Community Corner

Fun and Easy 4th of July Recipes

Celebrating Independence Day should be stress-free and fun! These easy-to-make recipes bring a patriotic flair to any party or gathering.

Written by Dana Leigh Smith

Whether you are hosting a red, white and blue soiree or attending a patriotic potluck, these irresistibly delicious America-themed dishes are sure to please any crowd. From cocktails and appetizers, to main dishes, sides and dessert, we’ve got you covered. 

Savory Watermelon and Blue Cheese Salad, serves 12

This savory, sweet and salty appetizer is the perfect dish to kick off the festivities. Since it’s already naturally red and white, serve it in a blue bowl to get the full U.S.A-color trifecta.

Ingredients:

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  • 1 (12- to 14-pound) seedless watermelon
  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (1 cup)

Directions:

  1. Cut watermelon in half crosswise. Place each piece, cut side down, on cutting board and cut in half from top to bottom. Cut each piece lengthwise into 3 wedges. Cut off peel from each piece and cut each piece into 1/2-inch-thick triangles.
  2. Place watermelon triangles in large bowl. In small bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; drizzle over watermelon salad. Add blue cheese and toss very gently to coat. To serve, divide among 12 large paper cups or small bowls, or decoratively arrange on large serving platter.

Rocket's Red Glare Cocktail, serves 1

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Named after a line in the national anthem, no cocktail can rival this one's patriotism. The best part? This sweet, red drink comes in under 100 calories per serving!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce TY KU Soju
  • 1 ounce TY KU Liqueur
  • 1 splash unsweetened cranberry juice

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a rocks glass.

Sun-dried Tomato and Blue Cheese Burgers, serves 12

Nothing is more American than a classic hamburger, but this recipe’s blue cheese and red sun-dried tomato additions give it an extra element of patriotism.    

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds uncooked lean ground beef
  • 1 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
  • 4 ounces blue cheese
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon steak sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 1/4 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 12 hamburger rolls

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, sun-dried tomatoes, blue cheese, chives, steak sauce, hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and mustard. Cover and refrigerate for two hours.

2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Gently form mixture into twelve equally-sized patties.

3. Grill burgers for five minutes per side, or to desired doneness. Serve on rolls.

Grilled Veggie Kabobs, serves 4

Since your grill will already be hot, why not throw on some simple kabobs to serve as a healthy side dish. The less time you spend manning the grill, the more time you can devote to celebrating the Home of the Brave.

Ingredients:

  • 8 whole mushrooms
  • 8 small red potatoes, halved and then quartered
  • 16 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, quartered ( any color)
  • 1/2 red onion, quartered
  • 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing

Instructions:

  1. You may also experiment with other food times such as chucks of garlic bread, Brussels sprouts, etc.
  2. Place potatoes in a saucepan in just enough water to cover them.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook 5-10 minutes or just until slightly tender; drain.
  4. Thread veggies onto four skewers and brush with salad dressing.
  5. For enhanced flavor, allow to soak in dressing for 30 minutes or so before grilling.
  6. Place kabobs upon heated gas grill or on charcoal grill about 5 inches from medium coals.
  7. Cover grill and cook 8-10 minutes or until veggies are tender and slightly browned, periodically brushing with additional salad dressing and turning occasionally.

Red, White, and Blueberry Cheesecake Pie, makes one 9-inch pie

No American celebration would be complete without a sweet fruit pie. With splashes of fresh blueberry and sweet strawberry jam, this sugary-treat is the perfect way to pay tribute to the “Sweet Land of Liberty!”

Ingredients:

  • 8 sheets phyllo dough
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jelly
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  2. On a flat surface, place one sheet of phyllo dough. Brush it with melted butter, and cover with another piece of phyllo. Repeat until all 8 sheets are used. Using kitchen scissors cut layered phyllo into a 12- to 13-inch circle. Carefully press circle into a greased 9-inch pie plate; gently fan edges. Bake in preheated oven until edges are just golden, 6 to 8 minutes; cool slightly on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  3. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs until well combined. Fold in 1 cup of blueberries. Pour filling into prepared crust.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until set, 40 to 50 minutes. To prevent the crust from over-browning, gently cover pie with foil for the last 25 minutes of baking. Cool completely on a wire rack. 5. In a small bowl, beat jelly until smooth; spread over cheese filling. Arrange 1 cup blueberries on top in a star pattern.

TELL US: What are your favorite recipes to ring in the 4th of July with? Share in the comments below.


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