Now that June is (somehow) coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about the next holiday: Independence Day! Naturally, a patriotic celebration isn’t complete without red, white, and blue food ideas. They're the best way to make sure the party's grub is infused with festivity for the patriotic summer holiday.
This doesn’t mean you have to pour food coloring on everything on the menu, however. While it can certainly come in handy, there are many other alternatives and food combinations that can switch things up a bit. For example, berries are prime Independence Day ingredients. Cream cheese and cheesecake provide the perfect dose of indulgence while providing a white shade. This is just the beginning, folks.
To top it all off, the party ideas on this list are easy to whip up at the very last minute. They also require little to no fancy shmancy skills, ensuring that you won’t have to stress yourself out perfecting techniques before the festivities. In fact, most of these recipes are so simple that you might even make them well past July 4th.
Don’t forget to pair your menu with festive décor and red, white, and blue drink ideas. Happy Fourth of July!
1. Mini Red, White, and Blue Star Cheesecakes
Baked by Rachel figured out a way to make a colorful layered cheesecake complete with a graham cracker crust and star shape. Awesome.
2. Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
You can't deny the colorful potential of Mother Nature. Using three different types of potatoes, Baked by Rachel has demonstrated how to create a festive potato salad on her blog.
3. Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
For another dish that doesn't require a ton of work or ingredients, make Dessert Now, Dinner Later's stuffed strawberries. I'm loving how the natural colors of the ingredients automatically creates a patriotic theme.
4. Poppin' Patriotic Marshmallows
In true July 4th fashion, these Pop Rock-dipped marshmallows fit the firework vibes so well. Visit A Farm Girl's Dabbles to learn how to make them.
5. Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
Red velvet shortbread cookies and cheesecake (yes, cheesecake) ice cream come together to create these charming sandwiches. Thanks for your greatness, A Farm Girl's Dabbles.
6. Patriotic Fourth of July Cake
Don't have time to find a star-shaped cookie cutter? Opt for clever placement of berries for a flag-themed cake, just like Fashion Edible did.
7. Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake
Infusing a cake with Jell-O is a thing, people. It doesn't hurt that it creates a pretty watercolor visual, too. Dessert Now, Dinner Later shows you how.
8. Red, White, and Blue Strawberries
Strawberries come to the rescue once again with A Farm Girl's Dabbles' simple recipe.
9. Patriotic Rice Krispies Treats
Kids and adults alike will adore these star-shaped Rice Krispies treats from Cookies and Cups. They make an awesome party favor, too! Simply wrap them in cellophane and tie it off with festive ribbon or twine.
10. Fudgy Patriotic Brownies
Please the chocolate lovers at your get-together with a batch of celebratory brownies from A Farm Girl's Dabbles. Like the Krispies treat pops, these make an excellent party favor giveaway.
11. Patriotic Jell-O Shots
Give the traditional party treat a festive twist by layering red, white, and blue Jell-O. You can easily make a non-alcoholic version by leaving out the vodka. Check it out at eHow.
12. Patriotic Popcorn
Popcorn is one of those traditional snacks that can make any event feel like an actual party. Why not spruce it up with some color? Dessert Now, Dinner Later shows you how.
13. Patriotic Caramel Corn
If you're looking to sweeten up the popcorn situation, visit A Farm Girl's Dabbles to learn how to make a caramel version. The post even includes a free printable.
14. Patriotic Cake Pops
Bakerella figured out how to make cake pops that look like cupcakes and I'm so into it. Simply place them in a mason jar on your dessert table or give them out as party favors at the end of the night.
15. Red Velvet Fourth of July Cupcakes
You can't go wrong with classic red velvet cupcakes, especially on the Fourth of July.Click on over to Your Cup of Cake for the lowdown.
16. Red, White, and Blue Berry Dessert Bites
Berries and cream cheese on top of crescent dough? Yes, please! Make them with some help from Good Life Eats.
17. Roasted Berry and Honey Coconut Popsicles
Cool down with creamy popsicles in a naturally festive color palette thanks to Cookie and Kate. The roasted berry part really got me.
18. Snow Cone Cupcakes
Get ready for some serious squeals and "ooohs" when your guests realize these snow cones are actually cupcakes. A Beautiful Mess is brilliant.
19. Festive Cupcakes
For a batch of deliciously patriotic cupcakes, turn to Bakerella. Her post shares rundowns for basic cupcake and icing recipes topped off with super useful presentation tips.
20. Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle
No time? No worries. Whip up this layered dessert of goodness with some help from Brown Eyed Baker. Zero fancy skills required
21. White Chocolate Firecracker Brownies
For another take on the conventional brownie dessert, try Deliciously Yum's white chocolate brownies. Can't forget those sprinkles, of course.
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