Seafood

A Southern-Inspired Spread For Your Summer-Kick-Off Block Party

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June 19, 2017

This summer, we're partnering with Jet.com to share recipes that'll help you hone your kitchen skills by the end of summer. (Jet will have you covered with all the fresh and pantry goods you'll need. Seriously, they have everything. Use the code Food52 at checkout for 20% off your first 2 orders of $35 or more. Maximum discount $30*.) In the coming months, expect tips for serving crowds, summertime grilling, and more. Today: Large-format dishes for the summer block party, since you're feeding the whole neighborhood.

When I was a kid growing up in southern Indiana, I looked forward to and longed for the annual, height-of-summer block party all year long. We lived in a neighborhood just outside the city limits with tons of families, so there was never a year that went by without this big summer blow-out. We'd close off the road, set up loads of tables and chairs in the middle of the street, and plan games (my favorite was the water balloon toss) and food for everyone to bring.

Photo by James Ransom

It was always such a hodge-podge of homey dishes that, looking back, I think it would have been helpful if there was some sort of theme, or if courses were delegated more properly. (Why were our parents not more organized!? I kid.) I've been planning my own neighborhood potluck with my now-neighbors and dreaming of an outdoor seafood boil and the accompanying dishes that would go with it. (And enough of it all to serve a boatload of other people!) There's a plethora of recipes on Food52 that would feel right at home at a block party, but these 6 favorites—rounded up from our archives—will please adults and kids alike.

What are you bringing to your annual block party or neighborhood potluck this summer? Tell us in the comments below!

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Jet.com stocks thousands of grocery items and delivers to your door in insulated packaging sans scheduling. They have all your pantry and home needs covered, and offer two-day delivery, free shipping on orders over $35, and are membership fee-free. (All of this? Makes us giddy.) We've used jet.com to get basics like green beans**, sherry vinegar, and more—so see what's on their (digital) shelves here, and use discount code Food52* at checkout for 20% off your first 2 orders.

*Applies to new customers only. Maximum discount $30. Minimum amount $35. $4.95 packaging fee applies to orders with fresh grocery items. Valid on first 2 orders. Offer expires 10/01/2017 at 11:59pm PST. Offer cannot be applied to previous orders. Offer is subject to change or cancellation. Void where prohibited. Brand, category and other restrictions may apply.
**Jet’s fresh grocery offering is currently available in select zip codes. See jet.com for details.

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

I love oysters and unfussy sandwiches.

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