83 Summer Recipes for Easy Outdoor Entertaining (2024)

Chicken Skewers With Almond Couscous and Kale

Here's a quick chicken meal that's great for a dinner party. To serve family style, arrange the charred kale and couscous on a platter with the skewers piled on top. (Any chicken drippings will be welcome on the pilaf.) Pay homage to the Moroccan-inspired flavors by serving fresh mint tea alongside dessert.

Roasted Eggplant and Olive Pasta Salad

Who doesn't love a good pasta salad recipe? Salty olives and feta cheese combine with fresh tomatoes, chewy pasta, and tender cubes of roasted eggplant to make this the perfect satisfying and healthy lunch or dinner. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so make ahead for your get-together.

Spring Green Salad

This simple salad recipe proves that a fresh-tasting hearty plate of greens and mix-ins can be part of a delicious meal the whole family (and guests) will love. The base is romaine lettuce hearts—the crispiest of lettuces—with chopped cucumber, snap peas, and edamame mixed in. Add chives and mint from a fresh herb garden, plus pistachios for crunch, and it's pretty much a perfect salad.

The dressing's a creamy avocado and yogurt mixture with a Caesar-esque twist. If you or your family are not fans of anchovies, skip them and season the dressing to taste with salt.

Dill Pickle Relish Cornbread Muffins

Here's a clever way to upgrade a standard box mix of cornbread. Adding pickle relish adds a tangy flavor to classic corn muffins, while grated Parmesan cheese boosts the flavor. Serve with eggs and sausage for brunch with friends, or pair with barbecue chicken and salad for a fun lunch party.

Roasted Summer Vegetable Pasta

Full of fresh summer vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers, this pasta salad is a wonderful recipe to make ahead and take on a picnic. (Try using penne or rigatoni instead of spaghetti noodles.) Roasting the vegetables before mixing them into the pasta gives them extra flavor.

Greek Lamb Burgers With Baked Eggplant Fries

This delicious burger recipe is a simple upgrade to the typical beef variation. The patties are a mixture of lamb, feta, and onion, topped with a cucumber-and-onion yogurt sauce. Alongside are crispy eggplant fries. It's easy, but with complex flavors, this is the best kind of entertaining recipe.

Tomato-Watermelon Granita

A great dessert hits many different flavor notes. Case in point: this refreshing granita recipe. You get the sweet summer flavor of ripe, juicy watermelon mixed with fresh tomatoes to keep it from being too sweet. Plus, there's nothing like a cold treat to help with the summer heat—your guests will be thrilled.

Raspberry S'mores

The classic s'mores recipe gets an upgrade with fresh raspberries. Try setting up a s'mores bar with ingredients for party attendees to assemble their own. You get a tasty summer dessert and activity in one. Plus, kids are sure to love it!

Spicy Watermelon Margarita Ice Pops

For an adult treat, serve these refreshing boozy ice pops at your backyard party. Fresh watermelon and lime juice blend with tequila and a dash of cayenne pepper for a slight kick. Make ahead with just 15 minutes of hands-on time, then freeze overnight for your get-together.

Coconut Chicken Cutlets With Mango Chutney Slaw

Coated with shredded coconut and served with a mango chutney cole slaw, this chicken recipe screams summer. With a total cooking time of 30 minutes from start to finish, this is an easy meal to make for your family or to serve guests. Plus, there's no need to use flour or eggs—mayonnaise and Panko bread crumbs do all the work in this recipe.

Raspberry Smoothie Bowl

For a unique breakfast, brunch, or dessert option, try a smoothie bowl. It's just like a smoothie, but it's thick enough to top with fresh fruit and eat with a spoon. This particular recipe calls for summer fruits like bananas and raspberries. For parties, set up a DIY smoothie bar with various toppings so guests can customize their bowls.

Green Gazpacho With Grapes, Honeydew, and Cucumber

This gazpacho recipe combines cucumber, grapes, and honeydew with ciabatta bread for a smooth and tasty cold soup. It's a perfect summer party appetizer. Make ahead and refrigerate for easy party prep.

Grilled Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Skewers

A beloved summer melon, cantaloupe is transformed in this easy skewer recipe. Paired with prosciutto, Halloumi cheese, and ciabatta bread, you'll grill each tasty skewer for a delicious and simple party meal. The sweet and salty flavors complement each other wonderfully, ensuring all enjoy.

Watermelon Salad With Pickled Rind

This refreshing summer salad features juicy watermelon, arugula, and pickled watermelon rind. This unique addition adds tartness to complement the melon's sweetness. It's a delicious and beautiful salad to serve at your poolside party.

Nectarine-and-Burrata Salad

Fruit and cheese are a staple party appetizer, but here they combine beautifully for a refreshing salad guests will marvel at. Ripe, fresh nectarines combine with quick-pickled onions and burrata cheese for a flavorful summer meal. If unable to find nectarines, try using other stone fruits, like peaches or apricots.

Pluot Crumble

Fruit crumbles are popular summer desserts, and this one needs only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. Featuring pluots—a hybrid stone fruit—this recipe is baked to juicy perfection and can be served warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect summer party dessert.

Plum Tart

With only three ingredients, this plum tart may be the simplest dessert to make for a summer picnic or party. Store-bought puff pastry helps save time and fresh plums provide a sweet-tart juiciness. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an added treat.

Fancy Tomato Sandwiches

A take on the classic BLT sandwich, these tomato and arugula sandwiches make for a great lunch or brunch meal. Featuring chive butter, crispy baguettes, and fried onions, your family and friends won't even miss the meat. Try serving with homemade potato chips for the perfect summer lunch.

Honeydew Mojitos

Refreshing summer co*cktails are ideal for an evening summer soiree. In this recipe, the classic mojito is elevated with honeydew melon providing a sweeter version of the popular drink. Guests will love the unique addition as they sip and mingle.

Sheet Pan Pavlova With Berries and Mangoes

Our version of this Australian dessert features fresh berries and mangoes for a quintessential summer taste. It's an easy dessert recipe since most of the work is done by your oven. No one needs to know how simple it is to make, though, as it's a stunning dish sure to please guests.

Tuna, Chickpea, and Cherry Tomato Salad

A few pantry staples are all that's required for this summery, protein-filled salad that needs only 15 minutes to come together. Canned tuna, chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese are deliciously combined and served over arugula. Top with pita chips for a crunchy texture that everyone will love.

Cherry Gin Rickey

Enjoy this delightful co*cktail poolside with friends. The combination of cherries and lime gives the perfect amount of tartness to this refreshing drink. It's easy to make, and if you skip the gin makes a wonderful alcohol-free beverage all can enjoy—even kids!

Strawberry Shortcake

Using a store-bought tube of buttermilk biscuits helps this version of strawberry shortcake come together in just 15 minutes. It's an easy dessert option for a brunch or dinner party that features refreshingly sweet strawberries. Serve individually or let guests assemble their own for a fun, customized experience.

Peach Cobbler Trifle

Featuring juicy summer peaches and store-bought pound cake, this is an easy no-bake dessert that will have guests raving. After mixing peach slices with sugar and lemon juice, you'll layer cake, peaches, and whipped cream to create a stunning chilled treat. Summer couldn't be more delicious.

Lemon Blueberry Cake

Lemon and blueberry flavors are the stars of this no-bake cake. Layers of vanilla sandwich cookies, lemon sorbet, and a homemade blueberry jam are then topped with whipped cream before chilling. It's a beautiful dessert that will delight guests without much kitchen time.

Lemon Pepper Tofu With Apricot Chickpea Salsa

For a vegetarian dish to round out your summer menu, try this protein-packed meal. Featuring tofu, chickpeas, and dried apricots, you can even make it a vegan meal by using a vegan honey alternative. If you're not a fan of couscous, try substituting it with farro or brown rice.

Speedy Steak and Blackberry Salad

With a total cooking time of only 30 minutes, this sophisticated salad is ideal for serving at a get-together. Featuring juicy steak, goat cheese, and fresh blackberries, you get elegant summer flavors in one dish. Crunchy pistachios add texture and another layer of flavor for a tasty meal.

Manchego and Fig Jam Crostini

Simple yet elegant, this is one appetizer that will please summer guests. You only need a few ingredients and 20 minutes. The combination of fig jam and Manchego cheese on crispy bread is irresistible and will have everyone asking for more.

Papaya and Jicama Aguachile

Our vegan version of traditional Mexican aguachile makes a refreshing party appetizer or light meal. Featuring fresh papaya and jicama (a root vegetable), you'll get ceviche recipe vibes from this dish that comes together in 20 minutes. Serve with tostadas or saltine crackers to accompany the refreshing flavors of the mixture.

Glazed Chicken and Pineapple

Marinated and glazed in a sweet and savory sauce, these grilled chicken thighs are perfect for cooking and serving at a barbecue party. The sauce is easy to make—just combine a few pantry ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ketchup. Serve with fresh grilled pineapple and rice to complete this delicious meal.

Smashed Cucumber Salad With Spicy Feta and Olives

This simple salad featuring fresh Persian cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese is a tasty first course for your backyard party. Smashing the cucumbers helps draw out moisture for a crisper texture in your salad. You can make this in just 25 minutes and even prep ahead and chill before serving.

Spicy Street Corn Salad

Inspired by the classic Mexican street food elote—grilled corn on the cob topped with spices and cheese—this salad features the same flavors with a few additions. Pinto beans and arugula help turn the traditional snack into a filling meal that will be a hit at summer parties. Serve with grilled fish, chicken, or steak for a complete and tasty barbecue meal.

Tomatoes With Ricotta and Herbs

Fresh heirloom tomatoes are the star of this easy dish that needs only 20 minutes of your time. A rich and creamy ricotta mix pairs wonderfully with seasoned tomatoes. Serve on a large platter for guests to enjoy as a refreshing appetizer before the main entree.

Zucchini Frittata With Parmesan

Perfect for brunch or breakfast, this frittata recipe features fresh zucchini, a summer squash. Cooking the zucchini before adding to the egg helps remove moisture, adding a crispy texture to complement the creaminess of the eggs and cheese. Serve with fresh fruit and a refreshing co*cktail for a spectacular summer brunch.

Southwestern Stuffed Peppers

Fresh, summery bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, corn, and cheese for a delicious meal. Guests are sure to love the gooey, creamy cheese in this dish. Swap the beef for beans, lentils, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Kale Flatbread Bites

While pizza may be a traditional party food, this veggie-filled flatbread provides an impressive take that's perfect for your summer gathering. Layers of nutritious kale, melted mozzarella, and a sour cream base (instead of marinara sauce) give this flatbread recipe its signature flavor. Use store-bought pizza dough to help with prep time and serve in bite-sized squares for a tasty appetizer.

Little Gems and Radishes With Ricotta Salata and Seeds

This salad features a mix of fresh radishes and Little Gem lettuce, a crisp lettuce variety that's a mix between romaine and butter lettuce. Ricotta salata adds a savory flavor, and a blend of poppy, sunflower, and sesame seeds adds crunch. Serve to guests as a side to grilled steak or chicken for a tasty meal.

Summer Squash With Scallions, Chile, and Parsley

Featuring a mix of summer squash and zucchini with roasted almonds, this no-cook salad is a fantastic picnic or barbecue side. It will only take 15 minutes to make—from start to finish—and you can even prep the salad base (minus the almonds) ahead of time and refrigerate to save time the day of.

Swiss Chard With Chickpeas and Couscous

This vegan meal features Swiss chard—a high-fiber vegetable—and toasted pine nuts served over couscous. Chickpeas add protein to make this a satisfying meal guests will love. The best part is it cooks in only 20 minutes from start to finish.

Caramelized Shallot Dip

For a unique twist to the ever-popular onion dip, this party dip recipe uses shallots instead of onions. Caramelizing the shallots before mixing gives the appetizer a sweeter, umami-rich flavor. Try chives instead of parsley for even more taste, and serve with chips for dipping—potato, pita, or bagel.

Garlic and Herb Potato Salad

For a vegan potato salad recipe, try this vinegar-based, mayo-free option. Coated with an oil and vinegar, garlic-flavored scallion mixture, boiled potatoes absorb all the delicious flavors for an appetizing side dish you can serve at a picnic or backyard party. Topped with fresh herbs (parsley and basil), guests won't even miss the traditional potato salad they're accustomed to seeing at potlucks.

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings

Chicken wings may be a party staple, but these are upgraded by grilling and flavoring them with garlic and Parmesan. Though you may need lots of napkins when eating, it's hard to resist the delicious combination. The best part is you only need 30 minutes to cook and serve this tasty party appetizer.

Chicken Sausage Pigs in a Blanket

You may be hard-pressed to find a simpler appetizer recipe than these three-ingredient chicken pigs in a blanket. Using frozen puff pastry and store-bought chicken sausage adds convenience and saves time. Guests will be pleased with the bite-sized snack, and you'll love that it took minimal effort to make.

Pork Dumplings

While you can certainly order dumplings from your favorite restaurant, making this homemade pork dumpling recipe for your guests may earn you bonus points. Italian pork sausage makes the bulk of the filling, while store-bought wonton wrappers provide convenience. Make the dumplings ahead of time and freeze them uncooked for up to three months to save time.

Classic Deviled Eggs

A classic appetizer, deviled eggs come together in just 10 minutes by using pre-boiled eggs. Combine the egg yolks with mayonnaise, plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a bit of lemon juice. Sprinkle with paprika after filling the egg whites with your mixture, and voila—an easy and delicious hors d'oeuvre.

Chickpea and Mint Crostini

Crispy baguette bread gets topped with a flavorful mixture of chickpeas and pomegranate seeds. Fresh mint provides a refreshing taste and bright color. You'll only need 10 minutes to assemble this no-cook appetizer before serving to guests.

Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze

Featuring the red, white, and green colors of the Italian flag, these Caprese skewers make for an easy and delicious vegetarian appetizer. They only take five minutes to prepare (from start to finish) and highlight fresh summer tomatoes. Drizzle them with store-bought balsamic glaze for an extra touch before serving.

Peach Iced Tea

A refreshing drink is a must for any outdoor party. This peach iced tea is like summer in a glass with its use of both dried and fresh peaches. It's simple to make and better for you than store-bought iced tea. Make a large batch—it's sure to be a hit with guests.

Corn on the Cob With Tarragon

This simple barbecue side dish cooks in only 10 minutes. Fresh corn on the cob is boiled and then seasoned with tarragon, salt, and pepper before serving. For a classic summer twist, try grilling the corn instead.

Turkey Burgers With Lime Mayo

For an alternative to the classic beef burger, try serving guests leaner turkey burgers. This recipe for making your own turkey burger patties infuses the meat with chopped onion for extra flavor. Top with avocado and creamy lime mayonnaise and serve with homemade potato wedges.

Watermelon Poke Bowls

While traditional poke bowls feature raw fish, this plant-based version is a delicious dish that highlights fresh watermelon. Marinated in a ginger-soy sauce mixture, watermelon cubes are then served atop sushi rice. Top your vegetarian poke bowl with avocado, carrots, cucumbers, sriracha mayo, and other favorite toppings.

Boozy Watermelon Frozen Slushie

Summer calls for refreshing cold drinks, and this co*cktail recipe delivers. Fresh watermelon is blended with alcohol (rum or vodka works best), ice cubes, lime juice, orange juice, and simple syrup to create a delicious boozy frozen slushie. It only takes five minutes, and you can skip the alcohol for a kid-friendly drink choice.

Homemade Guacamole

Fresh ripe avocados combine with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño for a creamy and delicious dip. It's simple to make and requires only 10 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or as a taco bar topping so guests can indulge.

Tex-Mex Gazpacho

Gazpacho (or cold soup) makes for a refreshing and different summer meal you can serve at brunch or as a light lunch. This recipe purees fresh tomatoes with cucumbers, red bell pepper, and poblano pepper before adding lime juice and seasonings. After refrigerating for about 20 minutes, serve cold and top with pepitas (roasted pumpkin seeds), cilantro, and sour cream—warm tortillas are optional but recommended.

Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita

Filling and delicious, with just the right amount of ingredients, this fresh salad is satisfying but not overpowering. Featuring the summer flavors of tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon, guests will love this vegetarian menu option. Top with pita bread croutons for added crunch.

Every-Citrus Salad With Almonds and Manchego

Though this beautiful salad features winter produce, its citrus flavor is perfect for summer gatherings. It's easy to assemble and only needs 15 minutes of your time. Serve as-is for a side dish, or add grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal.

Spring Pasta Salad

Full of vegetables and flavored with a honey mustard vinaigrette, this pasta salad is ready in 25 minutes. It's savory and citrusy (thanks to the lemon zest) and perfect for an outdoor gathering. If you're unable to find casarecce pasta, substitute with penne or another short noodle.

Zesty Chicken Salad

Chicken salad can be served as an appetizer with crackers or as a meal if prepared as a sandwich. Though this recipe takes a bit of time to ensure the chicken breasts are tenderly cooked, you could use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead to save time. Prep ahead of time and store your chicken salad in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Eggplant Parmesan Panini

Eggplant is the star of this sandwich that takes the classic eggplant parmesan dish and turns it into a delicious sandwich. Topped with fresh tomato slices, mozzarella, marinara sauce, and basil, your summer guests will enjoy this satisfying vegetarian meal. Try individually wrapping before serving for an upgraded look.

Lemon-Hibiscus Italian Ice

This three-ingredient frozen dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleasing treat. Lemon-infused hibiscus tea is frozen overnight and turned into Italian ice. Prep them ahead of time and leave them in the freezer until ready to serve.

Salmorejo with Prosciutto and Hard-Boiled Egg

Similar to gazpacho, this no-cook cold soup features summer tomatoes and works great for a light lunch or dinner party. Sourdough bread soaked in a tomato mixture helps this soup get a smooth texture. Top with prosciutto or thinly-sliced ham and grated hard-boiled eggs before serving.

Ginger-Lime Melon Salad

While fresh melon is delicious and juicy eaten as-is, this melon salad recipe upgrades the summer fruit. Adding ginger and lime to your melon mix—choose from watermelon, canteloupe, or honeydew—elevates the fruit's flavor for a guest-worthy salad or dessert. Bonus: Melon is perfect for a summer beach day or pool party, as it's naturally hydrating.

Fish Stick Tacos

These fish tacos take advantage of frozen fish sticks and elevate them to create a party-worthy but kid-friendly menu option. The cabbage and sauerkraut slaw adds crunch and a refreshing taste. In total, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect party recipe.

Chicken Kebabs With Tomato Salad

Seasoned chicken is grilled on skewers along with fresh corn ears for an easy barbecue party meal. Serve with an orange zest tomato salad, and enjoy a sweet summer lunch. The best part is you only need 20 minutes to prepare and cook this meal.

Peach and Arugula Salad With Burrata

Full of fresh summer flavors like peaches and arugula, this beautifully-colored salad will be a crowd-pleaser. Burrata cheese and prosciutto add protein and extra flavor. Top with chopped roasted almonds for crunch before serving.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Tuna salad gets a twist with this mayo-free rendition. Protein-packed tuna and canned chickpeas are mixed with radicchio, onion, and olives for a flavorful and nutritious meal that's perfect for a lunch or dinner party. Try serving with cooked farro for a dash of whole grains and a more filling meal.

Cantaloupe and Coconut Ice Pops

Guests of all ages will enjoy these creamy cantaloupe and coconut ice pops. Perfect for a hot summer day, the refreshing and sweet treat is easy to make and gorgeous to look at. Prep ahead of time and freeze until the day of your summer party.

Barbecue Meatball Sliders

Perfectly sized for hand-held consumption, these BBQ meatball sliders work marvelously for an outdoor, poolside party. Top with a cabbage slaw for crunch, and serve with sweet potato fries to take them from an appetizer to a complete meal. Using pre-cooked meatballs and frozen sweet potato fries helps cut down on cook time.

Pimento Mac and Cheese Bites

Comfort food is delivered in appetizer-size mac and cheese bites that will please any guest. Cayenne pepper and hot sauce give this recipe a kick for elevated flavor. They're easy to make, take less than an hour to cook, and work best when served warm.

Spinach and Caramelized Onion Dip

Two popular dip flavors—spinach and onion—are combined into one in this easy recipe. Caramelizing the onions before mixing adds another layer of flavor that is irresistible. Make the dip in advance and refrigerate for up to two days until ready to serve. Guests can enjoy dipping fresh-cut vegetables or crackers.

Grilled Chicken With Blueberry-Peach Salsa

A vibrant blueberry peach salsa tops grilled chicken thighs in this savory and sweet recipe full of flavor. Serve with farro, quinoa, or rice to complete this summer meal guests will love. And save some fruit salsa (or make extra) for topping grilled fish or shrimp.

Spicy Grilled Chicken With Shaved Zucchini Salad

Boneless chicken breasts are rubbed with Aleppo pepper before grilling at your backyard barbecue. Zucchini strips tossed in lemon sauce provide extra summer vibes to the dish. Serve with grilled pita bread for a more filling meal.

Sweet and Tangy Baked Beans

Baked beans are an essential part of any barbecue meal or potluck. This recipe adds bacon for a smoky flavor and fresh pineapple for a hint of sweetness to balance out the dish. Your guests will be asking for seconds after tasting this delicious summer side dish.

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks With Romesco and Manchego

Take advantage of a hot grill to cook cauliflower steaks for a summer vegetarian recipe. Served atop a Spanish-inspired roasted red pepper romesco sauce, they'll be a treat for any guest. Top with an arugula radish salad and Manchego cheese to complete the dish.

Grilled Mediterranean Salad Recipe

Grilled vegetables and crispy grilled Halloumi cheese add tons of flavor to this pasta salad. Zucchini, bell peppers, and onion work perfectly, but so would tomatoes or eggplant. Guests will delight in eating this during an outdoor barbecue. Try adding chicken or salmon for a more filling meal.

Grilled Asparagus and Hot Honey Flatbreads

The grill helps bring this meal together in a couple of ways—you'll grill both the naan and asparagus. Then,assemble the flatbread by topping the grilled naan with a creamy ricotta spread, arugula, asparagus, and pistachios, for added crunch. A drizzle of hot honey—sriracha spiced honey—adds a special touch before serving. It's a tasty appetizer or light meal that guests can truly enjoy.

Grilled Skirt Steak With Squash Ratatouille

Skirt steak is grilled and served with a mix of grilled vegetables in this sophisticated yet easy recipe. Cooking in only 30 minutes, you'll be able to provide your summer party guests with a delicious meal in no time.

Grilled Turkey Zucchini Burgers

This turkey burger recipe is packed with flavor and uses zucchini in the patty for added moisture. Prep and cook time is under 30 minutes, so you have time to mingle with guests. Serve the grilled burgers with sweet potato chips to complete the meal.

Grilled Halloumi Salad

Grilled Halloumi cheese adds salty flavor and crispy texture to this romaine and cucumber salad base. It's a filling dish that also includes chickpeas and olives and makes a perfect, light meal for any summer gathering.

Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Arugula Salad

Grilled summer meals are perfect for serving at an outdoor party. This grilled pork chop recipe cooks in just 20 minutes, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the gathering. Serve with a fresh peach arugula salad for a hint of sweetness to the savory meal.

Grilled Eggplant and Smoked Mozzarella Melts

A take on eggplant parmesan, these eggplant and mozzarella melts are a wonderful lunch party meal. Grilling the eggplant and bread—and eventually the cheese—adds a smoky flavor, while tomatoes and fresh basil are the perfect toppings. Cooked and assembled in just 25 minutes, you and your guests will love this vegetarian dish.

Grilled Chili Shrimp Tacos

We all know that tacos are an ideal party food; they're handheld and full of flavor—what's not to like? This taco recipe features grilled chili-spiced shrimp and can be topped with any homemade salsa. It takes only 20 minutes to cook from start to finish and works great with a slaw.

No-Bake Summer Veggie Lasagna

This vegetarian lasagna recipe features tomatoes and zucchini layered with a ricotta cheese spread. The highlight is that it's a no-bake dish—after cooking the noodles and veggies, you just need to assemble. Serve right after cooking or at room temperature and pleasantly surprise party guests.