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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Strawberry Crunch
Photo credit: Jessi Heggan

Strawberry Crunch

This light and creamy Strawberry Crunch combines fresh berries with egg whites and whipped cream spread between layers of crunchy pecan crumble. 

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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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