Whether you’re a host or a guest at a July 4th party this year, we Americans can unite as one to share a proud celebration of our country’s original stand for liberation.
From History.com here’s the story detailing the events that led to July 4, 1776 when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence – the document that proclaimed the independence of a new United States of America from Great Britain and its king.
While these days we honor this momentous occasion with fireworks and hotdogs, we salute the brave people we’ll never get to thank, who fought for our freedoms.
Summer Party Recipes
Whatever your plans to celebrate, there is an endless supply of ideas to make the day a momentous one with some incredible recipes you will want to make again and again this summer.
Some of us have longer barbeque seasons than others, but with a stock of fresh ingredients you can easily whip up holiday favorites with a contemporary touch almost any time of year.
From the classic homemakers’ guide for entertaining and easy-to-execute recipes that “wow” we love this list from Good Housekeeping as they serve up their 15 Best 4th of July Appetizers for a Classic American BBQ.
They’re not all the most heart-healthy, but a bountiful array of side dishes that showcase summer fruits and veggies will help offset the chicken dish drenched in bourbon molasses sauce!
Check out our favorites:
Rainbow Veggie Kabobs
You can start off with these kabobs that look as delectable as they taste. Featuring a selection of summer squash, grape tomatoes, broccoli florets, and cremini mushrooms, they make for colorful skewers that can either be grilled or roasted in the oven on baking sheets and ready in 20 minutes. Sprinkle them with the juice of a fresh lime before serving and you’ve got an appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.
Summer Crostini
Bursting with seasonal flavors this is a perfect hand-held snack from Half Baked Harvest. They share six different recipes – each with a foundation of crusty grilled sourdough bread or honey whole wheat bread:
- One with smashed avocado, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and crumbled feta;
- Another with fig preserves, burrata cheese, prosciutto, fresh fig, fresh thyme + basil with a drizzle of honey;
- Or how about goat cheese, fresh cherries, fresh basil, aged balsamic vinegar and olive oil?
But wait, there’s more!
- Crusty grilled honey whole wheat bread beneath melted cheddar cheese, blueberry jam, fresh thyme + honey + fresh blueberries for garnish.
And for the big finish:
- Crusty grilled sourdough bread, blue cheese, grilled peaches, chipotle honey + toasted pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of flaky salt;
- Or that amazing crusty grilled sourdough bread or honey whole wheat bread topped with melted Brie, fresh strawberries, basil, aged balsamic vinegar, and a drizzle of honey.
Each one a taste sensation!
Oven-Fried Pickles with Homemade Dill Buttermilk Ranch
If you’ve never tried fried pickles, this recipe from Cooking and Beer will convert you! It may even become your new favorite crunchy appetizer. They hold up beautifully so you can scoop this creamy dip made with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and mayo. Blend mixture and leave in the frig overnight for the most flavorful combo mingling.
Rich Bourbon Molasses Wings
From Real Food by Dad, this chicken recipe is made in the oven, so even if you’re beyond the swimming pool party/BBQ season, you can snack on this favorite through the summer and right on into football season. With the deep flavors of molasses and bourbon balanced by olive oil and balsamic vinegar, you just roast the wings, let them cool for five minutes, and then toss in the sauce. Simple and delicious!
Smoky Guacamole
From the popular avocado toast to cocktails, this is the on-trend veggie to beat! And now as a contender for your favorite July 4th pool party recipes, consider grilled avocados for your own version of tableside guacamole. You need only 2 – 4 minutes to grill on the cut side, add the other six ingredients and chill for an hour to serve with everyone’s favorite: tortilla chips. This is a recipe worth a trip to the store for fresh cilantro.
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Courtesy of Countryside Cravings these spicy treats are wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cheese. There is nothing NOT to love about that winning combination!
Grilled Onion Dip
Now that you’ve got the grill fired up, it’s time for every party’s staple snack: onion dip. You have made this before with a packet of seasoning and some sour cream, but this is how appetizer traditions are born! Just one garlic clove, some fresh thyme, cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream – this dip is velvety rich and will stand up to any chip.
Deviled Eggs with Old Bay Shrimp
In under an hour, you’ll be serving this delicious appetizer that works for outdoor or indoor parties. With a yield of 23 servings, it must be the shrimp and the sprigs of fresh dill that can elevate this dish to cocktail party status.
Feta-Watermelon Stacks
SO simple to make, but these sweet little stacks of happiness look stunning topped with a basil leaf. Cut the cubes of cheese and fruit, transfer to a platter and sprinkle a little olive oil for an easy to make, easy to serve hors d’oeuvre. The concoction is secured and served with a toothpick to deliver a refreshing bite of summertime.
And here are a few more robust delectables including a salad to kick the party off as well as a variety of grilled pizzas that give a tasty twist to this BBQ fan favorite!
Honey-Lime Ramen Salad
You can make this salad the day before for a tasty and filling side dish.
Grilled Berry, Basil and Brie Pizza Crisps
Another delight from Half Baked Harvest is this strawberry/blackberry mélange with gooey brie. Bake it for 10 minutes and then shine it up with a drizzle of balsamic honey glaze.
Charred Corn Rosemary Grilled Pizza
In another twist on a traditional fav, this pizza recipe from Foodie Crush simply shouts “summer!” when crowned in gorgonzola, mozzarella and sweet corn niblets.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and Happy 4th of July!
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