Fourth of July Recipes for a Happy Holiday

Happy birthday, America!

Fourth of July feels like a kickoff to summer—the air is finally warmer, barbecue season is in full swing, school is out for months and it feels like people are eager to celebrate and start fresh. Savory dishes mix with sweet, and heavier dishes are contrasted with lighter ones. If you are preparing some nice meals for the holiday, check out these recipe ideas for a happy Fourth of July. Bonus points if you can incorporate red, white and blue, too!

Recipe #1: Showstopper Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is an essential for any gathering, and this version is anything but boring. Two Healthy Kitchens suggests making one of these recipes in advance, so even when life happens, something is ready to go. Standout versions feature red, white and blue fruit. Red can be strawberry, watermelon, red grapes, cherries or raspberries, white could be melons. Bananas are another option, but keep in mind they change color fast, so melons may be a better option. For blue, try blueberries or blackberries. A simple sugar syrup can tie everything together. Assemble in a large glass bowl.

Recipe #2: Ridiculously Easy Blueberry Crumble

Inspired Taste came up with this recipe for an easy and delicious blueberry crumble. Packed high with juicy berries, and topped with a golden oat and sugar topping, it serves well alone or with ice cream or whipped cream. If desired, add nuts and freeze the crumble prior to serving.

Recipe #3: Red, White and Blue Taco Bites

This AllRecipes selection features festive colors and tasty flavors, which are ideal in appetizers. Ground beef, taco seasoning, Monterey Jack cheese, red salsa and sour cream. Serve on blue corn chip rounds. Bake until the cheese and nice and melty.

Recipe #4: Red, White and Blue Snack Mix

Kasey from allthingsmama loves making Red, White and Blue Snack Mix. This no-bake treat will keep your family full so the holiday is low-stress and fun. It can be served in a large bowl, or consider packaging some into smaller bags for guests to take and enjoy at another time, at the fireworks display or simply when enjoying the festivities. Festive candies (chocolate coated ones work best), graham cracker cereal, pretzels and marshmallows form the base, but other things can be added, such as sweetened coconut or dried blueberries or cranberries.

Recipe #5: 4th of July Firecracker Hot Dogs

This Firecracker Hot Dog Recipe from Homemade in the Heartland works for a picnic or a barbecue. They are pretty simple to make, and kids and adults alike appreciate their whimsical design. Put hot dogs on skewers, wrap canned breadstick dough around them in a swirl and bake them until cooked. While they are being cooked, grab about 16 slices of thick Colby Jack cheese. Cut out star shapes and attach them on top of the skewers. Dip the hot dogs in ketchup for a patriotic topping, or enjoy them plain.

Recipe #6: July 4th Cheese Board

Make this July 4th Cheese Board idea from the Reluctant Entertainer. Find a lightweight tray, grab a few star cookie cutters and get to work! Assemble your board and get creative.

The following items work well:

• Pale cracker strips
• Cherries
• A cut of cheese
• Strawberries or blueberries
• Skewers of mozzarella and cherry tomatoes
• Peanuts
• Salami
• Individual cheeses
• Blackberries

Recipe #7: 4th of July Popsicle Margarita

Tipsy Bartender’s 4th of July Popsicle Margarita includes Triple Sec, Tequila, Margarita Mix, Red Pop Rocks and a Bomb/Rocket Popsicle. You can drink and eat ice pop-like flavors, not unlike some drinks you could get at major city venues. This is a wonderful drink for a party. Consider getting extra Popsicles for the non-drinkers and kids, too.

Recipe #8: Blueberry Lemonade

Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, shared her Blueberry Lemonade recipe on the Food Network site. Make lemonade with sugar, water and lemons. Then, combine it with a Blueberry Syrup, which combines fresh blueberries, sugar and lemon juice. Add about three quarters of the syrup to start. Add more if it lacks flavor or water if it needs to be more concentrated. Top with ice cubes and serve.

Recipe #9: Fourth of July Burgers

Sean’s Fourth of July Burgers put a twist on the classic with ground beef, onions, garlic, bread crumbs, salt, thyme, eggs, ketchup, cucumbers, white vinegar, food coloring and mayonnaise. If you want to avoid the food coloring, simply top the burgers with pale rolls and garlic aioli or ketchup.

Recipe #10: The Best Crockpot Barbecue Chicken

This easy recipe tastes like came straight from the grill, but Corey of Family Fresh Meals assures readers that it is actually made in a slow cooker. Use 2 lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Italian dressing, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Pile high on green salads or squishy buns and enjoy. You may want to cut these sandwiches—they are tasty, but messy.

Recipe #11: Spicy Corn on the Cob

Nisa Burns Cochran shared this savory recipe with Parade. Corn, butter and salt and pepper meet Tabasco Sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes and cumin. Add the seasoning before you wrap corn in foil and bake. Or, this recipe is great when grilled as well.

Recipe #12: Veggie Skewers

Lick Your Plates’ Veggie Skewers makes sure even non-meat eaters do not miss out on the tastes of Fourth of July. Simply skewer on some veggies, such as tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms and zucchini, season them and then bake or gill each one to a crispy perfection.

Wishing you a happy holiday!

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