July 4th – which celebrates American Independence – is known for summer beaches, family, fireworks, and of course food. As you plan your next July 4th barbecue with friends & family, explore some of the Travefy team’s favorite dishes and enjoy these delicious July 4th recipes!
Our Top July 4th Recipes
1. Scallop & Bacon Skewers
Why: Who doesn’t love bacon? Bacon make everything better. This delicious and easy recipe is a perfect mix of flavors and textures that bacon and seafood lovers can enjoy. Moreover, the recipe is insanely simple and easy to cook on any grill.
Ingredients (4-6 people):
- Bacon (1 pound or ~16 slices)
- Fresh Large Scallops (3 pounds)
- Wooden Skewers (~15)
- Olive Oil or Butter
How to Make: Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap a piece of bacon around each scallop. Thread each bacon / scallop wrap onto the skewers (3 per skewer) which will hold the wrap in place. Lightly brush them with olive oil or melted butter to ensure they don’t stick to your grill. Many people enjoy adding a bit of garlic at this point as well. Place the, on a grill at medium heat and cook 3-5 minutes on each side. Remove and enjoy
2. Watermelon and Tomato Salad
Why: This dish is always a hit! Watermelon and tomatoes are both incredibly refreshing, but rarely combined. Guests love this unique salad which is a perfect accompaniment to any barbecue. Best part is how simple it is make. Your biggest task is buying the ingredients. From there, just mix!
Ingredients (4 people):
- Cherry Tomatos (2 pounds)
- Seeded or Unseeded Watermelon (At least 2 pounds)
- Basil leaves (6)
- Crumbled Feta Cheese (1 cup)
- Lemon Zest
- Olive Oil (4 tablespoons)
- White Balsamic Vinegar (3 tablespoons)
How to Make: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, cube 4 cups of the watermelon, and thinly slice the basil leaves. Then add your tomatoes and watermelon to a mixing bowl with the basil leaves and feta cheese. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar as well as a hint of lemon zest. Toss lightly and you’re done. That simple.
3. Chorizo Burger
Why: Think beyond the traditional (and boring) burger. Literally spice up your burgers with a bit of chorizo. This simple and low-cost twist will make you seem like a gourmet to any guests. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious.
Ingredients (4 people):
- Ground Sirloin (1 pound)
- Ground Chorizo (1 pound)
How to Make: This almost sounds like joke. Mix the sirloin and chorizo together in a bowl and then form into burger patties. Grill to temperature preference and serve as your would your family’s typical burger.
While that simple, this really makes a difference and adds flavor. Those truly adventurous, have make their own chipotle mayo as a condiment. Recipe here.
4. American Flag Cake
Why: Every barbecue needs a dessert and what better way to celebrate July 4th than with an artistic (and delicious American flag). This recipe is extremely simple, but your friends and family won’t notice because they will be wowed by its look and taste.
Ingredients (4-6 people):
- Strawberries (4 cups)
- Blueberries (2 cups)
- Pound Cake Mix (1 package or 12 oz)
- 1 Package Whipped Toping
How to Make: Follow the instructions on the pound cake and bake on a broad baking dish. (This can be as simple as mixing with water and baking in the oven for 20 minutes). Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped topping on its top surface. At this point all strawberries should be halved. Simply place the strawberries and blueberries on the cake in the formation of an American flag and place in the refridgerator to cool and settle in place.
5. Caprese Salad
Why: Mmmm cheese! A caprese salad a simple concoction that offers unique tastes and blends that works as a perfect side dish at any cookout.
Ingredients (4-6 people):
- Large Tomatos (4)
- Fresh Mozzarella (1 pound)
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1/2 cup)
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
How to Make: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella each to be 1/4 in thick and thoroughly wash the basil leaves. Stack the three (tomato, mozzarella, basil leaf) and spread out along your serving platter. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the top and salt / pepper to taste. That’s it!