When the sunset pours its golden glow, porch season officially begins. I’m sharing my go-to porch recipes—the ones I love when friends are coming over and the weather’s just right. You’ll find easy drinks, appetizers, sides, simple mains, and desserts, plus a few tips to keep things stress-free. So, send the invitation, and open the door!
Porch season is all about slow conversations, shared laughter, and good food that feels easy. These recipes and tips make entertaining simple and stress-free so you can enjoy those summer nights to the fullest. Grab your favorite drink, invite your people, and let the porch do the rest!
Drinks & Appetizers That Start the Party
Perfect for those first sips and bites that set the tone for a great evening.
Classic Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip is rich, creamy, and super easy to make in the slow cooker. This cheesy, warm dip with swirls of fresh spinach and artichokes is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for your next party, game day celebration, or when you're entertaining.
Bourbon Basil Lemonade
Cool, refreshing lemonade with a Southern flair thanks to fresh basil and bourbon. This cocktail is great for parties, Derby Day or whenever you’d like to sit back and “chill” on a warm summer day! Every now and again, I like to get a little creative in the cocktail department. I’m normally a wine drinker
Parmesan Cheese Crisps
Make easy, crispy Parmesan Cheese Crisps with just one ingredient in under 15 minutes! Perfect for snacking, topping salads, or adding to charcuterie boards. Gluten-free, keto-friendly, and packed with flavor, these homemade cheese rounds are a delicious low-carb treat!
The Ultimate Southern Pickled Shrimp
Learn how to make the best Southern Pickled Shrimp! This easy, make-ahead recipe is full of Gulf Coast flavor and perfect served cold for holidays, parties, or casual gatherings.
Raspberry Mimosa
Raspberry Mimosas made with fresh berries and bubbly Prosecco are festive drinks for any occasion! This pretty cocktail is perfect for brunch, entertaining, or anytime you want to celebrate something special.
Fresh Salads & Porch-Worthy Sides
Light, crisp sides that complement any summer menu.
Zucchini Squash Casserole with Crispy Topping
Squash Casserole is a classic Southern side dish that's pure perfection! Beautiful yellow squash is layered into a cast iron, topped with a crunchy, cheesy crust, and then drizzled with a light butter sauce to create an irresistibly flavorful dish everyone will love.
Easy Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad is a classic recipe that's hard to resist. Make with pineapple, cherries, oranges, coconut, pecans and grapes all wrapped up in fresh whipped cream and marshmallows, is a fruit salad that dreams are made of!
Baked Tennessee Onions: A Southern Classic Side Dish
Sweet, buttery, and oh-so-cheesy, Tennessee Onions are a comforting side dish perfect for any occasion! This simple recipe combines the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions with a rich blend of melted cheeses and herbs, making it an irresistible addition to your table.
Watermelon Salad With Feta (Refreshing And Easy)
With the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavor, Watermelon Salad with Feta is bright, refreshing and super easy to make! Whether served as a side dish or light lunch, it's the best cool salad for summer.
Air Fryer Green Beans (Quick And Easy)
Learn the secret to making the best Air Fryer Green Beans. This quick and easy recipe using fresh green beans is easy to master and is the perfect way to add a delicious side dish to any meal.
Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish or an easy way to feed a crowd, Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are sure to be a family (and friend) favorite. Forget turning on the oven and use this easy method to make delicious potatoes, with only 3 ingredients!
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing dish that packs a punch of fresh, bright flavor. Serve this salad any time of the year for a burst of summer in every bite!
Grilled & No-Fuss Mains for Outdoor Dining
Big flavor without heating up the kitchen.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Made with fresh pineapple and juicy chicken, these Hawaiian-inspired Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers are a quick and easy dinner staple in my house! Full of tropical flavors, this guilt-free recipe is a perfect make-ahead meal.
Easy Marinated London Broil Recipe
Learn how to make the juiciest, most tender London Broil with this easy recipe! A simple marinade makes the beef extra flavorful for a main dish that's easy enough to make for a weeknight meal yet special enough to serve when you're having friends over for dinner.
Cajun Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Spicy, juicy Cajun Garlic Shrimp can be cooked in just 15 minutes and served as an appetizer with toast or a quick dinner with pasta! This simple, no-fuss recipe is loaded with flavor and will disappear fast whenever it's served.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin (Juicy And Flavorful)
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is the perfect, quick dinner that's packed with flavor but only uses a few simple ingredients. With a tangy balsamic vinegar marinade, this juicy pork is also fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.
Easy Grilled Flank Steak
This deliciously detailed guide on how to cook flank steak on the grill, is complete with tips on the ideal grilling steak time and temperature. I am also sharing our mouthwatering recipe for steak marinade that will turn your flank steak on the grill into a juicy, tender, and flavor-packed masterpiece.
Roasted Chicken With Lemon
When juicy, tender chicken pairs with irresistibly crispy skin, you know you're in for a treat with this Lemon Roast Chicken! I’ve got some foolproof tricks to make it 'perfect' every time, and trust me, you'll be amazed at how consistently delicious it turns out.
Sweet Endings to Linger Over
Finish the evening with something sweet and Southern.
Banana Pudding Trifle
Made with fresh bananas and whipped cream, this Homemade Banana Pudding Trifle is a Southern-inspired dessert perfect for any special occasion. It's layered with cookies and pudding, making it a downright heavenly show-stopper!
Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers (Easy Puff Pastry Cookies)
Palmiers, elephant ears, or angel wings, it doesn't matter what you call these sweet, flaky cookies, you'll be smitten after just one bite! They are super easy to make with just four ingredients and are baked to golden perfection in about 10 minutes.
Best Lemon Pound Cake
This Lemon Pound Cake is made with fresh, squeezed lemon juice and zest for a cake that tastes like summer with every bite. If you love classic pound cake, you’ll be head over heels for this citrus-loaded version!
Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
Decadent Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie is pure perfection and so easy to make! This no corn syrup recipe combines rich maple syrup with smokey bourbon and pecans to make a pie that's sure to be the star of any holiday gathering.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Cookies: A Classic Recipe With A Modern Twist
Polish Filled Cookies are small, jam-filled cookies that are quick to make and delicious to eat. Traditionally called Kolaczki, these delicious cookies only take 15 minutes of work and are topped with a sweet white chocolate drizzle. Their small size makes them a favorite among kids.
Porch Entertaining Tips
Make hosting as easy as a summer breeze:
- Set Up a Drink Station: I like to use a galvanized tub filled with ice for tea, lemonade, and sparkling water. Pretty and practical!
- Create Cozy Lighting: String lights or small lamps add instant charm for evenings on the porch.
- Prep Ahead: Mix dips, chill salads, and marinate meat early in the day.
- Bug Control: Citronella candles or small fans keep pesky bugs away.
- Simple Table Style: Mason jars for drinks, fresh flowers in jars, and a big wooden board for apps bring casual Southern elegance.
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Southern Thanksgiving Recipe Guide
Your all-in-one FREE guide to a Southern Thanksgiving feast from savory mains, comforting sides, and timeless desserts.
