On the Fourth of July, we the people celebrate the Declaration of Independence 🙂

This is the birthday of the nation when, besides taking the time to contemplate what freedom means, we come together to share our patriotism and pride with family-and-friend gatherings, parades, fireworks, patriotic speeches, bells, balloons, singing, and dancing…

But Fourth of July is also a perfect day to share the love for good food and fun! So, however you decide to celebrate this year, there is one thing you’ll need for sure –delicious eats!

DISCOVER GREAT RECIPES, TIPS & IDEAS!

Fourth of July Celebration Tips

There is nothing more fun that a 4th of July picnic – warm weather and happy people seated in the shadows, enjoying the day, while waiting to see the fireworks after dark. “A Fourth of July picnic is as traditional as Uncle Sam’s striped trousers”, as someone wise (or a bit drunk after a 4th July picnic) once said 😊

The first written record of 4th July family picnics is from 1862. Old-time picnics usually involved fried chicken and potato salad, whereas traditional refreshments were lemonade and watermelon.

If you are hosting the party, you don’t need to go too far. It can take place in the backyard or on the porch. The eats should be festive, tempting, and most importantly, all-American! However, no matter how delicious and attractively served the food is, the hostess should be as relaxed as her guests. What’s a holiday if you get stuck in the kitchen all day and miss all the fun? Being responsible for all the food for a large group of friends and family is not an easy task; that is why we offer a few tips to help you stay organized and relaxed.

Choose foods that are easy to prepare and simple to serve , i.e. don’t require the use of knives, forks, or spoons (We believe that the recipe selection we have offered below will largely contribute to a relaxed Independence Day party).

, i.e. don’t require the use of knives, forks, or spoons (We believe that the recipe selection we have offered below will largely contribute to a relaxed Independence Day party). Your good time on the Fourth largely depends on forethought . Plan the main dish(es) and make a shopping list. Do all the shopping for ingredients 2-3 days in advance and see which foods you can prepare the day before.

Plan the main dish(es) and make a shopping list. Do all the shopping for ingredients 2-3 days in advance and see which foods you can prepare the day before. If you decide to go with a backyard barbecue, feel free to leave food preparation to your significant half . Just place a tub full of ice and beer by the grill and watch all the male guests follow their natural instinct and gather to help with the preparation of meat.

. Just place a tub full of ice and beer by the grill and watch all the male guests follow their natural instinct and gather to help with the preparation of meat. To minimize the mess, pack box lunches for the children with simple items like sandwiches and sat them under a big shade tree where they can play (and make noise) without disturbing the adults. For the grown-ups, serve the food buffet style on the porch/terrace. Bear in mind that this is not a formal dinner but a relaxed get-together, so feel free to use paper plates, cups, glasses, napkins. You’ll be glad to avoid massive dishwashing on a hot day!

with simple items like sandwiches and sat them under a big shade tree where they can play (and make noise) without disturbing the adults. For the grown-ups, serve the food buffet style on the porch/terrace. Bear in mind that this is not a formal dinner but a relaxed get-together, so feel free to use paper plates, cups, glasses, napkins. You’ll be glad to avoid massive dishwashing on a hot day! Another option is to tell everyone to bring one dish . This will leave you enough time to prepare patriotic favors for the guests, come up with fun game options, suitable decorations, and most importantly, prepare the fireworks!

Declare Your Independence from Plain Food with These Amazing Traditional 4th July Dishes

Have you ever wondered why we eat hamburgers and hot dogs on Independence Day? Have barbecues always been a part of America’s birthday? There are so many questions about traditional Fourth of July foods.

You’ll be surprised to find out that on the first celebration of the Fourth, President John Adams, along with his wife and thousands of other Americans, enjoyed – soup. That’s right, a dish as plain as the green turtle soup. And yes, it was a soup made from the flesh of real turtles. In fact, turtle soup was extremely popular at the time, especially on 4th July. Its popularity decreased due to concerns related to endangering turtles (thank God!). Today, Americans in the South still enjoy turtle soup, but a mock one, usually made with veal.

If you really must eat soup on this day, we have just the thing: a cool and refreshing recipe, perfect for hot days:

Cool Cucumber Soup

Cucumbers, onion, and parsley make up a refreshing, emerald-green summer lunch. This soup allows a number of modifications. For instance, you can use baked and chopped potatoes (without the mint springs) or omit the chicken broth, increase the amount of parsley, and add some garlic. Another option is to substitute one cup of mayonnaise for one cup of sour cream. Then, put all the ingredients in a blender and process the mixture until smooth.

According to reports, this festive meal also included poached salmon, green peas, egg sauce, boiled potatoes, apple pandowdy, and Indian pudding. How much have 4th July menus evolved since 1776? Let’s find out.

Barbecue

Today, barbecues are probably the first thing that pops up when mentioning the Fourth. Grilling became popular in the 19th century when the Fourth wasn’t even a national holiday. In some US regions, political leaders started organizing gatherings to mark this day, but also to boast with their patriotism. On some of these rallies, especially in the South, barbecues were prepared as an expression of regional pride. Large crowds were attracted by roasting oxen or pigs.

These huge public barbecues became more private in the 20th century. This transition might have something to do with the fact that charcoal grills became widely popular and entered almost every household.

Here is a fun fact: Last year, 74 million Americans reported attending a barbecue on Independence Day!

Down-home Barbecue Chicken

For best results, make your own barbecue sauce and store the extra in the fridge. You’ll have it on hand for a quick weeknight meal.

Barbecued Spareribs

It’s a good thing you’ll be using plastic utensils and not-so-fancy tablecloths because these saucy ribs are quite messy. But we couldn’t resist! Tip: For well-trimmed, easy-to-eat ribs, boil the uncut spareribs and let them cool slightly. Then trim and discard the skin from the back of the ribs and cut them into sections.

Barbecued Beef Roast

The most economical choice for this dish is beef chuck roast with a very mild flavor. However, for those who like beefy flavor, you can use a bottom round roast instead. The leftovers of the barbecue are delicious when shredded and served on a corn cake.

Tarragon-Grilled Chicken

The mixture of tarragon and Dijon gives this all-America dish a classically French twist. To capture all the juicy goodness of this chicken, serve it with fluffy white rice. Less messy sides include bread or rolls for dipping in the juices.

Maple Barbecue Ribs

Liven up your Fourth of July barbecue with baby back ribs marinated in a spicy glaze that features the added sweetness of maple syrup. For an Asian flair, replace the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices with Chinese five-spice powder and grated ginger.

Asian Barbecue Chicken

Grilled chicken drumsticks are basted with a rich hoisin sauce enlivened with orange zest, and garnished with grilled orange wedges. Tip: you can substitute hoisin sauce with a thick barbecue sauce.

Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs

Burgers and hot dogs are another great way to celebrate Independence Day!

Did you know that it was the Spanish who brought domesticated farm animals like pigs, chicken, and cattle to the New World? In the early days, cattle ranches did not exist and cattle meat was rarely eaten. No wonder people opted for turtle soup instead of eating burgers!

Today, burgers are usually made with beef and served with tomatoes, pickles, salad, and, in the case of cheeseburgers, cheese. Some recipes also include bacon, green chili, jalapeños, or chipotle mayonnaise. Even vegetarians can celebrate 4th July with quinoa patty burgers!

Want a few fun facts? During the holiday season, Americans eat about 150 million hot dogs (that’s enough hot dogs to stretch from Washington, D.C to L.A!). In addition, they devour 750 million pounds of chicken!

Cheddar-filled Burgers

This burger combines bacon, cheese, and barbecue sauce in an absolutely juicy and tasty treat! Tip: These burgers can be prepared on the stove top with a griddle pan or outside on the grill.

Shrimp Burgers

If you are a fan of fish and seafood, try this variation! Tender shrimp blended with seasonings and breadcrumbs for deliciously unique patties. Add a slice of pepper cheese on top of each patty in the last minute of cooking for a special zip!

Swiss Mushroom Burgers

These hearty burgers topped with melted Swiss cheese and mushrooms will be your party sensation. Add a little cornstarch mixed with water to quickly thicken sauces and gravies.

Hawaiian Burgers

Grilled pineapple rings combined with a sweet-and-tangy sauce give these great burgers tropical Hawaiian ﬂair.

Greek Chicken Burgers

This 4th July, savor the Mediterranean ﬂavors. These open-face patties include a tart cucumber sauce, reminiscent of the famous Greek tzatziki. Tip: use a sieve to drain the moisture from the yogurt and cucumber to make the sauce authentic, creamy, and rich.

Tex-Mex Hamburgers

This is the burger of your dreams. Every bite is a perfect blend of tastes and textures that will satisfy any appetite. Tip: use spicy Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. If you want to shorten the preparation time, buy prepared guacamole from the supermarket.

Fried Chicken

While at the meat department, it’s worth mentioning fried chicken as a separate Fourth of July staple food. The chicken is covered with flour, seasoned with salt and pepper, then fried in a pan. It is usually served with gravy, composed of some of the oil which the chicken has been cooked, flour, cream (or milk), and black pepper. Here are a few varieties to try.

Blue-Ribbon Fried Chicken

This is a spicier version of the classic Southern fried chicken recipe. Tip: cast-iron pans are the best choice for frying chicken. They keep the heat consistent and provide even browning.

Maryland Fried Chicken

The traditional cracker crumb coating this crispy chicken is complemented with a traditional Chesapeake Bay seasoning composed of celery, cloves, allspice, and salt. Tip: use tongs to stay safe while transferring the chicken in and out of the hot oil. In addition, the tongs won’t pierce the chicken and let the juices out.

Crispy Batter-Fried Chicken

This crispy chicken breast in golden coating seasoned with garlic and fresh tarragon is perfect for sandwiches. Prepare some baguettes and buns, and complement with a creamy mustard dressing, lettuce, and tomato.

The Strength of a Great Fourth of July Barbecue Lies in the Side Dishes

Even though meaty recipes are definitely the stars of our Fourth of July celebrations, they still need suitable companions (besides beer) to form a hearty and balanced meal. Potato salads, baked beans, and corn are the top three choices. In numbers, this translates into the following: one-half of the Americans eat potato salads/chips or corn with their BBQ, whereas about one-third opt for baked beans.

Potato Salad

There are two reasons why we love eating potato salad on the Fourth. First, it is very easy and it can be prepared the night before. Potatoes are boiled for about 20 minutes and then cut into cubes. Then, they are combined with boiled eggs, mayonnaise, onions, and dressing. Second, this salad is served cool, after being refrigerated for a few hours or, better yet, overnight. That’s the basic version. If you want something slightly different, here is an inspiration.

Roasted Potato Salad

The potatoes are roasted along with garlic to sweeten the garlic taste. For real garlic fans, increase the mashed garlic amount up to 6 teaspoons.

Fresh Sweet Potato Salad

This salad has the best texture and flavor on the day it is made, so we suggest making it in the morning. However, if the salad is chilled overnight, just drain the liquid that had accumulated in the bowl before serving. Also, you can use shredded carrots instead of sweet potatoes because carrots produce less liquid.

Make a variation of the original recipe by substituting one cup of shredded or chopped Mexican potato (jicama) for one cup of the sweet potato. Add a cup of dried cherries to the salad as well.

Sweet Potato Salad

For a colorful salad with extra crunch, combine sweet potatoes with toasted pecans, celery, and mayonnaise. For a change of pace, replace the sweet potatoes with new potatoes or red-skinned potatoes, and leave the skin on.

Honey Mustard Potatoes

The secret to this quick potato dish is the sweet honey-mustard dressing that gives it additional ﬂavor. Turn this side dish into a main meal by layering the potatoes with diced ham or chopped cooked bacon.

Baked Beans

This New England staple is the number one choice alongside all grilling foods simply because its taste pairs great with… well, everything 😊

Boston Baked Beans

This dish is made of pinto beans, bacon, and onion baked in a sweet-and-smoky sauce. To add extra flavor and spice, replace the bacon with a sausage (regular or chorizo) and add some chili powder.

Corn Dog Casserole

This creative recipe that combines a few American favorites: corn dogs, baked beans, and cheese. Tip: if you have the time and patience, you can easily turn this casserole into cute muffins: Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Divide the corn mixture evenly, then press 2-inch hot dog pieces into the center of each muffin. Bake and serve with a dollop of ketchup or mustard.

Corn

According to the old adage “Knee-high by the Fourth of July”, our nation’s birthday isn’t just a celebration of independence but also an important milestone for the corn crop. Even though this seems strange since today waist-high (or even higher) corn is typical on the Fourth, in the past farmers had much lower yield expectations, and having knee-high corn by July was considered a great success.

Herbed Corn-on-the-Cob

Buttered corn-on-the-cob is the simplest yet delicious food. it doesn’t need much improvement, just some fresh herbs added to the butter.

Mashed Potatoes with Corn

A dish that unites two Fourth of July traditional foods – potatoes and corn, complemented with carrots and onions. Tip: to save time when chopping carrots, shred them on the large holes of the grater.

Paprika Corn Casserole

Sweet, corn in a buttery sauce, well-seasoned and complemented with veggies & bacon – a perfect holiday side dish. To make it spicier add dried jalapeños place some crushed tortilla chips on top.

Cajun Corn

This creamed corn is truly satisfying and can be served even as a main dish. Tip: if you have some leftover Cajun spice after you make this recipe, store it in an airtight container. You can use it later for various meat and vegetable dishes.

Dips

The great eating experience on Independence Day wouldn’t be the same if there weren’t several dips on the buffet table.

Warm Spinach Dip

Fresh spinach, pimiento peppers, and herbs compose a colorful and flavorful dip with great taste and even better nutritive properties! Frozen spinach also works well, but make sure to sauté and drain it before adding to the other ingredients. As far as herbs are concerned, dried ones have a much more concentrated flavor, so when using fresh herbs, don’t forget to increase the amount.

Festive Cheese Dip

This multifunctional dip can be used for dipping, topping, or spreading on top of bread slices and works especially well paired with fresh cucumbers or pickles. This brings us to the next subject of interest.

Pickles

Pickles ate more eaten on Independence Day than any other period of the year. They are consumed either right out of the jar or placed inside burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.

Crisp Zucchini Pickles

If you want to have some great homemade pickles ready for Fourth of July, this recipe is perfect for you. To sterilize canning jars, put a clean kitchen towel in a large pot, then place the jars on it and fill the pot with water. Bring the water to a boil and boil for about two minutes. Place the lids and rings and boil for another minute. Remove the jars using tongs, drain, and fill.

If there is one word that lies at the core of all Fourth of July traditional foods, it would be ‘simplicity’. Being a nation of immigrants, thriftiness was in the roots of early celebrations. But people coming from different countries also contributed to different kinds of foods, which ultimately transformed our Independence Day picnics from pig roasts to a more diverse, rich selection.

We’re done with the main dishes and sides, but try not to overeat. Leave some room for dessert…

Celebrate the Sweet Land of Liberty with These Amazing Patriotic Desserts

Let the food be the decoration on your festive buffet table by choosing from a palette of patriotic desserts in red, blue, and white color scheme!

Blue is the most difficult hue from this trio since nature doesn’t offer many options. If we set artificial ingredients like gelatins and food colorings aside, we’re left with delish natural options like blueberries and grape juice.

Red is presented in more varieties:

Vegetables: beets, pimiento peppers, paprika, red cabbage, tomatoes, red radishes;

Fruits: cherries, strawberries, cranberries, watermelon slices…

White is found in white grapes and radishes, but also in all dairy products like cheese, yogurt, milk, sour cream, whipped cream…

However, these are just the basics. Many of these ingredients can be incorporated in delectable desserts that appeal both eye and palate.

Flag Cake

According to the legend, Betsy Ross is the name of the woman who sewed the first American flag in 1776. She is also credited for convincing George Washington to change the shape of the stars from six-pointed to five-pointed.

The national flag was adopted on June 14, 1777 by the Continental Congress with the purpose to promote national pride and unity. “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation”.

This flag cake will certainly show your patriotic spirit! Top it with luscious fresh fruit and ﬂuffy whipped cream, and make it a centerpiece of your July 4th picnic table!

Sweet Strawberry Shortcakes

Statistics say that strawberry shortcake is the no.1 dessert served on the Fourth! This cool and refreshing delight is served in almost every household on this day. We offer a cuter alternative in the form of smaller, lighter-than-air cakes. They are filled with fresh strawberries and sweetened whipped cream. You can also add blueberries (or raspberries) to the red strawberries to capture the symbolic red, blue, and white trio. If you want even more color, add mint leaves as well.

Creamy Sponge Cake

This tasty, good-looking cake is perfect for special occasions, but when you are not celebrating Independence Day, bear in mind that it goes well with a wide variety of toppings (as long as they’re fruits 😊).

Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream

Let’s not forget ice cream first, because you can expect hot weather in July and second, because kids will be ecstatic when you serve it. You can go with the tri-color scheme and make strawberry-vanilla combo topped with blueberries or make our recipe suggestion.

A few tips if you’re using an ice cream freezer: Turn it on before packing the ice and salt around the canister. Use seven parts of ice to one part of salt. Dribble some hot water over the ice and salt if they clump together.

Drinks

Barbecues, burgers, and hot dogs simply cry for beer. No wonder 23 million cases of beer are sold every 4th July (that’s more than 5% of the national yearly beer consumption!)

But in order to endure the hot weather easier and help your stomach win the battle with all the food eaten on the Fourth, besides beer, you’ll need a few more refreshments. Cold water and lemonade? Sure, but we have more interesting suggestions.

Strawberry Lemonade

There’s nothing cooler and more refreshing than a lemonade. We offer a recipe with a twist; trust us, you’ll never reach for powdered lemonade after you have a sip of this natural beauty made up of fresh strawberries and lemons!

Margarita-Style Coolers

The beauty of this cocktail is that it is a mock one. This means that it doesn’t contain any alcohol, only strawberries and lime. However, if you want an adult-friendly version, add a cup of white tequila instead of water (and make sure the kids don’t go near it 😊).

Fourth of July Decoration Ideas

Now that we have compiled the menu for America’s birthday, it’s time to dedicate some space to the décor (For what’s a birthday without decorations?) Here are a few interesting ideas:

DISCOVER GREAT RECIPES, TIPS & IDEAS!

Costumes and outfits : Dress up like Betsy Rose, Uncle Sam, Abe Lincoln, Paul Revere, Lady Liberty… Or, if you think you’ll be too hot wearing a costume, invest in patriotic accessory kits consisting of sunglasses, hats, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, shirts…

: Dress up like Betsy Rose, Uncle Sam, Abe Lincoln, Paul Revere, Lady Liberty… Or, if you think you’ll be too hot wearing a costume, invest in patriotic accessory kits consisting of sunglasses, hats, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, shirts… Party supplies to consider : invitations, tablecloths and runners, plates, napkins, cups, bottles, straws, coolers, serving utensils, trays, and galvanized buckets, all printed to look like the American flag.

: invitations, tablecloths and runners, plates, napkins, cups, bottles, straws, coolers, serving utensils, trays, and galvanized buckets, all printed to look like the American flag. Baking supplies : baking cups, cake pans, cookie molds, cupcake stands, icing and sprinkles, American flag toothpicks.

: baking cups, cake pans, cookie molds, cupcake stands, icing and sprinkles, American flag toothpicks. Candies : lollipops, candy sticks, jelly beans, and more, arranged in patriotic favor boxes and bags and decorated with stickers & ribbons to create the sweetest 4th of July candy buffet.

: lollipops, candy sticks, jelly beans, and more, arranged in patriotic favor boxes and bags and decorated with stickers & ribbons to create the sweetest 4th of July candy buffet. And of course, lots of flowers, balloons, and confetti in red, blue and white

Don’t forget the flags! Happy Fourth of July!

I believe that food should not only taste good, but make you feel good as well and that is why I am so interested in exploring ingredients, preparing meals, and finding ways to make the whole cooking experience fun and exciting! Being a blogger for MyGreatRecipes unites my two passions – food and writing, and I am enjoying every second of it!