Feeding a crowd at a summer party can be challenging, what with the limited grill space and the bees swarming your buffet. So dishes that work twice as hard — pies that are twice as large but require half the work, or deep-dish sides that can double as an entree — are a host's dream. These five slab pies (prepared in either baking sheets or casserole dishes) are incredibly easy to make and will surprise guests with their bevy of fresh summer ingredients.
Chocolate-Cherry Lattice Slab Pie
Want to know how to make a slab pie extra-easy? Start with store-bought pie crusts and use a baking sheet instead of a pie plate. The chocolate and the splash of almond extract are the perfect complements to the ruby summer fruit, which peeks out from beneath the lattice crust (also made of store-bought dough).
This savory pie filled with mozzarella, tomato and herbs is Southern at heart with a Chicago deep dish-style twist. Serve it as a side with grilled chicken at a barbecue, or try it as a main dish with a big green salad on a weeknight.
This slab pie starring summer's sweetest fruit is the simplest of the bunch, since you don't even have to roll out the dough. The press-in dough (reminiscent of shortbread) is super-easy to make and saves lots of time. For something a little different, substitute pecans or skinned hazelnuts for the almonds in the streusel topping.
Two classic summer side dishes — collards and cornbread — merge together under a buttery, flaky crust for the ideal summer supper. Serve the sausage-and-cheddar-filled pie with a simple tomato salad.
Baking this freeform pie (it's technically an oversized hand pie) on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone helps make the bottom crust extra-crisp and flaky. Play with your fruits and swap in peaches or blackberries if you'd like.
