It is going to be an Independence Day like no other. After last year’s muted 4th of July celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s holiday is shaping up to be an extraordinary day. If you plan on hosting friends and family for the patriotic festivities, it is time to start working on your menu. Here are a few of the best recipes to consider preparing for your 4th of July celebration.
The classic Independence Day appetizer elevates to another level with the addition of blue and red food coloring to fit the occasion. Although these deviled eggs require a bit of work to achieve the festive red, white, and blue coloring, they will be worth the work when your guests first see them on the table. The spicy horseradish sauce combines with smoked Spanish paprika to take up the flavor a notch. You can make these ahead of time and simply pull them out of the refrigerator when you are ready to serve them.
What is more American than fried chicken on Independence Day? There is no shortage of recipes for this staple out there, but you will find nothing better than
this southern fried chicken gem. The key to this moist and juicy chicken is to soak it overnight in buttermilk and hot sauce. While there is a slight learning curve to master the frying technique, it will not be long before you are noshing on this traditional holiday meal.
Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Regardless of if you are serving up fried chicken, burgers, or ribs, a scoop of authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad makes a great accompaniment. While some recipes try to do too much with the mac salad, this traditional recipe contains just macaroni, carrot, mayonnaise, onion, apple cider vinegar, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper. If you are concerned about the amount of mayonnaise in this recipe, feel free to sub it out with Greek yogurt. Because of the mayo, you will also need to keep this salad on ice if you are serving it outside.
Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter
This simple corn on the cob recipe becomes something noteworthy with the addition of garlic butter. The key to the perfect corn is to boil the cobs in a bit of milk along with water. The milk makes for the sweetest and juiciest corn. Once the corn is finished, be sure to liberally slather the garlic butter all over the hot kernels.
Cucumber Avocado Watermelon Salad
The heat of the season calls for a recipe that is refreshing. This cucumber, avocado, and watermelon salad certainly delivers on this need. The salad hits a multitude of flavor profiles, ranging from salty to sweet. While it may seem like an odd combination, the watermelon, cucumber, and avocado come together beautifully when tossed with the dressing consisting of olive oil, fresh lime juice, basil, salt, and pepper. The addition of lime juice will keep the avocado from turning brown.
Toasted Seed Coleslaw
While a classic creamy coleslaw is always a hit at these types of gatherings, some guests may prefer something a little lighter in the heat. This toasted seed coleslaw is both crunchy and flavorful thanks to the addition of celery seeds, caraway seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds. You can choose green or red cabbage or a mixture of the two. You will be surprised at the big flavor that the little seeds give to this tasty side dish.
Instant Pot Baked Beans
You cannot have a backyard BBQ without the quintessential baked beans. Make the preparation easy and quick with this baked beans recipe for an instant pot. With the magic of the pressure cooker, you can pull this recipe together in about an hour. Although the recipe calls for dried beans, you do not even need to soak them prior to throwing them in the pot along with onion, bell pepper, bacon, and a barbeque sauce of your choice. If your pot has a warming feature, be sure to use this to keep the beans at the perfect temperature throughout the party.
Red, White, and Blue Dump Cake
For a dessert worthy of the occasion, try this fun red, white, and blue dump cake. The best part of this recipe is that it could not be any easier to pull together. With just four ingredients, you cannot go wrong with this delicious and festive 4th of July dessert. The only thing that you need is a can of blueberry pie filling, white cake mix, butter, and strawberry ice cream. The ease of this recipe makes it a great choice when you want to involve young children in the preparation.
Steak Kebabs
Want to class it up this year? Try these sizzling steak kebabs, guaranteed to impress all of your guests. Tender pieces of beef are marinated in a mix of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, garlic, and pepper. The steak is threaded with peppers and onions or whatever vegetables you prefer. Other good choices include mushrooms and zucchini. Be sure to use a good quality of steak for these kebabs. You do not want to try to scrimp on the meat.
Boozy Cherry Bombs
End your celebration with a bang with the addition of these adults-only boozy cherry bombs. Not only do these cherry bombs look amazing, but they also taste delicious. All that you need to do to make this fun creation is to soak maraschino cherries in a mixture of Fireball whiskey and whipped cream-flavored vodka. After the cherries have taken on the boozy taste, dip them in melted white chocolate and blue sanding sugar to make the patriotic presentation.
These recipes will make your 4th of July table sparkle. What better way to celebrate America’s independence than with good food and drink and great friends?
