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Summer parties shouldn't feel like a second job. The best ones happen when the drinks are cold, the playlist's perfect, and no one's stuck in the kitchen all day. That's the beauty of a summer potluck—it brings people together without putting all the pressure on one host. Whether it's a backyard cookout, a picnic in the park, or a star-spangled 4th of July celebration, these summer potluck ideas offer a simple, stress-free way to feed a crowd. Everyone brings a favorite dish, and the result is a table filled with variety and heart. It's how the Drummonds do it, too: Ree says, "Marlboro Man will grill a bunch of steaks and everyone will bring their favorite potluck dish." So, skip the solo cooking marathon. Round up your people, pass out the recipes, and let this potluck lineup be your secret to a summer gathering that's easy, breezy, and full of flavor.
If you're deciding on summer recipes that are perfect for a potluck, it's important to remember that you'll likely need to do the cooking in advance. That's why this list has plenty of make-ahead mains, like Ree's spicy Dr Pepper shredded pork. Once you have a big batch of the pork prepared, you can bring sandwich rolls or even flour tortillas for serving it up. Or, opt for the barbecue chicken salad, grilled ribs, or sausage and peppers. If you were assigned to bring a BBQ side, don't fret! There are plenty of potato salads and summer vegetable recipes to choose from. We even included summer desserts that can feed a crowd—now, how about a slice of strawberry icebox cake?
Cheeseburger Sliders
No need to miss the party just to man the grill. Skip the individual patties and go for a baked batch instead. Simply layer seasoned, cooked ground beef and melty cheese onto soft dinner rolls, then pop the tray in the oven. Finish with dill pickles and a drizzle of special sauce for sliders that are as easy as they are crowd-pleasing.
Get the Cheeseburger Sliders recipe.
Cabbage Salad
Crisp cabbage salad makes a bright, refreshing side for all your favorite cookout classics. Best of all, the mix of purple cabbage, pecans, green apples, and arugula tossed in a zesty vinaigrette stays bright and fresh for up to two days!
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Sandwich Cookies
When strawberry shortcake cravings strike—and there's a crowd to satisfy—these strawberry shortcake sandwich cookies are the perfect solution. They feature sweet strawberry jam and creamy buttercream tucked between soft, pink strawberry cookies.
Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts
These vibrant summer tarts look impressive but come together effortlessly thanks to store-bought puff pastry. The flaky, golden crust serves as the perfect base for a creamy ricotta pesto spread topped with zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet cherry tomatoes.
Get the Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Make a big batch of this spicy chicken filling in the slow cooker and load it into warm flour tortillas for delicious, crowd-pleasing tacos. With enough to serve 16 to 20 people, there's a good chance leftovers will be waiting to be frozen for another tasty meal down the road.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Give your pasta salad a flavorful upgrade with this Mediterranean-inspired take! Loaded with tangy pickled veggies, drizzled with zesty romesco sauce, and finished with crunchy roasted chickpeas, it’s a refreshing twist on a summer favorite.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe.
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
The classic combo of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta never fails to please. Tossed with fresh herbs and a simple dressing, this flavorful salad is a nutritious, colorful favorite that's sure to satisfy.
Get Ree's Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad recipe.
Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread
When summer zucchini overload hits and you're tired of zoodles and roasted veggies, chocolate zucchini bread is the next step. Packed with garden-fresh zucchini but bursting with rich chocolate flavor from milk chocolate chips, bittersweet chips, and cocoa powder, these loaves are a sweet way to use up the bounty.
Get Ree's Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe.
Antipasto Skewers
Skip the grill with this easy kebab idea! Layer your favorite charcuterie ingredients—like salami, cheese, and pickled veggies—onto skewers for tasty handheld bites. They're perfect for snacking while mingling and great for making ahead of time.
Get the Antipasto Skewers recipe.
Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
For fans of Ree Drummond, no party spread is complete without deviled eggs. These aren't your classic bites—they're boosted with tangy dill pickles and a sprinkle of smoky paprika for an extra kick.
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this smoky, saucy BBQ chicken. Simply set out a spread of buns and pickles and invite everyone to build their own mouthwatering sandwiches!
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
These veggie skewers are incredibly adaptable, pairing well with almost any main dish. Just be sure to coat them in that zesty balsamic marinade for an extra flavor boost!
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This creamy pasta salad is timeless and tasty! Salty ham, cheese, peppers, and peas add a burst of flavor and texture to every bite.
Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa
You can't go wrong with a party dip, especially when it spotlights fresh summer produce like sweet corn. Serve this one with chips for dipping, or try it as a flavorful topping for grilled chicken or steak.
Get the Corn and Black Bean Salsa recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Crunchy, refreshing cucumber is a perfect addition to any summer spread. This salad can be prepared a day ahead—just hold off on adding the herbs until right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Blueberry Pie
You can't go wrong with a summer pie! This one is bursting with fresh blueberries and topped with a beautiful lattice crust. The only thing that could make it better would be a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Get the Blueberry Pie recipe.
Beef Kebab Marinade
The key to a good potluck party is having lots of shareable dishes, like these easy-to-grab kebabs! The beef and veggies can be threaded onto skewers and marinated beforehand, then grilled to perfection just before serving.
Get the Beef Kebab Marinade recipe.
Couscous Salad
As beautiful as this colorful salad looks, it's also incredibly easy to make. In fact, the couscous cooks up so quickly that the whole dish only takes 20 minutes.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
White Sangria
If you're on drinks duty, skip the store-bought soda and juice and surprise everyone with a homemade sangria instead! The make-ahead pitcher drink is refreshing and crisp when made with white wine and summer fruits.
Get the White Sangria recipe.
Lobster Rolls
Now here's a winning dish that will have everyone impressed! The cold lobster salad can be made ahead and stored in an air tight container, then all you have to do is bring your favorite rolls to build the sandwiches.
Get the Lobster Rolls recipe.
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