Food to Serve for Your Fourth of July BBQ Party

The fourth of July honors the birthday of the United States and what better way to celebrate than watching the patriotic parades, enjoying the company of family and friends and savoring some of the best, all American food with a festive barbecue? Everybody knows that something magical happens when food makes it on the grill, as they are infused with all the smoky flavors and become incredibly juicy. Independence day and an outdoor barbecue therefore go hand in hand, just  as apple pie and vanilla ice cream.  

Now that you have planned that a 4th of July barbeque is what you want, time has come to decide what to serve. The choices of foods can be overwhelming, however you may want to stick to some classics of the American cuisine and some not -so -classic dishes so everybody is happy.  Following is a list that may help you head towards the right aisles of your favorite supermarket. 

• Hamburgers

You really cannot have a fourth of July BBQ without having hamburgers on your wish list. Char grilled, juicy burgers are a must have at a festive BBQ party. Just make sure you grill them enough to avoid problems. The USDA recommends using a food thermometer and cooking ground beef until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F.

• Hot Dogs and Sausages

Hot Dogs are another great American BBQ favorite and your guests will sure come and look for them. Make sure to purchase as well sausages, buns, ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut and onions to make everybody happy. Do not put the hot-dogs and sausages on the grill if the fire is still burning or they will burn. Rather, wait a bit and take them off the grill when both sides have black lines.

• Potato Salad

What is an Independence day BBQ without potato salad? The homemade versions seem to acclaim more interest than the store bought ones. Wow your friends by making your own. Simply boil the un-peeled potatoes, but do not overdo them or they will fall apart. Dice them and add mayonnaise, diced boiled eggs, pickle relish, chopped celery, chopped onion, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, diced cucumber and chopped red bell pepper. Voila'!

• Beans

BBQ bakes Beans are another must have for your BBQ parties. Just purchase two 16 ounce cans of pork and beans, drain them and combine with a 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce, half cup of brown sugar, half small onion, three strips of uncooked bacon and a few golden raisins. Bake all together for about 50 minutes at 350 degrees. Be careful that the beans do not overcook or stick to the bottom!

• Corn on the Cob

The sweet, all American kernels from a corn on the cob will make your guests happy and children will love to eat straight from the corn ears. Your best bet is to get your hands on some fresh corn, the freshest the better. Do not remove the husks. Next, fill an ice chest halfway up with water and add to it half cup of salt. Add the corn ensuring it remains under water and keep it there for about half hour. When the coals are ready, place the corn on the grill with all the husks. Grill for about 20 minutes turning the cobs every five minutes. Butter and enjoy.

• Mixed Fruit

Make a patriotic fruit cocktail with strawberries, blue berries and whipped cream. This dessert will impress everybody looking for a gourmet way to celebrate the American flag

. • Apple Pie

Close the festivity on a sweet note by offering grandma's best apple pie. Add a scoop of French vanilla ice cream and you sure will have left a lasting impression on your guests. Now, time to enjoy the fireworks! Happy fourth of July!