10 Best Recipes and Hacks for Hosting Out-of-Town Guests During Summer

Hosting out-of-town guests for a summer weekend can be a significant memory making experience with the right preparation. Low stress and high jinx for all!

Easy, overnight, or advance prep recipes and thoughtful touches make guests feel at home will ensure everyone has a memorable time.

Many of the recipes you’ll find below can be converted to semi-homemade recipes too. Spend your precious time on the recipes you enjoy making and get some store-bought support where needed.

Here are the ten best recipes and hacks to help you become the ultimate summer holiday host. Your guests will be grateful for all the care and attention to serve up this summer!

10 Easy-to-Prep Summer Recipes

Cheesy Egg and Bacon Breakfast Casserole

A breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd without spending your morning in the kitchen. Prep the night before and bake in the morning. 

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 6 slices of white French bread, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Mix eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Add cheese, sausage, and bread.
• Pour into a greased baking dish and refrigerate overnight.
• Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes in the morning.

Overnight Oats

Healthy and easy to personalize based on your guests’ preferences, overnight oats can be made in individual jars for a grab-and-go breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk or almond milk
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• Fresh fruit, nuts, or honey for toppings

Instructions

• Mix oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds in a jar.
• Refrigerate overnight.
• Top with fruit, nuts, or honey before serving.

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Caprese Salad Skewers

An easy and fresh appetizer that’s perfect for summer. This classic Italian party favorite is great to take to the beach or pot luck too!

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cubed salami, garden fresh sliced cucumbers

Instructions

• Skewer a tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Grilled Chicken and Veggie Kebabs

These kebabs can be prepped ahead and grilled when guests arrive.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, cubed
• Bell peppers, chopped
• Red onions, chopped
• Zucchini, sliced
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions

• Marinate chicken and veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Skewer and refrigerate until ready to grill.
• Grill over medium heat for 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Check chicken for doneness before consuming.

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A cold pasta salad is a great make-ahead side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta, cooked and cooled
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumbers, sliced
• Red onion, chopped
• Kalamata olives, sliced
• Italian dressing

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pulled Pork Sliders

Slow-cooked pulled pork can be made ahead and reheated for easy sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 bottle BBQ sauce
• Slider buns

Instructions

• Cook pork shoulder in a slow cooker for 8 hours on low.
• Shred pork and add BBQ sauce to taste.
• Enjoy immediately or reheat as needed.
• Serve on slider buns.

Savory Shrimp Tacos

Light and refreshing, shrimp tacos are quick to assemble.

Ingredients

• Shrimp, uncooked, peeled and deveined
• Taco seasoning
• Small corn tortillas
• Cabbage slaw
• Avocado, sliced
• Cilantro
• Sour cream

Instructions

• Season shrimp with taco seasoning and cook in a skillet.
• Serve on tortillas with slaw and avocado.
• Garnish with cilantro and sour cream.

Juicy Fruit Salad

A colorful fruit salad is always a hit.

Ingredients

• Strawberries, sliced
• Blueberries
• Kiwi, peeled and sliced
• Grapes, halved
• Honey and lime juice

Instructions

• Mix all fruits in a large bowl.
• Drizzle with honey and lime juice.

Lemon Bars

A sweet treat that's easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions

Mix butter, 2 cups flour, and powdered sugar for the crust. Press into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Beat eggs, sugar, 1/4 cup flour, baking powder, and lemon juice. Pour over crust and bake for another 25 minutes.

Iced Tea and Lemonade Bar

Set up a refreshing beverage station with homemade iced tea and lemonade.

Ingredients

• Brewed tea
• Lemonade
• Fresh mint
• Sliced lemons

Instructions

• Brew tea and chill.
• Mix lemonade and chill.
• Set up a station with mint and lemon slices for garnish.

Making Guests Feel Comfortable

Easy Access Snacks

Keep a variety of snacks available in easily accessible places. Ideas include:

• A basket of fresh fruit on the counter
• A snack station with granola bars, nuts, and trail mix
• A cheese and cracker platter in the fridge

Self-Serve Beverage Station

Create a self-serve beverage area with:

• A coffee and tea station with mugs, tea bags, and coffee pods
• A mini fridge stocked with water, soda, and juices
• An assortment of wine and beer with bottle openers and glasses

Comfortable Kitchen Setup

Make your kitchen inviting and functional for you and your guests. Don’t worry about serving three meals a day when guests can help themselves without relying on you.

Clear counter space for guests to prepare their own meals.

Temporarily label high-traffic drawers and cabinets so guests can easily find utensils and dishes.

Create a cute weekend menu using card stock and a tabletop frame to display. Type out a schedule that includes any meals out as well.

Hosting out-of-town guests can be a breeze with these easy-to-prep recipes and thoughtful hosting hacks 

With a little planning, you can create a welcoming environment where guests feel comfortable and well-fed.

Try these tips and recipes to make your summer weekends with friends and family truly special.