Depending on who you ask, a spring gathering can mean many things. Maybe you’re hosting a big event, like Easter brunch or a Passover seder, for the first time and need to plan a full menu for a crowd. Perhaps a casual weekend picnic in the park is more your speed, complete with lots of snacks, dips, and drinks. Regardless of the seasonal soirée you’re planning, our community of Resident experts—from baking pro Erin McDowell to expert chef Lucas Sin—has you covered. Here are some of our favorite warm-weather-ready recipes from our Residents that are just waiting for a spot on your next dinner table, paper plate, or picnic blanket.
The Secret Sauce with Dan Pelosi (aka GrossyPelosi) is all about discovering the key to beloved family recipes. It’s no surprise that his own recipes are an extension of those sensibilities, whether he’s whipping up a sponge cake inspired by the one his grandma made every summer, or his mom’s Portuguese rice flavored with sausage and aromatics.
Where would we be without our Resident Baking BFF? Erin has taught us everything we need to know about baking, like how to tackle towering layer cakes, seasonal fruit pies, and all sorts of savory pastries. Needless to say, her extensive backlog of Food52 recipes is filled with plenty of options for every type of spring gathering.
With warmer weather approaching, you may find yourself wanting to sip on something tart, bubbly, or otherwise refreshing. John deBary is our go-to Resident for all things drinks, whether you’re sipping a cocktail, mocktail, or simple iced tea.
Kristen Miglore’s quest to find the world’s smartest, most Genius recipes has resulted in an impressively vast collection of dishes. There are plenty for get-togethers big and small, informal or fancy-schmancy.
Chef Lucas Sin is a certified kitchen pro, and his technique-driven approach has changed the way we make everything from (seemingly) simple egg sandwiches to stir-fried greens.
Mandy Lee’s showstopping creations are great for any occasion, but they’re particularly well-suited for when you’d like to impress a family member or two. Here’s an idea: Wow your brunch guests with Miso and Brown Butter Hollandaise poured over jammy poached eggs, followed by warm Puffy Pillow Beignets for dessert.
Melina Hammer’s seasonally inspired dishes are a natural fit for spring, when all we want to do is cook with the freshest fruits and vegetables. Pair asparagus and fava beans with a rich tonnato sauce, or celebrate the arrival of berry season with her Blueberry Skillet Galette.
Rick Martínez’s video series is called Sweet Heat for a reason—he loves all things (you guessed it) sweet and spicy, and the flavor combo truly shines in his recipes. From icebox cakes and other nostalgic favorites to unexpected twists on classic Mexican dishes, we’ll be reaching for these recipes through spring and well into summer.
Which recipes will you be making at your next spring gathering?
