Classic All American Recipes for Your 4th of July Feast

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The 4th of July is a time for fireworks, family, friends, and of course, fantastic food. Whether you’re hosting an intimate backyard barbecue or a big bang of a gathering, having a lineup of classic American dishes will make your Independence Day celebration unforgettable. Let’s serve up some mouth-watering recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Table of Contents

1. The Importance of Food on the 4th of July
   • Classic American Culinary Traditions
2. Main Dishes
   • All-American Burgers
   • Best Burger Sauce Recipe
   • BBQ Ribs
   • Grilled Hot Dogs
3. Side Dishes
   • Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
   • Classic Coleslaw
   • Mexican Street Corn Dip
   • Best Dang Cornbread
4. Desserts
   • Flag Cake
   • Apple Pie
   • Berry Trifle
5. Drinks
   • Homemade Lemonade
   • Red, White, and Blue Sangria
   • Root Beer Floats

The Importance of Food on the 4th of July:

Food is the heart and soul of any 4th of July celebration. It’s a time to indulge in classic American dishes that evoke nostalgia and patriotism. From sizzling grills to sweet treats, these recipes are sure to please every palate.

Classic American Culinary Traditions:

American cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and traditions. For Independence Day, we focus on the classics that have become synonymous with the holiday: juicy burgers, smoky BBQ, and plenty of festive desserts.

Main Dishes

Main dishes are the star of any 4th of July feast. These hearty and flavorful options are perfect for feeding a crowd and setting the tone for celebration.

All-American Burgers:

Nothing says 4th of July like a perfectly grilled burger. Here’s how to make them irresistible:

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Slices of cheddar cheese
• Burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions
• Ketchup, mustard, and mayo

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Form the ground beef into patties, season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
4. Add a slice of cheese to each patty during the last minute of grilling.
5. Toast the buns on the grill for about 1 minute. Always butter the bun!
6. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Best Burger Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard.
2. Add Flavorings: Stir in the sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix Thoroughly.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a bit more tang, add a little more vinegar. For more sweetness, add extra pickle relish. If you prefer it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce.

Tips:

• This burger sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Experiment with different relishes or mustards to customize the sauce to your taste.

BBQ Ribs:

Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are a 4th of July staple. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of pork ribs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite dry rub

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and dry rub.
3. Wrap the ribs in foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and grill for 5-10 minutes, until caramelized.

Hot Tip:

If you are looking for a reasonably inexpensive hobby that allows you to wow people at any shindig, take up the art of smoking. You can smoke literally anything, even drinks! It takes a 5-star meal and turns it into the best dang thing you’ve ever put in your mouth. It’s not horribly expensive, becomes an intricate hobby with the best benefits for all (smoked foods), and you can find a whole community of home-pro smokers to swap recipes with throughout the year! Yum! If you ever want to give it a go, here’s my best pick for a beginner smokers and equipment to test out your commitment level:

I might write a small beginners guide to smoking. If you would be interested in something like that let me know in the comments, please.  

Grilled Hot Dogs:

A quick and easy classic that everyone loves:

Ingredients:

• Hot dogs
• Buns
• Condiments: ketchup, mustard, relish, and onions
• “Extra” ingredients for a hot dog creation station: pickles, Marconi peppers (Chicago dogs), Chili, cheese, fritos, sauerkraut, bell peppers, caramelized onions, the list goes on! In fact, here is a link to a tin sign of “Types of hot dogs” that you can check out to build your ingredients list. You absolutely don’t need to purchase the tin sign but might be cool to post it up at the station for people to get crafty!

Instructions (If you’ve ever needed instructions on making a hot dog):

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Grill the hot dogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Sacrifice one dog to the grill.
3. Toast the buns on the grill for about 1 minute. I would add that garlic butter because I’m extra.
4. Serve with your favorite condiments.
5. Zhuzh it up with the whole hot dog station where people can make their own version of the best dog! I’m talking Chicago dogs, the Italian, infamous coney dawg (all of these I’m saying with a Brooklyn accent for some reason). Shoot, maybe the hot dog creation station becomes your 4^th of July tradition. As it should be!  And you thought this section would be boring, lol!

Side Dishes

No 4th of July feast is complete without a selection of tasty side dishes. These classic accompaniments perfectly complement the main dishes and add variety to your spread.

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby potatoes or small Yukon Gold potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (or parsley)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• Optional: 2-3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Potatoes:
   • Wash and scrub the potatoes. Leave the skins on for extra texture and flavor.
   • Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
   • Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. Smash the Potatoes:
   • Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but still intact.
4. Crisp the Potatoes:
   • Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
   • Adjust the seasoning to taste.
6. Combine Salad Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the crispy potatoes, chopped red onion, celery, dill (or parsley), and chives.
   • If using, add the chopped hard-boiled eggs.
   • Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the crispy smashed potato salad warm or at room temperature.
   • Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a few crumbled pieces of crispy bacon or a handful of capers. Or smoke the whole dish (wink, wink).
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The potatoes will lose some of their crispiness but the flavors will meld nicely.

Classic Coleslaw:

Crunchy and tangy, perfect for balancing rich BBQ flavors:

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Chill before serving.

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn (or 3 cans of corn, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 blocks of cream cheese
• 1 small block pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or parmesan cheese)
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (smoked peppers add amazing flavor)
• 2 small cans of diced green chilis
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Tajin to taste (I like a ton!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional toppings: extra Cotija (or parm) cheese, chopped cilantro, extra jalapeno, bacon, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn:
   • If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and remove the silk. Brush the corn with olive oil.
   • Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until it’s charred in spots, about 10-12 minutes.
   • Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using canned corn, drain it well, then sauté in a hot, dry skillet until slightly charred.
2. Mix the Base:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream and pepper jack.
3. Add the Corn and Flavorings:
   • Stir in the grilled corn kernels, Cotija cheese, chopped jalapeño, cans of diced green chilis, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper and tajin. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
4. Cook in preheated oven at 375°F for an hour. If you prefer to cook all the ingredients in a large skillet instead (like I do), you only need to utilize the oven for keeping it warm or reheating before guests arrive.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
   • Garnish with additional crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, freshly diced jalapenos, bacon (if your being fancy), and lime wedges if desired.
   • Serve the Mexican Street Corn Dip warm or at room temperature with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

Tips:

• For a spicier dip, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add an extra one.
• You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• This dip can be made a few hours ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors will meld and become even more delicious.

Best Dang Cornbread:

No 4th of July celebration would be complete without a basket of golden, buttery cornbread. We call it Disney Cornbread (I wish I could remember where I first found this easy and yummy recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 box Jiffy Honey Cornbread mix
• Ingredients listed on the yellow cake mix box (typically eggs, water, and oil)
• Ingredients listed on the Jiffy Honey Cornbread mix box (typically milk and egg)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Cake Mix:
   • In a large bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix and the corn bread mix according to the instructions on each box.
3. Bake:
   • Pour the combined batter into a greased baking dish or a muffin tin or a cake pan.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Serve:
   • Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before serving.
   • Serve warm with a pat of butter, or alongside your favorite BBQ dishes to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips:

• For an extra touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey to the batter before baking. Or whip up some cinnamon honey butter to top with after.  
• You can also add a cup of corn kernels or a handful of shredded cheese for added texture and savory flavor.

Desserts

Desserts add the perfect sweet ending to your 4th of July celebration. These classic American treats are sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Flag Cake:

A festive and colorful dessert that’s sure to impress:

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 tub whipped topping

Instructions:

1. Bake the cake according to the package instructions.
2. Let the cake cool completely.
3. Spread the whipped topping over the cake.
4. Arrange the blueberries in the top left corner to represent the stars.
5. Create red stripes with the sliced strawberries.

Apple Pie:

An all-American classic that’s perfect for any patriotic celebration:

Ingredients:

• 2 pre-made pie crusts
• 6 cups thinly sliced apples
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Place one pie crust in a pie dish, fill with the apple mixture, and top with the second crust.
4. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.

Berry Trifle:

A light and refreshing dessert that’s easy to assemble:

Ingredients:

• 1 angel food cake, cubed
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 cups whipped topping
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding (plus ingredients to prepare)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vanilla pudding according to the package instructions.
2. In a large trifle dish, layer the cake cubes, pudding, whipped topping, and berries.
3. Repeat the layers, ending with a topping of berries.
4. Chill before serving.

Tips:

• To add a personal touch, create mini servings in individual sized clear cups (plastic or glass) using the rim of the class as a cookie cutter for the cake layers.
• Decorate the cups to add that extra special flare to your party.

Drinks

Quench your thirst with these refreshing beverages. Whether you’re serving kids or adults, these classic drinks will keep everyone cool and happy.

Homemade Lemonade:

Refreshingly tart and sweet, perfect for a hot summer day:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the sugar. Heat until the sugar is dissolved to make a simple syrup.
2. In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and remaining 4 cups of water.
3. Stir well and chill before serving.

Red, White, and Blue Sangria:

A festive and fruity drink for the adults:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 apple, diced

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the wine, vodka, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and diced apple.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Root Beer Floats:

A nostalgic and fun treat for all ages:

Ingredients:

• 1 quart vanilla bean ice cream
• 1 liter root beer

Instructions:

1. In a tall glass, add two scoops of vanilla ice cream.
2. Slowly pour root beer over the ice cream until the glass is full.
3. Serve immediately with a straw and a spoon.

Final Tip

Presentation Ideas for a Patriotic Feast:

Elevate your 4th of July feast with a touch of creativity. Use red, white, and blue tableware, and consider arranging the food in a flag pattern for an extra festive touch. For more inspiration on this part of hosting, check out my articles “How to Plan a 4th of July Backyard Party” or “Family-Friendly 4th of July Activities and Games”.

Celebrating with Classic American Flavors:

Food has a unique way of bringing people together, especially on the 4th of July. These classic American recipes are sure to make your 4th of July celebration a hit. Enjoy the flavors, the company, and the fireworks.

Share your own 4th of July recipes and tips in the comments. I always try one new recipe every holiday and rotate between my new favorites each year. So, it would be fun to share our best recipes with one another.

Happy 4th of July! May your day be filled with good food, great friends, and fantastic memories.

*Pretends to lick finger and touches your shoulder with a sizzle sound*

Tsss,

Anna