our last item for our Patriotic Menu, is delicious & a BLAST to make with the kiddos, Star-Spangled Pie Pops! These pie pops are a great handheld dessert to enjoy while watching fireworks! 

We recommend to use strawberries for your filling, since they're currently at their ripest and juiciest, but you can use any fruit you prefer. View the recipe and how-to video here. 

Pair these pie pops alongside your favorite pie for the Ultimate Patriotic Dessert Combo. 

For an All-American Pie Lineup, we suggest: Traditional Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Memorial Day Sugar Cream Celebration Pie, or Strawberry Pie. 

 

Are you entertaining and looking for tips on how to make a festive Place Setting?

Check out our guide here.