I’m in shock.
July is almost here.
Not that I want to wish off June, but fourth of July has to be up there as one of my favorite Holidays. Good food, warm weather, outside games, fireworks, pretty much everything that screams long, hot and beautiful summer days is wrapped into this beautiful friends and family filled celebration we call the fourth.
Back to the good food part, the glue that holds the party together is what you will serve or take to your fourth of July festivities. To help you out in this department, I thought I would share my top fourth of July recipes in this round-up post full of all the goodies.
Sit back, take notes and get your drool on, this fourth of July is going to be a good one!
SIDES:
Start the day off right with the savory bacon and balsamic watermelon salad. Cool, refreshing and yet so comforting with the touch of bacon.
I’ve been taking this to family events and it is an all out winner. Warm garlic roasted potatoes and bacon with a Dijon butter sauce. What’s not to love about butter and bacon?
Why of course shoe strings go perfectly with anything grilled, especially if that grilled somethin-somethin is going to be slathered in BBQ sauce. Check out these Basil Parmesan Shoestring Fries for a quick addition to any burger partaaaaay.
Stuffed. Enough said. Bacon and cheese stuffed mushrooms. An appetizer, a side dish or just the main dish check out these “Cheesy” Sriracha and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms.
Bring a splash of heat with a delicious twist to a frowned upon vegetable. Sriracha Fried Brussels Sprouts will amaze everyone….just don’t mention the words Brussels sprouts.
My go-to, all-the-time food is this. The Sunflower Crunch Chopped Salad Remix goes with a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g. Plus the leftovers make for a lot of great meals so plan on making extras.
MAIN DISH:
Anything coated in BBQ sauce is completely allowed this Holiday. Check out this quick and easy HOMEMADE BBQ sauce that will leave your guests in disbelief that it wasn’t boughten.
I still dream and drool over this meal. It is so simple yet the most amazing and delicious thing every. You must! Peppered Steak with Grilled Peach Salsa.
Summertime = BLT they pretty much are one in the same. The famous Portobello mushroom BLT sliders are always quick, easy, unique and delicious.
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken, because you look like a food rock-star when you spatchcock and grill a whole chicken. Don’t be scared, just pretend like you know what you are doing and everyone will think you’re a pro.
DESSERTS:
It wouldn’t be the fourth of July without Pie. Add it to your list, this double crust Raspberry Rhubarb Pie is not only grain free (okay celebrate that for a moment) but also a double crust pie.
Homemade ice cream with warm Brownie Cookie Bars. What else should I say?
Almost a pie but not quite. Still delicious and full of mounds of deliciously spiced fruit. This Rustic Peach Galette is a heart throb.
The fourth of July wouldn’t be complete without Strawberry Shortcake. This is your good ol’ strawberry shortcake recipe with a big dollop of whipped cream.
DRINKS:
Sit back and enjoy that hot summer sun. This Bellini Tea can help you escape into ultimate relaxation mode.
Bring on the strawberries and the lemonade with this thirst quenching, healthy and homemade strawberry lemonade.
Food. Lots of really good food, good company and some outdoor activities is all you need to make this the best fourth yet. I hope I took some pressure off you by sharing my top recipes, that are kid-tested, family approved.
Happy Fourth of July!