Abby's Slam Dunk Party Recipes
Abby's Slam Dunk Party Recipes
|
Cheat Your Way Happy
I'm a cheater. I admit it. I generally want to cook from scratch one glorious party moment, then cheat a bit on the rest. Whether it's the tiny, adorable three layer cakes you see here, or a store bought frozen app, use the make 2 + buy 1 rule when planning out your menu.
Condiments Photography BY Ruth Eileen
While condiments are often an after thought, I'm talking about them first. Because fun, inspired dipping sauces can turn any basic food into something spectacular - fries out of the oven, chips out of a bag, chicken off the grill - become restaurant worthy with a great condiment like Bloody Mary Ketchup. Get the recipe here!
Pulled Pork Anything
Pulled meats are perfect because they simmer all day so it takes the fuss out. Whether you serve as an app on a biscuit half or as a main dish, pulled pork is always a slam dunk. My current fave recipe? Right here. SO good.
Best Ever Guacamole Styling + Photography BY SMP LIving
I've never met a party guest that didn't devour my guacamole. It's just that good. Slam, slam, double slam dunk. Get the recipe here!
Tequila Lime Chicken with Corn & Tomato Relish Styling + Photography BY Style Me Pretty
This is the perfect Summer recipe. Pre-make the relish and marinate the chicken ahead of time and then all you have to do is grill and assemble. Total crowd pleaser. Get the recipe here!
Roasted Tomato Soup Styling & Photography BY Style Me Pretty Living
Tomato soup is a year round favorite. And it tastes even better in the Summer months if you use fresh tomatoes. Serve with grilled cheese and you have an insta crowd favorite that is very little fuss. Get the recipe here!
A Great Bolognese Sauce Styling + Photography BY SMP Living
Sometimes, it's the simplest meals that are most memorable and if you serve this sauce with a fresh, quality pasta, your guests will always remember your house as the having the best meals ever. Get the recipe here!
Mini Tacos
When it comes to tacos, I am a HUGE fan of all things tacos. HUGE. Because it can be an activity for guests to fill their tacos or it can be served and provide just the right amount of mess to make everyone relax and smile. These turkey tacos are bite sized and SO good, but you can make them full sized and have the same impact. Get the recipe here!
Pulled Pork Tacos
Pairing my two favorite party foods, pulled pork and tacos, into one perfect Summer entertaining dish. Everything can be made ahead of time and warmed upon serving. Get the recipe here!
Homemade Tortillas Styling + Photography BY SMP Living
If you take one piece of advice from this, let it be this...sometimes, it's the details that no one would ever expect, like homemade tortillas, that turn a good meal into the BEST meal. Condiments and Tortillas are two elements that really go the distance in making a meal feel special. Get the recipe here!
Sinful Side Dishes
You know how when it's you and your own family, you just throw a bag of lettuce in a bowl and call it a side? When it comes to a party, give your guests something totally sinful that they can splurge on. Like these fully loaded smashed potatoes. Get the recipe here!
Best Ever Brussels Sprouts
And I mean that. These are THE BEST Brussels Sprouts ever. It's a recipe re-imagined from a local restaurant near our house and when I tell you they are addicting, I mean every word. Get the recipe here!
Candied Sriracha Green Beans
Sweet and spicy is the name of the game and these totally sinful green beans are a slam dunk and then some. Get the recipe here!
Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
I think mashed potatoes are the perfect party side. Because they CAN be made ahead despite what you might have heard, they are hearty and filling and they compliment everything from steak to fish. Get the recipe here!
Cheesecake & Easy to Make Desserts Styling & Photography BY Style Me Pretty Living
Having a great dessert on hand - whether homemade or pre-made - that you love and can easily dress up or down is a major party must-have. Get the recipe here!
Strawberry Shortcake Bites Styling + Photography BY SMP Living
Largely store-bought (shortbread & strawberries), these bites are perfection. The whipped cream is stabilized with cream cheese so they are rich and delicious and will stand up to the heat a little better than traditional strawberry shortcake. Get the recipe here!
Shortcake Bars
Although a little old school, these treats are so tasty. And I can basically guarantee you that every person, large and small, will love you if you bring them for a potluck or serve them at your own shindig. Get the recipe here!
Better Than Heaven (or Sex) Cake
True story: The first time I met my boyfriend (now husband's) parents, I snuck down in the middle of the night and ate the last remaining piece of this cake. Then I blamed it on his dad the next day. Awful, I know...but if I'm being honest? Totally worth it. Get the recipe here!
Ice Cream Photography + Styling BY SMP Living
If you don't have an ice cream maker, invest in one. If you like to entertain, you will get so much mileage out of it. I like to whip up fun, playful ice cream that surprises our guests and makes everyone smile - like this Funfetti Cake and Frosting version! Get the recipe here!
Slab Pie Photography BY SMP Living
When it comes to parties, slab pie is a go-to for me. Because a pie is a pie is a pie. But if it's cut into steal-worthy pieces, the pie to filling ration is better and you don't need an extra set of plates and forks. Get the recipe here!
Best Ever Brownies
My belief in the classics - cookies, brownies, pasta, etc. - is this. If you're going to go back to the basics, you better make it spectacular. And these brownies are just that. Seriously, the best brownies I've ever had. Get the recipe here!
Puff Pastry Desserts Photography BY white loft studio
Pre-made Puff Pastry is probably the best invention to come out of our generation. Because you can fill it with just about anything and it tastes ridiculously indulgent. I like to offer guests a variety - nutella, strawberry, apple - then provide vanilla ice cream to top! See this and more of faves here!
Naked Cakes Photography BY Kaylee Giffin
Since naked cakes have become all the rage, it would be easy to think that I'm including this based on trend. But I'm totally not. I love a naked cake because even I can make it look good! Naked cakes are the easiest cakes to make look lovely as long as you get your layers and frosting even and top it with something pretty! Get the how-to here!
Chocolate Chip Cookies Photography BY Style Me Pretty
Yes, the best ever chocolate chip cookies should always be at the top of your know-how list. But not just because chocolate chip cookies are a staple. Instead, because they are so versatile. I use them for ice cream sandwiches, as topping for sundaes, filled with frosting and served tiny with shot glasses of milk. Get the recipe here!
