The Perfect Skirt Steak Recipe + 17 Ways to Use the Leftovers ALL Week

Whip up this spicy-hot dip for a snack that guests (and you!) won't be able to get enough of. (via Brit + Co)

Sink your teeth into the flaky goodness of these Southern-inspired biscuits. They're easy to prep ahead of time, and they can be enjoyed with layers of fried chicken and honey *just* as good as on their own. (via Brit + Co)

Whether you like your lemonade spiked or prefer to go the traditional route, a big batch of this refreshing sipper will be delish either way. (via Brit + Co)

These veggie patties beg for just 15 minutes of prep time. From there, you can keep them locked-and-loaded in the fridge to be cooked at a later time for your barbecue party! (via Brit + Co)

Any reason to indulge in a big batch of creamy bacon dip is a good one, and when it's this easy, there is never an excuse not to. File this under your go-to make-ahead barbecue recipes for big crowds. (via Brit + Co)

With this easy dessert, just bundle up your fave s'mores accessories with a banana into some foil. These are an exceptional choice to make if you're already grilling, because all they need to be done is a few minutes over the coals! Prep them and keep them safe in the fridge until your sweet tooth calls. (via Brit + Co)

Once you've got an abundance of veggies on-hand, build your taco dip within 10 minutes to be devoured the next day! (via Brit + Co)

Top these pretzel bites with the cheese of your choice – we promise anything will go well with this pick. Serve alongside some burgers and hot dogs, and your barbecue function is all set! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Serve up an unexpected twist on the typical BBQ fare with these Asian-inspired meatballs served in crispy lettuce cups and drizzled with a sweet chili soy sauce. (via My Foodbook)

This vegan pie is so full of freshness. Top your crust with summer peaches, arugula, onion, vegan cheese, and more, and toss it on the grill for a BBQ-worthy bite. (via The Edgy Veg)

The slow cooker is *the* holy grail appliance when it comes to make-ahead barbecue meals. Throw all your ingredients in, and you can forget about your barbecue dish for the next six hours. From there, just shred and serve! (via Table For Two)

There's a reason why some flavor combinations just keep coming back, and mozzarella, tomatoes and basil are one of them. Keep it nice and simple with this easy skewered appetizer. (via Wholefully)

Wings are *so* much easier to make with an air fryer. These easy bites get tossed in a thick, spicy sauce that'll get cooled down by a creamy blue cheese dip! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Grab that can of garbanzo beans hiding in the back of your cabinet and make them the star of the show. These are so good, that you might just want to save them all for yourself. (via Love & Lemons)

These Make-Ahead BBQ Recipes Are Too Good To Pass Up

Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this appetizer a cinch to put together. Their grab-and-go size also ensures that your guests will be able to socialize instead of waiting forever in line. (via Well Plated)

This colorful pasta pick will stay good in the fridge for a few days, so you can totally make it ahead of time! Crunchy veg meets a creamy coleslaw flavor that'll help you beat the summer heat. (via This Wife Cooks)

Make these mashed potatoes up to two days in advance and pop them in the oven the day of the BBQ. Your guests will think you spent all morning slaving over the hot stove. Don't worry, though — your culinary secret is safe with us. (via No. 2 Pencil)

Make some meatball patties in advance and store them in your fridge for three days – or the freezer for up to two weeks. Then, you can just top them with cheese and heat everything up 30 minutes before serving. (via The Yummy Life)

Standing over a hot grill all summer afternoon is no way to enjoy your day. Pre-cook your chicken in the oven the night before, and it'll only need a quick reheat on the grill the day of. (via Cook The Story)

It's really not a real barbecue feast if you don't have a cheesy mac to go on the side. This one takes notes from traditional soul food methods, adding in three, yes three different types of cheeses for texture and taste. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Whip up a big batch of frozen daiquiris the day before, and you'll get to enjoy them instead of being tied to the blender all barbecue long. (via The Yummy Life)

Mini sandwiches FTW! These buffalo beauties are made with pre-cooked deli wings, so they'll be ready before you even know it. (via Home Made Interest)

This cheese ball is a big dill to us. Generously coated in pickle pieces, sesame seeds, and cheese, each scoop you take will fulfill the salty cravings. (via The Fast Recipe)

Another take on traditional pasta salad, this one is covered in a delicious sesame-peanut sauce and topped with peanuts and fresh cucumber right before serving for a fresh crunch. (via Tadka Pasta)

This dip might have a lot of ingredients, but it comes together in an instant with just a little choppin' and droppin'. (via Southern Spicy Kitchen)

Eliminate the need for a long prep time with this easy BBQ-friendly recipe! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is the star of the show here, covering tender slider buns in juicy texture. Take the rest of the toppings as a choose-your-own-adventure job! (via Cozy Cravings)

Trying to cook enough potatoes for everyone in the oven would take all day, not to mention your house would turn into a sauna. Cool off and let your crock pot do the work. Did we convince you to buy one yet? (via Family Fresh Meals)

In less than 30 minutes you can have the perfect easy-to-eat appetizer thanks to a package of frozen phyllo shells. You can thank us later. (via Let's Dish)

Panzanella provides the perfect balance between carbs and veggies. This well-seasoned one is constructed from only *the best* produce. (via Chef Bai)

Why make a big, heaping batch of chicken pot pie, when you could playfully serve it up personal-sized? These pockets get prepped ahead of time, enveloping a veggie medley in tender puff pastry. After that, just bake them golden brown, according to the recipe! (via Barley & Sage)

BBQ goes super well with fresh watermelon. This recipe pick makes a spicy twist on your regular fruit salad, adding some zing to your outdoor dining game. (via Amanda Wilens)

Cookout Recipes You Have To Try

Mexican Chicken & Avocado Wraps

Wraps are a super tasty and super easy meal to make before any group dinner. We're filling ours with spiced chicken, red peppers, spinach, and avocado. Our mouths are already watering. (via Brit + Co)

Black Bean Burgers

Prep these black bean burger patties for any veggie guests coming to the BBQ. This cookout recipe can be personalized to your tastes with your preferred bean style and only take about 15 minutes to prep. (via Brit + Co)

Homemade Salsa

Save the jar salsa for another time and whip up this super fresh, spicy, and chunky homemade version. Be careful when blending the ingredients so not to turn it into a gazpacho. (via Brit + Co)

Elote One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Name a better group food than pasta salad. We'll wait. (via Brit + Co)

3-2-1 Ribs Method

The 3-2-1 method of cooking ribs refers to the number of hours spent at each stage. Three hours are spent smoking the meat, unwrapped and at a low temperature. Then there are two more hours of continued smoking, this time wrapped in foil. Lastly, there’s one final hour of smoking. This method ensures flavorful and tender ribs every time. (via Fox Valley Foodie)

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheese and potatoes are one of the best combos ever, amirite? These scalloped potatoes can be made way in advance and reheated right before serving. Just try not to eat them all before your guests arrive. (via Chew Out Loud)

Strawberry Oreo Chocolate Icebox Cake

Icebox cakes have been a potluck staple since… forever. This strawberry Oreo recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will be loved by adults and children alike. The cake needs to be made at least eight hours before your party so the cookies have time to soften, so allow for plenty of chilling time. (via Sweetest Menu)

Crockpot Corn On The Cob

Give yourself at least two hours before your dinner to make this dish. The key to making a corn on the cob that everyone will remember until next summer's cookouts is the garlic herb butter. Yummmm. (via Brit + Co)

Honey Strawberry Basil Margarita

Not only is a marg one of our favorite poolside sips, but strawberries, basil, and honey just all hit different in the summertime. This recipe only makes sense. (via Brit + Co)

Hailey Bieber's Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These drool-worthy wings have a secret ingredient in them for maximum crispiness: avocado oil. You can prep the buttermilk marinade and refrigerate the wings in brine for a few hours before they're ready to quickly cook in an air fryer. (via Brit + Co)

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs Cookout Recipe

With tomatoes, avocados, and corn, this cookout recipe is making us seriously consider chopping up a hot dog the next time we make burrito bowls. (via Brit + Co)

BLT Deviled Eggs

Sundried tomatoes, green onions and bacon are the delicious threesome that makes up the filling of these delightful deviled eggs. Be sure to make extra, because these will fly off of the platter as soon as you set them out. (via Ketogasm)

Cowboy Caviar

If you’re interested in testing out your knife skills, this dip is great for practice. It’s full of hearty beans, cilantro, chopped peppers and onion. You can even try adding a chopped avocado if you’re a major guac fan (and who isn’t?). (via Culinary Hill)

Homemade Hamburger Buns

If you really want to impress a crowd, show up to a party with homemade hamburger buns. They’re not at all as difficult as you would think, and they’re the best accompaniment to a gourmet burger. (via Domestic Dreamboat)

Your Summer Won't Be The Same Without These Cookout Recipes

Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad

Pasta salad is a must-have cookout recipe, but you may not have had it with orzo. It’s just the right size to mix with finely chopped veggies and goes great with the fresh flavors of lemon and cucumber. Allow this to sit in the fridge overnight so the pasta can absorb all that delicious flavor. (via Give Recipe)

Fruit Salad With Lemon Dressing

By the time everyone has scarfed down their burgers and potato salad, dessert might be an afterthought. This fruit salad is a wonderful post-dinner treat that eases your sweet craving without being too heavy. (via Paleo Leap)

Vegan Bacon + Cheese Loaded Potato Skins

With spicy cashew cream sauce and mushroom bacon, these potato skins might just become your favorite summer dish. We'll be making these for every cookout forever and always. (via Brit + Co)

Boozy Sangria Popsicles

We love sangria. We love popsicles. This is a match made in heaven. You'll definitely want to make these ahead of time so that they have enough time to freeze, but make sure you wait to take them out of the freezer so they don't melt ;). (via Brit + Co)

Make-Ahead Layered Picnic Salad

Your mom will be so proud when you bring out this dish she made when you were a kid. There’s a reason this type of layered salad has stood the test of time: It’s easy, delicious and can be assembled way before your barbecue. (via The Kitchen Is My Playground)

Grilled Maple Sriracha Chicken Skewers

These simple skewers have only four ingredients, but pack some intense flavor. The chicken is best marinated overnight and takes only 15 minutes to grill the next day. Score! (via Table for Two)

Minty Pea Salad

We’ve all had those moments when we forget about a barbecue until the day before. Those times call for this easy salad that can be made on the fly or ahead of time. (via Budget Bytes)

Potato Salad Bites

It’s just not a Memorial Day cookout without potato salad, but the same-old-same-old can get a bit boring. These little two-bite potatoes are a mix of potato salad and a twice-baked potato. They’re perfect as an appetizer or as a cute hand-held side dish. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Blow Your Own Mind With These Tasty Cookout Recipes!

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon With Sage and Black Pepper

Class up any outdoor party with these sweet and salty prosciutto-melon bites. The mix of flavors is addictive, but there’s no cooking involved. That means you can wrangle in just about anyone to help you assemble. (via The Homemade Haus)

Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Put together all of these shrimp boil packets whenever you have a spare moment — that way, all you have to do is throw them on the grill come party time. Did we mention there’s also ZERO cleanup involved? (via Damn Delicious)

Vegan Barbecue Baked Beans

When hosting a cookout, it may be tempting to grab a can of baked beans from the store and call it a day. Refrain from that temptation and you will *not* be sorry you took the time to make your own. The flavor is unreal, and you can even mix everything up and throw it in your crockpot if you like. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Easy Cheesy Hot Corn Dip Cookout Recipe

This dip is chock full of enough cheese to please the kids, and enough veggies to please the parents. Everyone will be happy! Serve with chips or just dig in with a spoon. (via Brit + Co)

Healthy Pepperoni Pasta Salad

This pasta salad could be a whole meal in itself. It’s packed with veggies, protein and whole grains that will keep you energized for all the fun outdoor games (lookin’ at you, volleyball). (via Well Plated)

Vegan Mexican Sweet Potato Salad With Avocado Dressing

You’ve never had potato salad like this before. If you’re dying to switch it up, go for this Mexican version with corn, avocado and chipotle. Everyone will be begging you for the recipe. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Cajun Crawfish Queso

When you think of queso you might not think of seafood, but you'd be surprised how tasty this crawfish cheese dip actually tastes. Don't forget the cajun mix! (via Brit + Co)

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Greek Yogurt Popsicles

Cold treats on a hot day are absolute summer perfection. These pops last in the freezer for weeks, so don't be afraid to make a big batch… just in case. (via Tastes of Lizzy T's)

Healthy Coleslaw

A coleslaw recipe is a pre-req for any Memorial Day or cookout bashes! Carrots and celery come together with a healthy swap for the classic mayonnaise dressing made with yogurt. You'll love it and so will your guests. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Carrot Hot Dogs

Prep your carrots with maple syrup and coconut aminos to give them a surprisingly meaty flavor. Whip up some BBQ sauce and aioli, and throw your favorite hot dog toppings into tiny bowls for everyone to serve themselves. (via Brit + Co)

Breakfast Burger

There's a chance you've had an egg on a burger before, but have you had an egg *and* sausage *and* hash browns?! If your answer is no, it's never too late to try it out. (via Brit + Co)

Decadent Potato Chip Brownies

This cookout recipe is an amazing addition to any #TreatYourselfThursday. There are lots of sweet and salty combos we love, and these brownies take the cake! (via Brit + Co)

The Best Polka Dot Tops

Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Tie-Front Top

Not only are polka dots popular, but tie-front tops are also trending! Putting both together has to be the work of a marketing genius who knows we're looking for the least complicated tops to wear during spring.

LOFT Dotted Everyday Relaxed Shirt

If you'll be logging more hours at work and want to participate in this trend, LOFT's relaxed polka dot shirt help you avoid FOMO. It's lightweight and breathable, so you won't have to worry about sweat stains ruining your business casual OOTD.

Old Navy V-Neck Button-Down Crepe Top

Give your crew neck tops a break and reach for Old Navy's take on polka dots. Though it's hard to tell, they're actually navy instead of black so you can almost treat it like a neutral that pairs well with a bright red or butter yellow bag!

MAJORELLE Joy Bodysuit

Have dinner plans with your girls or that sexy guy you bumped into at Trader Joe's? We suggest you wear this off-shoulder polk dot bodysuit that shows the right amount of skin. Think of it as a peek-a-boo piece that gives you the freedom to add your favorite fragrances near your neck without ruining your top.

ELOQUII Satin Bubble Top

Say yes to that party invite you just received because we've found the most breathtaking top for you to wear! This satin bubble top feels as flirty as it looks and is guaranteed to have all eyes on you most of the night.

P.S. Don't be surprised if you get a hot stranger's number while wearing this!

Ashley Stewart Polka Dot Poplin Blouse

If you need another workwear top that aligns with the polka dot trend, reach for Ashley's Stewart's poplin design. It features elasticized cuffs that sit perfectly on the wrist and the overall top has enough stretch in it to keep you comfortable all day.

The Best Mini Polka Dot Dresses

The Reformation x Devon Lee Carlson Cher Dress

In need of a cute, but uncomplicated spring dress? Reach for this mini polka dot dress that can be worn with flats or sneakers. Besides being pretty, it's also made of organic cotton, lyocell, and other fabrics that cut back on waste.

P.S. Of course it's possible to be stylish and sustainable!

Ghospell Ruched Asymmetric Polka Dot Mini Dress

Where are you going to wear this mini dress? The choice is yours, but we have a few solo date ideas geared towards inspiring you to romanticize your life.

If you want our honest opinion, we think it's the perfect dress to wear to an art gallery followed by dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Hollister Crepe Mini Dress

Not a fan of a brown or deep tan polka dot piece? We understand which is why we came prepared with Hollister's mini dress. All you need is a slightly oversized denim jacket, a pair of Adidas Samba, and your favorite clutch.

The Best Midi Polka Dot Dresses

Abercrombie & Fitch Women's Dipped-Waist Midi Dress

Slip into a similar, yet longer version of the above mini dress if you're worried about the back of what you're wearing rising up every time you sit or bend over. You'll be saved from accidental exposures should the wind decide to blow strongly the day you decide to wear something that has a shorter hemline.

ASTR The Label Eirene Polka Dot Midi Dress

Do we spell wedding bells for someone you know? It's only right you wear this polka dot midi dress that has a lace bodice and shoulder straps. It won't take away from the bride's gorgeous gown, but you'll nice and stylish!

Lulu's Black Polka Dot Satin Midi Dress

On the contrary, this contrasting polk dot dress is another great date night option. Though it seems simple, we know that your outfits don't always have to be over-the-top. Just slide into a great pair of black heels and grab a clutch that has a black strap or gold hardware clasp on it!

The Best Maxi Polka Dot Dresses 

Pretty Little Thing White Polka Dot Corseted Dress

We can totally imagine someone taking their proposal pictures in this polka dot corseted dress! It's more structured than most bandeau tops, so your "girls" won't spill out when you bend over slightly to pretend you're fixing your shoe in your pictures!

Princess Polly Marguerite Halter Maxi Dress

You don't need a reason to wear a polka dot maxi dress during vacation, so we won't give you one. The only thing we'll say is you'll be able to adjust the halter so that it doesn't unravel at the worst possible moment.

Reformation Naira Dress

Someone may look at this dress and worry it'll make them look like a "trad wife," but not all traditions are bad. You can pretend you're living in a modern version of Breakfast at Tiffany's whenever you wear it because you are the main character.

The Best Polka Dot Swimsuits

Club L London Sheer Bliss Black Polka Dot Swimsuit

This has retro Betty Boop all over it! From the perfect polka dot print to the organza shoulder ties, we just know you're going to enjoy wearing this. It doesn't matter if you're taking a dip in the ocean or in your own background, we know you'll look amazing in this.

For Love & Lemons Denim Dot One Piece Swimsuit

While you're at it, give this denim polka dot swimsuit a chance. It's equally as gorgeous as the above option and exudes the kind of "vintage" appeal that someone is bound to appreciate.

J. Crew Gemma Ruched Bandeau One-Piece

Take the biggest risk ever and wear this bandeau one-piece swimsuit. The polk dots are slightly bigger, but it works because they give the illusion of a longer torso if you don't have one. Plus, you'll look similar to the 1950s swim Barbie!