Across the U.S. there are about 14,000 different fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. That has nothing to do with 4th of July recipes, we just thought it was pretty cool.
But the truth is, no Fourth of July celebration is complete unless there are fireworks, and unless there’s food.
So when you’re looking to feed your family on the fourth, make sure you’re trying these recipes.
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1. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs for the Traditional Chef
Okay, no list of July 4th meals is complete with hot dogs and hamburgers. These are the iconic foods of the 4th of July, just as iconic as the fireworks themselves.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to spice up your meats and make them more unique.
Try a unique hamburger marinade to give your burgers extra flavor. Or opt for a plant-based alternative like veggie burgers or black bean burgers. These options are just as delicious and arguably healthier and more ethical.
You can also try adding a smoker or cedar chips to your grill to give your burgers and dogs an extra unique flavor.
Don’t Forget a Healthy Dish With These Summer Salads
There are several different types of salads you can add to your 4th of July cookoff, and there’s no wrong answer. Here are a few different ideas to inspire you.
2. A Traditional Garden Salad
If you planted a garden in spring, a lot of that produce is likely ready by the time the 4th rolls around. So take whatever you grew and throw it in a salad. When you get compliments, you can always point out how you grew everything yourself.
3. A Red White and Blue Salad
Want a colorful patriotic touch? Fill your salad with red, white, and blue toppings for a festive treat. Consider watermelon, raspberries, strawberries, or radishes for the red. You can use feta, goat cheese, or radishes for the white, and blueberries or red cabbage for your blue.
Add a honey glazed walnut salad topper and a huckleberry dressing for the perfect treat.
4. You Can’t Go Wrong With Fruit Salad
When bringing dishes to a 4th of July cookout, you want to be careful to avoid dishes that will easily spoil under the hot summer sun. So avoid anything with mayonnaise like egg or chicken salad.
But fruit salad is always a delicious, safe choice. And it’s versatile too! Mix berries, apple bits, peach chunks, and even watermelon into a bowl. You can serve it as is with a spoon, or stir the entire thing in whipped cream for an extra sweet touch.
A Patriotic Cake for the Win
4th of July cakes are a great way to add sweets to a holiday and show your baking prowess.
There are a few creative cake ideas to try, as simple as adding food coloring and a paper flag to a white cupcake mix. Or you can try something as complicated as a four-layer cake that cuts to look like the flag. The choice is up to you.
5. Patriotic Cupcakes
For the easiest festive treat, make white cupcakes and top them with different colored frosting. You can take white frosting and split it into three bowls and add red and blue food coloring to the extra portions.
Then frost your cupcakes and add red white and blue sprinkles or a paper flag. You could also layer your frosting so all three colors are on the same cupcake.
6. Make a Statement With Layers
If layered cakes are more your thing, use three layers in red white and blue, and add some patriotic frosting. You can opt to use a white cake mix and add food coloring for all three layers. Or try to make each layer a different flavor with raspberry cake or blueberry cake ideas.
If you don’t want to bake yourself, you might be able to order your cake from a bakery that uses food manufacturing software solutions. Software like this can help them make sure they stay stocked up, even when there are major changes like holidays.
A Cooler of Beer and These Delicious Cocktails
No 4th of July is complete without drinks, but not just any drink will do. You need a special 4th of July drinks like this cocktail.
7. Toasted Marshmallow Shots
And you know what else screams summertime? Toasted marshmallow shots. For these delicious treats, toast some mallows and let them cool, then fill them with Bailey’s. It’s a dessert and a delicious creative drink all in one.
8. Patriotic Jello Shots
Speaking of desserts and drinks, consider whipping together some very adult patriotic jello shots. Mix up blueberry, strawberry or cherry, and white gelatin in separate containers and add vodka like you’re making a jello shot.
Carefully add a layer of jello one on top of each other in plastic shot glasses, giving 15 minutes to cool between layers. When they’re ready, you’ll have patriotic, delicious boozy treats.
9. Go for Variety
If you don’t like these ideas, you can always serve three separate cocktails for the most holiday pride. Consider strawberry daiquiris, Pina Coladas, and blueberry mojitos for your red white, and blue choices.
These 4th of July Recipes Need to Be on Your Holiday Menu
4th of July recipes are as big a part of this iconic holiday as the fireworks. So if you want to make a statement and show your patriotism, make sure these items are a part of your menu.
We have recipes for every occasion. Keep exploring to find more delicious meals you need to try.
