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4th of July Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Easy Recipes for Fun on the Fourth

By , About.com Guide

These 4th of July recipes include everything you need to have a festive picnic, cookout or outdoor barbecue. Whether you're entertaining a crowd or just having the family or friends over, these recipes are all you need to have a festive summer feast.

Don't Miss: 4th of July Desserts

1. Bacon Cheeseburgers

Bacon CheeseburgersBrand X Pictures/Getty Images
These classic burgers make every cookout special. Pre-cooked bacon saves you time with these burgers.

Don't Miss: 19 Burger Toppings and Recipe Ideas

2. Grilled Mexican Chicken Recipe

Grilled Mexican ChickenStephanie Gallagher
This recipe is so simple, yet so rich with flavor. A brief soak in a buttermilk and Mexican-spiced marinade makes this chicken tender and flavorful. Serve as is or on toasted hamburger buns.

3. Red Potato Salad

Red Potato SaladStephanie Gallagher

This red potato salad lends a festive touch to any cookout or barbecue. Sweet pickle relish combines with spicy hot sauce to lend a sweet and spicy flavor to the mayonnaise-based dressing for this red potato salad.

4. BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

BLT Pasta SaladStephanie Gallagher
If you're a fan of BLT sandwiches, you will adore this BLT pasta salad. It's a nice change of pace for a picnic or cookout. If you prefer more tomato flavor, top this pasta salad with halved grape or cherry tomatoes.

Don't Miss: Pasta Salads to Liven Up Any Picnic

5. Crockpot Baked Beans

4th of July Recipes - Crockpot Baked BeansStephanie Gallagher

Crockpot baked beans make a great 4th of July recipe, because all the prep work is done in advance. And this recipe has a terrific spicy-sweet flavor (courtesy of hot sauce and brown sugar) that will be the hit of your 4th of July party. Just be sure to leave enough time for the beans to soak overnight before they cook in the Crockpot.

 

6. Broccoli Salad Recipe

Broccoli Salad RecipeStephanie Gallagher

This broccoli salad recipe has it all: broccoli, almonds, bacon, raisins and cheese in a sweet dressing. This broccoli salad recipe can also be made a day or so in advance. Just add the bacon right before serving.



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7. Berry Fruit Salad Recipe

Berry Fruit SaladStephanie Gallagher
This fruit salad makes a festive and sweet side dish or dessert for a 4th of July barbecue or picnic. The lemon curd and yogurt topping is so simple, yet just bursting with bright citrus flavor. Look for lemon curd at your local gourmet supermarket, such as Whole Foods Market, Trader Joes, etc.

8. Apple Pie

Apple PieStephanie Gallagher
It doesn't get more patriotic than apple pie. And this apple pie recipe has a secret ingredient that makes it taste and smell amazing.

9. Blueberry Pie Recipe

Blueberry PieStephanie Gallagher
The first time my kids ever ate blueberry pie was at a neighbor's 4th of July picnic. Ever since then, it has become a staple of our 4th of July celebration. The nice thing about this pie is you can make it a day or two in advance. Serve with whipped cream.

10. Cream Cheese Dipped Strawberries

Cream Cheese Dipped StrawberriesStephanie Gallagher
Sweet, juicy strawberries are coated with a sweetened cream cheese and topped with red, white and blue sprinkles for a festive 4th of July dessert.

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