Holidays
7 Side Dish Recipes for a Fantastic Fourth of July
Fun July 4th fact: Though we tend to think of signers of the Declaration of Independence as elder statesmen (powdered hair will do that to you), many of our Founding Fathers were barely out of their teens in July of 1776! (Aaron Burr was just 20.)
Another fun fact: July 4th is the biggest grilling holiday of the year according to the Hearth and Patio Barbecue Association, with some 74 million Americans planning to cook outdoors. Burgers, steaks, hot dogs, and chicken (in that order) are the most popular main dishes. You can find plenty of variations on those themes right on this website. Visit the Recipes section of our website, and let it take you to some flavorful places.
You’ll need side dish recipes! Below are some of our Independence Day faves.
7 Side Dish Recipes for 4th of July
1. Mezcalini
A perfect drink for a summer party! Cross a margarita with a mojito and you get a Mezcalini. Add smoke and you achieve nirvana, not to mention notoriety—especially if you brandish the handheld smoker in front of your guests.
2. Smoke-Roasted Buffalo Chicken Dip
This recipe, a riff on one of America’s favorite appetizers, always gets rave reviews when we serve it at parties. You can smoke-roast the chicken ahead of time and assemble the dip the day of your party. Serve with sturdy crackers or grilled bread.
3. Pork “Shooters”
A “shot glass” made out of kielbasa (or andouille) and bacon? Heck, ya. Fill with cream cheese, cheddar, shrimp, and green onions for an appetizer your guests won’t soon forget.
4. Caveman Coleslaw
For a new twist on slaw, char cabbage directly in the coals until it’s smoky, but still raw. This was a favorite of our web producer, Daniel Hale, and his mother when they attended Barbecue University recently.
5. Grilled Vegetable Salad
This salad, featuring fresh summer vegetables, can be grilled a day ahead and artfully arranged on a platter. We like to drizzle ours with a good balsamic vinegar just before serving.
6. Hasselback Potatoes
Turn plain baked potatoes into a work of art using a technique pioneered by a hotel in Sweden. One of our most popular potato preparations yet, this recipe combines the crispness of potato chips with the creamy, buttery goodness of Idaho russets. A keeper for sure!
7. Grilled Fresh Berry Pound Cake with Smoked Whipped Cream
Turn plain baked potatoes into a work of art using a technique pioneered by a hotel in Sweden. One of our most popular potato preparations yet, this recipe combines the crispness of potato chips with the creamy, buttery goodness of Idaho russets. A keeper for sure!
What is your favorite Side Dish? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, or Instagram!