Show your pride by hosting an epic feast with a menu that is pure Americana. From a patriotic cake to an unexpected watermelon salad, these recipes are guaranteed to wow your guests. Here, seven recipes that are cause for celebration this Independence Day.
Baked Beans with Bacon
Whip up a batch of sweet and saucy baked beans in just 15 minutes, plus baking time in the oven. The bacon slices on top ooze porky goodness into the beans, making this the perfect side for your summer BBQs. Martha Stewart sprinkles leaves of fresh thyme on top to add an earthy finish.
Baked Spicy Corn and Chicken Dip
No Texas cookout is complete without elotes or queso, and this Goodtaste original combines both of these faves. Taking full advantage of all those in-season ears of corn stacked high at the grocery store right now, this gooey dip is loaded with diced chicken, serrano peppers, four types of cheese, scallions, and cilantro. If you have a cast-iron skillet, you can even cook it on the grill!
Marinated Watermelon with Whipped Feta
This dish from Food & Wine is not your average watermelon salad. The melon is cut into thick batons and then marinated in a punchy ginger and pink peppercorn dressing. The assertive dressing pulls out the water from the melon, concentrating its natural flavor. For serving, it’s piled on a bed of silky whipped feta that will have people licking their plates.
Strawberry-Rose Agua Fresca
Agua fresca is a refreshing drink, great for both kids and adults. This recipe from Bon Appétit uses sweet peak-season strawberries and a touch of floral rose water. Serve this to the kiddos as is, but then top it off with a little tequila, vodka, or golden rum for the adults.
Herby Potato Salad
If you have any vegans or mayo-haters in your family, then this herbaceous, healthier potato salad is for them. Half-Baked Harvest skips the classic mayo dressing (which we all know starts to look a little weird after sitting out in the hot sun for a few hours) and replaces it with a silky, nutty, cashew-based dressing. The key is to soak the cashews for a few minutes in hot water until they become plump and blendable, then puree them with olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper until completely smooth. The potatoes soak up the dressing, tasting decadent but not too heavy. For a final finish, the salad is tossed with a generous amount of fresh herbs.
Best-Ever Cold Fried Chicken
We all know that fried chicken is sometimes best cold, right out of the fridge the next day. For this year’s cookout, serve up this “best-ever” recipe from Food & Wine. This version has an extra-crispy crust that holds its crunch even when it’s cold, making it perfect for laying out at a picnic for guests to help themselves as they please.
Flag Cake
How adorable is this all-American cake from the Food Network? Use juicy summer berries to create your flag design, then let your guests be surprised by the fireworks-inspired confetti cake hidden inside.
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