The Ultimate Fourth Of July Roundup

I’m particularly pumped about the 4^th of July this year. Not only will I be in Maine (the members of Widespread Panic are now too old to handle the altitude for three days of jamming in the Tetons…THANK GOD), but I also get to celebrate the holiday with my little siblings.

Zoe and Rex are now 8 and 6 respectively, and while I’m usually awkward with/intimidated by children of their ages, the two of them are very cool, fun, and accepting. And spending the 4^th with kids means that I get to do so many things that wouldn’t ordinarily be acceptable for someone my age—i.e. lose my shit over the candy-throwing firemen in the local parade, shriek like a madwoman while twirling with sparklers, attack my roommate with sticky s’mores hands, and cry if I get overexcited or give myself a bellyache. I’m legit giddy with anticipation.

As per usual, I’m also very much looking forward to 4^th of July feasting. As with Thanksgiving and Christmas, my family’s spread tends to fall on the more traditional side of the spectrum—burgers and dogs, maybe a few lobsters if we’re feeling fancy, accompanied by buttered corn on the cob, French fries, and salad. Beer and rosé flow like water, and the meal is finished off with some sort of berry crisp à la mode and plenty of s’mores. Duh.

However, for those of you who like to get slightly more creative with your holiday meals (respect!), I’ve rounded up some of my favorite, celebratory summer recipes below. From main dishes and sides to crowd-pleasing c-tails and patriotic desserts, I did my best to cover all your BBQ bases, and I’m confident there’s a little something for everyone on this list…

Domesticate ME!’s Favorite Recipes For The Fourth of July:

APPETIZERS/SHAREABLE BITES
Lobster Avocado Toast
Caprese Bites with Honey-Balsamic
Flatbread with Fresh Figs, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese
Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas with Goat Cheese and Pesto
Bacon and Smoked Cheddar Stuffed Cheeseburger Sliders with Jalapeño Relish

BURGERS, DOGS, ETC.
Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Guacamole
Grilled Turkey Kofta Burgers with Harissa Yogurt Sauce
Chicken and Goat Cheese Burgers with Peaches, Corn and Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Turkey Burgers with Sriracha-Lime Crema
Marinated Skirt Steak with Sweet Corn and Cherry Salad
Fiery Barbecue Flank Steak Tacos with “Summer Mess” Salsa
Thai Hot Dogs with Cucumber-Mango Slaw and Homemade Srirachup
Naked Lobster Rolls

SUMMER SALADS AND SIDES
BLT Salad with Grilled Halloumi
Arugula Salad with Shaved Zucchini, Pistachios and Parmesan
Spiralized Carrot Salad with Herbs and Toasted Almonds
Arugula and Farro Salad with Cherries and Goat Cheese
Grilled Vegetable Salad with Farro
Roasted Potato Salad with Pancetta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Arugula
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Three Bean Quinoa Salad
Summer Panzanella with Nectarines and Mozzarella
Grilled Watermelon with Jalapeños, Feta and Honey
Quinoa Broccoli Slaw
Chipotle Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Skillet Cornbread

SWEET TREATS
Foolproof Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries
Grilled Peach Crisp Sundaes with Cinnamon-Honey Drizzle
Chocolate Chip Cookie Icebox Cake
Summer Berry Parfaits with Vanilla Bean Ricotta and Toasted Almonds
Summer Berry Crisp

SUMMERY C-TAILS
Roasted Strawberry Mint Lemonade
Lemon Mint Iced Tea
Bourbon Campari Punch
Strawberry Mexican Mules
Rose Sangria
Sparkling Watermelon Punch Bowl

Happy (almost) 4^th of July weekend, party people! May it filled with food, friends, and fireworks.