By emma hynes
Fireworks aren’t the only thing lighting up the 4th of July. Your table can be just as festive!
From smoky grilled classics to colorful, red-white-and-blue desserts, these 4th of July food ideas are designed to be easy, fun and full of flavor.
Set up a toppings bar with bowls of chili, shredded cheese, diced onions, pickles, jalapeños, mustard, ketchup and coleslaw so everyone can customize their perfect dog!
Grill your burger patties until cooked to your liking, then melt a slice of cheese on top during the last minute. Serve with toasted buns and set out classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard and mayo.
Grill over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. Serve with extra-flavored butters, like garlic, chili-lime or honey to spread on top!
Boil peeled and chopped potatoes until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes, then drain and let cool. Mix with mayo, mustard, chopped celery, red onion and a dash of vinegar. Season with salt, pepper and paprika.
Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with water and sugar to make classic lemonade, then stir in a handful of crushed raspberries or blueberries. Just before serving, top it off with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy, fruity twist.
Start with a base of vodka lemonade, then carefully layer blue Curaçao on the bottom and a splash of grenadine on top for that red, white and blue effect
Bake a sheet cake (vanilla or white works best), let it cool, then spread with a layer of whipped cream or vanilla frosting. Arrange blueberries in the top-left corner for the “stars,” and use rows of sliced strawberries to create the red stripes.
Make classic Rice Krispie treats by melting butter and marshmallows, then stirring in cereal and pressing the mixture into a pan. Once set, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Dip the tips in red, white, or blue candy melts.
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