Nothing says Independence Day like a delicious, juicy burger fresh off the grill, or a red, white and blue dessert made with sweet, flavorful berries. The best things in life are fun and unfussy — like these classic recipes that are guaranteed to please everyone at your July 4th barbecue. Grab your tongs and skewers — it’s time to celebrate America while thrilling our taste buds.
ALL-AMERICAN SMASH BURGERS
INGREDIENTS (SERVES FOUR):
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
- Salt and pepper
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Divide and shape: Divide beef into eight loose balls (about 3 ounces each). Don’t overwork them!
- Preheat grill or griddle to high heat. Add a little oil.
- Smash it! Place beef balls on the hot surface and use a sturdy spatula to smash them flat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook two to three minutes until edges are crispy, then flip. Add cheese immediately to half of the patties.
- Stack and build: Place a non-cheesed patty on top of a cheesed one for a double stack. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Pro tip: Toast buns on the grill for extra flavor!
RED, WHITE AND BLUE BERRY SHORTCAKE SKEWERS
Ingredients (Makes 12 skewers):
- 1 store-bought pound cake (or angel food cake), cubed
- 1 pint strawberries, halved
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 container whipped topping or whipped cream
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions:
- Thread skewers: Alternate cake cubes, strawberries and blueberries onto skewers in a red, white and blue pattern.
- Chill or grill: Serve chilled or warm briefly on the grill for one to two minutes for toasty cake edges.
- Top it off: Right before serving, add a generous dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
Pro tip: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or fresh mint for extra flair. Also, you can substitute red raspberries for strawberries and marshmallows for cake.