holiday

Doesn’t 4th of July seem like it should be the smack-dab middle of summer?  How is it that we’re already at this point?  Summer is going entirely too fast! So, let’s just savor it while we can.  And while we’re savoring how about my top 10 foods for July 4th celebrations? You’re welcome!

The Top 10 Foods for July 4th Celebrations

1.  BBQ Something, anything really! But I would recommend these …

Burgers are classic.  Try the World’s Best Burger.

Or go for chicken instead. BBQ Pepper Jack Chicken is delish.

Check out my Secret to BBQing Chicken Legs on the Grill if you want to be able to hand everyone a drumstick.

2.  Potato Salad is always a must

There are a million ways to make it, but  Here’s my version (which is really my mom’s version). Clearly, it’s a favorite at our house, and July 4th just wouldn’t be the same without it!

3.  And don’t forget the Baked Beans

I love this slow cooker recipe for Homemade Baked Beans with onions and bacon! And the slow cooker does most of the work so you don’t have to! Win-win.

4.  Not the same old Coleslaw

This Slaw with Tomato, Red Onion and Jalepeno from Micha at Cookin’ Mimi has a nice little kick to it that will have you coming back for more.

It really doesn’t matter what the occasion, this Hawaiian Cole Slaw never lasts long! At all!

Quick Cole Slaw is perfect for getting to the lake or park or wherever your festivities are being held and not missing a bit of the fun!

5.  Berry Desserts are always a big hit

There’s the blue of Blueberry Cobbler, or the red of Cherry Cobbler.

Or a combination of the two in this Peach and Blackberry Pie.

And then there’s everyone’s favorite Strawberry Shortcake, or is it Strawberry Pie? Either way, you can’t go wrong with a berry dessert on Independence Day!

6.  Ice Cream is even better when it’s homemade!

Oh, how I love ice cream.  If it’s included in your menu for July 4th, there be sure to check out these Tips for Making Homemade Ice Cream as well as links to some scrumptious recipes.

Did you know that you can make your own Buster Bars? How fun would this be for getting the kids involved in the festivities!

You might also try Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches for even the youngest of sous chefs to refine their culinary skills.

7.  Something Red, White and Blue because it’s our birthday, America!

If it’s some tasty red, white and blue that you’re wanting to include in your menu, then here’s a great round-up of patriotic looking food on Living Locurto.

8.  Something Munchy

Try Butterscotch Snack Mix with the saltiness of pretzels and the sweetness of butterscotch chips. Yum!

This Citrus Puppy Chow sounds quite a bit different than the usual, but it’s a refreshingly fruity mid-summer treat.

9.  Something S’more-ish?

S’mores Pie, perchance? For those celebrations when the only fire you want to enjoy is sparklers, but you still want the taste of s’mores.

10.  A July 4th Celebration isn’t complete without Watermelon!

4th of July without watermelon is just wrong!  Try kicking it up a notch (or 3) with chili powder. Seriously, you just might be surprised at how much you like it!

Happy Independence Day!  What are your plans for the long weekend?