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AMERICA — Nothing is more American than having a barbecue on the Fourth of July, and chances are pretty good you’ll be hanging around a grill tomorrow.
In fact, 81 million Americans took part in a barbecue on July 4, 2010, according to Census.gov, and that number has only gone up.
Guests are often asked to bring side dishes, which can be pretty intimidating if you’ve scanned any Fourth of July-themed Pinterest boards lately. If you’re running out of time but still want to bring a Pinterest-worthy dish, try one of these five easy dishes to help you celebrate in red-white-and-blue style.
1. Fourth of July Ice Cream Sandwiches
Sprinkles add a quick punch of patriotism to the classic ice cream sandwich.
Follow Liz Stanley’s instructions for making these simple and adorable treats. Bonus? By putting the sandwich on a stick, you eliminate the problem of the cookie caking to your warm fingertips.
2. Produce Kebabs
While the grill is hot for hamburgers and hot dogs, skewer some vegetables — sweet peppers, pearl onions, tomatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, etc. — and cook the produce over the grill.
If you want something sweet, put pineapple on a skewer and mix up a marinade of apple juice, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg and grill until it’s browned.
Find the recipe in KSL.com’s “Healthy grilling tips” article.
3. Watermelon Salad with Mint Leaves
Watermelon is the quintessential (and easiest!) summer barbecue side dish. The fruit becomes even more refreshing when paired with mint leaves and feta cheese.
Follow the recipe on Food Network.
4. Creamy Potato Salad with Bacon
This light and creamy version ups your potato salad game by using unpeeled red potatoes and bacon. Prep time requires 20 minutes, but your dish can be ready in just 30.
Use the recipe on Real Simple.
5. Patriotic Berry Trifle
If you’re looking to incorporate red, white and blue into your baking, look no further than fresh berries. This Patriotic Berry Trifle uses blueberries and strawberries with whipped cream to create a delightful (and delicious) array of American colors.
The recipe already cuts down on time by using pre-made angel food cake. To save even more time, buy whipped cream instead of making your own.
Find the recipe on Food Network.
What are your favorite recipes to bring to a barbecue? Let us know in the comments!
