Need some inspiration before hitting the grill this weekend? Using classic American comfort foods as inspiration, these 4th of July recipes kick things up a notch with crowd-pleasing upgrades to our nation’s favorite dishes.
What could be more American than apple pie? Depending on where you’re from, the answer could be Southern barbecue or even a fresh key lime pie. No matter where you live, this Independence Day is the perfect time to go all out, loading your table with the most famous American dishes, served with a fresh, modern twist. From patriotic soda floats to classic apple pie, we’ve got a full lineup of crowd-pleasing recipes to turn your 4th of July party into the most memorable event of the year.
Festive Soda Floats
Root beer floats may be the most iconic soda float in American history but these red, white and blue floats from Vogue Treats certainly stand up to the competition! These treats are so fun and festive, using cherry syrup and blue Gatorade to bring the patriotic colors to life. Give your guests a throwback to their childhood while keeping them hydrated in the hot summer sun.
Red, White and Blue Firecracker Pasta Salad
We’re following Forkly’s lead and preparing a red, white and blue pasta salad to add some festive flair to the popular summer dish. Getting the perfect blue pasta is as easy as adding some food coloring to your cooked pasta (or putting the coloring directly in your cooking water)! In this recipe, mozzarella and beans add white to the dish while tomatoes, bell peppers and pepperoni lend a pop of red. Seasoned with Italian dressing and a blast of hot sauce, this pasta salad isn’t one you’ll soon forget.
4th of July Potato Salad
A creamy potato salad is one of the best side dishes to pair with a barbeque of any kind. Putting a patriotic twist on the classic summer dish, Fresh Off the Grid uses red, white and blue potatoes to create this unique 4th of July side dish. With just four ingredients (plus salt and pepper) you can whip this up in just 20 minutes.
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Cornbread is the staple side for an All-American barbeque. For the holiday, don’t settle for just any recipe. Peas and Crayons packs their cornbread with cheddar cheese and adds a spicy kick with jalapenos. With a creamy mix of milk and yogurt in the batter, you can be sure each cheesy square is moist and delicious.
Thick and Hearty Baked Beans
No matter what you plan on grilling this Independence Day, sweet and savory baked beans are always a welcome side dish. The Girl Who Ate Everything has perfected this recipe for pork and beans by adding bacon and chopped veggies to the mix. The barbecue sauce glaze is packed with brown sugar, Worcester sauce and soy sauce for a deep, complex flavor you just can’t beat.
BBQ Peach Grilled Chicken Wings
From watching a football game to watching the fireworks, you can never go wrong with a side of wings. This grilled chicken recipe from Erhardts Eat has the perfect blend of spicy, smoky and sweet flavors thanks to a blend of peach jam, barbeque sauce, chili sauce and plenty of spices. A peach dipping sauce is included in the recipe to help you load up on flavor before each bite.
Mini Jalapeno Corn Dogs (Gluten-Free Option)
Of course, we’re cooking plenty of hot dogs on the grill, but corn dogs have a special ability to take us back to childhood memories of summer fairs and boardwalks. Boulder Locavore shares her recipe for mini corn dogs with a spicy jalapeno kick. These little bites are the perfect appetizer to satisfy your inner child and turn up the fun at any 4th of July cookout.
Bacon Double Cheddar Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions
Bigger is almost always better when you’re celebrating and it’s certainly true when it comes to these burgers. Foodie Crush packs each beef patty with chopped bacon and cheddar cheese for a flavorful punch. After adding more cheese while you grill, these burgers get the works with sliced tomato, lettuce, pickles, caramelized onions and your sauce of choice.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich
Southern fried chicken is irresistible with the juiciest meat and crispy crust. Modern Honey brines their chicken in buttermilk for maximum tenderness before coating in a seasoned flour mixture. The slightly spicy chicken gets layered with creamy coleslaw and pickles for the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Barbeque Pulled Pork
You can’t serve up the ultimate American meal without including some barbeque! Pulled pork is the perfect way to load up on your favorite BBQ sauce, smothering the juicy meat on soft brioche buns. For a quick homemade version, Damn Delicious makes hers in the Instant Pot. Don’t forget to layer on the coleslaw and pickles for a creamy crunch!
The Best Apple Pie (Like Grandma Used to Make!)
They say there’s nothing more American than apple pie so why not bring one out on our nation’s birthday! This recipe from Living on a Dime calls for a homemade crust, but we won’t tell if you buy some frozen sheets of dough. The secret to giving your pie that “grandma’s kitchen” look is all in the brown sugar crumble sprinkled on top.
All-American Banana Split
Invented in Pennsylvania over a hundred years ago, the banana split is now an American classic. Taste of Home shows you how to make this dish with three flavors of ice cream and, of course, banana. This ice cream dish has it all, covered in chocolate, strawberry and pineapple toppings, peanuts (optional), whipped cream and, finally, the cherry on top.
Key Lime Tart
You don’t have to travel to Florida to get a slice of sweet and tangy key lime pie! With this easy recipe from the Taste and Tell Blog, you can whip one up at home. Featuring a creamy lime filling, this pie is baked in a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream.
S’mores (On the Barbeque!)
If you have a fire pit, fire it up and get those sticks ready! If not, don’t worry! The Bewitchin’ Kitchen has found the perfect way to make these gooey campfire treats right on the grill
