Summer parties should be all about fun—not frantic kitchen prep. These 32 make-ahead dishes are here to save your sanity and keep the good vibes rolling. From slow cooker hot dogs and saucy pulled pork sliders to zesty taco dips, cheesy casseroles, party-ready wings, and creamy crowd-favorite pasta salads, every recipe is packed with flavor and easy on your schedule. You’ll find freezer-friendly apps, crockpot classics, and set-it-and-forget-it mains that let you skip the stress and enjoy the sunshine. If you love hosting but hate the last-minute rush, these recipes are your secret weapon.

Slow Cooker Hot Dogs For A Crowd (Beer Or Broth)

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

Using your slow cooker for preparing hot dogs is a great way to set it and forget it, freeing up your time to do other tasks and getting ready for a party.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hot Dogs For A Crowd (Beer Or Broth)

Bold Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe

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

This Thai BBQ Chicken is juicy chicken breasts that are rubbed with a special seasoning mix, cooked on the grill, and served up with a quick and easy spicy sauce. It’s easy to prep ahead so all you have to do at dinner is grill the meat and eat, which means it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy bbq meal on the patio in the summer months.
Get the Recipe: Bold Grilled Thai Chicken Recipe

Cheesy Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

nacho casserole on a plate
Cheesy Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef. 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 with Ground Beef

Meatballs With Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce

grape meatballs with jelly
Meatballs With Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

American classic party food, Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce are always tender, juicy, and a crowd favorite. Combine your meatball ingredients in a zip-top bag the night before. The next day, just dump it into the Crockpot and go.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs With Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce

Layered Taco Dip With Ground Beef

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

Taco dip recipe layered with seasoned ground beef, Velveeta, and sour cream is a rich, creamy dish that’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker or oven. Made with pantry staples like salsa, beans, and cheese, it’s perfect for game day spreads or family taco night.
Get the Recipe: Layered Taco Dip With Ground Beef

Mexican Macaroni Pasta Salad With Dressing

A large bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad, featuring corn, red kidney beans, chopped peppers, and herbs. A lime wedge and wooden spice bowls are in the background, with another bowl of salad slightly out of focus.
Mexican Macaroni Pasta Salad With Dressing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Zesty Mexican macaroni salad with a creamy, tangy dressing, fresh vegetables, and a perfect kick of spice is a twist on a classic favorite! You can make the dressing a day or two in advance to save some prep time. Just store the dressing in the fridge and give it a good stir before using it.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Pasta Salad With Dressing

10-Minute Party Dip Mexican Caviar

Texas caviar with beans, cilantro, onions and seasonings
10-Minute Party Dip Mexican Caviar. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This quick and easy Mexican Caviar Recipe, also called Texas Caviar or Cowboy Salsa, doubles as a delicious salad or dip. It can be made a day in advance, in fact, allowing it to sit overnight enhances the flavors, making your hosting duties easier on the day of the event.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Party Dip Mexican Caviar

Crowd-Favorite Creamy Spaghetti Sauce

A fork lifts spaghetti with meat sauce from a green plate. The pasta is topped with a rich, chunky tomato meat sauce, suggesting a hearty meal. A red and white striped cloth is partially visible in the background.
Crowd-Favorite Creamy Spaghetti Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

You need to try this spaghetti sauce creamy crock pot recipe! It’s a rich, protein-packed, and comforting blend of ground beef, velvety cottage cheese, and tangy tomato sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it creates deep, hearty flavors in every bite, perfect for an easy, make-ahead meal.
Get the Recipe: Crowd-Favorite Creamy Spaghetti Sauce

Flavorful 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Wings

bbq chicken wings with sauce brushed on
Flavorful 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe will become your favorite go-to recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have juicy and flavorful chicken wings that will surely be a hit at your next party or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful 3-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Wings

Creamy Rotel Sausage Dip

A creamy cheese dip with visible chunks of ingredients in a white bowl, topped with sliced jalapeños and cilantro. A hand holds a tortilla chip with dip scooped onto it.
Creamy Rotel Sausage Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Warm Rotel sausage dip recipe combines the flavors of sausage and Rotel tomatoes with creamy Velveeta and cream cheese scooped with chips.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Rotel Sausage Dip

Easy Hot Dog Topping Chili Recipe

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

This Crock Pot Chili recipe is super easy, hands-off cooking, making it a perfect option for busy people who want to come home to a warm, hearty hot dog topping.
Get The Recipe: Easy Hot Dog Topping Chili Recipe

Quick Macaroni Salad With Cheese Recipe

A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with green peas, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, served in a white dish on a yellow surface.
Quick Macaroni Salad With Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This is a simple and quick recipe that is easy to make, chopping your ingredients while giving the noodles about 15 minutes to cook, then assemble in 5 minutes. The peas and celery give it a crisp fresh flavor. The result is a light summery pasta salad that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Quick Macaroni Salad With Cheese Recipe

Cheesy Layered Mexican Casserole Recipe

A vibrant plate of Mexican casserole topped with a dollop of sour cream, a slice of jalapeno, and cilantro. The dish is a mix of corn, black beans, pinto beans, red bell peppers, and ground meat, garnished with shredded cheese. A jalapeno and parsley lie beside the plate.
Cheesy Layered Mexican Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Layered Cheesy Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef is made with classic Mexican seasonings, beans, peppers, tomatoes and cheese. If you have a busy day, this slow cooker casserole can be made ahead the day before and then cooked a few hours before you need to serve it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Layered Mexican Casserole Recipe

Sweet And Saucy BBQ Pulled-Pork Sliders

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

This sweet and saucy BBQ pulled pork sliders recipe is an absolute winner for any gathering or casual meal. The best part is this is an easy make-ahead recipe that can then be baked just before you are ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Saucy BBQ Pulled-Pork Sliders

Italian Chicken Parmesan

A plate of spaghetti topped with homemade chicken parmesan, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The dish is served on a red and white plate, with a grater and a striped cloth napkin in the background.
Italian Chicken Parmesan. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Italian Chicken Parmesan Recipe takes tender chicken breasts, coats them in Panko bread crumbs, and cooks them with marinara in a slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Parmesan

Crab Pinwheels (Freeze & Bake)

Pinwheel tortilla rolls filled with vegetables and cheese are arranged on a tray. Garnished with chopped green onions and red peppers, lemon wedges are placed at the edges.
Crab Pinwheels (Freeze & Bake). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These crab meat pinwheels are one of my favorite make-ahead easy appetizer recipes. You can make and freeze a batch for a hot, bubbly snack when the company drops in. To serve these yummy crab swirls, you just have to remove them from the freezer and bake.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pinwheels (Freeze & Bake)

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

A skillet with a cornbread-topped pie, one slice missing. The slice is on a white plate, garnished with jalapeño slices and cheese. Nearby are small bowls of shredded cheese and jalapeños, all on a checkered cloth over a round wooden board.
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a warm, comforting meal, bringing together the bold, tangy flavors of a classic sloppy joe with a golden, cheesy cornbread topping. This dish is simple to prepare, making it ideal for feeding a hungry family or welcoming friends to your table with warmth and ease.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Sweet And Sour Meatballs

hawaiian meatballs
Sweet And Sour Meatballs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These sweet and sour meatballs are a mouth-watering combination of tender meatballs, juicy pineapple chunks, and colorful bell peppers, all simmered in a delicious blend of sweet BBQ and teriyaki sauce. Preparing them is a breeze; it only requires 10 minutes of prep time, and your slow cooker takes care of the rest.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Sour Meatballs

Make-Ahead Ham With Glaze

A sliced ham in a slow cooker, topped with pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries. The ham is glazed, giving it a shiny appearance. The white slow cooker contrasts with the vibrant colors of the fruit and glaze.
Make-Ahead Ham With Glaze. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This ham in the crock pot recipe is a tender, juicy main dish that’s foolproof and crowd-pleasing. Prep the glaze the night before and refrigerate. Warm slightly before using. You can also cook the ham a day ahead, store it with juices, and reheat with glaze on the stovetop just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Ham With Glaze

Classic Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips
Classic Baked 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: Classic Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

Delicious Oven-Baked Ribs Dry Rub Recipe

ribs in the oven that are cooked with sauce on a cutting board
Delicious Oven-Baked Ribs Dry Rub 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. If you want to prep ahead, season and wrap the ribs the night before.
Get The Recipe: Delicious Oven-Baked Ribs Dry Rub Recipe

Make-Ahead Pot Roast and Gravy

Sirloin tip roast and vegetables
Make-Ahead Pot Roast and Gravy. Photo Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Your family will say thank you when you make this delicious slow cooker recipe for tender, juicy sirloin tip roast with a mix of delicious vegetables and savory gravy. This make-ahead recipe is an easy-to-prep sirloin tip roast in a slow cooker that is perfect for a hassle-free, mouthwatering dinner.
Get The Recipe: Make-Ahead Pot Roast and Gravy

Buffalo Turkey Meatballs Air Fryer Recipe

buffalo turkey meatballs
Buffalo Turkey Meatballs Air Fryer Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are the perfect quick snack or appetizer that you can make ahead and freeze in large batches. Then when you need a quick party snack just place them in your air fryer and bake. Sauce them up mild, medium, or extra hot.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Meatballs Air Fryer Recipe

Deviled Eggs With Cream Cheese Recipe

A white plate with seven deviled eggs, each topped with a smooth yellow filling and garnished with small green parsley leaves. The plate sits on a soft yellow cloth.
Deviled Eggs With Cream Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cream cheese deviled eggs are a creamy, tangy twist on the classic appetizer that’s quick and foolproof to make. Blended with cream cheese, mayo, and mustard, the filling is smooth and packed with flavor. Perfect for Easter, potlucks, or family gatherings, these eggs come together in under 40 minutes and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs With Cream Cheese Recipe

Crowd-Favorite French Onion Chicken Casserole

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a baked dish featuring caramelized onions, melted cheese, and herbs in a rich brown sauce. The dish is set on a wooden board with a yellow cloth beside it.
Crowd-Favorite French Onion Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This French Onion Chicken Casserole is packed with savory flavor, featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs smothered in caramelized onions and topped with melty provolone cheese. To get ahead, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to a day.
Get the Recipe: Crowd-Favorite French Onion Chicken Casserole

Party Pickle Roll Ups

Party pickle Roll-Ups on a plate with fresh dill ready to be served
Party Pickle Roll Ups. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Pickle roll ups are an easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any get-together or party occasion. With these simple how-to steps, you can make this crowd-pleasing snack with minimal prep time. The best part is you only need 4 ingredients to make a big serving tray of these delicious appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Party Pickle Roll Ups

Buffalo Chicken Dip

buffalo chicken dip in a crock pot
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This Buffalo chicken dip crock pot recipe is a creamy, spicy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to prepare. Made with rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and tangy buffalo sauce, it’s the perfect slow cooker dip for game day or potlucks. Enjoy bold flavor with minimal prep for stress-free hosting.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Sloppy Joes Slow Cooker Recipe For Big Crowds

Sloppy Joes Slow Cooker Recipe For Big Crowds. 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: Sloppy Joes Slow Cooker Recipe For Big Crowds

Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip

knorr vegetable dip
Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip . Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Learn how to make the classic Knorr Vegetable Dip with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for parties, this dip is always a crowd favorite. To prepare the dip ahead of time for a party, prepare it as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir it well before serving.
Get the Recipe: Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip

Ham and Swiss Sliders Recipe on Hawaiian Rolls with Aioli

Close-up of baked sliders with melted cheese, sliced ham, and a topping of poppy seeds and herbs on toasted buns. A slider is being pulled away, showcasing stretchy cheese and a golden crust.
Ham and Swiss Sliders Recipe on Hawaiian Rolls with Aioli. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Ham and Swiss sliders are ideal for tailgates, game day parties, backyard cookouts– you name it, these sliders are quick, easy and scrumptious. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls get filled with layers of savory ham and melted Swiss cheese. With a spread of creamy garlic aioli and a generous brushing of butter on top, these sliders are completely irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders Recipe on Hawaiian Rolls with Aioli

The Best Crab Rangoon Recipe

A plate of crispy wontons garnished with chopped green onions, served with two dipping sauces in small white bowls. The sauces appear to be soy sauce and a sweet and sour sauce. A patterned cloth is partially visible.
The Best Crab Rangoon Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Crab Rangoon is a popular take-out appetizer that is just as easy to make at home and tastes even better! Fresh crab, cream cheese, onion, and savory seasonings are encased in crispy wonton wrappers. They’re creamy and dreamy! Keep reading to find out how to make the BEST homemade version of these delicious treats.
Get the Recipe: The Best Crab Rangoon Recipe

Easy Dry Rub for Chicken Wings (Oven Baked)

dry rub wings in oven
Easy Dry Rub for Chicken Wings (Oven Baked). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Oven baked wings with dry rub make a flavorful appetizer or snack. The key to these great wings is a mixture of seasonings and sweet honey powder for a sweet, and savory dry rub.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dry Rub for Chicken Wings (Oven Baked)

30 Quick Weeknight Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes

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.
30 Quick Weeknight Dinners. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

Busy days don’t have to mean boring dinners—these 30 quick weeknight meals are packed with bold flavors and ready in 30 minutes or less! From juicy pan-fried pork chops and spicy garlic honey chicken to creamy sweet potato pasta, Asian noodles, and even hearty Instant Pot stews, there’s something here for every craving. You’ll find satisfying comfort foods like shepherd’s pie and clam chowder, along with lighter options like pan-seared tilapia and coconut jasmine rice. It’s the ultimate collection of fast, no-fuss dinners to keep you inspired all week long. Get All The Recipes: 30 Quick Weeknight Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less