Summer is officially here, and that means one thing: BBQ season! While the grilled meats and veggies often take center stage (and they really do at our house), let's not forget the unsung heroes of any backyard feast – the breads! Whether you are making buns to house a perfectly grilled hotdog, buns for the ultimate summer cheeseburger, or simply a batch of tender crisp slightly spicy Cornbread Muffins to go along with some BBQ chicken - we’ve got you covered.

I’m really excited about today’s issue, because I really do believe every good meal begins with a good bread. Not only is bread a vehicle, it is also a foundation!

Easy Cornbread Muffins: Under-Rated and Crazy Delicious

Whoever’s still making sheet tray cornbread clearly doesn’t value personal space—or crispy muffin edges. These Easy Cornbread Muffins are loaded with cheddar and jalapeños (because “just a little” isn’t in my vocabulary), made rich with butter and buttermilk, and baked in muffin tins so everyone gets their own golden, fluffy bite. I split one open, added a chunk of butter and a drizzle of hot honey… and yeah, that’s the story. Pure summer joy!

Hot Dog Buns: Beyond the Basic Frank

Don't let your hot dog buns be an afterthought! Make them! 😉 While a simple hot dog with ketchup and mustard is a classic, the right bun and creative toppings can transform it into a gourmet experience.

Creative Hot Dog Fillings:

• The Chili Cheese Dog: A generous scoop of hearty chili, melted cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped onions.

• The Chicago Dog: Yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt – all on a poppy seed bun!

• The Bahn Mi Dog: Sriracha mayo, pickled carrots and daikon radish, fresh cilantro, and a few slices of jalapeño.

• Chilean Completo Hot Dog: Mashed Avocado (w. lime), chopped tomatoes, cilantro, white onion, and chilis

Burger Buns: The Foundation of Flavor

A great burger deserves a great bun. Whether you prefer a classic sesame seed bun, a fluffy brioche, or a rustic kaiser roll, the bun should complement your burger patty without overpowering it. Toasting your buns lightly on the grill before serving adds a wonderful texture and prevents sogginess.

Exciting Burger Bun Fillings:

• The BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger: Crispy bacon, melted cheddar or smoked gouda, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions.

• The Mushroom Swiss Burger: Sautéed mushrooms and onions, melted Swiss cheese, and a touch of garlic aioli.

• The Mediterranean Burger: Crumbled feta cheese, black olive tapenade, sliced cucumber, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

• The Mexican Street Corn Burger: Grilled corn salsa (with lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese), a smear of avocado crema, and a sprinkle of chili powder.

• The Spicy Hawaiian Burger: Grilled pineapple ring, melted provolone cheese, a slice of red onion, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

In other news…

In case you don’t want to cook, but you still love to host…

We also have a solution for that. In our upcoming book, Eat Small Plates, one of my favorite sections in our Hosting Fundamentals 101 chapter is dedicated to my mother-in-law who does not like to cook, but really knows how to host without ever turning on a burner. No one knows how to source a decadent ingredient like this woman!

In our book, we share our tried and true tips on how to host without having to cook. Sound like you? Or maybe you love to cook and just need a teeny tiny break… we’ve got a game plan for you. Pre-Order our cookbook today! (If you want a signed copy, we are doing a special offer with the Strand Bookstore in NYC. Yay! My personal happy place!)

-Zikki