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These fun summer recipe mash-ups blend two popular dishes into one crowd-pleasing centerpiece: A creamy dip delivers Mexican-style flare; American-style BBQ gets blended with Italian ingredients or Vietnamese inspiration; the Caesar salad undergoes a makeover; and pizza meets potato. Each of these recipes is the best of both worlds–and yes, they all involve a gooey, melty, stretchy serving of cheese.

Mexican street corn-inspired party dip in a cast iron serving pan on summer tableMexican street corn-inspired party dip in a cast iron serving pan on summer table

Mexican-Style Street Corn Party Dip

Not sure what to take to the backyard potluck? This smoky, spicy, slightly sweet and super-creamy dip inspired by Mexican-style street corn is your answer! The cheese makes it melty, the corn kernels give it crunch, and the chili and jalapeños bring the heat. Even better? You can prep it ahead and bake it just before serving.

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Italian-style beef beef hot dog with pickled spicy peppers and vegetablesItalian-style beef beef hot dog with pickled spicy peppers and vegetables

The Italian-Style Beef Dog

The humble hot dog gets a zesty makeover in this easy recipe that calls to mind your favourite Italian-style hot sandwiches, with the addition of sautéed onions and peppers, giardiniera, peperoncini and provolone cheese. Consider it for big flavour for your next pool party, and you’ll certainly make a splash!

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serving tray of three burgers, plus plated burger to the side, all stacked with a prime rib beef burger patty, pickled vegetables, cheese, and sriracha aioli on a brioche bun.serving tray of three burgers, plus plated burger to the side, all stacked with a prime rib beef burger patty, pickled vegetables, cheese, and sriracha aioli on a brioche bun.

Extra Cheesy Bánh Mì-Style Burgers

The juicy cheeseburger meets the fresh flavours of a Vietnamese-style bánh mì sandwich. It’s rich and cheesy (thanks to prime rib burgers, Gouda cheese, and brioche buns), crisp, and zesty (thanks to quick-pickled veggies, cucumber and cilantro), and there’s a little heat in the homemade sriracha aioli. It’s a masterful meal for hot summer days–whether you’re cooking for guests, your family or simply yourself!

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Serving platter and side plate with pepperoni and cheese topped baked potatoes with a ranch drizzleServing platter and side plate with pepperoni and cheese topped baked potatoes with a ranch drizzle

Pepperoni Pizza Baked Potatoes with Ranch

Love potatoes? Love pizza? You’ll go wild for these tempting taters loaded with tomato sauce, cheese and pepperoni–and levelled up with a side of ranch dressing. This mash-up of fan favourites will be a hit at backyard BBQs and can serve as a main or a side. What’s not to love?

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Large serving platter with grilled zucchini strips, romaine lettuce, halloumi croutons and caesar dressingLarge serving platter with grilled zucchini strips, romaine lettuce, halloumi croutons and caesar dressing

Grilled Zucchini Caesar with Halloumi Cheese Croutons​

Not to brag, but we’ve made the classic Caesar salad even better with the addition of halloumi croutons (cheesy, tangy and toasty!) and grilled zucchini (warm, tender-crisp and grilled!). It’s a satisfying salad for weeknight dinners, big BBQs, and beyond.

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Find more fresh summer inspiration