A dreamy sunset, the pop of a wine bottle, and the sound of your family and friends laughing — sounds like something we’ve all missed since the pandemic brought gathering to a halt, right? Now that we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s time to shift gear to in-person entertaining. But wait? Do we even remember how to throw parties? Is the patio clean? Do we have enough glasses?

And, the most daunting question: what’s on the menu?

Planning a summer party post-pandemic doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember, you have the key ingredients of mild weather and great company already. We can’t come put the patio furniture out for you, but we can make menu planning easy for you and your fellow cheese loving friends (because we know only the cheesiest will be invited).

This roundup of summer recipes for entertaining is based around one of our favorites: Parmesan cheese. This menu will leave guests raving about your culinary skills while giving you more time to enjoy the evening and less time cooking. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on-hand, fear not! Find a store near you that carries Cello Parmesan, or check out what makes a great substitute here.

Easy, Breezy, Cheesy Summer Recipes for Entertaining

The Appetizers

What party is complete without a cheeseboard? You will cheese confidently in any situation after reading our primer on Creating the Perfect Cheeseboard. But, if you want to keep with the low-key vibe, look for one of our Cello Cheese Flights at your favorite grocer— it’s already an ideal pairing of delicious cheeses with no guesswork. Simply add a selection of meats, some fresh fruits, and nuts alongside the flight and you have an elaborate cheeseboard.

Whether you’ve built the cheeseboard or bought a prepared Cello Cheese Flight, the ideal complement to your cheeseboard is a tangy crunch. This Alabama Firecracker is a quick and spicy appetizer. You might be pleasantly surprised to find this tasty cracker is prepared with mostly pantry staples, and of course, Cello Parmesan cheese.

The Main Course

There is perhaps no better main course in the summertime than one that features grilled shrimp. Its light fare and quick prep time make it a delicious summer dish. We love this easy and flavorful recipe created by @joyfulhealthyeats. These savory and spicy shrimp are mellowed out exquisitely with delectable grated Cello Parmesan cheese as the finishing touch.

If this is your main dish for a seated dinner, consider adding a light pasta pairing and a salad prepared with the season’s freshest ingredients! A fresh loaf of Italian bread will also be a nice addition. If you have the time and want to further impress, consider this easy recipe for Parmesan Biscuits that also incorporates fresh summer herbs.

The Sweet Ending

What’s a fun get-together without a sweet treat? This recipe packs an unexpected twist with the decadent combination of light and crispy Cheese Whisps, ice cream, and chocolate syrup. If you want to experiment by making your own ice cream, this one is definitely for you. If you are in a time crunch, you can be adventurous by trying different flavors of store-bought ice cream, like rich french vanilla, pistachio, or any of your other favorite flavors.

These can be made in advance and drizzled with syrup before serving, or you can have your guests join the fun by making their own ice cream wheels.

Looking for an even easier sweet treat? Simply pick up the freshest fruit available at your local farmers market or grocery store and serve drizzled with fresh honey, chopped mint, or even a drizzle of bottled chocolate or caramel syrup. Top it all off with a serving of delicious and creamy Mascarpone cheese.

The beauty of a meal planned around Parmesan is that the cheese pairs nicely with your favorite white or favorite red wine. And, if the event is a real celebration, don’t hesitate to pop a bottle of champagne as well.

If you want more ways to impress your guests, sign up for our monthly newsletter and get our latest articles and advice on how to cheese confidently in any season.

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