It's block party time! There's dancing in the streets, plus good laughs and great eats. Try these legendary summer block party recipes for an amazing neighborhood bash.
46 Summer Block Party Recipes That Make You the Best Neighbor Ever
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Sweet Macaroni Salad
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don’t like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
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2/46
Pulled BBQ Pork
Total Time
10 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During years of vacationing on the North Carolina coast, I became hooked on their pork barbecue. The version I developed is a favorite at potluck dinners. —Joseph Sarnoski, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 518 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
If you’re new to summer entertaining, check out our guide to throwing a block party your whole neighborhood will be jealous of.
3/46
Summertime Fun Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Use this basic sugar cookie recipe to make the perfect poolside treat. Kids (and adults) won’t be able to get enough. —Coleen Walter, Bancroft, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 174 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
4/46
Confetti Snack Mix
Total Time
10 min
Servings
7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made this party mix for many years and I usually double the recipe. It makes a wonderful gift, and everyone always wants the recipe. —Jane Bray, Temple Terrace, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 125 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
5/46
Dill Pickle Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My love for pickles led me to create this Dill Pickle Dip. It’s so easy to whip together. But be warned, it’s addicting! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 108 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/46
S’more Pops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughters and I came up with this treat when planning a candy-making party. The pops also make adorable hostess gifts, are perfect for potlucks and would sell out quickly at a bake sale. —Lisa Haboush, Geneva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 42 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/46
Italian Sausage Sandwich
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a casual but hearty meal, try these saucy subs created by our Test Kitchen. Full of traditional Italian flavor, these sandwiches are a snap to make.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 552 calories, 28g fat (8g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1532mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
8/46
Summertime Tea
Total Time
15 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without tequila): 102 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
9/46
Zucchini Walnut Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What gardener doesn’t have extra zucchini? When it’s abundant, I shred and freeze plenty so I have it on hand to bake this moist zucchini cake recipe all year long. The cream cheese frosting is yummy, and the big panful always goes fast at picnics or potlucks. —Marie Hoyer, Hodgenville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 275 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/46
Pizza Crackers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love making these simple pizza crackers. I like to use pizza sauce from a squeeze bottle to make it easier for them. Just make sure an adult is there to put the crackers in the oven. —Tonya Sanders, Geneva, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza cracker: 29 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
11/46
Pickled Slaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of slaw as a side for all seasons—but especially summer—and for all entrees. Fix this recipe ahead, and don’t forget to use your food processor for even easier prep. —Nancy Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 238 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
12/46
Taco Noodle Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty Taco Noodle Casserole. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 402 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
13/46
Double-Chocolate Rolo Cookies with Pretzels
Total Time
27 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate Rolo cookies were a big hit with my father. The generous size makes them wonderful for gift-giving, and they’re always the first to go at parties. —Melissa Keenan, Larchmont, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 295 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
14/46
Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chuck roast makes delicious shredded beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 458 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
15/46
Sausage Squash Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 385 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
16/46
Chocolate Chip Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a kid alive (or a kid at heart) who wouldn’t gobble up this cookie dough dip with graham crackers? It beats dunking them in milk, hands down! You can also try it with apple wedges. —Heather Koenig, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 181 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
17/46
Hot Dog Sliders
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
An American favorite, hot dogs, turn into a fun treat that is great for a laid-back party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and South of the Border. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider (calculated without toppings): 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/46
Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 60 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
19/46
Spicy Cajun Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in the South we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest,
it has to have a kick! This is a winner. —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
20/46
Grilled Lime Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 127 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
21/46
Beet Hummus
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
22/46
Summer Dessert Pizza
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Especially refreshing during the summer months, this dessert lets fresh fruit shine. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 176 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
23/46
Broccoli Grape Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
24/46
Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This terrine can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When served, it cuts easily, revealing the lovely layers of banana, peanut butter and chocolate. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 568 calories, 39g fat (18g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
25/46
Zucchini Panzanella Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
14 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 152 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
26/46
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
27/46
Pretzel Gelatin Dessert
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 401 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 401mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/46
Bacon Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 402 calories, 33g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
29/46
Easy Strawberry Lemonade Freezer Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Three simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham cracker crust make magic while your freezer does all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you'd like! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 306 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
30/46
Sesame Chicken Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
36 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can't tell you how many times I'm asked to bring this easy dip to holidays, birthday parties or girls' weekend getaways. It's fresh and light, and it has the Asian flavors that make it stand out. The rice crackers are a must! —Dawn Schutte, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 97 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
31/46
Boston Baked Beans
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 385 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
32/46
Peachy Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I've fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 1019 calories, 43g fat (15g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 2466mg sodium, 110g carbohydrate (87g sugars, 3g fiber), 46g protein.
33/46
BLT Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick hors d'oeuvres may be mini, but their bacon and tomato flavor is full size. I serve them at parties, brunches and picnics, and they're always a hit. Even my kids love them! —Kellie Remmen, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 113 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
34/46
Texas Taco Dip Platter
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 522 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
35/46
Orange Lemonade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 136 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
36/46
Dilly Potato & Egg Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 326 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
37/46
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I raise cattle on our farm here in southwestern Ontario, so it's no surprise that we're fond of these saucy meatballs. I know your family will like them, too. —Marion Foster, Kirkton, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 48 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
38/46
Layered Salad for a Crowd
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 151 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
39/46
Blueberry Lime Slush
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
40/46
Balsamic Three-Bean Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my little girl's favorite salad. She devours it just about as fast as I can make it. I suggest preparing it ahead of time so the flavors can get to know one another. —Stacey Feather, Jay, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 190 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 very lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
41/46
Coca-Cola Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 491 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
42/46
Asian Chicken Wings
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Bird is the word when it comes to these wings. They’re baked to a perfect golden brown and hum with mild, delicious Asian spices. Thanks to an overnight marinade, the chicken inside stays tender while the skin maintains that signature crunch. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 52 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
43/46
Garden Spinach-Potato Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this summer side dish something to look at, it's a treat for the taste buds, too. The medley of textures and garden-fresh ingredients perfectly complement one another for a delightfully different potato salad. —Marilyn Haynes, Sylacauga, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 134 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
44/46
Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 85 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
45/46
Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
46/46
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 119 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
