June is when summer cooking really hits its stride. The grill is fired up, potlucks and backyard cookouts fill the calendar, and fresh fruits and vegetables are everywhere you look. Whether you're planning a neighborhood barbecue or a laid-back family dinner on the patio, you'll want recipes that are easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of seasonal flavor.
These are the 10 recipes that PW readers (aka you!) loved most in the month of June. From hearty mains worthy of Ladd Drummond's approval, and classic summer sides to fresh salads and fruity desserts that Ree herself can't resist, these are the dishes you'll find yourself making on repeat all season long.
1
Cherry Crumble Bars
Con Poulos
Ree loves a slice of cherry pie, but when summer is in full swing, she's just as happy to make these easy cherry bars instead. Sweet, juicy cherries turn deliciously jammy as they bake, while hints of orange and lemon brighten every bite. It has everything you love about cherry pie—just in a more shareable way.
It's easy to see why this recipe is a fan-favorite. Fresh asparagus is the star, and with just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, it transforms into an effortless side dish that's perfect for spring and summer. If you’re looking to add more flavor, Ree recommends topping the veggie with fresh lemon juice!
Is it really a summer barbecue without a big scoop of baked beans? Ree's recipe checks all the boxes: sweet, tangy, smoky, and perfectly saucy. And, of course, it's topped with bacon—because if there's one thing Ree knows, it's that bacon makes just about everything better!
Burgers and hot dogs may get all the barbecue glory, but don't overlook pork chops! In the Drummond household, this quick skillet supper is one of Ladd's all-time favorites. Ready in under 30 minutes and cooked in a trusty cast-iron skillet, it's an easy weeknight dinner idea.
Every summer menu needs a go-to pasta dish, and this one is always a hit. It's easy to make ahead, feeds a crowd, and is just as welcome at a backyard cookout as it is at a neighborhood potluck. Don't have farfalle on hand? No problem! Just swap in your favorite short pasta for a delicious side everyone will be scooping seconds of.
Summer is all about berries—and this cobbler is one delicious way to celebrate them. Ree says it tastes amazing and makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes. Not a blackberry fan? Swap in whatever summer fruit you love best, from blueberries and raspberries to juicy peaches.
"I'd eat a different potato salad every day of the year if I could, but during the summer, there's no better side," says Ree. This potato salad skips the wait in the fridge and goes straight from the skillet to the table. Tossed with a tangy mustard vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and plenty of crispy bacon, it's a cookout side to make on repeat.
This picnic-ready dessert is every bit as delicious as it is portable. Layers of cherry pie filling, fluffy cream, and buttery cookies come together for a treat that Ree says tastes just like cherry pie cheesecake. Want to save a little time? Store-bought cherry pie filling works beautifully—but if you have a homemade version on hand, even better!
"Shrimp scampi reminds me of khaki shorts," Ree says—and doesn't that just scream summer? This bright, buttery dish comes together with garlic, lemon, and tender shrimp. Ree says it's surprisingly simple to make, but don't skip the fresh lemon juice and herbs—they're what make every bite shine.
This is potato salad at its most classic: cool, creamy, tangy, and loaded with delicious mix-ins. Ree adds hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickles, green onions, and crispy bacon to a mayo-mustard sauce for a cookout side that checks every box.