Craving that carefree, sun-soaked vacation feeling at dinnertime? These 30 classic dishes bring the flavors of summer straight to your table—no suitcase required. From buttery Boiling Crab sauce and tender BBQ pulled pork to creamy Tuscan chicken, shrimp carbonara, and easy fish tacos, every recipe is bursting with the bold, fresh, and comforting tastes you love. You’ll find slow-cooked favorites, breezy weeknight meals, spicy chicken, zesty pasta, and seafood dinners that feel like a beach getaway. If you’re hungry for that “on vacation” vibe without leaving home, these meals will take you there.

Boiling Crab Sauce

Boiling crab sauce shrimp and sausage
Boiling Crab Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Boiling Crab Sauce Recipe, also known as the “Whole Shabang,” is a spicy-sweet, buttery Cajun sauce that pairs perfectly with all your favorite seafood. Hints of Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, lemon, and garlic come together to create a medium heat that’s ideal for your next seafood dinner.
Get the Recipe: Boiling Crab Sauce

Mexican Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Crock pot chicken for taco meat
Mexican Crockpot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Spice up your taco dinner with this authentic Mexican crockpot chicken tacos recipe. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these tacos are not only delicious but also easy to prep in under 5 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Dinner

A bowl of rotini pasta with sliced chicken, spinach, tomatoes, creamy sauce, and grated cheese, served on a red plate. A fork holds a piece of chicken above the dish.
Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Dinner. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare with minimal effort. Made with tender chicken, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan, it’s perfect for casual family dinners or hosting guests with ease. Enjoy it over pasta or potatoes for a flavorful, crowd pleasing meal that brings people together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Dinner

Classic Tender BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork on a plate with two forks
Classic Tender BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Do you want to make your BBQ pork fall-off-the-bone tender? I’m going to teach you how to make super tender BBQ slow cooker pulled pork in under 10 minutes of prep to cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tender BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe

cajun chicken
Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This rich Smothered Cajun Chicken Recipe is loaded with flavorful gravy and tender chicken breasts. Creole cuisine has never been so easy. Just pan-sear your chicken and finish this dish in a Crock Pot for a meal that needs 15 minutes of prep time and almost no effort at all. Great for a dinner party or a family night.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Smothered Chicken Recipe

Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes

A plate of spaghetti topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and fresh basil leaves, sprinkled with grated cheese. The plate is green and set on a table with additional dishes and a partial view of a drink.
Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes is a simple vegan recipe that is full of delicious Italian flavors and a touch of spice.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes

Super Tender Oven-Baked Ribs Recipe

ribs in the oven that are cooked with sauce on a cutting board
Super Tender Oven-Baked Ribs Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

These dry rub baked ribs are a sweet and smoky dish that’s irresistibly tender and easy to prepare. Made with a maple spice blend and baked low and slow, these ribs are perfect for cozy family dinners or relaxed BBQ gatherings. Enjoy them sauced or dry for crowd-pleasing results every time.
Get The Recipe: Super Tender Oven-Baked Ribs Recipe

Homemade Slow-Cooked Sloppy Joes Recipe

Homemade Slow-Cooked Sloppy Joes Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This homemade sloppy joes recipe has a sweet and tangy sauce that is incredibly easy to prepare and simmer in your slow cooker. It’s a great main dish recipe for busy weeknights, church potlucks, or a casual party with friends.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Slow-Cooked Sloppy Joes Recipe

Southern Low Country Seafood Boil

Lowcountry boil made in an instant pot crab legs potatoes and corn
Southern Low Country Seafood Boil. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Easy Southern Instant Pot Low Country Boil recipe takes under 10 min. of prep time & turns out a slightly spicy, very juicy one-pot dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Low Country Seafood Boil

Easy Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

A white scalloped plate with creamy pasta topped with a seasoned chicken breast, garnished with lemon slices and parsley. The dish is placed on a light background with a yellow and white checkered cloth beside it.
Easy Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Indulge in this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken smothered in a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Only 15 minutes of prep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Juicy Oven Pork Chops with Potatoes

Grilled pork chops garnished with fresh parsley, served on a white plate with golden roasted potatoes. Some potatoes and herbs are scattered around for decoration.
Juicy Oven Pork Chops with Potatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Oven pork chops with potatoes is a savory, sheet pan dinner that’s quick and beginner-friendly. Made with pantry spices and golden roasted ranch potatoes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy this hearty meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor around your table.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Oven Pork Chops with Potatoes

Pulled BBQ Chicken (Instant Pot)

Instant pot hold barbecue chicken sandwich with Pickles
Pulled BBQ Chicken (Instant Pot). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This quick and flavorful Instant Pot pulled BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for sandwiches, BBQ plates, or tacos, ready in just 30 minutes and an excellent addition to your dinner recipes.
Get the Recipe: Pulled BBQ Chicken (Instant Pot)

Pan-Seared Tilapia With Lemon Butter

Lemon butter tilapia
Pan-Seared Tilapia With Lemon Butter. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Enjoy this pan-seared tilapia with lemon butter that cooks up in 10 minutes. With a hint of tart lemon, cilantro, and sweet creamy butter.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Seared Tilapia With Lemon Butter

Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe

thai chicken with coconut on it.
Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Zesty spicy Thai chicken recipe cooks up juicy, flavored packed chicken breasts in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe

Shrimp Boil Foil Packs with Old Bay (Oven/Grill)

A foil packet filled with cooked shrimp, sliced sausage, and corn on the cob pieces, seasoned with spices and garnished with fresh herbs.
Shrimp Boil Foil Packs with Old Bay (Oven/Grill). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

If you’re looking for a no-fuss Southern meal that you can have on the dinner table in 30 minutes, these baked shrimp boil foil packets are a terrific choice. Sliced sausage, corn, and raw shrimp are coated with old bay seasoning before being folded into aluminum foil packets and baked in the oven (or grilled). Let’s make them!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Boil Foil Packs with Old Bay (Oven/Grill)

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A bowl of creamy white pasta topped with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. The dish is served on a blue ceramic plate, with a sprig of fresh parsley and a grater with cheese nearby on a checkered cloth.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Garlic Parmesan Chicken is perfect for hosting or busy day dinners because the slow cooker does all the work while you focus on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for your loved ones. Serve it over pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a simple yet delicious meal that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Hot Dogs Recipe in a Slow Cooker (Beer/Broth)

hot dogs and a can of beer in front of a crock pot
Hot Dogs Recipe in a Slow Cooker (Beer/Broth). Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Are you hosting a party and need an easy way to feed a crowd? Making slow cooker hot dogs is the perfect solution: it takes only a few minutes to set up, and all you need is 3-4 hours of slow cooking, and you’ll be able to serve up a ton of hot dogs from your crock pot!
Get The Recipe: Hot Dogs Recipe in a Slow Cooker (Beer/Broth)

Hot Dog Topping: Beer Chili Recipe

Chili on top of hot dogs in a bun with cheese sprinkled on top
Hot Dog Topping: Beer Chili Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

 A southern classic beer chili recipe made with beer in honor of the master of golf himself, Bobby Jones. In Southern tradition, this chili has a unique twist. It’s made with grass-fed ground beef, tomatoes, classic chili seasonings, white corn, black-eyed peas, and Calamity Jane beer from PGA Georgia Selection.
Get The Recipe: Hot Dog Topping: Beer Chili Recipe

Juicy Boneless Pork Chops Recipe

Four golden-brown seasoned chicken breasts cooking in a black cast-iron skillet, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme, with a red handle and a beige and red cloth underneath.
Juicy Boneless Pork Chops Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These boneless pan fried pork chops cook up golden brown and juicy with a quick butter baste and simple spices in 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Juicy Boneless Pork Chops Recipe

Zesty Chicken With Ranch

A plate of creamy chicken alfredo pasta garnished with shredded cheese and green onions. A fork is lifting a portion of the dish. The plate rests on a blue and white striped cloth.
Zesty Chicken With Ranch. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Crockpot chicken with ranch is a simple, yummy recipe that combines cream cheese ranch dressing mix with tender, juicy chicken and pasta.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Chicken With Ranch

Crispy Chicken Legs Air Fryer Recipe

chicken legs
Crispy Chicken Legs Air Fryer Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Crispy Skin Air Fryer Chicken Legs Recipe only takes 2 min. prep and you get extra crispy skin on the outside and a juicy bite on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Legs Air Fryer Recipe

Slow-Cooked Mac And Cheese Recipe

Crock-Pot macaroni and cheese being scooped up with a wooden spoon
Slow-Cooked Mac And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Slow cooker mac and cheese is perfect as a decadent meal or as a side dish to serve to your family or your dinner guests. It makes everyone feel cozy and comfortable. Serve it up on a Friday night after a hectic school week or on a Sunday afternoon for a dinner that will make everyone glad to stay home for.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooked Mac And Cheese Recipe

Lemon-Pepper Chicken Recipe

A white rectangular dish filled with golden-brown baked chicken breasts, garnished with lemon slices, herbs, and spices, placed on a white and yellow checkered cloth.
Lemon-Pepper Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Easy to make baked lemon pepper chicken combines fresh zesty lemon, mellow baked garlic, and the slightly spicy taste of black pepper.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Pepper Chicken Recipe

Creamy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

A bowl of creamy chicken spaghetti with shredded cheddar cheese on top. Spaghetti noodles are mixed with a cheesy sauce and diced tomatoes. A fork is lifting a portion of the dish. A red napkin and small bowls are in the background.
Creamy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful comfort food the whole family will love! This easy slow cooker recipe uses tender chicken, Rotel tomatoes, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy sauce made with canned soup and cream cheese.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Cheesy Mexican Casserole

nacho casserole on a plate
Cheesy Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Mexican Casserole Recipe is a cheesy, comforting dish that’s quick to make and crowd-pleasing. Made with seasoned ground beef, creamy enchilada sauce, corn, beans, and tortilla chips, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or group gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mexican Casserole

Asian Salmon Recipe

Close-up of a cooked salmon fillet topped with sesame seeds, resting on a wooden surface. A slice of lemon is partially visible in the background, adding a hint of yellow to the image. The texture of the salmon is flaky and moist.
Asian Salmon Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

This Asian Salmon Recipe is soaked in a ginger and garlic marinade. Baked to perfection, this is an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Asian Salmon Recipe

Herb-Crusted Chicken Recipe

texas roadhouse chicken
Herb-Crusted Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Pan-seared, juicy herb crusted chicken Texas Roadhouse recipe is a family favorite you can whip up at home in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken Recipe

Savory Watermelon Steak

Two slices of glazed tofu on a bed of arugula, cucumber, and radish slices, drizzled with dark sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds, served on a white plate with a fork.
Savory Watermelon Steak. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Watermelon steak is a savory, pan-seared vegan dish that’s quick and beginner-friendly. Made with a miso-soy marinade and fresh watermelon slices, this recipe delivers a juicy yet firm texture that surprises and delights. Serve it with a salad or grain bowl for a summer meal that’s light, flavorful, and fun to share.
Get the Recipe: Savory Watermelon Steak

Shrimp Carbonara

A close-up of a skillet filled with spaghetti, shrimp, corn, and crumbled bacon, garnished with chopped herbs.
Shrimp Carbonara. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

Follow these easy make-ahead steps for shrimp carbonara with grilled corn (it doesn’t have to be grilled) and bacon. Pasta water helps create the perfect sauce along with eggs, garlic and red pepper flakes forming the base to a fabulous shrimp dinner. Fresh basil and parmesan pull it all together.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Carbonara

Fish Tacos Recipe

Two soft tacos filled with creamy coleslaw, topped with avocado slices and cilantro, served with a lime wedge and extra coleslaw on a white speckled plate.
Fish Tacos Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Healthy and super delicious Fish Tacos that require zero frying! Make a fish taco slaw to go on top for a dinner made in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos Recipe

Praise the Casserole! 21 Church Potluck Recipes That Always Deliver

A white ceramic dish filled with baked crab dip topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped green herbs. A wooden spoon and a napkin sit nearby on a light surface.
Praise the Casserole! 21 Church Potluck Recipes. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

If there’s one dish that always gets praise at a potluck, it’s the mighty casserole! Whether it’s cheesy, creamy, hearty, or packed with flavor, casseroles have a way of bringing people together—especially when there’s a church fellowship involved. This roundup is packed with 21 soul-warming casseroles perfect for feeding a crowd—like cheesy chicken and potato bakes, hearty tater tot hotdishes, and cozy breakfast casseroles. Each one is simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Trust us, you’ll want to scroll through and try them all! Get All The Recipes: Praise the Casserole! 21 Church Potluck Recipes That Always Deliver