Fabulous Recipes for a Family Reunion (2024)

Smoky bacon and fresh, sweet summer corn are two easy-to-get ingredients that really wake up a classic potato salad.

Recipe: Potato Salad with Sweet Corn, Bacon, and Red Onion

A classic macaroni salad is always a hit at any potluck party. This version is studded with an array of colorful veggies for a pleasing presentation.

Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Smoked paprika, bacon, and fresh green herbs give the traditional deviled egg a delectable new complexity, making this classic app new again.

Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Related: Party-Perfect Deviled-Egg Recipes

For a salad with the best texture, shred the chicken instead of cubing it. The technique is simple: Holding a fork, tines down, in each hand, pull the meat into pieces along the grain.

Recipe: Asian Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Drop the oversized container of deli coleslaw and go for this fresh, lemon-zesty apple and celery root variation. If you can, make a day ahead as this slaw improves as it marinates in the dressing.

Recipe: Celery Root and Apple Slaw

Related: Tasty and Creative Coleslaw Recipes

These spicy bacon cheeseburgers are loaded with toppings, and will be sure to satisfy even the most serious of burger-lovers at your next barbecue.

Recipe: Backyard Burger

Succulent grilled beef tenderloin needs little garnish to make an incredibly satisfying meal, but this herb vinaigrette really amps up the flavor. Made with fresh parsley, basil, mint, and thyme and as much spicy red chili flake as you can handle, this sauce can be adjusted to suit all tastes.

Recipe: Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with Spicy Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

This fresh take on a burger subs salmon for the traditional beef, making it a lighter alternative for summer cookouts.

Recipe: Salmon Burgers with Lemon-Basil Mayo

Related: Meatballs, Burgers, and Chili, Oh My! Ground Meat Recipes

This gourmet twist on the classic Cuban sandwich stacks juicy pork tenderloin, Black Forest ham, briny pickles, and melted Swiss cheese for a great-tasting grinder.

Recipe: Cuban Sandwiches

This sure-to-please dish is easy to prepare and travels well — perfect for both picnics and everyday meals.

Recipe: Herbed Chicken and Hot-Pepper Sandwiches

Tangy Creole cream cheese tops these moist red velvet cupcakes, which are easy to make for big bake sales or even dessert potlucks.

Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Creole Cream Cheese Frosting

Related: Make Every Dessert a Red Velvet Dessert

This classic blueberry pie is perfect for a summer shower or family gathering. Buy the graham-cracker crust at the grocery store, but take a trip to your local farmers' market for sweet, juicy blueberries.

Recipe: Blueberry Cream Pie

Lemon bars are one of those treats that always seem to be the first to go at a potluck or cookie swap with a thick base of buttery shortbread that's layered with lemon custard made with egg yolks. This lightened-up version will go just as quickly.

Recipe: Lighter Lemon Bars

Related: Sweet-Tart Lemon Dessert Delights

Just like the banks of the Mississippi River, this cake is ooey, gooey, and chocolate brown. The original Mississippi Mud Cake is thought to have been created by World War II–era cooks who found a way to use available ingredients to make a dense chocolate cake.

Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cake

A trifecta of cake, berries, and streusel topping, this dessert is perfect for potluck barbecues.

Recipe: Mom's Blueberry Buckle

Raise a glass to this simple rite of summer that combines tea, water, and sunshine to create a thirst-quenching drink.

Recipe: Sun Tea

Related: Steeped to Perfection: Foods Given a Boost with Tea