Independence Day Dinner – 20 Menu Ideas


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Independence Day

Independence Day dinner with friends and family is a celebration of summer and a commemoration of the revolutionary ideas of our brave founding fathers. Included here are 20 menu ideas that should give you a night to remember.

Independence Day is a cherished occasion for Americans, a time to commemorate the nation’s birth and rejoice in the spirit of freedom. As you gather with friends and family for a day filled with laughter, outdoor activities, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of fireworks, the 4th of July dinner holds a special place in the celebrations. To help you create an unforgettable culinary experience, we’ve crafted a mouthwatering menu that combines classic favorites with patriotic twists. So let’s fire up the grills, set the table, and prepare for a memorable evening!

About Your Pets

July 5 is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters, as companion animals that fled in fright the night before are found miles from their homes, disoriented and exhausted. Anxious families often find themselves searching the streets and shelters looking for a treasured family member whose fear drove him to jump a high fence or break his leash or chain.

Nottina, Oscar, and Chloe
Nottina, Oscar, and Chloe safely sleeping on Independence Day

More pets find their way into kill shelters during the 4th of July fireworks celebration than any other time of the year.  Although you might not be able to see “the rocket’s red glare” or hear “the bombs bursting in the air” due to their extraordinary hearing abilities, they can still hear and be frightened by the explosions. Even though your pets may be friendly, it’s best to keep them indoors.  Put your pets in a bedroom or spare bathroom with a nice blanket, food, toys, and water.  Close the door to keep your pet from getting out.  Now that Nottina, Oscar, and Chloe are safe, let’s talk about the food!

The Danger of Fireworks

There is a reason fireworks are illegal in most municipalities. Although fireworks are wonderful to look at, they are very dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals.  Not only is the number of people injured staggering at more than 11,000 each year, but more than 19,000 fires are also started from fireworks being handled incorrectly. So, please, if you want to see fireworks, go to a licensed fireworks show or display.

Appetizers

Kickstart your Independence Day feast with vibrant and flavorful appetizers that set the tone for the patriotic festivities. These appetizers are all about fire!

Stuffed Fresno Chilies
Stuffed Fresno Chilies make a great, easy-to-make appetizer with a lot of heat for a little work. Warning! They are HOT!
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Stuffed Fresno Chilies
Golden Dragon Wings Air Fryer
Golden Dragon Wings are actually chicken wings that have been perfectly seasoned and cooked in the air fryer
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Golden dragon wings air fried

Beverages

It’s usually pretty hot in July, so be sure and have lots of water available.  We have two lemon drinks here, one for the kids, and one for the adults.

Rose Lemonade
Rose lemonade is a cooling treat perfect for summer. Serve it with lots of ice, and some rose petals floating on the top.
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Rose lemonade
Hop, Skip and Go Naked
A wonderful concoction of beer, lemonade, and vodka is guaranteed to make you feel like skipping, hopping, and going naked! These hit pretty hard, so please remember to drink responsibly.
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hop skip and go naked

From the Grill

No 4th of July celebration is complete without a sizzling and succulent main course fresh off the grill. 

Chuck Steak Sous Vide
Sous vide is the ultimate cooking hack for a melt-in-your-mouth chuck steak or roast. Cooked to perfection, it cuts like butter.
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Chuck Steak Sous Vide
Tender Barbecue Ribs in the Instant Pot
Have tender ribs in under an hour!
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Barbecued Ribs Instant Pot
Fireworks Pork Loin
Impress your friends and family with this spicy Fireworks Pork Loin. It’s done in the air fryer so your kitchen stays cool!
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Firework Pork Loin
Habanero Cheddar Burgers
Habanero Cheddar pub burgers are not for the faint-at-heart. But, if you like spicy food, this might just be the burger for you!
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Habanero cheese pub burger
Barbecue Burgers
Barbeque burgers made with a special sauce and cooked on a cast iron grill taste like they just came off the backyard barbecue.
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Barbecue Burger
Air Fryer Hot Dogs Wrapped in Bacon
These hot dogs wrapped in bacon in the air fryer are quick and delicious
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air fryer hot dogs wrapped in bacon

Enjoy the Sides

Complement your main course with a variety of sides.

Potato Salad in the Instant Pot
Yes, you can make this potato salad in the Instant Pot!
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BBQ Chips
Across the pond, potato wedges are called chips
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California BLT Justice Salad
This is Justice in a salad, about as American as you can get – bacon, lettuce and tomato with California avocado. Delicious!
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BLT Justice Salad
Black Lentil Salad
This light black lentil whole meal salad is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Watermelon salad with feta and mint brings a sweet and salty combination with cooling mint and a little spike of spiciness to make things interesting.
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Watermelon salad with feta and mint
Coleslaw with Microwave Boiled Dressing
The microwave is your friend if you want to make a traditional boiled dressing for your coleslaw
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Independence Day Desserts

Everyone loves desserts.  You don’t have to turn your kitchen into an inferno either to enjoy these desserts.

4th of July Wafer Torte with Strawberries, Boysenberries and Roses
No-Bake Wafer Torte for 4th of July – Add whatever fruit you want, but we wanted red and blue
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4th of July Wafer Torte
Cherries Jubilee with Chocolate Cherry Sauce
Why not celebrate our independence from England by serving this ice cream dessert that was created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee?
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Cherries Jubilee with Chocolate Cherry Sauce Ingredients 1 can dark, pitted cherries 1 tablespoon butter 1/3 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1 tablespoon sherry Vanilla ice cream Instructions Drain the cherries, reserving the juice. In a saucepan, melt the butter on low heat. Add the powdered sugar, and stir. Add cherry juice, and stir. Add the cocoa and stir until all the lumps have disappeared. Add the sherry and let the sauce cook until it has thickened. Thickened Chocolate Cherry Sauce Put ice cream in nice dishes, and top with the cherries. Carefully spoon some of the sauce on each dessert. Refrigerate any remaining sauce. Finished Dessert
Tiramisu Without Brandy
Don’t cut corners making this lovely dessert. Prepared properly, it is truly wonderful. Marscapone is an Italian cheese, similar, but much creamier than cream cheese.
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Tiramisu
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