Emilee Unterkoefler
The Fourth of July comes but once a year, and while you might be keeping things small this time, there’s no need to skimp on the patriotic foods.
If you’re looking for recipes embellished with red, white, and blue ingredients, or stars and stripes, we’ve got some you can try. Below are five savory dishes and five decorative desserts everyone will love.
Fourth of July Burgers
Cheeseburgers are one of the most popular cookout foods anyway, but they’re especially popular on the Fourth of July. They’re easy to whip up in bulk, and guests can dress them with their toppings of choice.
For the ultimate flavor and flair, make Rachael Ray’s red, white, and blue special sauce. And don’t forget to top your burgers with these adorable American flag toothpicks.
Get the Recipe: Rachael Ray In Season
Red, White, and Blue Caprese Salad
There’s something special about the crisp textures and fresh flavor of caprese combinations, whether in a salad or on a sandwich. Soft mozzarella, combined with fresh basil leaves and juicy tomatoes work wonders together.
Toss in a few blueberries, and this salad will also have a sweet flavor your friends and family will love.
Get the Recipe: Brit+Co
Star Spangle Layered Dip
After preparing a simple layered base, you’ll have an opportunity to use your decorative skills designing an edible U.S. flag.
You’ll arrange black olives in the top-left corner with a dusting of cotija cheese for the stars. Salsa and some more cotija cheese make up the stripes.
In the end, what you’ll see before you is a beautifully decorated dip all your ‘Merica-loving friends will truly appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Food Network
Fourth of July Brie Dip
The sweet to savory ratio created by the honey-coated fruits and brie in this sumptuous recipe is just phenomenal.
While guests are waiting for the grill to get hot, you’ll love serving (and enjoying) this patriotic starter.
Get the Recipe: Delish
Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
Potato salad is a quintessential side option at most summer cookouts. You can take this American classic up a notch by using purple, red, and Yukon gold potatoes to create a red, white, and blue display.
The real star of this crowd-pleaser, though, is the homemade creamy Dijon dressing, so don’t skimp on that!
Get the Recipe: Baked by Rachel
Fourth of July Cupcakes
Red velvet cupcakes topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and finished with some tart blueberries are an excellent dessert for any party.
In this recipe, you’ll learn to make red velvet cake batter (and the frosting) from scratch before putting together these festive treats. If you have any American flag toothpicks leftover from the burger recipe above, be sure to stick those on top, too!
Get the Recipe: Southern Living
Red, White, and Blueberry Jell-O Parfaits
These Jell-O layered goodies are just adorable, and the kids (and adults) will love devouring them. Using fresh, in-season berries, Jell-O, and whipped cream, you’ll create a layered last course your company will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Mountain Mama Cooks
Brownie and Fruit Kebabs
If you’ve got a little less time on your hands, but still want to add a little patriotic swing to your dessert spread, these tasty treats are the way to go.
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to use any berries or fruit of choice. However, the blue- and strawberries are the easiest to secure on the skewer and help create the red, white, and blue pattern.
If you don’t have much time to futz with a scratch brownie recipe, do yourself a favor and buy some ready-made at your local supermarket or bakery.
Get the Recipe: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle
Here’s another gorgeous dessert you can make in under 30 minutes. Plus, it requires no baking at all!
You’ll learn how to layer store-bought angel food cake, sliced berries, and homemade cream cheese frosting for this one. Just follow along with the images to build this beauty, and then design the artistic star-spangled topping.
Get the Recipe: Natasha’s Kitchen
Mini Stars Berry Pies
Mini Stars Berry Pies are an adorable, festive way to celebrate the Fourth. You’ll learn to make these little pies from scratch pie dough and star cutouts.
Rather than cutting one sizeable deep dish, you’ll have individuals to hand out to your family and guests. How cute!
Get the Recipe: Country Living
Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth with a few friends or keeping it low-key, any of these patriotic recipes are sure to hit the spot.
