4th of July Food Ideas

4th of July, the proudest day for every American, is the day when the country became independent from the rule of the British in 1776. This day is celebrated with great pomp and vigor by people of all ages. Independence day in America is filled with parades and fireworks in every part of the country. People celebrate their happiness by meeting up with friends and family and arranging parties, picnics, barbecues, etc on this day. Be it a party or a picnic, no celebration is complete without food. Here are some food ideas that you can include in your 4th of July party menu.

Beef Burger
Burgers are quintessential American food and how can Independence day celebrations be complete without the favorite food of America? This is an easy burger recipe which will be enjoyed by everyone, from a little kid to an elderly person.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces ground beef
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1 medium-sized onion
• 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce

Toppings

• sliced tomatos and onions
• mustard sauce
• lettuce leaves
• ketchup
• cooked bacon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven at 160° F. Chop the onion finely and place in a large mixing bowl. Add mustard, chili sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Put in the ground beef and mix all the ingredients together, using your hands. Shape them into medium-sized round balls and press it flat with both with your palms, to make patties.
3. Place the patty on the grill and cook for six minutes. Flip the patty on the other side and cook for another six minutes.
4. Meanwhile slice the American and Swiss cheese diagonally and keep aside. Once you feel the patties are cooked, place American and Swiss cheese on top of it and grill again for a minute or so. Let it cool for some time.
5. Split the buns and toast them. Fill them with sliced tomatoes, onions, patties, lettuce, bacon, mustard and ketchup. You can also put an American flag toothpick on top of the burger to add to the Independence day feel.

Delicious Potato Salad
Salads are an essential part of every party and why should it be any different on Independence day? Here is a potato salad recipe that all your guests would surely relish.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 3 pounds potatoes
• 1 - 2 small-sized onions
• 3 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
• 8 ounces salad dressing or mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 3 teaspoons snipped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 12 ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts
• 2 tablespoons dill pickles

Directions

1. Boil eggs till they become hard. Peel them and set aside.
2. Wash potatoes thoroughly under running water. Place them in a dutch cooker, add a little salt and cook for at least 15-20 minutes.
3. When potatoes are done, drain the water. Peel and chop the potatoes and onions into small pieces and also slice the eggs into long pieces.
4. Take the eggs and potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Combine dill, mustard, salad dressing or mayonnaise, lemon-pepper seasoning and vinegar. Add onions, pickle and artichoke hearts and mix well.
5. To enhance the taste of the salad, it is important to refrigerate the salad for at least a day. Before serving, transfer it into a large salad bowl.

The Flag colored Dessert
Desserts are the life of every party. Though one may have eaten a lot during lunch or dinner, there is always place for a mouth-watering dessert. After a delightful meal, desserts fill the mouth with a sweet taste. Here is a dessert recipe that is perfect for Independence day because it has the colors of the American flag.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Angel food cake
• 4 ounces blueberries
• 16 ounces strawberries
• 4 cups boiled water
• 1 lg berry blue jello
• 8 ounces cool whip
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 lg red jello

Directions

1. Divide four cups of boiling water into separate bowls. Melt red jello in one bowl and blue jello in another, while stirring continuously. Add a cup of cold water into both the bowls and mix well.
2. Take two 9 x 13 sized pans and transfer the ingredients of both the bowls into them. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours. Once the jello becomes firm, take them out of the refrigerator and slice them into small pieces. Also, dice the Angel cake and strawberries.
3. Take an ice cream bowl and arrange the blue jello pieces at the bottom. Add cool whip, along with Angel cake cubes. Put in strawberries and again some cold whip. Top it with red jello pieces and more cold whip. Serve by spreading some blueberries on top.

Some other food ideas for 4th of July include hotdogs, barbecue beans, steaks, apple pie, etc. Drinks can include lemonade, summer cocktails and iced tea. This 4th of July, celebrate Independence day with a party or picnic. Try out these recipes and enjoy this patriotic day in a delicious way.