Jump to Recipes
Turn Off the Oven and Turn Up the Fun
Our number one rule for summer cooking: ovens off. This time of year, we’re juggling work to-dos, home tasks and summer activities—so much carpooling, and so many playdates. But it’s supposed to be summer vacation! That means it’s time to take a vacation from the oven with easy oven-free recipes. They help keep your house cool and give you a little extra time and energy to hang out with your kids, spend time outside or make a special dessert.
Appliances that Keep Dinner Simple (and cool)
This is the time of year when small cooking appliances become our best friends. Yep, we’re talking about two of our favorite tools: our slow cooker and air fryer.
These small but mighty kitchen gadgets can make many of your favorite meals without heating up the whole house. There are different benefits to both: the air fryer cooks and crisps quickly, while the slow-cooker simmers on a low temperature for several hours.
The one thing they both have in common: they make meal prep super easy and practically do all the work themselves—because who wants to sweat over the stove on a hot summer day? Not us! With these kitchen-tested air-fryer recipes and quick and easy slow-cooker recipes, you’ll have dinner all set and have more time to get things done and focus on family. One of our favorite things about summer is taking a walk or going to the park while dinner is simmering away in the slow cooker.
Take Things Outside
Hello, grilling season! When you think about what to cook on the grill, your mind may automatically go to big cuts of meat, which of course are an absolutely delicious option. But there are so many other yummy possibilities! And while dinner is sizzling on the grill, it’s the perfect excuse to sit outside with a cold drink or throw a ball around with the kids.
Foil-pack meals are one of our favorite things to make on the grill. The protein, sides and veggies all cook together—it’s kind of like the one-pan meal of summer! We simply combine all the ingredients, add our favorite seasonings, wrap everything all up in foil and throw it on the grill to cook. There’s no fuss, and more importantly, no dishes. Such a great option for busy nights!
On days that you’re craving a little home-baked comfort but don’t want to turn on the oven, start with Pillsbury™ Crescent Rolls or Grands!™ Biscuits and make a grillable masterpiece—like Grilled Meatball Pockets or Grilled Crescent Dogs. You can even make dessert, like a Cherry Berry Skillet Pie!
If you’re in the mood for something a little more rustic, it’s all about easy campfire recipes. There’s no need to lug tents and gear out to the country—a backyard bonfire will do! Some of the best (and tastiest) family memories can be made under the stars by the glow of the fire.
Read on for even more fun ways to spend time with your kids this summer, including some creative new cookie dough treats, tasty ways to bring the family together on the weekends, summery breakfast ideas and more. There are so many ways to take a moment, breathe in the fresh air, connect with your family and make memories. This is why we love summer!