What to Cook in August

What to Cook in August. August is that in-between month. You’re still soaking up summer, but routines are shifting. Whether you’re making the most of long days or getting ready for back-to-school, August meals should be easy, fresh, and full of flavor.

What to Cook in August 🍽️☀️

Here’s what I’m cooking this month—and some ideas to keep your kitchen cool and stress-free.

🧑‍🍳Fresh & Easy Dinners

Nobody wants to hover over the stove in August. This is prime time for grilled meals, slow cooker recipes, and anything that avoids turning on the oven.

• This Hot Honey Chicken Salad is perfect for summer nights. It’s sweet, spicy, and easy to prep ahead.
• Need a quick one-dish dinner? Try my Cheesy Chicken, it’s a weeknight winner.
• Make use of garden veggies in this Zucchini Tart and Squash Pesto Tart serve as a meatless main.

If your basil plant is still thriving, whip up a batch of pesto for pasta or sandwiches or freeze it for later.

🔥 Cook in August – Grilling Favorites

Perfect for warm August evenings and weekends:

🏫Back-to-School Breakfasts & Lunches

August is a great time to ease into routines again. Stock your fridge and freezer with grab-and-go breakfasts and lunchbox favorites.

• These Sausage Muffins are perfect for busy mornings.
• Try my Low Cal Breakfast Sandwiches. They’re in a blink!
• For lunch or meal prep, this Greek Pasta Salad is always a hit, and it gets better as it sits.

🚸Cook in August – Back-to-School Dinners

These are quick, comforting, and great for busy weeknights:

Mix and match lunchbox items now to see what your kids will actually eat when the school year kicks off.

🍑 Seasonal Summer Produce Recipes

Make the most of fresh ingredients, cook these in August.

• Tomato Pie – Classic Southern dish that celebrates ripe tomatoes.
• Zucchini Mac and Cheese – Great for dinner or packed in lunchboxes.
• Cobbler – Simple dessert using juicy, fresh peaches.
• Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze – Tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella.
• Strawberry Crumble – Use up blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Cucumber Salad – Cool and refreshing side dish.

Cool & Simple Desserts

It’s hot, and the oven is the last place you want to be. Enter no-bake treats, frozen desserts, and fruit-forward sweets.

• My No Bake Cookie Butter Pie is always a crowd-pleaser and takes minutes to make.
• Keep dessert chill with this Strawberry Icebox Cake—cold, creamy, and loaded with berries.
• Use up those peaches or berries in this Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler. Top with ice cream and you’re golden.

August Cooking Tips:

• Double up on grilled meat or casseroles. Freeze them, and future dinners will be a breeze.
• Freeze extra zucchini bread, corn, and fruit for later use.
• Stretch your produce by tossing leftover veggies into eggs, soups, or quesadillas.
• Eat outside whenever you can; summer won’t last forever.

August is for simple dinners, seasonal produce, and cool desserts. Keep it light, lean into what’s fresh, and enjoy these long, warm evenings while you can. 🌽🍑🍅

What will you cook in August?

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Paula Jones is the founder, creator, and cook at CallMePMc.com, where she provides simple recipes & time-saving strategies for nutritious & delicious meals for your family. Born and raised in the South, Paula, or PMc as her friends call her, understands that many life events happen around the dinner table, & she wants you to enjoy that time in the kitchen & around the table stress-free with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy a variety of recipes at CallMePMc.com, from updated Southern classics, to practical, healthy, and indulgent. Learn more about Paula. Shop Paula’s favorites link on her Amazon storefront.