Memorial Day is the perfect time to gather around with family and friends, and what better way to keep everyone munching than with some finger foods? Not every party demands a full meal, and these tasty, bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking while you enjoy the sunshine and good company, And since you don’t need silverware, it frees up a hand to hold an ice cold drink—who doesn’t love that?

Finger-Food Appetizers

Deviled eggs are a classic Memorial Day finger food option—try these BLT Deviled Eggs or Pimiento Cheese Bacon Deviled Farm Eggs for a twist on the classic version. For something a little sweet and savory, try Pecan Stuffed Dates or Bacon, Blue Cheese & Fig Tartlets—both are easy to pop in your mouth and packed with flavor. If you’re wanting to satisfy the palates of your littlest guests, Pigs in a Blanket are always a winner, as are Bacon-Wrapped Saltines.

Finger-Food Entrées

Looking for something both handheld and a bit more substantial? Sliders are a great option—from Buffalo Chicken Sliders and Chicken Salad Sliders to Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, Paula’s got you covered!

Finger-Food Desserts

And it’s just not a party without something sweet, and, yes, even your dessert can be handheld! You can’t go wrong with Paula’s Strawberry Tiramisu Bites or Blueberry Cream Cheese Tarts. They’re both fruity, light, and the perfect way to get just the right amount of sweetness!

Which Memorial Day finger food recipes are you planning on serving up? Let us know in the comments below!

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Make-Ahead Appetizers

Start things off with Paula’s Southern Cucumber Salad—it’s refreshing and full of flavor, and, as an added bonus, it’s even better when made ahead because the flavors have a chance to really marinate together. Another great starter option is Paula’s Tomatoes Stuffed with Chicken Salad appetizer! Not only does this make-ahead appetizer make your life a little easier, but it’s easy for your guests to enjoy as well—no silverware needed!

Make-Ahead Entrées 

When it comes to the entrées for Memorial Day, you may want to stick with classic burgers, brats, hot dogs, or grilled chicken, but if you even want to get your main course prepped ahead of time, Paula’s Light Lobster Roll recipe is a great option. Make the filling ahead of time and stick it in the fridge until mealtime. Then, everyone can prep their own sandwich!

Make-Ahead Sides

Sides are one of the easiest ways to work ahead—for instance, you can’t go wrong with a Southern Coleslaw or Southern Pasta Salad, both of which are classic make-ahead recipes. If you’re looking for something even fresher, try a Watermelon and Cucumber Salad or Corn and Carrot Salad with Golden Raisins. And of course, every cookout needs a good Mac and Cheese recipe. Plus, this Barbecue Baked Bean Casserole isn’t just any average baked bean recipe—we promise your guests will go crazy over it!

Make-Ahead Desserts

Of course, we can’t forget the dessert! Paula has plenty of make-ahead Memorial Day dessert recipes, including Strawberry Cream Pie and a Blueberry Cream Pie, both of which will satisfy that sweet tooth! For something a little less conventional, serve up a slice of this incredible Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe for a salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy treat.

Make-Ahead Drink

Lastly, be sure to prep something refreshing to sip on—Paula’s Black Cherry Limeade will keep everyone cool!

Make It Easy with Make-Ahead Recipes

Now that you’ve had a taste of Paula’s make-ahead Memorial Day recipes, be sure to check out the full list of ideas below! And with most of your dishes now prepped and ready ahead of time, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the day with your loved ones. Have a blessed Memorial Day, y’all!

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Labor Day is all about taking it easy, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying the last bit of summer sunshine. So why fuss over fancy recipes when you can whip up some down-home favorites in a jiffy? From grilled BBQ chicken and juicy burger recipes to quick salad recipes and easy lemon bars, these easy recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And with these easy Labor Day recipes, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of your nearest and dearest.

So, my friends, as we bid farewell to summer and prepare to usher in fall, let’s take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and good times. Happy Labor Day, y’all! Now, who’s ready for seconds?

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Picnics, potlucks, parties—with the warmer weather comes plenty of opportunities to eat and hang out with our family and friends. And every sweet opportunity to spend time with our loved ones deserves a sweet ending, don’t you think? When we think about spring dessert recipes, pie is one type of dessert that immediately comes to mind!

There are so many ways to use spring’s best flavors in pies, from coconut and chocolate to berries and citrus fruits. Pies can also be incredibly easy to make! While a homemade pie crust is always a treat, it can also be a labor of love! Pre-made pie crusts can be found at any grocery store, and they significantly reduce the time and effort it takes to put together one of our favorite sweet treats.

Whether you prefer a store-bought crust or a homemade one, a cookie crust or a classic pastry crust, you simply must try some of these spring pie recipes, y’all!

What’s your favorite pie recipe? Let us know in the comments, won’t you?

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From Southern squash casserole and homemade salsa to chicken salad sliders and a blueberry cream pie, these dishes range from red, white, and blue dessert recipes to classic summer side dishes and easy appetizers. We’ve even got the perfect summer drink idea for you! 

Memorial Day, though a solemn day by nature, is always a great time to get together with friends, family, and neighbors, to celebrate the freedom that so many have given their lives for. Will you be making any of these Memorial Day potluck recipes for your patriotic celebration? Let us know which ones in the comments below.

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First up, grab your ingredients. You’ll need the following:

• 1 (9-inch) pie plate
• 1 (9-inch) baked pie crust (Make your own pie crust or pick up a pre-made pie shell from your grocery store.)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 tomatoes, peeled & sliced (Use your favorite tomatoes—roma, beefsteak, or on-the-vine or really dress it up and use a variety of colors and sizes of beautiful heirloom tomatoes!)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces grated white cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces grated yellow cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Once your ingredients are prepped and together, preheat your oven to 350˚F. Place your pie crust into your pie pan and then spread the inside of the pie crust with the Dijon mustard.

Next up, layer in half of the tomatoes (pro-tip: save the prettiest slices for later) before sprinkling them with a little salt and pepper, to taste. Now top the seasoned tomatoes with both the white and yellow Cheddar cheese. Paula likes to grate her own, but if you’re looking to save time, the already shredded cheese in the bag works just as well.

Next up, you’re going to mix the mayonnaise with the Parmesan cheese before spreading it over the top of the pie. This step adds the creaminess that is so important to a Southern tomato pie. 

Now you’re going to bake the tomato pie for approximately 20 minutes. Once it’s bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Lastly, you’ll top it with the remaining, tomato slices. This will be the top of the pie, which is why we like to save the prettiest slices for the end. 

And that’s it folks—just serve it at room temperature with anything from burgers and ribs to fried chicken and pork chops. We love serving this traditional Southern Tomato Pie recipe at brunches, picnics, bridal showers, and barbecues. It’s such a versatile summer side dish!

Does your tomato pie vary from Paula’s recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

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After all, while we’re certainly not entirely free of stress, we’ve all experienced more than a normal amount recently. It feels good to finally be able to reconnect safely with our friends and family after a tough year plus, so getting together for a festive 4^th of July party feels extra wonderful and just so very… normal.

While the focus of our gatherings is on celebrating our country and our relationships with one another, food is also an important part of any get-together. While there is no shortage of recipes that have us cooking up until it’s time to host (or leave for) a party, wouldn’t it be better to enjoy some make-ahead 4^th of July recipes so that you’re not rushing around and starting your time together stressed? We certainly think so! So today, we’re sharing nine make-ahead Fourth of July recipes, including make-ahead main dishes, make-ahead side dish recipes, a make-ahead drink recipe, and a couple of fabulous make-ahead 4^th of July dessert recipes!

Will you be gathering with friends this 4^th of July? Let us know your plans in the comments below!

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No-bake dessert recipes and no-cook dessert recipes couldn’t be simpler—for the most part they consist of stirring, pouring, and chilling. They sound easy, right? That’s because they are! They’re perfect if you’re looking for make-ahead desserts, as oftentimes they need to chill ahead in the refrigerator until they’re ready to serve—no need to serve these fresh from the oven!

From vintage classics, like Ambrosia Salad, to Paula classics, like Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding, and other wonderful no-bake recipes, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste buds and that chatty sweet tooth of yours.

Which will you make first? Let us know in the comments below!

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If you find yourself gathering with friends for the Big Game, then you’ll definitely need a great recipe to share with your friends—Paula has plenty to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a dip for your chips or another tasty appetizer, you’ve come to the right place.

Which of the delicious dip and appetizer recipes below will have your taste buds cheering this weekend? Will it be the Caramelized Vidalia Onion and Blue Cheese Hot Dip or Paula’s Party Popcorn? Or could it be the Chicken Satay with Peanut Butter BBQ Sauce? With so many tasty options, you really can’t go wrong!

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Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial kickoff of summer, and that means it’s the kick off to cookout season too. Unless of course, you live in the South, and you’ve been cooking out regularly since March. If you’re fortunate to have the day off and beautiful weather to boot, we’re here to help you plan out the side dishes you’ll be serving for your Memorial Day cookout. We’ll leave the easy part to you (the main course, of course). But we’ve rounded up some awesome options that pair well with a plethora of entrées, including burgers, steaks, and barbecue.

Whether you’re looking for something rich and decadent, like Macaroni and Cheese with a Potato Chip Crust, or something light and refreshing like a Chilled Grilled Corn and Watermelon Salad, you’ll find it here. Paula has the best sides for a cookout ready and waiting for you. Which Memorial Day side dish recipe will you be making?

Of course, Memorial Day isn’t about the cookouts and days off—it’s about the heroes that gave their lives for this great country. May you be ever grateful for the freedoms afforded by our brave servicemen and women, and may God bless America!

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