15 of Grandma's Best Recipes for Summertime

Pies, salads, and so much more.

a slice of grandma's lemon meringue pie
Photo:

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

We all know the truth: Everything always tastes better when grandma makes it. Maybe its the secret ingredient of love savored in every bite—or perhaps its the surplus of butter. Either way, recipes passed down by her are the best. That's why we dug through our recipes to share our favorite grandma-inspired summer recipes that are sure to wow everyone at your next potluck or to make a memorable weeknight dinner. Between Fried Chicken and Gravy and Grandma's Southern Mac and Cheese, you're going to want to keep reading.

01 of 15

Grandma Oma's Pickled Okra

side view of pickled okra

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These were easy and fast and a great way to save summer okra. The only thing I did differently was add one whole clove of garlic but they came out fabulous!" — Cajunsgirl

02 of 15

My Grandma's Shoofly Pie

looking at a slice of shoofly pie on a plate with remaining in pie dish behind
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"I loved this recipe! I was looking for a shoofly pie recipe like the ones I grew up with in Pennsylvania, and this is authentic! This pie is best served warm. Thanks for a recipe that I will make when I want some true comfort food!" — Kiliki

03 of 15

Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy

Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy
Allrecipes Magazine

"This recipe is what taught me how to make fried chicken! My husband loves this dish! For the gravy I usually sauté finely chopped onions in butter first until soften then add some fresh sage and follow the rest of the recipe. Thanks so much for sharing this gem of a recipe!" — Cally

04 of 15

Grandma's Carrot Salad

Grandma's Carrot Salad in a brown bowl

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This was a fantastic recipe! I haven't had carrot salad in a really long time. Back then all it had in it was carrots, raisins, mayo and sugar. I liked it but this was much better and so easy to make! Thanks for the recipe!" — Melody Dumplin

05 of 15

Grandma's Southern Mac and Cheese

scoop of mac and cheese casserole
Rae

"This is the same mac and cheese I was raised on. I still make it the same way my grandmother made it. I love it." — Evella Mae

06 of 15

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

apple-pie-by-grandma-ople Apple Pie by Grandma Ople, photo by JenellK on Allrecipes

"I never follow a recipe exactly, but since this was my first apple pie I was nervous and followed it exactly. Everyone at the family party loved it. Days later I'm still getting complimented from my sons-in-law and sorry they didn't take a larger piece home because they were so filled up from dinner. THANK YOU for making me look good and all thought it was bakery bought." — Irenecalamia

07 of 15

Great Grandma's Peach Cobbler

close up view of a Peach Cobbler in a Dutch oven on a cooling rack
Elaine Love

"One of the best and easiest recipes I have come across. I enjoyed the crispy top of the crust along with the creaminess of the underside on top of the peaches. This will be my go to recipe!" — Babs1957

08 of 15

Butter Biscuit Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler with butter biscuit in casserole dish and a piece on a plate with ice cream

fabeveryday

"Best and easiest peach cobbler in my life. Thank you so much for sharing." — Hazel Johnson

09 of 15

Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie

side view of lemon meringue pie

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Love this recipe! I’ve made it several times and it’s wonderful. Over time I’ve added fresh huckleberries when available and even a cream cheese layer now and again. The original recipe is perfect however. It’s turned out wonderfully every time. Thank you." — Cannup

10 of 15

Grandma Rita's Soft Butter Rolls

close up view of fSoft Butter Rolls on top of parchment paper
Mom2twin

"I will likely never buy rolls again. This recipe is simple to make. I didn't change anything. I baked some on a sheet pan and some in a round pan. This recipe is a keeper." — Malissa Kaawa

11 of 15

Grandma's Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Grandma's skillet pineapple upside-down cake on a serving platter with a slice removed

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This was my first Pineapple Upside Down cake. It was a request by a family member for a birthday cake. I followed the recipe with the exception of one thing. I used buttermilk instead of regular milk, which I do often in recipes. I was so surprised at how good it was. The texture was perfect. It's such an easy recipe and the family absolutely loved it!" — Cherylmcfadden315

12 of 15

Grandma Jeanette's Amazing German Red Cabbage

overhead view of Grandma Jeanette's Amazing German Red Cabbage garnished with fresh dill in a bowl with a gold fork, next to fresh dill on a white plate

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe. I only make this occasionally, when I have a head of red cabbage on hand, but it is really, really good, especially with any kind of pork. Thank you, again, for sharing! Cheers!" — Karen750

13 of 15

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad

a close up, low angle view of a large bowl of old fashioned potato salad
Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

I am very picky about potato salad and am usually very disappointed in them. This, by far, is the best recipe I have come across! This is definitely bookmarked, printed and the link send to my own email. Thank you!" — Teri Colglazier

14 of 15

Grandma Minnie's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies

close up view of Sugar Cookies garnished with sprinkles on a pink platter
EMMA MEYER

"This recipe makes a great sugar cookie. When I took the cookies out of the oven, I sprinkled the cookie with colored sugar decoration. Super scrumptious in the end!" — Andre Varner

15 of 15

Grandma's Hamburger Casserole

cheesy beef and pasta casserole in a white casserole dish with a portion taken out on a separate plate.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"My grandmother's hamburger casserole is classic comfort food! Featuring ground beef, noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce, this simple recipe dates back to the 1940s." —LaDonna Langwell

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