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    Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Summer Family Dinner Ideas

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    Pin split image with text showing different summer dinner recipe ideas.

    These summer family dinner ideas include all the best recipes to share with your loved ones while school is out for the summertime! From grilled meats to fuss-free crockpot meals, each dish will have your family rushing to the dinner table! Who knows, you may find a new family favorite recipe!

    Best Summer Family Dinner Recipes

    The long days of summer mean you have a little more time on your hands to whip up some new and unique family dinner recipes. Not to mention, it's the perfect time to fire up your grill or smoker!

    Below are a few of my favorite summer family dinner ideas that have always been a hit with my own family, so yours is sure to love them too! You could also choose a few of my summer vegetable side dishes to round out the meal!

    Square split image showing different summer dinner recipe ideas.
    Jump to:
    • Best Summer Family Dinner Recipes
    • 1. Smoked Duck
    • 2. BBQ Shrimp
    • 3. Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
    • 4. Slow Cooker Goulash
    • 5. Grilled Baby Back Ribs
    • 6. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
    • 7. Steak Stir Fry
    • 8. Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta
    • 9. Pineapple Chicken
    • 10. Mexican Lasagna
    • 11. Chicken Bacon Risotto
    • 12. Slow Cooker Beef Cheek Tacos
    • 13. Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
    • 14. Taco Stuffed Shells
    • 15. Chicken Sausage with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes
    • Tips For Choosing Summer Family Dinners
    • ☀️ 🍟 🥗 Summer Side Dishes To Try
    • 📋 Recipe
    • Summer Family Dinner Ideas: Smoked Duck (+More Delicious Recipes!)
    • Ingredients US CustomaryMetric
    • Instructions
    • Equipment You May Need
    • Notes
    • 💬 Comments
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    1. Smoked Duck

    For most people, duck isn't a frequent dinner option which means any time it is served feels like a special occasion! This smoked duck is spatchcocked, so every bit of the meat is exposed to the smoke. The skin crisps up golden brown, and the flavor is out of this world!

    Smoked Duck
    This smoked duck is tender, juicy, smoky, and basted with sweet maple syrup and honey glaze for a showstopping meal! The bird is dry-brined overnight and then spatchcocked so that it cooks evenly and perfectly. Pair it with any of your favorite side dishes for a dinner that is sure to please!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of spatchcock smoked duck on a cutting board.

    2. BBQ Shrimp

    This 10-minute BBQ shrimp is perfect for summertime backyard barbecues! You can use your favorite bottle of BBQ sauce or give my sweet and smokey honey BBQ sauce a try!

    BBQ Shrimp
    My BBQ shrimp is the perfect summer grilling recipe for seafood lovers, and it's so incredibly quick and easy! All you need is shrimp, a little oil, salt & pepper, and a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce! The BBQ sauce caramelizes and makes for the most delicious shrimp you'll ever try!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of grilled bbq shrimp.

    3. Chicken Teriyaki Skewers

    Your family will love these grilled bites of chicken coated in sticky teriyaki sauce! You can always grill some veggies alongside the meat or add them to your chicken skewers to make it a full meal.

    Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
    These chicken teriyaki skewers combine tender bite-sized pieces of chicken with the rich and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce! The meat is marinated for a few hours before being grilled to perfection and brushed with a delicious glaze! Serve these skewers alongside any of your favorite sides for a complete meal that the entire family will enjoy.
    Check out this recipe
    Wide close up image showing chicken teriyaki skewers and veggies.

    4. Slow Cooker Goulash

    This easy crockpot recipe for macaroni noodles with seasoned ground beef is a fuss-free family favorite you can set and forget until dinnertime. It's a super easy dinner option for summertime, but honestly, it's delicious any time of year!

    Slow Cooker Goulash
    This slow cooker goulash is a flavorful and delicious meal that is packed with macaroni noodles, ground beef, and seasonings. Using a slow cooker for this American goulash is incredibly simple, allowing you to just throw the ingredients in and let the magic happen while you go about your day! It's a simple comfort food that the entire family will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of a plate of slow cooker goulash.

    5. Grilled Baby Back Ribs

    Nothing says summertime like some fall-off-the-bone tender grilled baby back ribs! These perfectly caramelized ribs are super easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, including a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce.

    Grilled Baby Back Ribs
    These grilled baby back ribs are cooked in a foil packet to keep them fall apart tender, moist, and super juicy! They're basted with your favorite BBQ sauce and liquid smoke, then cooked until sticky and caramelized! If you're looking for a finger-licking-good rib recipe for this summer, you've found it!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image showing grilled baby back ribs.

    6. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

    This ultra meaty and cheesy spaghetti bake is a highly requested dinner at my house. Pair it with some easy air fryer garlic bread for a new spin on spaghetti night!

    Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
    Million dollar spaghetti casserole is an easy family dinner that features layers of al dente spaghetti, meat sauce, and creamy cheeses! While the name may sound extravagant, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions! Each bite is a wonderful blend of savory, tangy, and rich flavors that will leave everyone craving for more!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of Million dollar spaghetti casserole.

    7. Steak Stir Fry

    This 30-minute steak stir fry is loaded with tender-crisp veggies and my delicious homemade stir-fry sauce. It's a great way to use up any extra summer vegetables you may have lying around, too!

    Steak Stir Fry
    Steak stir fry is a delicious and healthy dish that combines tender steak with a variety of vegetables and tasty stir-fry sauce! You can easily customize it by swapping out the veggies with any of your favorite kinds! Ready to serve in under 30 minutes, this is a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of steak stir fry on a white plate.

    8. Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta

    If your family loves seafood, they'll be head over heels for this creamy smoked salmon pasta! Best of all, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish!

    Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta
    My creamy smoked salmon pasta is a luxurious and indulgent seafood dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy! The smoky and savory salmon flavor pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy pasta sauce. Not to mention, it's a quick 15-minute recipe that can be whipped up in a flash!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of creamy smoked salmon pasta on a white plate with dill and a lemon wedge.

    >>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<

    9. Pineapple Chicken

    This sweet and savory pineapple chicken has plenty of tropical flavors reminiscent of summertime! It's delicious over white rice, hibachi noodles, or even inside lettuce wraps.

    Pineapple Chicken
    Pineapple chicken is a delicious stir fry recipe that combines pineapple, chicken thighs, and veggies in a sweet & savory sauce! It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can be served as-is or over rice! So ditch the takeout and try this boldly flavorful tropical stir fry recipe at home today!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of pineapple chicken.

    10. Mexican Lasagna

    Mexican lasagna is a flavorful twist on classic lasagna made with layers of corn tortillas instead of pasta. It also features plenty of seasoned ground beef, cheese, beans, green chiles, and tomatoes!

    Mexican Lasagna
    This Mexican lasagna is a delicious casserole with layers of savory ground beef, beans, cheese, corn tortillas, and more! It's quick and easy to prepare the beef mixture filling before the oven cooks the lasagna to bubbly deliciousness. Perfect for serving a large and hungry crowd - plus, it's on the table in about an hour!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of Mexican lasagna in a glass baking dish.

    11. Chicken Bacon Risotto

    Chicken bacon risotto is pure comfort food full of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and smokey bacon. It's rich and indulgent without being overly heavy, making it a great meal to enjoy with your family this summer!

    Chicken Bacon Risotto
    This chicken bacon risotto is a creamy, flavorful (elevated) comfort food that comes together in less than 40 minutes! It is easier to make than you might think and is definitely worth the small bit of effort! Of course, it is so delicious that everyone will ask for seconds!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of bacon & chicken risotto.

    12. Slow Cooker Beef Cheek Tacos

    These beef cheek tacos are the perfect way to elevate your Taco Tuesdays! Your crockpot does all the hard work, and the result is tender, perfectly seasoned barbacoa that makes for an incredible street taco.

    Slow Cooker Beef Cheek Tacos (Barbacoa de Cachete)
    These slow cooker beef cheek tacos (barbacoa de cachete) are the perfect hands-off meal for any day of the week! Simply add your beef cheeks to your slow cooker along with some onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt, and then let it cook while you go about your day! Use this tender and flavorful Mexican pulled beef for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image showing slow cooker beef cheek tacos.

    13. Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

    Ranch chicken is a cheesy and creamy mixture of tender ranch-seasoned chicken that can be served on rice, potatoes, noodles, and more! It's easy to prepare and always a hit with kids and parents alike!

    Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
    This slow cooker ranch chicken is the perfect one-pot meal that can be prepared in the morning and then enjoyed for dinner! With only 5 ingredients, you'll be ready to just set it and forget it! Serve it over rice, noodles, or potatoes for an effortless and delicious meal that even the pickiest eaters will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of slow cooker Ranch chicken over white rice.

    14. Taco Stuffed Shells

    If you can't choose between Mexican or Italian cuisine, why not have both? These stuffed pasta shells are filled to the brim with a flavorful mixture of taco-seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese!

    Taco Stuffed Shells
    These taco stuffed shells are a quick, easy, and completely delicious meal that even kids will love to eat! There are only 5 ingredients needed for this cheesy, beefy, and pasta-packed recipe! Since it is ready to go in only 30 minutes, it's a perfect dinner for even a busy weeknight!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of taco stuffed shells.

    15. Chicken Sausage with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes

    Tossing chicken sausage, fresh apples, onions, and potatoes onto one sheet pan and baking it in the oven is one of the easiest summertime dinners! Better yet, it means there is only one dish to wash!

    Chicken Sausage with Apples
    This chicken sausage with apples, onions, and potatoes sheet pan dinner is easy to make and bursting with sweet and savory flavors! With just 10 minutes of prep work, you'll have a mouthwatering meal that's sure to please everyone at the table! Simply toss all the ingredients together, place them on a baking sheet, then let the oven do the work for you!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of chicken sausage with apples.

    Tips For Choosing Summer Family Dinners

    Here are a few great tips and tricks to consider when planning your summer family dinners. Also, consider the summer temperatures where you live; some summers are more pleasant than others!

    1. Use seasonal produce: When choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, opt for ones that are in season during the summertime. These fruits and veggies are more flavorful and affordable during this time of year.
    2. Fire up the grill: Whether you're hanging by the pool or enjoying a meal on the back patio, grilled meals are the perfect way to enjoy the summer weather. You can experiment with different marinades and grilling techniques to find a flavor your family loves!
    3. Explore international cuisines: While the kids are out of school, it's the perfect time to introduce them to new cultures and flavors! Try out some new-to-you recipes, such as Mediterranean, Thai, or Mexican cuisine!
    4. Make it interactive: Family dinners where everyone can customize their own meal are always a hit! Burger bars, hot dog bars, and taco bars are a great way to get the kids engaged in dinnertime.
    5. Plan for outdoor dining: Warm summer evenings are a great time to enjoy a backyard picnic, barbecue in the park, or dinner on the beach! Plan your meal around how easy it will be to transport and serve at your desired location.

    I hope your family enjoys these summer dinner recipes as much as mine does! Let me know how everything turns out by dropping a comment below!

    Square split image showing different vegetable side dish recipe ideas.

    ☀️ 🍟 🥗 Summer Side Dishes To Try

    • Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes - These rich and creamy mashed potatoes are delicious with butter or gravy!
    • Steamed Corn on the Cob - Corn on the cob is the perfect accompaniment to smoked or grilled meats and seafood!
    • Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese - The rich, cheesy, and smokey flavor of this mac and cheese is perfect for summertime!
    • Lobster Salad - Cold and creamy lobster salad makes a refreshing side dish or sandwich!
    • Caesar Salad - When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a light Caesar salad and homemade dressing.
    • Broccolini Slaw - This cool and crispy broccolini slaw is a great alternative to classic coleslaw!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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    📋 Recipe

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    5 from 3 reviews

    Summer Family Dinner Ideas: Smoked Duck (+More Delicious Recipes!)

    These summer family dinner ideas include all the best recipes to share with your loved ones while school is out for the summertime! From grilled meats to fuss-free crockpot meals, each dish will have your family rushing to the dinner table! Who knows, you may find a new family favorite recipe!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 3 servings
    Calories: 3213kcal
    Prep 5 minutes minutes
    Cooking 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Resting Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
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    Ingredients
     

    • 5 lb duck
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • ¼ cup honey
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

    Instructions

    • To get started, rinse your duck under cold water and pat it completely dry using paper towels. Trim off any excess skin, remove the tail, and trim the wing tips if desired. If there are any giblets or other packages inside the body cavity, remove those and discard them (or save them for something else).
    • Use corn on the cob keepers to carefully pierce all over the skin of your 5 lb duck (avoiding piercing the meat itself). Generously season the entire bird with 1 tablespoon salt, set it into a baking pan, and then place it uncovered in the fridge to dry brine overnight.
      5 lb duck, 1 tablespoon salt
    • The next day, preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C). Remove the duck from the fridge and spatchcock the bird (remove the backbone, flip it over, and firmly press down to break the breast bone so that it lays flat).
    • Sprinkle the duck with a little more salt and ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper and then place it into the smoker.
      ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • Smoke your duck for a total of 30 minutes per pound. After the first 40 minutes of cooking, mix together ¼ cup honey and ¼ cup maple syrup and brush the mixture onto the duck every 30-40 minutes until it is done cooking.
      ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup maple syrup
    • Once the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°) remove it from the smoker, lightly cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

    Equipment You May Need

    Smoker (Traeger, pellet, wood, charcoal, or an electric smoker)
    Kitchen Shears
    Basting Brush
    Measuring Cups

    Notes

    • Hang on to your trimmings and giblets to make some duck broth that can be used in a delicious smoked duck and mushroom risotto!
    • Duck is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°), but you'll want to remove it from the smoker when it reaches 160°F (71°) as the internal temperature will continue to rise an additional 5°F while resting (called "carryover cooking"). 
    • Soy sauce OR balsamic vinegar would make a great addition to your honey and syrup mixture. You could also add a splash of orange juice!
    • Spatchcock the duck so that it can lay flat in your smoker and cook evenly.
    • Dry brining the duck will help to remove any excess moisture from the skin, causing it to become nice and crispy.
    • I recommend using fruity hardwoods, such as maple, apple, cherry, or pecan. 
    • To store: Keep any leftover duck stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend carving the duck for easier storage.
    • To reheat: Place your duck meat into a baking dish with a small amount of chicken broth or water. Tightly cover it with some aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C). 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 3213kcal (161%) | Carbohydrates: 41g (14%) | Protein: 87g (174%) | Fat: 297g (457%) | Saturated Fat: 100g (625%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 38g | Monounsaturated Fat: 141g | Cholesterol: 575mg (192%) | Sodium: 2805mg (122%) | Potassium: 1658mg (47%) | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 39g (43%) | Vitamin A: 1271IU (25%) | Vitamin C: 21mg (25%) | Calcium: 116mg (12%) | Iron: 18mg (100%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    how to smoke duck, how to spatchcock duck, Smoked Duck, smoked duck ingredients, smoked duck recipe, spatchcock duck, summer family dinner ideas
    Course Dinner Recipes, Game Meat Recipes, Main Course, Smoked Meats
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/
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    Hi there, I'm Angela! I'm an avid vintage cookbook collector, recipe creator, animal lover, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, and creative recipes as well as great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to make sure that cooks of any experience level can be successful. Enjoy!

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