Independence day is the perfect occasion to gather with friends and family, enjoy the summer sun, and indulge in some delicious food. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or attending a potluck, these recipes are sure to impress the crowd! We've gathered a fantastic main dish, side, and dessert that are easy to make and full of flavor. Let's dive into these mouth-watering recipes!
Main Dish: BBQ Ribs
Ingredients:
- 2.5 lbs Country-style pork ribs
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
- Prep the Ribs: Place the ribs in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover them. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Boil until tender, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Bake the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the pot and drain well. Place the ribs in a baking pan and pour barbecue sauce over them. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Cook: Bake for 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
These ribs are incredibly tender and full of flavor, making them the star of your 4th of July feast (click here for recipe link).
Side Dish: Ultimate Layered Cornbread Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce dry ranch dressing or dip mix
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 cups prepared cornbread cut into bite-size cubes
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce about two medium-size heads, or 10 ounces
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 1 large bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 large tomato seeded and chopped
- ½ cup red onion minced
- ½ cup celery diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 scallions diced
Instructions:
- Add the dry ranch dressing mix, buttermilk, and mayonnaise to a small bowl. Stir to combine and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
- Add half of the cornbread to a clear glass trifle dish about 8-inches wide and five inches tall and spread out evenly & top with half of the romaine lettuce.
- Sprinkle half of the ham evenly over the lettuce, top with half of the bell pepper, half of the tomato, half of the onion, half of the celery, and finish with half of the cheese.
- Spoon half of the dressing evenly over the cheese. Repeat all of the layers, starting with the cornbread and finishing with the remaining dressing. Then, spread the dressing out to completely cover the salad.
- Top with the crumbled bacon and scallions.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least eight hours or up to 24 hours.
This cornbread salad is a flavorful and colorful addition to your 4th of July menu! (Grits and Pinecones).
Dessert: Skinny Berry Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
Almond Crust
- 2 cups ground almonds
- 2 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 4 packets splenda sugar or sugar alternative - (or sugar alternative of choice if diabetic) or can use ¼ cup brown sugar if not diabetic.
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
- 12 oz cream cheese light
- ½ cup fat free natural yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 12 packets splenda or sugar alternative of choice if not diabetic, then use ½ cup of sugar
Berry /Fruit Toppings
- 2 cups strawberries fresh sliced in half
- 1 cup blueberries fresh
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 degrees Celsius).
- In a medium bowl add the ground almonds, margarine/butter and sugar alternative/sugar and mix with a fork. Spray/oil on the bottom and sides of your dish that you plan on using. My pan was a 9 inch round pizza pan. Press the almond crumbs on the bottom of the pan with the back of your spoon. Bake your almond crust for 10 minutes or until the nuts are slightly golden and toasty. Remove crust from the oven and cool (I put my crust in the freezer for about 10 minutes with hot pots under it to protect the freezer and it really cooled it fast)
- Mix together cream cheese, yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar/sugar alternative with a blender until creamy and smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture gently over the crust. It is best to put dollops of cream cheese mixture in separate sections and gently spread as the crust has a tendency to crumble. Spread the cream cheese to the edges but leave about ½ to 1 inch around the perimeter to show off that delicious almond crust.
- Wash, dry and cut your berries and decorate the top of your Skinny Berry Cheese Cake Bars any way you desire. Enjoy!
These cheesecake bars are a refreshing and light way to end your holiday meal (Healthy World Cuisine).
These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, ensuring that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Happy 4th of July!