With Independence Day just around the corner, the grocery stores are crazy with red, white, and blue colored drinks, meals, and desserts. However, we all know the best type of food is the homemade food, not the cookies with Patriotic sprinkles that are on sale for $2.99.
Even though we are all in a rush to get to the neighborhood party, there are some simple recipes that are easy to throw together before you head out. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or invited to one, here are some ideas on what to make and what to bring so you’ll be the cool kid on the block.
1. Individual Strawberry Shortcakes
Photo by Kate Spitler
These are both delicious and cute. You can make the biscuits and whipped cream whenever you have time, then freeze the biscuits and refrigerate the whipped cream until you’re ready to go.
Heat the biscuits for about an hour, cut them in half, and throw on some whipped cream and chopped up strawberries. Your neighbors will be happy they invited you. The recipe can be found here.
2. 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats
Photo courtesy of twosisterscrafting.com
Instead of throwing these yummy treats into one batch, separate them into 3 containers and use red and blue food coloring to dye two of the batches.
Then in one pan, arrange the colors how you like: with red on the bottom, white in the middle, and blue on the top; mixed all together like fireworks; or arrange them in a flag like done below. The recipe and instructions can be found here.
3. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Kabobs
Photo courtesy of popsugar.com
If you have 5 minutes tops, this is recipe for you. You can customize these kabobs anyway to want them, with the red as strawberries or raspberries, the blue as blackberries or blueberries, and the white as, well, who doesn’t like marshmallows?
4. White Chocolate Strawberries
Photo courtesy of cutefoodforkids.com
Make your own edible arrangement with these crowd pleasers. Melt some white chocolate, dip it in blue sprinkles, and, voilá, a patriotic strawberry. This simple yet delicious recipe can be found here.
5. M&M Flag Cake
Photo courtesy of twosisterscrafting.com
This recipe is for the person that wants to be the life-saver of the cookout (aka the try-hard). This person is the one we all pretend to hate but actually love because they made THE Best. Dessert. Ever. This recipe takes a lot of patience, but is so rewarding in the end.
6. Patriotic Pretzel Bites
Photo courtesy of bitsofeverything.com
Big things come in small packages. Whether you want to keep it simple or go all out and arrange the pretzels in a flag, this recipe is very simple. Just grab a bag of pretzels, a pack of Patriotic M&M’s, and some Hugs Hershey kisses. Your neighbors will thank you.
7. Flag Cupcake Cake
Photo courtesy of bettycrocker.com
Take your cupcakes to the next level with this simple recipe. These cupcakes make you look like a pro while only putting a little bit of skill into them. Just some cupcake mix, some food coloring, and you’re ready to go.
8. Patriotic Cupcakes
Photo courtesy of yourcupofcake.com
If you’re the person that always brings the cupcakes to the party, try these cupcakes. If you don’t feel like making red velvet cake, by some vanilla cake mix and use red food coloring. You can substitute the strawberry for any type of red food, even sprinkles. You could even put on blueberries or blue sprinkles for the red, white, and blue themed holiday.
9. Chocolate Dipped Oreos
Photo courtesy of happinessishomemade.net
Who celebrates America without Oreos? They are America’s favorite cookie (not surprisingly). This recipe is for the creative people out there. Once you dip the Oreos into the chocolate, it’s all up to you on how you want to decorate them. Just be sure that the colors you use include some form of red, white, and blue.
10. Cake Pops
Photo courtesy of bettycrocker.com
How can something so delicious be in something so small? I can assure you that your neighbors will be attempting to make these cake pops for the next holiday. Like the Oreos, get creative. Dip the cake pops in sprinkles, decorate with frosting, and don’t forget to eat one or two while you’re doing this. You won’t be able to resist.
Whether you’re the king or queen of baking or just starting out, one of these recipes is just right for you. Socialize with family and friends, watch the fireworks, and eat good food. You can have your cake and eat it too.