If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, game night or TV show marathon with friends this summer, it’s helpful to have a plan in mind before diving in.

Consider these tips and recipes that can help make planning a breeze and allow you to kick back and enjoy the fun alongside your guests.

• Master the music. Set the mood as soon as your guests walk in with an upbeat playlist.

• Add a creative twist to your menu. When you’re craving something real and satisfying — but want to keep things simple — reach for an option like Mrs. T’s pierogies. Available in 16 varieties, including mini-size, these pasta shells, filled with creamy whipped potatoes, are loaded with flavor and perfect served alone or as part of creative recipes like a Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad. You can also grill them up like in this Mini Pierogy Slider Kebab recipe.

• Create self-serve stations. Arrange a buffet-style table to allow your guests to help themselves to food. It’s a simple way to ensure you get to enjoy yourself. Just remember to provide the necessary fixings at each station.

• Bust out some games. Whether it’s a game night or just a get-together with friends, keep games like cornhole or bocce ball on-hand to keep your soiree lively.

For more recipes perfect for entertaining, visit MrsTsPierogies.com.

 

Mini Pierogy Slider Kebabs

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

 

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

1 box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies

2 tablespoons olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 pound ground beef

1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon minced red onion

4 deli slices Colby Jack cheese, quartered

4-6 skewers

14 pieces curly leaf lettuce

7 cherry tomatoes, halved

14 cornichon pickles

 

Directions

Heat grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Toss pierogies with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove.

In medium bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt and pepper. Form into 14 equal sized patties.

Add patties to grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side. Add one slice of cheese to each during last minute of cooking to melt. Remove and cool slightly to handle.

To assemble: skewer one pierogy, flat-side down, then one piece of lettuce, tomato, pickle, burger and another pierogy, flat-side down, to sandwich it all together. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

 

Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad

Prep time: 12 minutes

Total time: 18 minutes

Servings: 4

 

Ingredients

1 box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies

1/2 cup white balsamic or cider vinegar

1 small garlic clove, crushed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 large tomato, coarsely chopped

1 medium cucumber, seeded, if necessary, and coarsely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

 

Directions

Saute pierogies according to box directions; place in large bowl.

In small bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, salt and oregano; whisk in olive oil until well-blended.

Add tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta and vinaigrette to bowl with pierogies; toss to mix well.