Cooking with the Grandkids: 15 Easy Summer Recipes for All Ages

Cooking with grandkids in the summer is such a fun way to make memories—and a little mess—in the kitchen. Whether they’re helping stir, sprinkle, or sneak a taste, it’s all about keeping things simple and sweet. These easy recipes are perfect for little hands and big appetites, with just enough steps to keep things interesting without turning into a project. Think of it as quality time that just happens to come with snacks.

Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers

 

This easy Strawberry Crostini is a sweet and salty appetizer that combines pretzel crackers with cream cheese & berries for a bright pop of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Appetizer With Pretzel Crackers

Five Minute Mini Raspberry Tarts

Thanks to premade tart shells, these mini raspberry tarts come together in just five minutes and taste like raspberry cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: Five Minute Mini Raspberry Tarts

Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches

Elegant and charming, these Benedictine Tea Sandwiches are a delightful blend of cream cheese and cucumber on soft white bread. A fun and easy summer snack.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Benedictine Sandwiches

Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese

This creamy banana pudding recipe adds a twist of cream cheese for extra richness. A nostalgic cold dessert that’s easy to prepare and serve chilled this summer.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese

Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans

One of the most famous of Southern treats, these Pimento Cheese Balls are tangy, cheesy, and creamy—and the perfect start for summer.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pimento Cheese Balls With Bacon And Pecans

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

Give Strawberry Pie a try if you’re looking for a light and airy dessert made with fresh strawberries and a pretzel crust. A fun treat to make with kids.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Chiffon Pie

Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Truffles

These tasty Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Truffles are a perfect appetizer served alongside vegetables and crackers.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Truffles

Lemonade Pie

Cool off with this no-bake lemonade pie made with frozen lemonade concentrate and a creamy filling. It’s a tart and sweet dessert that tastes just like summer in a slice.
Get the Recipe: Lemonade Pie

Peach Icebox Cake

This chilled, layered cake is bursting with sweet peaches and light cream, making it a summer staple. It’s as simple as layering and refrigerating—no oven required.
Get the Recipe: Peach Icebox Cake

Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer

Pickle roll ups, are a crowd-pleasing appetizer with minimal prep time requiring only 4 ingredients perfect for any party occasion. A fun summer snack that’s on the healthier side.
Get the Recipe: Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

This no bake peanut butter pie is a slightly sweet, yet rich dessert that everyone is going to love. Easy to make, it’s a show stopper!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Antipasto Skewers Appetizer

This Antipasto Skewers Appetizer is a delicious treat that is easy to prepare and packed with pieces of Italian meat, cheese, and veggies!
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers Appetizer

Lemon Chiffon Pie

This Lemon Chiffon Pie has a crunchy salty pretzel crust with ricotta cheese so you have the richness of a cheesecake in a summer dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chiffon Pie

5-Minute Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip

Don’t just use this Greek yogurt French onion dip for chips and veggies, wait until you try it on tacos or even on a grilled steak!
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip

Strawberry Ice Cream

Made with fresh strawberries and cream, this homemade ice cream is bursting with natural flavor. It’s the kind of ice cold dessert that tastes like summer in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Ice Cream