June 2020 Better Homes & Gardens Recipes

Pack-and-Go Hoagies

The simplicity of sandwiches makes them our picnic top pick, and these go beyond basic in flavor. To max out on fillings, slice Italian-style baguettes lengthwise, leaving one edge attached, then hollow out the center. Choose from our Vietnamese-style bahn mi or caprese steak sandwiches.

Cream Pie Whoopie Pies

Fancier than plain cookies and easier to tote than cupcakes, whoopie pies elevate any picnic or backyard cookout. We pushed this handheld dessert a step further with mix-and-match flavors inspired by our favorite diner cream pies: Strawberry Cream, Banana Cream, Double Chocolate, and Lemon Cream.

Three-Bean Salad with Tahini-Lime Dressing

Our three-bean salad is a summer-focused refresh of classic bean salad. It travels well and tastes best when made ahead, so it's perfect for picnics. In season green beans, corn, and cilantro mix with edamame and garbanzo beans (or any other canned beans you like). Even after dressing, the salad will hold up to 24 hours, just tote it in an insulated container to keep the salad at its freshest.

Grilled Chicken with Blueberry-Tarragon Sauce

Get that gorgeous blueberry sauce simmering on the stove, then move outside to get perfectly seasoned, tender chicken thighs on the grill for smoky flavor. Serve the combo with fresh zucchini noodles for an all-in-one dinner that proves grilling is for more than burgers and brats.

Beef Kabobs with Corn and Orzo Salad

This skewer and salad combo is like a deconstructed steak taco without the tortilla. Without the limitations of tortilla size, you can pile the veggies as high as you want. As always, if you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water 30 minutes before building your kabobs so they don't burn.

Grilled Eggplant Tartines

Tartine is a fancy word for open-face sandwich, and these tartines are a delicious combination of eggplant Parmesan, bruschetta, and caprese. It's all of our favorite summer dishes in one 25-minute grilled dinner.

Spanish Gin Tonic

Give the simple G&T cocktail recipe a garden-inspired upgrade with the Spanish variation featuring ample fresh herbs. The cocktail is traditionally served in a balloon glass so you can appreciate the herbal aromas from the first sip.

Focaccia with Herb Oil

If you don't have time to bake traditional focaccia, this recipe that starts with purchased pizza dough is your recipe. Score the top of the dough, then sprinkle with olives and herbs for an app that looks made from scratch.

Baked Goat Cheese with Herb Oil

For a summery take on bubbly baked cheese, finish a silky chèvre and cream cheese mixture with a drizzle of vibrant herb oil (made from blending blanched fresh herbs with avocado oil).

Shrimp Skewers with Aji Verde

Don't let the words aji verde stop you from trying this recipe. Aji verde is simply a mildly spicy Peruvian sauce made from chiles, parsley, and cilantro. Whipped together in a food processor, the speedy accompaniment for these grilled shrimp skewers also has a bit of sour cream for tang.

Strawberry-Mint Lemonade

A homemade simple syrup infused with mint and berries elevates lemonade from kid drink to sophisticated sipper. It's a nonalcoholic drink we'll happily make on repeat all summer. Serve in a clear pitcher to show off the fresh fruits and herbs.

Buy It: DuraClear Pitcher ($25, Williams Sonoma)

Crispy White Beans with Garlic and Herbs

Canned beans prove they can go beyond casseroles and potluck side dishes in this crunchy, herb-flavored snack. Toss the beans in oil, herbs, and salt, then roast them for a poppable snack you won't be able to stop munching.

Warm Potato Chips with Parmesan and Herbs

Only have plain ol' potato chips in the pantry? Think again! Transform a bag of kettle-cooked chips into an irresistible appetizer with a sprinkle of Parmesan, sage, chives, and lemon zest—plus a few minutes in the oven.