young girl eating a popsicle

The 4th of July is on a Thursday this year, which means many of you will be celebrating with parties, beach outings, and parades, possible extending these festivities into a weekend-long celebration.

What’s a 4th of July party without some yummy summer foods? Here are some recipes you can make with, and for, your family this 4th of July.

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bites

These red, white, and blue cheesecake bites are small in size but big on taste. Just a bite is all you need with these rich mini cheesecakes.

You will need:

Crumb Crust:

  • 1/2 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/8 tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake:

  • 1 pound room temp cream cheese
  • 1 zested lime
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 2 eggs

Whipped Topping and Fruit:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 1 tbsp sour cream
  • 24 slices fresh strawberries
  • 72 fresh blueberries

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F, then spray two 12-cup mini muffin tins with cooking spray. Place muffin tins on sheet pans.
  2. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl, then spoon a rounded teaspoon of crumb mixture into each cup’s bottom. Spread crumbs with spoon in an even layer.
  3. Combine cream cheese, zest, and 1/2 cup sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, flour, and one egg, beating until mixture is smooth. Then, add remaining egg and whisk again.
  4. Place batter in a piping bag, piping the mixture into the muffin tins, filling to the top. Using a skewer, stir each cup to get rid of air bubbles.
  5. Bake until batter starts to rise slightly about 20 to 25 minutes.
  6. Let cool for 20 minutes, then remove from tins. Wrap and refrigerate until fully chilled, at least a half hour.
  7. To make the whipped cream topping, whisk cream in a bowl until you see soft peaks start to form. Add sour cream and whisk until medium-stiff peaks form.
  8. Top each cheesecake with whipped cream, three blueberries, and one strawberry slice.

Classic Macaroni Salad

A staple of any summer barbecue, this classic macaroni salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your 4th of July party.

You will need:

  • 4 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 2 ½ tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 stalks chopped celery
  • 1 large chopped onion
  • 1 green seeded and chopped bell pepper
  • ¼ cup grated carrot
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni as directed. Rinse under cold water and then drain.
  2. Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper, and macaroni in a large bowl.
  3. Stir in celery, onion, carrot, green pepper, and pimentos.
  4. Refrigerate salad for four hours before serving, preferably overnight.

Old-Fashioned Pink Lemonade

You’ll need something sweet and cold to quench your thirst, and this old-fashioned pink lemonade certainly fits the bill.

You will need:

  • 9 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup chilled cranberry juice
  • Ice

Directions:

  1. Combine water, sugar, cranberry juice, and lemon juice in a large pitcher, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  2. Serve in tall glasses over some ice.

Deviled Eggs

Another summertime favorite, deviled eggs will make everyone’s day thanks to their yummy and classic taste.

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp chopped celery
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 pinch paprika

Directions:

  1. Peel the hard-boiled eggs
  2. Slice eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks and setting the whites aside.
  3. Mash yolks in a small bowl using a fork.
  4. Stir in mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, onion, mustard, and celery, mixing well.
  5. Season with salt as needed.
  6. Stuff egg yolk mixture into egg whites.
  7. Sprinkle with paprika and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Book a Tour of Country Home Learning Center Today

Here at Country Home Learning Center, we love to teach our kids the value of good, healthy food as well as the importance of traditions. Come see what we do when you tour our facilities. Just contact us today to set something up!