5 Must-Cook Recipes for May

We're ready for cookout season. How about you?

By
Megan Scott
Meg Scott
Megan Scott
Megan is a recipe developer and editor with 12 years of industry experience, most recently as culinary director at a marketing agency. In 2019, she also co-authored the 9th edition of the classic cookbook, Joy of Cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Published on 04/27/23
Greek-Style grilled pork chops with marinade on a white platter

The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

It's not technically summer yet, but by the time May rolls around it might as well be. We're slathering ourselves with sunblock, pouring ourselves ice-cold beverages, and getting out the grill brush in anticipation of all things charred. We've also got potlucks and cookouts on the brain. I definitely want to be the person at the cookout with the in-demand recipes and the empty casserole dish to take back home. Don't you?

This short selection of recipes includes some of our latest favorites, from a grilled pork chop everyone will be talking about long after the backyard barbecue has passed to a strawberry dessert that can be scaled up to feed a crowd and takes 15 minutes to put together. There's also a pitch-perfect jambalaya recipe, a memorable Mother's Day brunch main, and a simple cocktail for easy drinking. Now let's go make the music of May with the clickety-clacking of grilling tongs and the clinking of ice cubes. Cheers!

  • 01 of 05

    Vermouth Cassis

    Vermouth Cassis

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    Warmer, longer days call for refreshing sippable beverages in tall glasses with lots of ice. This vermouth cassis cocktail fits those requirements perfectly. Crisp and clean-tasting with the fruity richness of crème de cassis providing just a touch of sweetness, this sessionable drink will take you fluidly from aperitivo hour to postprandial digestif without giving you a headache the next day.

  • 02 of 05

    Greek-Style Grilled Pork Chops

    Greek-Style grilled pork chops with marinade on a white platter

    The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck

    If you have a place to grill, May is officially the month when you are contractually obligated to dust off the grill and start using it. I just made that up but you should absolutely wheel the grill into a sunny spot and cook up these Greek-style grilled pork chops right away. The lemony marinade has a hefty dose of Worcestershire sauce for a jolt of umami. You can grill up the sides, too. Try grilled vegetable kebabs or a grilled corn salad.

  • 03 of 05

    Cap'n Crunch French Toast

    Cap'n Crunch French Toast

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

    I don't know who decided that brunch is the official meal of Mother's Day, but that seems to be the vibe. This year, skip the pancakes or bacon and eggs and whip up a batch of golden, craggy Cap'n Crunch French toast. The cereal provides welcome texture and a super nostalgic flavor for anyone who grew up eating this sugary but very tasty treat. After making the French toast, get the kids ready and spirit them away to the park so Mom can enjoy a quiet breakfast alone with her thoughts.

  • 04 of 05

    Fresas con Crema

    Fresas con Crema

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

    Ring in strawberry season with this super simple Mexican dessert of ripe strawberries bathed in a silky mixture of sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, and media crema (use crème fraîche in a pinch). I highly recommend serving fresas con crema topped with the optional whipped cream for the full cuatro leches experience.

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
  • 05 of 05

    Cajun Jambalaya

    Cajun Jambalaya

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

    We are entering the season of cookouts and potlucks and this Cajun jambalaya with chicken and andouille is one of the best portable one-pot dishes around. After cooking the rice to perfection in your favorite Dutch oven, slap the lid on and ferry it to the Memorial Day cookout. It'll put everything else on the buffet table to shame.