My favorite holiday is just a few days out, and I’m so excited to be heading back to Wisconsin to celebrate with all of my family and friends. In my hometown, we’re so into the Fourth of July and it has kinda stuck with me as I’ve gotten older. When I celebrate back home, I know I can count on the scent of sunscreen and sticky popsicle’s in the air, skiing and tubing on the lake, camp fires, BBQ’s … the list goes on. A big part of any celebration is the food, therefore, if you’re planning to head or host your own BBQ, see below my top recipes to ring in Independence Day.

1. Cowboy Caviar

This is pretty much a food group in my crowd. A somewhat healthy chip dip (of course!) that is easy to make and is the perfect snack with crispy tortilla chips. Can be served room temperature, so even if the weather is stifling, it can be left outside. Check out Culinary Hill for the full recipe.

2. Fruit Sparklers

I mean … how adorable are these!? I know my nieces would love to chow down on these. They’re healthy and again, would take less than 20 minutes to assemble. Check out Taste’s Better From Scratch for the ‘how to’.

3. Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites

Again, a healthy, yet flavorful addition to your menu. These also happen to be gluten free and keto for those guests who are watching what they eat. Such a simple recipe that is also colorful and a true crowd please-er. You can catch the recipe over at Closet Cooking.

4. Cheesy Rotel Dip with Beef

Okay, so I said I was from the Midwest, and there we love our dips. Dips on dips, all day ery day. Especially this one, that my sister Jamie affectionately refers to as ‘Man Dip’, is a winner for sure. Just whip it up and serve in a crock-pot to keep it hot all day long, or for 15 minutes, which is likely how long it will last. Checkout the recipe here from Dinner, then Dessert.

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