These 17 Big-Batch Mains Were Built for Summer Gatherings

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Summer gatherings come with big appetites, and these main dishes rise to the occasion. They’re built to feed a crowd and disappear fast, no matter who’s coming to the table.

This collection includes hearty, flavorful recipes that scale up easily and deliver the kind of flavor that keeps guests coming back for seconds.

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Smoked Pulled Pork – Finish with Slow Cooker

Smoked Pulled pork sandwiches on white plates, topped with cole slawPin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Smoked Pulled Pork is so much more flavorful than just throwing the pork in the crockpot! Best part? You don’t need a smoker for smoked pulled pork!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork – Finish with Slow Cooker.

Smoked Spare Ribs; Smoker, Grill or Oven

Sliced ribs on wicker plate with cornbread.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Few culinary experiences match the primal pleasure of biting into a juicy, smoked spare rib. We order them at festivals or BBQ joints, why?
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spare Ribs; Smoker, Grill or Oven.

Smoked Leg of Lamb

Sliced leg of lamb on wooden board.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Get ready to savor the aroma, relish the tenderness, and experience the sheer joy of smoked lamb leg that will leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Leg of Lamb.

Smoked Whole Chicken

Whole chicken on a black tray with fresh thyme branches.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

This Smoked Whole Chicken is the most tender, juicy chicken you will ever eat. Even the breast is incredibly juicy.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Whole Chicken.

Beef Strip Loin- Grilled or Roasted to Perfection

Sliced beef strip loin on a plate with veggies and dip on the side.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

This beef strip loin, also referred to as NY strip, comes out tender and juicy. See simple step by step directions grilled or roasted.
Get the Recipe: Beef Strip Loin- Grilled or Roasted to Perfection.

Smoked Pork Loin

Smoked pork loin, sliced on a wood slab.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Smoked pork loin is a delicious, juicy, tender way to cook this beloved cut of meat. The beauty of smoking is that it is all hands-off time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Loin.

Garlic and Herb Lamb Loin -Grilled or Roasted to Perfection

Sliced lamb loin, medium rare on white platter with fresh rosemary.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

This Lamb Loin is a super easy, special dish for any occasion. Learn this simple step by step method for grilling or roasting today!
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Lamb Loin -Grilled or Roasted to Perfection.

Chicken with Plum Sauce and Grilled Plums

Pile of chicken and plums on a white plate.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Chicken with Plum Sauce and Grilled Plums is super easy and a tasty, healthy late summer meal! Grilled plums are just bursting with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Plum Sauce and Grilled Plums.

Maple Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Maple chicken with veggies.Pin
Photo credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

These Maple Apple Cider Chicken Thighs are so moist and delicious! Maple Apple Cider Chicken is a perfectly easy, fall dinner
Get the Recipe: Maple Apple Cider Chicken Thighs.

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Bruschetta chicken on a plate.Pin
Photo credit: Keto Cooking Christian.

Easy Grilled Bruschetta Chicken has never been better with amazing flavors from vine ripened tomatoes and tangy homemade balsamic reduction!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken.

Grilled Chicken with Rosemary Citrus Glaze

Close up shot of Grilled chicken with citrus glaze on a plate.Pin
Photo Credit: Keto Cooking Christian

Marinated tender juicy chicken breasts, grilled to perfection then brushed with a delightful rosemary citrus glaze. Delicious with a salad or low carb side!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Rosemary Citrus Glaze.

Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken with cilantro lime.Pin
Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

This healthy Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken is simple to prepare and packed with flavor! Low carb, Keto friendly, and perfect for summer!
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken.

Venison Burger | Deer Burgers

Venison cheeseburger on poppy seed bunPin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

These deer burgers, are juicy moist and delicious! They’re fast and have a secret ingredient…… Learn how to cook perfect venison burgers!
Get the Recipe: Venison Burger | Deer Burgers.

Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers on the Grill

Turkey burger on buns covered with chipotle sauce.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Turkey burgers on the grill can be dry due to the little fat in the turkey. These Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers on the grill are easy, moist and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers on the Grill.

Grilled Spicy Burgers

Spicy burgers on a tray.Pin
Photo Credit: Eat Move Make.

Grilled spicy burgers tease with the spice of two different kinds of vibrant and 100% traditional Mexican hot sauce – the best burgers!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Spicy Burgers.

Best Ever Juicy Burgers

Burgers on a chopping board.Pin
Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

Prepare to fall in love with these Best Ever Juicy Burgers! Simple to make, packed with flavor, and can be made to fit anyone’s tastes!!
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Juicy Burgers.

Pork Tomahawk

Two pork tomahawk chop on a wooden slab.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

These pork tomahawk chops are a delicious change from the norm. They are even pretty enough to serve guests!
Get the Recipe: Pork Tomahawk.

The 12 Best 9×13 Cakes for When You Need Dessert Without the Fuss

A slice of black forest cake on a plate.Pin
Photo credit: The Dish Next Door.

A 9×13 cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a simple way to feed a crowd without the hassle. These cakes are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a go-to for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because. With a variety of recipes to choose from, each one is designed to impress and satisfy every sweet craving. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate 9×13 cakes that are as delicious as they are simple.

Get the Recipes: 9×13 Cakes.

These Layer Cakes Taste Like Sunshine and Long Weekends

Carrot cake with nuts.Pin
Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

Layer cakes aren’t just dessert—they’re a full-blown event. Tall, dramatic, and packed with flavor, these cakes bring serious wow without needing bakery skills. Each slice shows off thick layers, rich fillings, and just the right amount of frosting. They’re the kind of cakes people can’t stop staring at, then ask for seconds before they finish their first bite. These recipes don’t play it safe, and that’s exactly why everyone’s obsessed.
Get the Recipes: Layer Cakes.

Dinner in 30 Minutes That Aren’t Chicken or Boring

Pork chops on a black plate with side dishes.Pin
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

When time is tight and you’re looking for something quick, these 30-minute meals are the answer. Packed with flavor and made without chicken, these recipes offer a delicious variety of options to keep your meals exciting. Perfect for busy nights, these dishes will have you fed in no time without sacrificing taste. Enjoy simple yet satisfying meals that everyone will love!
Get the Recipes: 30-Minute Dinners That Aren’t Chicken.

Cupcakes with strawberries.Pin
Photo Credit: Chenee Today.

Cookies always show up at potlucks, but they’re not the only crowd-pleasing option. These desserts break the mold with bars, cakes, no-bake wonders, and creamy classics that keep people coming back for more. Every dish is easy to share, simple to make, and built to travel. You won’t find any cookies here. Just bold flavors, fun textures, and guaranteed clean plates.
Get the Recipes: 19 Potluck Desserts That Go Way Beyond the Cookie Tray.

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