The Fourth of July is an important day for Americans to celebrate their independence with family and friends, and what better way to enjoy the festivities than with a backyard barbecue? This article provides a step-by-step guide and recipes to create the ultimate Fourth of July BBQ Menu, including classic ribs, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, strawberry shortcake, and firecracker cupcakes. With these dishes, your family and friends are sure to have a memorable holiday. Enjoy your delicious food and happy Fourth of July!
The Ultimate Fourth of July BBQ Menu
The Fourth of July is a special day when Americans celebrate their independence with family and friends. It’s a day when we come together, enjoy each other’s company, and indulge in some delicious food. What better way to enjoy the festivities than with a backyard barbeque? Here, we’ll show you how to create the ultimate Fourth of July BBQ Menu with a step-by-step guide and recipes.
Main Course
The main course is the centerpiece of your Fourth of July BBQ menu. It’s the dish that everyone will be talking about, so it’s important to get it right. We recommend going with a classic BBQ dish – ribs. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
– 3 racks of baby back ribs
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup paprika
– 1/4 cup chili powder
– 2 tbsp salt
– 2 tbsp garlic powder
– 2 tbsp onion powder
– 2 tbsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp cumin
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Mix together the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin in a small bowl.
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat them well.
4. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
6. Grill the ribs for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
7. Brush the ribs with apple cider vinegar during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
8. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Side Dishes
No BBQ is complete without some delicious side dishes. Here are three classic side dishes that will complement your Fourth of July BBQ menu:
Baked Beans
Ingredients:
– 1 large can of baked beans
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup diced green pepper
– 1/4 cup diced bacon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Pour mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Bake for 1 hour.
Coleslaw
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 large carrot, grated
– 1/2 cup mayo
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine shredded cabbage and grated carrot in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Potato Salad
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs red potatoes
– 1/2 cup mayo
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tbsp dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup diced celery
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
2. Drain and cool the potatoes.
3. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, dijon mustard, red onion, celery, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and toss to coat.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Desserts
To satisfy your sweet tooth, we’ve got two festive Fourth of July dessert recipes:
Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 4 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/3 cup cold butter
– 3/4 cup milk
– 2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced
– Whipped cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add milk and stir just until combined.
5. Drop dough by spoonful onto a greased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Cool.
8. Assemble shortcakes by layering a biscuit, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream.
Firecracker Cupcakes
Ingredients:
– 1 box white cake mix
– 3 egg whites
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 1 1/4 cups water
– Red and blue food coloring
– Vanilla frosting
– Patriotic sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, and water.
3. Divide the batter into three bowls.
4. Add red food coloring to one bowl and blue to another – leave the third bowl plain white.
5. Spoon batter into cupcake liners, alternating colors to create a striped effect.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool.
8. Pipe vanilla frosting on top of the cupcakes and add patriotic sprinkles.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve just created the ultimate Fourth of July BBQ menu! With the main course, side dishes, and desserts all set, your family and friends are sure to have a memorable holiday. Enjoy your delicious food and happy Fourth of July!