Home to about 39,000 dairy cows, North Carolina farms produce more than 100 million gallons of milk each year, according to the Dairy Alliance. That same milk makes its way into so many of our most beloved summertime staples. From cheeseburgers to ice cream to the butter on our corn cob and in our homemade cherry pie crusts, our favorite seasonal dishes just wouldn’t be the same without delicious dairy.

And with the celebration of National Dairy Month in June, there’s no better time to fill your plate with more local dairy products. These delicious summer recipes made with milk, butter, cream, cheese, yogurt and more are the perfect place to start. 

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Beef and Bean Stuffed Peppers with Cheese
Photo credit: Jessi Heggan

Beef and Bean Stuffed Peppers with Cheese

Add some color to your summertime menu with these Beef and Bean Stuffed Peppers with Cheese. Use your favorite bell pepper variety or a combination of multiple colors for this easy dish you can whip up in just 30 minutes.

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Read & Connect

NCField&FamilySummer2026
Flip through the pages of the Summer 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, find vineyard adventures at U-pick muscadine grape farms, explore the oasis of Manteo, learn more about on-farm markets, enjoy peak berry season with summer berry recipes, read about riveting research on hemp fiber and so much more.

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