We recently asked our Facebook followers what they love to make during the Southern summer. From the incredibly enthusiastic responses, it’s clear that this is the perfect time for home cooks to create the freshest, most flavorful recipes. It may be hot, but it’s also the perfect time to stock up on in-season fruits and vegetables at farm stands, farmers markets, and local markets. Here are some popular recipes our readers love to make with summer’s bounty.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Tory Cox
It’s no surprise that tomato sandwiches were a big hit. What’s your favorite sandwich? Tomatoes, soft white bread, and lots of mayonnaise.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
Fried green tomatoes come and go, so when they’re on a menu, our editors always order them, but if you have the time and plenty of green tomatoes, it’s worth making them from scratch.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors-Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daly
Summer breakfasts get even sweeter with a fresh twist: adding sweet, juicy blueberries takes your pancakes up a notch.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Tory Cox
Maybe the no-cook nature of this barbecue classic is why our readers keep making this recipe over and over again: Made with black-eyed peas, hominy, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cilantro tossed in a tangy Italian dressing, it’s fresh and flavorful.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Tory Cox
We always leave space in our stomachs for dessert, and in the summer, that also means leaving room for cobbler. Fresh blueberries and a scoop of ice cream turn this refreshing recipe into a treat during the hot, warm weather.
Victor Protacio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Kristin Keeley
Tasting your first bowl of homemade tomato pie is a sure sign that summer is here, and while this recipe isn’t the easiest to make, readers think it’s a must-have for Southern fun.
We love peaches in all their forms, and our readers agree that this simple idea is perfect for when you don’t want to go to any effort.
While many people are happy with a good old-fashioned tomato sandwich, some just can’t resist adding bacon to it. Bacon makes everything better.
Robbie Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors-Hall
Pasta salad is a must-have at potluck parties, backyard barbecues, picnics, family gatherings, etc. Recreate your mom’s favorite recipe that combines pasta, broccoli, grapes and nuts.
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Eggs? Mayonnaise? Opinions vary on what should and shouldn’t go in a classic potato salad, and everyone has their own ideas on what makes the perfect potato salad, but we can all agree that potato salad is a summer staple.
Alison Miksch, Prop Stylist: Kay Clark, Food Stylist: Tory Cox
It’s no surprise that okra is a staple at Southern summer gatherings, so ignore the haters and enjoy the slimy staple with our cooking tips. This recipe will become a must-make summer dish.
Put your summer pumpkin bounty to good use with this easy, creamy casserole, which is perfect to make ahead and freeze. Pumpkin casserole may be a top summer menu favorite, but it’s delicious any time of the year (yes, we’d love to see you at Christmas, too).
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Tory Cox
Embrace summer with this refreshing Lemon Icebox Pie. Creamy and tangy, this pie is perfect for potlucks and picnics.
Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors-Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Cobbler makes it onto the list not once but twice, this time with peaches as the star. Whatever the fruit, don’t forget to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Summer and ice cream go hand in hand. While we’re always hitting up our local ice cream shop to get our favorite flavors, the rich, creamy taste of homemade ice cream is hard to beat.
Will Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ali Ramey
Salads of all kinds are welcome at our potlucks and picnics, and our readers tell us you can’t go wrong with pasta salad, potato salad, or creamy broccoli slaw.
Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
It wouldn’t be a Grandma-approved Southern occasion without some delicious baked beans, and this popular recipe is made with bacon, onions, and canned pork and beans.
Hannah Zimmerman/Southern Living
In the South, some of the best salads don’t even contain lettuce — take one example: a bowl of cucumber and dill pickled in a sweet and sour vinegar-based brine.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Tory Cox
Of course, nothing says summer like the sweetness of the beloved strawberry shortcake, and this classic recipe started popping up around Mother’s Day and remains popular all season long.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Tory Cox
Want to impress all your potluck party guests? Spontaneously bring a layered cornbread salad loaded with bacon, cornbread, cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, and more. This is a true crowd-pleaser that’s worthy of a blue ribbon award.
