summer

The Kitchn Collective Shares Their Best Family-Friendly Recipes for Summer

Elizabeth Licata
Elizabeth Licata
Elizabeth Licata is a former contributor to The Kitchn.
published Jun 27, 2020
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Credit: Kitchn

My parents are both good cooks, but it’s become a bit of a running joke in my family that they only have eight recipes between them. It’s not true, of course. It’s just that those eight dishes are the standouts — the really special ones that we all like and always come back to. If you asked anyone in the family what they wanted for their birthday dinner, they would invariably choose one of those eight. And now that I think of it, I can reliably pair each family member with the recipe they’re most likely to choose. 

That’s how family favorites and signature recipes get started. You make something once, and everyone likes it so much they ask for it again and again. Next thing you know, it’s part of your repertoire, and you could make it with your eyes closed. If a whole family loves one recipe that well, it’s probably pretty good, too.

This is why, in order to get some more dinner inspiration right now, we asked the Kitchn Collective which family-favorite recipes they turn to in the summer. Here’s what they had to say.

Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

1. Skirt Steak with Chimichurri

“I’m seriously begged to make this skirt steak with chimichurri all summer long. The marinade is absolutely sensational and beyond flavorful, and the chimichurri is seriously the best you will ever taste!” — Jocelyn Delk Adams from Grandbaby Cakes

Get the recipe: Marinated Skirt Steak with Chimichurri from Grandbaby Cakes

Credit: The Cookie Rookie

2. Crock-Pot Ribs

“We love these Crock-Pot ribs. They are fall-off-the-bone good and able to be perfected regardless of the weather. Ribs are the ultimate fun picnic food!” — Becky Hardin from The Cookie Rookie

Get the recipe: Crock-Pot Ribs from The Cookie Rookie

Credit: Yummy Toddler Food

3. Creamy Fudge Pops

“I’ve recently perfected this recipe — which is basically frozen chocolate avocado pudding! — and it’s the creamiest fudge pop we’ve ever made at home. The method is super simple and the results are beloved by everyone in my family in the warmer months — adults included!” — Amy Palanjian from Yummy Toddler Food

Get the recipe: Creamy Fudge Pops from Yummy Toddler Food

Credit: Hip Foodie Mom

4. Easy S’mores Dip

“My family and I love making this s’mores dip in the summer when we have friends over. We don’t have a fire pit at home, so this is a fun way to share a delicious dessert with a group of people — friends and family. And what’s more summery than s’mores?” — Alice Choi from Hip Foodie Mom

Get the recipe: Easy S’Mores Dip from Hip Foodie Mom

What are your favorite family-friendly recipes? Let us know in the comments!