4th of July is coming! Check out our Ultimate Meals to celebrate it! Well... more like our top 15 meals.
1. Epic BBQ Ribs
Cost: $35 (Serves 6)
There's nothing more American than BBQ ribs on July 4th. These bad boys are slathered in tangy BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection. Pair them with some coleslaw and cornbread, and you've got yourself a feast fit for a patriot.
- Ingredients: 4 pounds pork ribs, 1 bottle BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
2. All-American Cheeseburgers
Cost: $25 (Serves 4)
Juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and all the fixings—these cheeseburgers are a July 4th staple. Top them with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and serve with a side of fries.
- Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef, 4 slices American cheese, 4 burger buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, salt, pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
3. Grilled Bratwursts
Cost: $15 (Serves 8)
Hot dogs are a must-have for any Independence Day celebration. Grill them up, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy with a cold beer.
- Ingredients: 8 bratwursts, 8 hot dog buns, ketchup, mustard, relish, onions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
4. Smoked Brisket
Cost: $40 (Serves 8)
For the dudes who love a good challenge, smoked brisket is the way to go. It's slow-cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth. This one will definitely impress your guests.
- Ingredients: 5 pounds beef brisket, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, BBQ rub.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 hours
5. Classic Potato Salad
Cost: $10 (Serves 6)
No BBQ is complete without a hearty potato salad. This classic recipe is creamy, tangy, and perfect for pairing with any grilled meat.
- Ingredients: 6 large potatoes, 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons mustard, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced onions, salt, pepper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Cost: $8 (Serves 8)
Grilled corn on the cob is a simple and delicious side dish. Slather it with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a treat that screams summer.
- Ingredients: 8 ears of corn, butter, salt, pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
7. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Cost: $30 (Serves 8)
Pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd favorite. Slow-cooked pork shoulder, shredded and mixed with BBQ sauce, piled high on a bun. Serve with coleslaw for a perfect combo.
- Ingredients: 4 pounds pork shoulder, 1 bottle BBQ sauce, 8 sandwich buns, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
8. Deviled Eggs
Cost: $7 (Serves 12)
These little bites of goodness are a perfect appetizer. Creamy, tangy, and a bit spicy, deviled eggs are always a hit at any gathering.
- Ingredients: 12 eggs, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon mustard, paprika, salt, pepper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
9. BBQ Chicken Wings
Cost: $20 (Serves 6)
Juicy chicken wings coated in a smoky BBQ sauce are perfect for snacking while you wait for the fireworks. Grill or bake them to perfection.
- Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken wings, 1 bottle BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
10. Mac and Cheese
Cost: $12 (Serves 6)
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, mac and cheese is the ultimate side dish. Make a big batch because this one goes fast.
- Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 cups milk, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup flour, salt, pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
11. Fresh Fruit Salad
Cost: $10 (Serves 6)
A refreshing fruit salad is a great way to balance out all the savory dishes. Use a mix of your favorite fruits for a colorful and tasty treat.
- Ingredients: 1 pint strawberries, 1 pint blueberries, 1 pineapple, 2 bananas, 2 apples, 1 cup grapes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
12. Coleslaw
Cost: $8 (Serves 8)
Crispy, creamy coleslaw is the perfect side for all your grilled meats. It's quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Ingredients: 1 head cabbage, 2 carrots, 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
13. Baked Beans
Cost: $10 (Serves 8)
Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish. Make a big pot and let everyone dig in.
- Ingredients: 4 cans baked beans, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1/2 cup diced onions, 4 slices bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
14. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Cost: $25 (Serves 6)
For a lighter option, grilled shrimp skewers are a fantastic choice. Marinate them in garlic and lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
- Ingredients: 2 pounds large shrimp, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, juice of 2 lemons, salt, pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
15. Watermelon Slices
Cost: $5 (Serves 8)
Nothing says summer like fresh watermelon slices. They're sweet, hydrating, and the perfect way to end your July 4th feast.
- Ingredients: 1 large watermelon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Wrap-Up
There you have it. The ultimate meals (top 15) to make your July 4th celebration the best. Whether you're grilling up ribs or keeping it simple with watermelon slices, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. So fire up that grill, gather your friends, and have a fantastic Independence Day!
Total Estimated Cost: $280 (Serves 8-10)
Average Cost per Meal: $18.67
Cooking Tips:
- Prep Ahead: Many of these dishes can be prepped ahead of time, so you can enjoy the festivities without stressing in the kitchen.
- Grill Mastery: Keep an eye on your grill temperature and avoid constant flipping. Let the grill do its job for those perfect sear marks.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep plenty of drinks on hand. July 4th can get hot, and you'll need to stay cool.
Happy July 4th, dudes! Let's make this celebration one to remember with great food, good friends, and plenty of laughs. Cheers!
1 comment
Love this!