Let’s be real—nobody wants a sad, soggy side dish sitting in the sun at a summer cookout. That’s why we pulled together 25 Make-Ahead Sides & Apps That Won’t Melt at Your Summer Cookout to keep your party spread delicious, stress-free, and heat-proof. These recipes are flavor-packed, easy to prep ahead, and totally crowd-approved. From creamy dips like buffalo chicken and crab to zesty slaws and hearty sliders, these recipes bring the flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting or just showing up with a dish in hand, you’re going to want every one of these on your radar.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

buffalo chicken dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Easy buffalo chicken dip recipe features juicy rotisserie chicken, three types of cheeses, hot sauce, make a creamy party dip appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Delicious BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Pork sliders on Hawaiian buns with extra barbecue sauce and melted cheese
Delicious BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Perfect party appetizers, pulled pork sliders with a sweet and tangy barbecue sandwich sauce, melted cheese, on sweet Hawaiian slider buns.
Get the Recipe: Delicious BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Cottage Cheese Queso

A black bowl filled with creamy cheese dip topped with sliced jalapeños. A tortilla chip is partially dipped in the cheese, and another chip rests on the side. A rust-colored napkin is partially visible in the background.
Cottage Cheese Queso. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Learn how to make creamy, high-protein cottage cheese queso in minutes. A healthy twist on a classic favorite!
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Queso

Slow Cooker Hot Dogs

Hot dogs in a bun smothered with chili and cheese on top
Slow Cooker Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This easy slow cooker hot dogs recipe will give you all the tips and tricks to create great-tasting hot dogs for a big crowd or party.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Hot Dogs

Mexican Caviar

Texas caviar with beans, cilantro, onions and seasonings
Mexican Caviar. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Mexican caviar is the perfect no-cook dip made with beans, lime, and veggies. Make Texas Caviar for an easy, make-ahead party dip.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Caviar

Quick and Easy Candied Cashews

A bowl filled with roasted and seasoned cashews, surrounded by two other bowls containing plain cashews on a textured gray surface. A black and white checkered cloth is partially visible on the right.
Quick and Easy Candied Cashews. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Whip up a batch of homemade candied cashews with this quick oven recipe. Sweet, spiced, and perfect for gifting or hosting.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Candied Cashews

Spinach Artichoke Dip

spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip that only takes 10 minutes to prep and will be hot and bubbly in no time.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Saucy Meatballs Recipe

hawaiian meatballs
Saucy Meatballs Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe: Slow cooker meatballs, juicy pineapple, & colorful bell peppers simmered in sweet BBQ & teriyaki sauce
Get the Recipe: Saucy Meatballs Recipe

Crab Pinwheels

Crab pinwheels with hot cheese and crab meat wrapped in flour tortilla.
Crab Pinwheels. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This delicious crab pinwheels recipe is stuffed with a creamy filling of cream cheese, crab, cheddar cheese, and a spicy creole seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pinwheels

Asparagus

cooked asparagus with lemo wedges
Asparagus. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

No more soggy asparagus when you make this easy Crockpot Asparagus recipe. Five minute prep, set it and forget it.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus

Corn In Husk

Grilled corn in the husk that has the husk removed
Corn In Husk. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Nothing says summer like grilling and corn on the cob, so this Grilled Corn In Husk recipe is the essence of summer flavors.
Get the Recipe: Corn In Husk

Flavorful Amish Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad with diced potatoes, topped with a sprinkle of paprika. A wooden spoon is partially visible next to the bowl.
Flavorful Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Whip up this traditional Amish potato salad with a creamy dressing and tender potatoes. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Amish Potato Salad

Tangy Apple Slaw

Mexican coleslaw with pieces of pineapple
Tangy Apple Slaw. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Fresh and zesty, this apple slaw pairs crisp apples, crunchy cabbage, and tangy dressing. It’s the perfect side salad in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Tangy Apple Slaw

Mexican Coleslaw Salad Recipe

Mexican Coleslaw
Mexican Coleslaw Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A little bit of spice, cilantro, fresh slaw, and a touch of sweetness makes this Mexican Coleslaw Salad a perfect side salad.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Coleslaw Salad Recipe

Easy Green Beans And Mushrooms Recipe

A plate of sautéed green beans and mushrooms garnished with three lemon wedges. The dish is served on a white marble surface with a fork and a striped napkin nearby. In the background, there's a wooden cutting board with more lemon and garlic.
Easy Green Beans And Mushrooms Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Learn how to prepare fresh green beans and mushrooms that are crisp, not soggy, with these easy-to-follow steps and tips.
Get the Recipe: Easy Green Beans And Mushrooms Recipe

Corn Salad Recipe

A vibrant bowl of colorful corn salad sits on a red plate. The salad includes yellow corn kernels mixed with diced red peppers, onions, and fresh herbs. A sprig of basil and parsley garnish the dish. A yellow and white striped napkin is beside the plate.
Corn Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Fresh Corn Salad recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish loaded with sweet corn, colorful bell peppers, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Corn Salad Recipe

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Master's pimento cheese sandwich
Pimento Cheese Sandwich. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Make the Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe. This creamy, tangy pimento cheese sandwich is perfect for any golf fan or Southern food lover.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Homemade Taquitos

chicken tortillas
Homemade Taquitos. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Homemade taquitos in the air fryer are a tasty snack and party food you can make ahead. They cook up perfectly crisp in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Taquitos

Cheese Straws Recipe

masters cheese straws
Cheese Straws Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Masters Golf Tournament Copycat Cheese Straws Recipe is an easy cheese straws recipe that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of Southern charm.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Straws Recipe

Flavorful Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

Close-up of a skillet containing stuffed mushrooms topped with a mixture of herbs, nuts, and vegetables. The mushrooms are garnished with fresh green parsley, adding color to the golden brown filling.
Flavorful Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Vegan stuffed mushrooms filled with flavorful mushrooms, pecan, and sun-dried tomato mixture are topped with a zesty Citrus Basil Dressing.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

Beef Taco Dip Recipe

Layered taco dip over nachos
Beef Taco Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This beef taco dip recipe, layered with salsa and Velveeta, is your go-to easy slow cooker appetizer that takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Beef Taco Dip Recipe

Easy Roasted Red Pepper Dip

sweet pepper spread or dip
Easy Roasted Red Pepper Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This roasted red pepper dip is smooth, smoky, and easy to make with fresh peppers, garlic, and tomatoes, a flavorful appetizer ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy Air Fryer Chickpea Recipe Healthy Snack Idea
CriCrispy Roasted Chickpeas. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Crispy roasted chickpeas, air fryer style, are the perfect healthy snack! Discover an easy, protein-packed recipe ideal for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Creamy Chili Cheese Dip

chili cheese dip with onions and jalapeno on top
Creamy Chili Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cream cheese chili cheese dip is a creamy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Made with just five simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chili Cheese Dip

Tomato Pie Recipe

Two empanadas on a napkin, placed on a checkered tablecloth with Masters logos. A plastic cup labeled "Masters 2025" filled with an iced beverage is in the background.
Tomato Pie Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Recreate the new 2025 concession stand favorite, Masters Tomato Pie with this easy copycat recipe. Golden crust stuffed with pimento cheese and sauce.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Pie Recipe

These 25 Southern Favorites Always Leave You Wanting More

A rectangular white plate filled with cooked green beans and pieces of bacon, placed on a checked cloth.
These 25 Southern Favorites Always Leave You Wanting More. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Craving something comforting, nostalgic, and downright delicious? These 25 Southern favorites always leave you wanting more—and it’s easy to see why. From creamy classics to crispy golden bites, every recipe brings big flavor and serious comfort. This handpicked roundup is a love letter to classic Southern cooking—simple, soulful, and made to be shared. You’ll find everything from creamy chicken salad and smoky vegan collard greens to buttery pound cake and sweet tea that tastes like home. If you love recipes that feel like a warm hug, you’ll want to scroll through every last one of these. Get All The Recipes: These 25 Southern Favorites Always Leave You Wanting More