No need to scour Pinterest and food blogs for new recipes this 4th of July. Whether you are heading to a cookout or hosting one yourself, here are some of my tried and true dishes that always receive praise at large gatherings. I’ve also thrown in a few recipes that recently caught my eye and plan to try this upcoming holiday.
What are some of your favorite dishes for a summer get-together?
Appetizers
Amazing Shrapnel Dip– This is a new one I plan to try. I use this site almost exclusively for my meals, and Mel never lets me down.
My MIL’s 7-Layer Dip- This is a must at just about any summer family gathering. Everyone has their own version, but I stick to this one and always come home with an empty platter.
-Refried Beans with green chiles, 2 cans
-Guacamole- An easy way is to mash 3-4 avocados with some garlic salt and lime juice
-Sour Cream (At least 8oz with an envelope of taco seasoning mixed in)
-Grated cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or whatever you like!)
-Green or Red Onion, chopped fine
-Chopped black olives
-Chopped tomatoes (or I’ve heard pico de gallo is great too!)
Layer the ingredients starting with the refried beans and serve with tortilla chips.
Main Dishes
Perfect Grilled Hamburgers– I use this method for making burgers and they come out so tasty every time!
Grilled Honey Chicken and Veggie Kabobs or Steak and Veggie Kabobs– Ya can’t go wrong with either of these main dishes!
Sides
Berry Feta Salad with Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing– A light and refreshing salad is perfect for this unforgiving heat.
Feta and Vegetable Rotini Salad– Every summer cookout needs a pasta salad. This is my favorite. So simple and versatile.
Summer Corn Salad– This is a regular in our house, and for good reason. Using her “perfect corn on the cob” recipe to make this salad is a must!
Desserts
Patriotic Berry Trifle– Quick and simple to make, you can’t go wrong with a red, white and blue trifle for your 4th of July plans.
Blackberry Cobbler– Next to peach cobbler, blackberry cobbler might just be our favorite summer dessert. Paired with ice cream and you’ve got yourself perfection!
Berries on a Cloud– Again from my girl Mel. “The entire combination of fluffy meringue, luxurious whipped cream cheese cream (I can’t figure out a better way to say that), and easy, homemade cherry/strawberry syrup is absolutely amazing.” I agree Mel. 100%
—
I hope this gives you some inspiration for your 4th of July plans! Please share with us what you like to bring to the table for you summer gatherings.
