You know, I missed much of the excitement last Fourth of July because I was cooped up in the kitchen.
I therefore promised to do things differently this time. Preparing for the Fourth of July should be just as enjoyable and stress-free as the actual fireworks.
Cooking all day is the last thing you need, whether you’re planning a large garden party or a peaceful family day. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of incredibly simple, crowd-pleasing dishes that will have everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, requesting more.
Mini American Flag Fruit Skewers
Create a festive treat by threading blueberries, strawberries, and mini marshmallows onto skewers for a fun red, white, and blue snack. Short on time? A ready-made fruit tray from the store works just as well and takes even less effort to assemble.
Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs
Give traditional deviled eggs a patriotic twist by adding food coloring or natural dyes like beet juice and blueberry juice to the egg whites. If you’re in a rush, buy pre-made deviled eggs from the deli and simply add the colors yourself.
Patriotic Pretzel Bites
These bite-sized treats come together in minutes using square pretzels, melted white chocolate, and festive red and blue sprinkles. Need an even quicker fix? A bag of chocolate-dipped pretzels will do the trick!
Main Dishes
Grilled BBQ Chicken
A backyard cookout isn’t complete without BBQ chicken sizzling on the grill. Marinate it overnight for extra flavor, or keep things easy with pre-marinated options from the store that are ready to cook.
Hamburger Sliders
Mini burgers are always a crowd-pleaser and super easy to eat. Use pre-made slider patties or shape your own from ground beef—either way, they cook quickly and are perfect for guests of all ages.
Vegetarian Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic, especially with a slather of butter and a sprinkle of salt. Leave the husks on while grilling for a smoky flavor. Want a shortcut? Many stores sell pre-cooked corn that just needs a quick warm-up.
Side Dishes
Patriotic Potato Salad
Make a vibrant potato salad using a mix of red, white, and blue potatoes for a patriotic touch. If you’re looking for convenience, grab a tub of store-bought potato salad and enhance it with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Combine cubed watermelon with crumbled feta and fresh mint for a refreshing summer side. No time to chop? Pre-cubed watermelon from the store works just as well for a quick and tasty dish.
Coleslaw
A simple yet satisfying mix of shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing is always a hit. For an effortless version, grab a bagged coleslaw mix and a jar of dressing—just as delicious with half the prep.
Desserts
Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle
Layer fluffy angel food cake, juicy berries, and whipped cream to create an eye-catching dessert. Want to make it even faster? Use a store-bought cake, and you’ll have a sweet treat ready in minutes.
American Flag Cupcakes
Bake cupcakes, frost them with white icing, and top them with raspberries and blueberries to form a flag pattern. A boxed cake mix and pre-made frosting can cut down on prep time while keeping things just as fun and festive.
Firecracker Ice Pops
Create layered popsicles with red, white, and blue juices for a refreshing summer treat. No time to freeze your own? Pre-packaged patriotic popsicles from the store are just as good and save you the hassle.
Drinks
Layered Patriotic Punch
Wow your guests with a colorful layered drink using cranberry juice, a blue sports drink, and diet lemon-lime soda for a cool fizz. Want a simpler alternative? A large pitcher of lemonade with floating red and blue berries is just as eye-catching.
Blueberry and Strawberry Sangria
For an adult-friendly beverage, mix white wine with lemon-lime soda and add plenty of fresh strawberries and blueberries. If you’re short on time, grab a bottle of pre-made sangria and toss in some fresh fruit for a quick upgrade.
Lemonade with Berry Ice Cubes
Keep drinks both tasty and cool by freezing berries into ice cubes and adding them to lemonade. Whether you make your own or use store-bought lemonade, the berry-infused ice cubes will add a refreshing twist as they melt.