Delicious 4th of July Recipes for Your Independence Day Celebration

Get ready for the 4th of July—one of the best holidays of the year! This festive day is the epitome of summer, making grilling a necessity. To ensure your party is a success, we've rounded up four fan-favorite Independence Day recipes that will delight your guests.

Prepare for a patriotic meal and have a very happy 4th of July!

Light and Creamy Potato Salad

Skip the fatty store-bought options and whip up a lighter version of potato salad right at home. As one of the most popular 4th of July recipes, this dish combines light buttermilk and low-fat mayo to help you stay summer fit while enjoying delicious food.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds red potatoes, cut into chunks if large
• ¼ cup dry white wine, like Chardonnay
• 1 + 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup low-fat buttermilk
• ¼ cup light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• Fresh chives, chopped

Directions

1. Place potatoes in an eight-quart pot and add enough cold water to cover by two inches. Cover and bring to a boil on high. Add one teaspoon salt.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Add wine and one tablespoon lemon juice. Toss gently and let cool to room temperature.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and remaining lemon juice.
5. Toss dressing and basil with potatoes. Garnish with chives.

Grilled Barbecue Chicken

For a smoky and flavorful summer main dish, grilled chicken is always a winner. Enhance it with a homemade barbecue sauce that can be made a day in advance to let the flavors meld.

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup chili sauce (or cocktail sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon celery seed
• 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 dashes hot sauce (like Tabasco)
• 2 broiler/fryer chickens (3 ½-4 pounds each), cut up

Directions

1. Sauté garlic in butter over medium-low heat until tender. Add all other ingredients except chicken and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
2. On a lightly greased grill, grill chicken over medium heat for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
3. Baste with sauce and grill for an additional 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting and turning several times.

4th of July Trifle

Celebrate with a colorful 4th of July trifle that's as festive as it is easy to make. Just mix, layer, and chill for a delightful dessert!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 8 ounces sour cream
• ¼ teaspoon + 3 tablespoons almond flavoring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 ounces heavy whipping cream (or ready-to-use whipped cream)
• 1 angel food cake, cubed
• 32 ounces strawberries
• 32 ounces blueberries
• ¾ cup sugar

Directions

1. Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar together, then add sour cream, vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon almond flavoring.
2. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
3. In another bowl, mix strawberries, blueberries, sugar, and remaining almond flavoring.
4. In a trifle dish, layer angel food cake, cream cheese mixture, and berries. Garnish with berries and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

S'mores Dip

Enjoy all the sweet, gooey goodness of s'mores without the mess! This s'mores dip recipe is simple and allows for customization with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients

• 14 ½ ounces graham crackers, crushed
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups (18 ounces) chocolate chips
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a Dutch oven or large cast-iron pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
2. Mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter, pressing into the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the crust and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
4. Cover and bake for 6-8 minutes until marshmallows are toasted. Allow to cool for five minutes before serving.

With these 4th of July recipes in hand, you're ready for any picnic or gathering this holiday! Go forth and have a happy Independence Day!

Related Posts

• Grilled Side Dishes for Summer Picnics
• 6 Gourmet S'mores Recipes [Infographic]
• See July 4th Fireworks While Camping