Red, White, and BBQ: Menu Planning Tips for the Perfect Fourth of July Barbecue

Although the rockets may not glare red this 4th of July, you can bet some of the fireworks will. Fireworks are fun and there is no better way to enjoy them then with some delicious BBQ. To make sure that you’ve got the best BBQ on the block, you need to have a good menu plan. Here’s a few tips to get you started.

It’s All About the Meat

Grilling meat is an art. It starts with selecting the right kind of meat. If you’re inexperienced, you may want to start with hamburgers and hot dogs. These are by far the easiest meats to cook on the grill. They require no preparation and all you have to do is slap them on. You can sprinkle a few seasonings on the burgers and wait for them to cook.

A slightly more advanced option is grilled chicken. For best results you’ll want to marinate your chicken starting the day before. Make sure that you have a meat thermometer to help you know when the chicken is done. You can also try grilling some steaks and other meats. With steak, you often want to slice it thin, sear the sides, and then cook it nice and slow. Remember to take grilling safety precautions in order to avoid serious problems at your barbecue.

Star-Spangled Sides to Serve

While the meat may be the main course, you won’t have a well-rounded meal with just meat. You should have a vegetable tray with dip, as well as a fruit tray. For a patriotic touch, you could arrange blueberries, strawberries, and cantaloupe to look like the American flag. A cheese platter is also a great addition to your meal. Depending on the meat, you could pair it well with some nice salads. And don’t forget some nice red fruit punch!

Don’t Forget About Dessert

No BBQ is complete without some quality desserts. You can have a 4th of July cake decorated in red, white, and blue. For something, a little simpler, you can have some delicious, gooey brownies. White frosted sugar cookies with blue and red sprinkles are another great way to have a patriotic desert.  If you’re having guests, make things easier by asking them to pitch in a dessert.

Holidays are what you make of them. They can be special, meaningful, and wonderful memories or they can just be another day in your life. It really depends on what you choose to do. By preparing a special and delicious meal, you will be well on your way to having a fantastic day.

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