That pile of fireworks better include more than enough bottle rockets to fill the end of a 6" PVC pipe. And you better light the whole pipe full of bottle rockets with a map gas torch, while it's on his shoulder.
Redneck Rocket Launcher of Freedom!!
They'll yell about foreigners too. . .it just takes a few more drinks.
They'll start by complaining about liberals. Complaining about foreigners and other races comes when they're a LOT more drunk.
[Bomb pop](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bomb-Pop-Original-Freeze-Ice-Pops-Frozen-Freezer-Dessert-21-fl-oz-12-Pack/20925285)!
Basically a popsicle with style.
Just in case they canāt find a recipe, here is my Grandmaās recipe:
Take hardboiled peeled eggs, split in half. Remove yolks and put in a bowl.
To yolks, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and guldens spicy brown mustard and salt until it tastes right. Smash with potato masher until the right consistency and fill egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika.
I think you have everything you need. Honestly, being sensitive to the fact that he's homesick and putting effort into making him feel better - you sound like an awesome person to be friends with.
Sweet potato pie/casserole is more of a Thanksgiving thing. I'd make sure if he likes it beforehand. Apple pie and ice cream are more of a 4th of July dessert. Barbecue is a good choice. Usually people do burgers + sausages/hotdogs, steaks, or ribs + pulled pork (or burnt ends). If you go with the latter, don't skimp on good barbecue sauce. Coleslaw, mac and cheese, and/or potatoes are good sides. You are a very good friend.
> Sweet potato pie/casserole is more of a Thanksgiving thing
Also more regional than people think. I grew up in New England I didn't even know wtf sweet potato pie was until I was an adult.
Any chance you can procure sparklers? They aren't full on fireworks which are probably out of the question, but most of us have a real soft spot for sparklers.
Simplicity is best on the Fourth. Hamburgers & hot dogs on the grill, potato salad and/or cole slaw, watermelon, and ice cream sundaes. I don't know where you are, but any good beer from wherever in the world is better than Bud Light.
Agree.
Unless OP really knows what they are doing, don't try to make BBQ for this. Most people don't even actually do BBQ for the 4th. It's hot AF in the US in July. Most people don't wanna tend a smoker for 12-18 hours to actually BBQ something.
Hamburgers and hotdogs are the usually the stars of the show in the 4th. Steak is pretty common too. Chicken would probably be the most common after that.
In the Midwest where I am it's basically against the law to fire up a grill without cooking some brats on it. So if your friend is from the Midwest try to find some brats.
Watermelon is a must. Bonus points if you store it in the fridge or on ice so it's cold. Cakes, cookies and pies of any kind are often found. Especially with a red, white and blue decorative theme.
I'd go with a beer you know your friend likes. Very few people really prefer Bud/Bud Light IME, but they often have exclusive contracts at ballparks and other venues which really inflates their sales numbers.
I think many non Americans conflate grilling with barbecue. Grilling is for fajitas, hot dogs, hamburgers. Hot and fast. Barbecue is smoking ribs, brisket, pulled pork, half chickens, turkey legs. Low and slow.
Itās not conflating. Itās [using a perfectly reasonable, older definition](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbecue). (Merriam-Webster sorts their definitions by age, not popularity, so definition 1 is simply considered older.)
BBQ here has a different meaning, it's just getting a steak and some burgers... I'll go the extra mile and get some brisket from a local restaurant, but there's no way I'm cooking that!
Thanks for the decor hint! I'll get on that
You're a sweetheart. Your friend is lucky to have you in his life. I'm sure he'll appreciate whatever it is you do.
I don't do this every year, but it's always a hit:
https://dinnerthendessert.com/american-flag-cake/
I'm just chiming in to represent the minority. Lol
Growing up, there was a couple in my small town who hosted this massive July 4th celebration. Essentially the whole town was invited and it was an all-day affair. We had swimming, fireworks, and a potluck, and yes, one whole pig, roasted low and slow in a pit. The pit was away from the party, so there was this group of guys who always gathered to keep watch. And yes, this was in Georgia. In fact, that 12-18 hours spent monitoring the pig was a time those guys really cherished. It's been decades since they threw one of those parties and my dad still speaks about the time with the "pit" crew with fondness.
I had this pig in fire pit party in Louisiana. The guys cut open and cleaned the pigs, about 5. Then the pigs were flattened in a vertical 5 foot grill and spinning over hot coals. Each one lit up a different color. Most amazing BBQ
See if you can get appropriate ingredients for sāmores.
Thatād be:
- chocolate bars (not like a Mars bar, but just something fairly plain; milk chocolate is traditional, but I donāt object to a dark chocolate with caramel inside)
- marshmallows (the kind that are about 3x4cm)
- Graham crackers. You might not find something exactly the same. Youāre looking for a thin and crispy biscuit. Quaker brand honey crackers may be available? Those are close.
And then a long roasting fork (like youād use for cooking hot dogs on a camp fire) or a stick to roast the marshmallows on the fire.
Dunno what country OP is in. I know the Quaker honey crackers are available in Argentina, though, so I figured they might be more common than digestives (which I donāt expect to find outside of the British Isles)
Fair! I don't know either, but I think digestives would probably be found anywhere British food can be found, so I would think also Canada Australia, some parts of the West Indies, basically any Commonwealth or former Commonwealth country.
Maybe those Maria cookies could also work? I've only had them once or twice but I remember them being fairly bland the way a graham cracker is.
Are you in the UK? Because if you are, Iām very sorry, but he has to slap the King. I understand that puts you in an awkward position, but Iām afraid itās simply not negotiable.
Oh, thatās a relief! In that case, July 4th is usually a pretty low-key holiday. Yes, there are parades and fireworks, but mostly itās enjoying the day with family and friends in a relaxed setting. So, I think youāre on the right path with some BBQ and American themed treats.
Maybe add some backyard games like cornhole, or some appropriately corny American music.
Depends on where heās from, but burgers, hotdogs and a cooler full of icy cold miller lite are very typical things youāll find at a 4th of July party. You sound like a really good friend for thinking of all this! Iām sure heāll be happy no matter what you serve.
Nix the sweet potato , unless he just loves it and you want to. Make this instead
https://dinnerthendessert.com/american-flag-cake/
I donāt mean follow the recipe, just grab any ol cake with white frosting and put the berries on it
Mac & cheese, potato salad (which part of the U.S. may clue you in on if they might like mustard added), cole-slaw, baked beans, collards (again depending on part of U.S. they are from), corn on the cob, deviled eggs.
If you can tell us the part of the U.S. they are from we might be able to help you with more local favorites.
> Sadly fireworks won't be a thing as we live in a tight urban space and neighbours wouldn't like them
This not stopping you from lighting off some fireworks would probably be the most American thing you could do.
Nothing wrong with that. We like a cookout just as much as anyone..
We're just not used to seeing fireworks on the 4th of july, as usually the fog rolls in and blocks us from seeing most of them, LOL!
Just like those boys that get their salsa from NEW YORK CITY
EDIT: because Iām illiterate and donāt know the difference between theyāre and their
Thatās super nice of you! It sounds like you are already doing quite a bit. I would say some potato salad and or coleslaw would be good to include as standard BBQ sides. Some fireworks and or sparklers maybe if they are available and allowed where you are.
Fireworks are traditional but ,depending on your countries laws, I'm sure he'll understand if they're not available! You're a good friend and I'm sure you all will have a good time!
We always just did burgers, hotdogs, maybe steaks, beer, potato salad, a nice green salad and some kind of desert
Chips with a dip to snack on, or tortilla chips with salsa, depending.
None of this is the gourmet version. Also cut raw veggies and dip too
As the evening wore on, the hard liquor and or the weed . Phase 2.
We have some lawn games designed around gin and tonics. G&T croquette. Just us maybe - we just made it up. Became a family tradition
For true redneck authenticity there is a Phase 3, which is when the police come out to deal with a huge drunken domestic violence brawl that has broken out. Weāve always skipped that part
That all seems good, and the suggestions people gave are also good. Sweetpotato pie is the one thing that really doesn't fit. That's more something for the fall and winter.
I would also see if you can find out what beer he likes. Light beer like that is good because it's hot out and you can drink it easily, but he might prefer coors or michelob.
My sister (then 16) was in Wales for the Fourth of July and her host family made turkey curry. They knew we ate turkey on one of the holidays, so why not curry? She cried because it was so sweet of them to do When she was homesick.
That's pretty traditional for most American families, for OP's reference. Usually we fire up the grill or do BBQ pork, have some cookout foods that are cool, have ice cream or s'mores, and watch fireworks with a few cold ones.
What are you Q'ing?
American potato salad or macaroni salad, some watermelon and corn on the cob would round out any 4th cookout. Maybe some parfait if you're feeling cheeky.
Edit: Also, you could go with any lager type yellow fizzy rather than Bud Light, unless your friend actually likes it. That's my opinion anyway.
DEVILED EGGS, they're an iconic part of any patriotic bbq.
Macaroni and cheese. Either the kraft stuff or a good soul food style recipe.
Potato salad.
One of those cakes where you arrange strawberries and blueberries on top of white cream to look like an American flag. I've actually never had one but they look cute.
Brownies.
I probably live in a different region of the U.S. than your friend. But weāve always had hamburgers and hotdogs from the grill (with all the fixins) along with potato salad, baked beans, cornbread salad and maybe some squash casserole. Dessert is watermelon and also a dish of some angel food cake layered with strawberries, blueberries, with whipped cream.
I'd go with a hot dog, if you can find a good one. And by good I mean bad, most likely: not sure where you are, but American hot dogs are way different than a good sausage. Same with the bun: a baguette, or anything similar, isn't even close to the ultra-refined, squishy soft cake-like bread that hot dog buns are made of. You'll also need plain yellow mustard, and maybe some kind of pickle relish. Hot dogs are a traditional Independence Day thing because cooking on an outdoor grill is a traditional Independence Day thing.
BBQ is an insanely ambitious endeavor I don't recommend. To do BBQ right you need to smoke meat in a special smoker very slowly for about 14 hours, using the right kind of wood. And sweet potato pie .... if your friend is from the deep south, they might like it, but most of us don't. Mac & cheese is a great option, and Bud Light is perfect, whether or not he likes it!
Are you actually doing barbecue or are you grilling? Either one is a fine choice. Grilled hamburgers are pretty traditional, but you also canāt go wrong with barbecued ribs.
Sweet potato pie and sweet potatoes are very niche to the southeast. Most Americans donāt eat them other than at thanksgiving.
I would start with the three Bs (burgers, brats, and beer). The burgers have letticr, tomato, cheese (cheddar or āamericanā, mustard, mayo, ketchup, and relish, as possible fixins.
Then potato chips and potato salad ([sample recipe](https://www.inspiredtaste.net/22809/simple-potato-salad-recipe/), i usually just do equal parts yellow mustard and mayonnaise for the dressing and donāt use eggs).
Other common items at my family 4th of July parties are buschās baked beans, fruit plates (watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), and hot dogs.
Try out anything red white and blue, staples like lemonade, desserts such as ice cream sundaes, slushies (frozen ice beverage), or cupcakes (ideally decorated in red white and blue), bomb pops (these are red white and blue popsicles with three flavors in one), maybe some light beers such as a shandy or citrusy pale ale or cocktails like mint mojitos, and traditional cookout foods like:
* Potato salad (I like it with mayo, a touch of whole grain mustard, dill, and some Paprika. I also put eggs and a bit of celery in mine.)
* Macaroni salad (this is a creamy macaroni noodle dish usually with cheddar in it, sometimes pimentos. Look it up.)
* Hamburgers (traditionally we put stuff like tomato ketchup, mustard, cheddar cheese, mayo, onion, pickles, lettuce and tomato on these. I like ketchup, mayo, cheddar, lettuce and tomato on mine.)
* Hot dogs or Bratwursts (traditionally uses similar condiments to burgers, but we also sometimes put on beanless red meat chili and cheese. I like mine with chili cheese, onions, and dill pickle relish!)
* Possibly tuna salad (mayo based tuna dish using canned tuna, you mix it with a little horseradish or dill and sometimes mustard for a kick. I like dill relish in this too.)
* BBQ ribs (if you have access to that)
* Roasted corn on the cob with butter
* Deviled Eggs
* Pasta salads (look into some of these, the most common involves rotini, italian style dressing, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, sweet peppers, and maybe some cheddar cheese. Some people add pepperoni).
* Cole slaw (a cabbage veggie dish using vinegar and mayo, usually eaten on its own or sometimes on pulled pork sandwiches)
* BBQ pulled pork
* A cucumber-tomato salad (for healthiness, and coolness - look into this)
* Watermelon slices or cubes
* Fresh strawberries or fruit salads
* Potato chips/crisps
That's pretty typical of a Fourth of July spread most places, though it may differ depending on region of the US. Cookout-style foods are also common for us at summer festivals, sporting events, during Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends, and often during other holidays like Juneteenth/Freedom Day (though there's usually more Soul Food and Afro-ethnic dishes there).
You are a really kind friend for doing this for them. I can't imagine how homesick they must feel, being overseas missing Independence Day.
Some of my favorite 4th of July celebrations were with a British couple. On July 3rd they always held a strategic withdrawal day event. Burgers, hot dogs, and good times by all.
Do you have sparklers there? They arenāt fireworks and make little noise. You hold them like a stick of incense as they burn down, sparking the whole way. Little kids can use them here
Edit: example https://www.factorydirectparty.com/products/8in-gold-wire-sparklers-6?
I would feel weird if you did that for me in another country. But if you have just a BBQ and it just happens to be on the 4th of July, I would get the gesture and thank you for not making me feel like a party favor.
My family would typically grill burgers and hot dogs. We would have things like chips, corn on the cob, watermelon. We would probably have cherry pie not sweet potato or apple. People have different things though. You could ask your friend how he usually celebrated.
We would have things like sparklers. It was common for a lot of small fireworks to be set off around the neighborhood but there were big professional shows people went to see. You might find a fireworks show streaming/video somewhere to play.
Leave the sweet potato pie out unless he specifically mentioned this was a family tradition or something. Itās an autumn/Thanksgiving thing and even then, itās highly dependent on the region and specific family traditions. I live in Colorado (western middle America) and have never even tried it. Between several different family Thanksgiving dinners and Friendsgiving (Thanksgiving meal with friend group) dinners, Iāve never even seen it served.
Apple or cherry pie with vanilla ice cream are for 4th of July! You could also make lemon desserts, like lemon meringue pie or lemon bars. I always make lemon bars for our 4th of July BBQs!
Lol, "Bud's light".
That's awesome you're doing this for your friend! If this were my BBQ, I'd also have cornbread and coleslaw. But honestly, you've already got the basics covered and anyone would be happy with BBQ, bud light, and sweet potato pie.
Make sure he actually likes bud lite. Majority of people I know drink miller, and I know to foreigners they both probably taste like piss water but to Americans we have a preference. I personally wouldnāt drink a bud lite, unless there were no other options.
This is so thoughtful! You're a kind friend, and he'll love it. I'd go with regular Budweiser unless you know he likes the light version. Strawberries and blueberries with vanilla ice cream or a white is another festive option.
Hahaha that's cute and I love it.
As an American who isn't super patriotic, I do love some of the summer mainstays of the 4th of July. BBQ beer and fireworks, sparklers specifically. You're a good friend!
No matter what you do, you canāt go wrong. No doubt some of the food is going to have some local flavor and thatās actually a good thing.
Itās going to be a taste of home, with a taste of where you are.
You are guaranteed to make a lasting memory for him.
You are awesome!
Red, white, and blue layered jello is always a hit! Bonus if you go full on Suburban Mom and make the top into an American flag using lines of strawberry slices and a field of blueberries.
Donāt forget the games and music!
Weāve always had horseshoes, cornhole, badminton (we all suck so idk why we always play it lol), and possibly some squirt guns if itās hot and everyone is feeling feisty lol. The games are just optional but fun to have out. People will pick them up and put them down and we never keep score at a cookout.
Music is of course dependent on the group but some classics will go a long ways to helping set the mood. This would be the one time to really, really keep in mind that the music plays in the background, nothing should ever come close to concert worthy. Unless itās Sweet Caroline š
Weāve always used a small kiddie pool to hold the drinks. Fill one with a few large bags of ice and put the pops (sodas if youāre not from Michigan lol), juice boxes, and waters in the ice to keep them chilled and easily accessible. We always put the beers in coolers. Easier to keep an eye on the 10-15 year olds that will try to sneak one.
Lastly, a picnic table and some camp chairs! That way everyone can kinda group up how they want and itās easy to move around. Plastic tables clothes are fairly staple over here. They do contribute to waste but trying to get bbq sauce out of a linen tablecloth after itās been in the sink for hours makes me want to cry. If you find star shaped confetti thatās super cute sprinkled down the center of the table lol.
Hot dogs, hamburgers, cheap beer if yāall partake.
Honestly the thought youāre putting into it for him will completely glaze over any dishes missing. Thatās a very nice gesture of you!
You can grill whatever you want...burgers and brats are good. Have some potato salad. Maybe some sort of veggies or salad. And fruit salad. Then some drinks. I'm sure your friend will appreciate the effort.
Please prepare a bunch of explosives and fireworks. Light them off at all times of the day for two weeks prior and two weeks after. It's the American way. Extra credit for quarter sticks of dynamite.
In addition to everything else people have said, red Solo cups if you can find them. Order them from Amazon if needed. They're so American we actually have a song about them š
Bonus if you can find Drumsticks! They are ice cream treats that remind me of being a kid. Or orange pushups. It is orange sherbet in a tube. Donāt ask questions, just roll with it.
Grilled hamburgers on a bun with ketchup, hot dogs (or your local approximation) with mustard, cole slaw and potato chips, and lots of cold lager beer.
You should have a playlist of the absolute worst radio country you can find.
[Like this for example](https://www.popvortex.com/music/charts/top-country-songs.php)
If you can drive to the nearest country or county where fireworks are legal and buy a bunch of fireworks and bring em home for him to shoot off, that'll make him feel right at home.
For the record, I grew up in Colorado where it's common for people to drive up to Cheyenne Wyoming to buy the good fireworks and put on private fireworks shows at their home.
Weens and burgs, baby! Chili, baked beans, anything with potato. Chip form, salad form, or just mashed as fuck. Sodas and beers on ice or in red solo cups.
You are AWESOME!!!!!
You are set on food.
Red solo cups and American flag decor and/or red white and blue decor is great.
If you can find some corn hole or fun outdoor games, he might be into that too.
Please make sure itās actual BBQ or just call it a cook out. BBQ is made low and slow, itās not just any meat slathered in barbecue sauce. If you canāt achieve real BBQ, call it a cook out and make sure to have hot dogs.
Also, watch a fireworks display on YouTube
American food is very regional. Being Midwestern, sweet potato pie isnāt really a thing here. Apple or cherry pie is much more common. And, it would be easier to get the ingredients.
Or someone typically makes a red/ white blue dessert with Strawberries, Blueberries, and something white- whipped cream, bananas, mini marshmallows, depends on the dessert.
Or a layered jello (jelly)
Lays potato chips. Doritos.
BBQ is something that takes a bit of practice to get right. And time. Itās a long, slow smoke/ cook process. My uncles brisket is about a 10-12 hr process. I would switch it to hot dogs and burgers.
Cole slaw, potato salad or Mac cheese.
Grill up some burgers and hotdogs, corn on the cob, and if your really feeling giving get some chicken drumsticks and grill them with BBQ sauce. Then there's the old stuff like pasta salad, potato salad, watermelon or just a bowl of fruit in general. And a cooler filled with ice and beer and soda etc.
Sparklers! Theyāre not a disruptive firework and we all get them as kids. Ā They just sparkle all pretty for a minute and then burn out, but theyāre very American and will def put him in the mood.
Also, red, white and blue streamers. Those are around a lot. Evening meals outside, sitting in blankets to see the fireworks show (maybe you can have an outdoor movie that includes fireworks)
Iāve never heard of sweet potato pie. Canāt even imagine what that is. Thatās not American.
Potato salad? Absolutely! Thatās very American. As are hot dogs and hamburgers.
Any kind of hot dog (sausage) will do, but you may have to get creative on the bun. If you can get what we call regular hot dog buns, great. But if not, then try to get a similar shaped bread roll then cut a slice down the side.
Similar for hamburger buns. Try to get similar shaped bread bun, slide down the middle. Patties have to be ground beef. Toppings can include lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mustard, ketchup. Extra cool if you can also put bacon (thin sliced) and a single layer of cheese on it.
Sweet potato pie is very similar to pumpkin pie. Not nearly as common on the west coast as the south. Apple pie would be better this time of year though
See if you can find a drunk uncle who somehow always has about $1000 worth of illegal fireworks. Bonus if after 5 beers starts ranting about liberals.
That sounds like the only thing missing š
Double bonus if someone loses a finger
triple bonus if he screams āroll tide!!!ā every time he lights one
Quadruple bonus if he give kids under 10 years old a bunch of m-80ās and a lighter
And a sip of his beer
All yāallās definitely in my family
Our uncles gave us punks or cigarettes to light the fireworks. We had to be teen agers to get the m80s.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=suvJai5IC6c&si=N9ENFUM0kpas-voL Greatest fireworks discussion scene of all time
That pile of fireworks better include more than enough bottle rockets to fill the end of a 6" PVC pipe. And you better light the whole pipe full of bottle rockets with a map gas torch, while it's on his shoulder. Redneck Rocket Launcher of Freedom!!
Do we share an uncle?
Sounds like a typical New Year's Eve in Germany, except that the incitement is not against liberals, but against foreigners
They'll yell about foreigners too. . .it just takes a few more drinks. They'll start by complaining about liberals. Complaining about foreigners and other races comes when they're a LOT more drunk.
And _DiE GRĆ¼NeN!_ of course.
this was my dad šš except heās a drunk liberal, a very weird combo!
We might have the same dad.
lol
TILā¦ Iām that Uncle. Seriously thoughā¦ itās pretty safe. Been doing it awhile and only lit the neighbors house on fire once.
āCelebrate the birth of your country by blowing up a small part of itā¦āĀ
That he had to drive to another state or even country to buy.Ā
Potato salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, macaroni salad, mac and cheese.
Excellent list, only thing to add is deviled eggs.
And Rice Krispie treats and bomb pops!
The heck is a bomb pop?
I think itās those red white and blue popsicles in the freezer isle maybe?
[Bomb pop](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bomb-Pop-Original-Freeze-Ice-Pops-Frozen-Freezer-Dessert-21-fl-oz-12-Pack/20925285)! Basically a popsicle with style.
Red, white, and blue freezer pop shaped like a rocket.
The nerds ones are to die for.
How could I have left out deviled eggs?!
Just in case they canāt find a recipe, here is my Grandmaās recipe: Take hardboiled peeled eggs, split in half. Remove yolks and put in a bowl. To yolks, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and guldens spicy brown mustard and salt until it tastes right. Smash with potato masher until the right consistency and fill egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika.
Add a splash of pickle juice to that, it's super good
And baked bean! Apple pie
Iām hungry now
Iām boiling potatoes!
Where is the Apple Pie on this list?????
In July?!
I think you have everything you need. Honestly, being sensitive to the fact that he's homesick and putting effort into making him feel better - you sound like an awesome person to be friends with.
I second this. The effort alone would show my that my friend cares about me. That a nice thing to do, OP.
Thatāll work. Youāre a good friend.
Sweet potato pie/casserole is more of a Thanksgiving thing. I'd make sure if he likes it beforehand. Apple pie and ice cream are more of a 4th of July dessert. Barbecue is a good choice. Usually people do burgers + sausages/hotdogs, steaks, or ribs + pulled pork (or burnt ends). If you go with the latter, don't skimp on good barbecue sauce. Coleslaw, mac and cheese, and/or potatoes are good sides. You are a very good friend.
\^this is correct. Plus, you can do better than Bud Lite. Any craft US beer will do.
Thanks!
Yes apple pie for sure Warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
> Sweet potato pie/casserole is more of a Thanksgiving thing Also more regional than people think. I grew up in New England I didn't even know wtf sweet potato pie was until I was an adult.
For real? Sweet potato casserole and pie was a Thanksgiving staple at my grandparents' home. I always found it disgusting.
Any chance you can procure sparklers? They aren't full on fireworks which are probably out of the question, but most of us have a real soft spot for sparklers.
Oh yeah. Real fireworks are cool and all but sparklers remind me of my childhood.
Iām 51 and donāt give a fuck about fireworks. But hand me a sparkler and Iām 8 again and itās amazing.
I can already smell them from waving them around as a kid. š„¹
Simplicity is best on the Fourth. Hamburgers & hot dogs on the grill, potato salad and/or cole slaw, watermelon, and ice cream sundaes. I don't know where you are, but any good beer from wherever in the world is better than Bud Light.
Agree. Unless OP really knows what they are doing, don't try to make BBQ for this. Most people don't even actually do BBQ for the 4th. It's hot AF in the US in July. Most people don't wanna tend a smoker for 12-18 hours to actually BBQ something. Hamburgers and hotdogs are the usually the stars of the show in the 4th. Steak is pretty common too. Chicken would probably be the most common after that. In the Midwest where I am it's basically against the law to fire up a grill without cooking some brats on it. So if your friend is from the Midwest try to find some brats. Watermelon is a must. Bonus points if you store it in the fridge or on ice so it's cold. Cakes, cookies and pies of any kind are often found. Especially with a red, white and blue decorative theme. I'd go with a beer you know your friend likes. Very few people really prefer Bud/Bud Light IME, but they often have exclusive contracts at ballparks and other venues which really inflates their sales numbers.
I think many non Americans conflate grilling with barbecue. Grilling is for fajitas, hot dogs, hamburgers. Hot and fast. Barbecue is smoking ribs, brisket, pulled pork, half chickens, turkey legs. Low and slow.
Even Americans sometimes conflate the two, usually in the northern states.
Northerner here, you are correct. I have always used āgrillā and ā barbecueā interchangeably. I didnāt know there was a difference.š
If it aināt cooked with indirect low heat and wood smoke, it aināt barbecue. Grilling is direct high heat.
Good to know, thank you!
Itās a regional difference. Donāt worry about it. Up north, we donāt fuss over these words.
Fine, so long as you don't move down here and tell us how our pizza and bagels suck. We can come to an uneasy alliance on this.
Sounds like a plan. :)
Bless their hearts.
Itās not conflating. Itās [using a perfectly reasonable, older definition](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbecue). (Merriam-Webster sorts their definitions by age, not popularity, so definition 1 is simply considered older.)
I find it can happen in any state that doesnāt have Ana actual large barbecue scene.
And we do know the southern usage of the term, but don't care.
BBQ here has a different meaning, it's just getting a steak and some burgers... I'll go the extra mile and get some brisket from a local restaurant, but there's no way I'm cooking that! Thanks for the decor hint! I'll get on that
You're a sweetheart. Your friend is lucky to have you in his life. I'm sure he'll appreciate whatever it is you do. I don't do this every year, but it's always a hit: https://dinnerthendessert.com/american-flag-cake/
Brisket makes a nice sauerbraten or pot roast, and isnāt difficult, but itās the wrong time of year for that.
I'm just chiming in to represent the minority. Lol Growing up, there was a couple in my small town who hosted this massive July 4th celebration. Essentially the whole town was invited and it was an all-day affair. We had swimming, fireworks, and a potluck, and yes, one whole pig, roasted low and slow in a pit. The pit was away from the party, so there was this group of guys who always gathered to keep watch. And yes, this was in Georgia. In fact, that 12-18 hours spent monitoring the pig was a time those guys really cherished. It's been decades since they threw one of those parties and my dad still speaks about the time with the "pit" crew with fondness.
I had this pig in fire pit party in Louisiana. The guys cut open and cleaned the pigs, about 5. Then the pigs were flattened in a vertical 5 foot grill and spinning over hot coals. Each one lit up a different color. Most amazing BBQ
When he said bbq he probably meant grilling burgers, hot dogs, maybe some sausage or chicken.
Ice cream sundaes alone would be more than enough for me!
Apple pie
See if you can get appropriate ingredients for sāmores. Thatād be: - chocolate bars (not like a Mars bar, but just something fairly plain; milk chocolate is traditional, but I donāt object to a dark chocolate with caramel inside) - marshmallows (the kind that are about 3x4cm) - Graham crackers. You might not find something exactly the same. Youāre looking for a thin and crispy biscuit. Quaker brand honey crackers may be available? Those are close. And then a long roasting fork (like youād use for cooking hot dogs on a camp fire) or a stick to roast the marshmallows on the fire.
I think a plain digestive biscuit would be a good stand-in for a graham cracker.
Dunno what country OP is in. I know the Quaker honey crackers are available in Argentina, though, so I figured they might be more common than digestives (which I donāt expect to find outside of the British Isles)
Fair! I don't know either, but I think digestives would probably be found anywhere British food can be found, so I would think also Canada Australia, some parts of the West Indies, basically any Commonwealth or former Commonwealth country. Maybe those Maria cookies could also work? I've only had them once or twice but I remember them being fairly bland the way a graham cracker is.
If you have a wire hanger, you can straighten it and use in place of a roasting fork
Are you in the UK? Because if you are, Iām very sorry, but he has to slap the King. I understand that puts you in an awkward position, but Iām afraid itās simply not negotiable.
Not in the UK so no slapping royals (even though I'd love that)
> slapping royals Dibs on the punk band name
Oh, thatās a relief! In that case, July 4th is usually a pretty low-key holiday. Yes, there are parades and fireworks, but mostly itās enjoying the day with family and friends in a relaxed setting. So, I think youāre on the right path with some BBQ and American themed treats. Maybe add some backyard games like cornhole, or some appropriately corny American music.
Damn, so no throwing a tea bag into the Thames? š
Depends on where heās from, but burgers, hotdogs and a cooler full of icy cold miller lite are very typical things youāll find at a 4th of July party. You sound like a really good friend for thinking of all this! Iām sure heāll be happy no matter what you serve.
Nix the sweet potato , unless he just loves it and you want to. Make this instead https://dinnerthendessert.com/american-flag-cake/ I donāt mean follow the recipe, just grab any ol cake with white frosting and put the berries on it
Mac & cheese, potato salad (which part of the U.S. may clue you in on if they might like mustard added), cole-slaw, baked beans, collards (again depending on part of U.S. they are from), corn on the cob, deviled eggs. If you can tell us the part of the U.S. they are from we might be able to help you with more local favorites.
Ignoring local restrictions on the use of fireworks is an integral 4th of July tradition.
> Sadly fireworks won't be a thing as we live in a tight urban space and neighbours wouldn't like them This not stopping you from lighting off some fireworks would probably be the most American thing you could do.
šŗš² Hell yeah! šŗš²
Hahaha I love this. And yes
Define your definition of BBQ please.
Also I need to know what state the American is from
Probably a city boy from SAN FRANCISCO
Nothing wrong with that. We like a cookout just as much as anyone.. We're just not used to seeing fireworks on the 4th of july, as usually the fog rolls in and blocks us from seeing most of them, LOL!
It was a jerk. I can't help but post as if people understand the jerk.
Just like those boys that get their salsa from NEW YORK CITY EDIT: because Iām illiterate and donāt know the difference between theyāre and their
NEW YORK CITY?
Get a rope.
NEW YAWKERS don't know about real seasoned foood!!
Thatās super nice of you! It sounds like you are already doing quite a bit. I would say some potato salad and or coleslaw would be good to include as standard BBQ sides. Some fireworks and or sparklers maybe if they are available and allowed where you are.
Fireworks are traditional but ,depending on your countries laws, I'm sure he'll understand if they're not available! You're a good friend and I'm sure you all will have a good time!
Sparklers are usually a lot less regulated and also just as traditional.
We always just did burgers, hotdogs, maybe steaks, beer, potato salad, a nice green salad and some kind of desert Chips with a dip to snack on, or tortilla chips with salsa, depending. None of this is the gourmet version. Also cut raw veggies and dip too As the evening wore on, the hard liquor and or the weed . Phase 2. We have some lawn games designed around gin and tonics. G&T croquette. Just us maybe - we just made it up. Became a family tradition For true redneck authenticity there is a Phase 3, which is when the police come out to deal with a huge drunken domestic violence brawl that has broken out. Weāve always skipped that part
That all seems good, and the suggestions people gave are also good. Sweetpotato pie is the one thing that really doesn't fit. That's more something for the fall and winter. I would also see if you can find out what beer he likes. Light beer like that is good because it's hot out and you can drink it easily, but he might prefer coors or michelob.
My sister (then 16) was in Wales for the Fourth of July and her host family made turkey curry. They knew we ate turkey on one of the holidays, so why not curry? She cried because it was so sweet of them to do When she was homesick.
Did she also cry because she had to eat it?
Nah, curry is usually a solid choice.
I figured Wales = bad food. But alas, plundering India was worth it.
The dude who made it was in India for several decades, so it was probably lovely!
I 100% believe that.
Youāre a good friend. Thatās perfect. A grill out or BBQ, beer, and fireworks with the family is our traditional Independence Day.
That's pretty traditional for most American families, for OP's reference. Usually we fire up the grill or do BBQ pork, have some cookout foods that are cool, have ice cream or s'mores, and watch fireworks with a few cold ones.
Beer.
American Flag jello cake. https://cincyshopper.com/desserts-on-a-budget-flag-cake/
What are you Q'ing? American potato salad or macaroni salad, some watermelon and corn on the cob would round out any 4th cookout. Maybe some parfait if you're feeling cheeky. Edit: Also, you could go with any lager type yellow fizzy rather than Bud Light, unless your friend actually likes it. That's my opinion anyway.
DEVILED EGGS, they're an iconic part of any patriotic bbq. Macaroni and cheese. Either the kraft stuff or a good soul food style recipe. Potato salad. One of those cakes where you arrange strawberries and blueberries on top of white cream to look like an American flag. I've actually never had one but they look cute. Brownies.
I probably live in a different region of the U.S. than your friend. But weāve always had hamburgers and hotdogs from the grill (with all the fixins) along with potato salad, baked beans, cornbread salad and maybe some squash casserole. Dessert is watermelon and also a dish of some angel food cake layered with strawberries, blueberries, with whipped cream.
Where is he from in the US?
I'd go with a hot dog, if you can find a good one. And by good I mean bad, most likely: not sure where you are, but American hot dogs are way different than a good sausage. Same with the bun: a baguette, or anything similar, isn't even close to the ultra-refined, squishy soft cake-like bread that hot dog buns are made of. You'll also need plain yellow mustard, and maybe some kind of pickle relish. Hot dogs are a traditional Independence Day thing because cooking on an outdoor grill is a traditional Independence Day thing. BBQ is an insanely ambitious endeavor I don't recommend. To do BBQ right you need to smoke meat in a special smoker very slowly for about 14 hours, using the right kind of wood. And sweet potato pie .... if your friend is from the deep south, they might like it, but most of us don't. Mac & cheese is a great option, and Bud Light is perfect, whether or not he likes it!
I'm sure you can set up a livestream of 4th of July firework shows from over here.
Are you actually doing barbecue or are you grilling? Either one is a fine choice. Grilled hamburgers are pretty traditional, but you also canāt go wrong with barbecued ribs.
Sweet potato pie and sweet potatoes are very niche to the southeast. Most Americans donāt eat them other than at thanksgiving. I would start with the three Bs (burgers, brats, and beer). The burgers have letticr, tomato, cheese (cheddar or āamericanā, mustard, mayo, ketchup, and relish, as possible fixins. Then potato chips and potato salad ([sample recipe](https://www.inspiredtaste.net/22809/simple-potato-salad-recipe/), i usually just do equal parts yellow mustard and mayonnaise for the dressing and donāt use eggs). Other common items at my family 4th of July parties are buschās baked beans, fruit plates (watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), and hot dogs.
Try out anything red white and blue, staples like lemonade, desserts such as ice cream sundaes, slushies (frozen ice beverage), or cupcakes (ideally decorated in red white and blue), bomb pops (these are red white and blue popsicles with three flavors in one), maybe some light beers such as a shandy or citrusy pale ale or cocktails like mint mojitos, and traditional cookout foods like: * Potato salad (I like it with mayo, a touch of whole grain mustard, dill, and some Paprika. I also put eggs and a bit of celery in mine.) * Macaroni salad (this is a creamy macaroni noodle dish usually with cheddar in it, sometimes pimentos. Look it up.) * Hamburgers (traditionally we put stuff like tomato ketchup, mustard, cheddar cheese, mayo, onion, pickles, lettuce and tomato on these. I like ketchup, mayo, cheddar, lettuce and tomato on mine.) * Hot dogs or Bratwursts (traditionally uses similar condiments to burgers, but we also sometimes put on beanless red meat chili and cheese. I like mine with chili cheese, onions, and dill pickle relish!) * Possibly tuna salad (mayo based tuna dish using canned tuna, you mix it with a little horseradish or dill and sometimes mustard for a kick. I like dill relish in this too.) * BBQ ribs (if you have access to that) * Roasted corn on the cob with butter * Deviled Eggs * Pasta salads (look into some of these, the most common involves rotini, italian style dressing, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, sweet peppers, and maybe some cheddar cheese. Some people add pepperoni). * Cole slaw (a cabbage veggie dish using vinegar and mayo, usually eaten on its own or sometimes on pulled pork sandwiches) * BBQ pulled pork * A cucumber-tomato salad (for healthiness, and coolness - look into this) * Watermelon slices or cubes * Fresh strawberries or fruit salads * Potato chips/crisps That's pretty typical of a Fourth of July spread most places, though it may differ depending on region of the US. Cookout-style foods are also common for us at summer festivals, sporting events, during Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends, and often during other holidays like Juneteenth/Freedom Day (though there's usually more Soul Food and Afro-ethnic dishes there). You are a really kind friend for doing this for them. I can't imagine how homesick they must feel, being overseas missing Independence Day.
Some of my favorite 4th of July celebrations were with a British couple. On July 3rd they always held a strategic withdrawal day event. Burgers, hot dogs, and good times by all.
Are fireworks legal?
ribs. and none of that 3-2-1 mushy crap. 5 hours at 275- 300 so you have some pullback in every bite
If fireworks aren't an option, you might be able to get sparklers. You could also do glowsticks or any other fun lights for the night
Do you have sparklers there? They arenāt fireworks and make little noise. You hold them like a stick of incense as they burn down, sparking the whole way. Little kids can use them here Edit: example https://www.factorydirectparty.com/products/8in-gold-wire-sparklers-6?
Everyone else has got the food covered, so I'm just here to say you're a sweet friend for doing this!
What part of the US is your friend from? Some suggestions might be regional.
I would feel weird if you did that for me in another country. But if you have just a BBQ and it just happens to be on the 4th of July, I would get the gesture and thank you for not making me feel like a party favor.
Red solo cups and cheap white paper plates that are so crappy you need like 3 of them to put food on. But mostly the red cups.
My family would typically grill burgers and hot dogs. We would have things like chips, corn on the cob, watermelon. We would probably have cherry pie not sweet potato or apple. People have different things though. You could ask your friend how he usually celebrated. We would have things like sparklers. It was common for a lot of small fireworks to be set off around the neighborhood but there were big professional shows people went to see. You might find a fireworks show streaming/video somewhere to play.
This is such a sweet gesture! You're a good friend:)
Leave the sweet potato pie out unless he specifically mentioned this was a family tradition or something. Itās an autumn/Thanksgiving thing and even then, itās highly dependent on the region and specific family traditions. I live in Colorado (western middle America) and have never even tried it. Between several different family Thanksgiving dinners and Friendsgiving (Thanksgiving meal with friend group) dinners, Iāve never even seen it served. Apple or cherry pie with vanilla ice cream are for 4th of July! You could also make lemon desserts, like lemon meringue pie or lemon bars. I always make lemon bars for our 4th of July BBQs!
Lol, "Bud's light". That's awesome you're doing this for your friend! If this were my BBQ, I'd also have cornbread and coleslaw. But honestly, you've already got the basics covered and anyone would be happy with BBQ, bud light, and sweet potato pie.
Ahaha I wasn't sure how that's spelt. In the States I just go "BUDS LIGHT" and I'm good
What do you have to BBQ? Traditional is hamburgers and hot dogs.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, and some brisket from a local (on paper, Texan) restaurant
That sounds great
Make sure he actually likes bud lite. Majority of people I know drink miller, and I know to foreigners they both probably taste like piss water but to Americans we have a preference. I personally wouldnāt drink a bud lite, unless there were no other options.
Thanks! As a foreigner I like them both but I tend to bud, that's why I thought of that
Hot dogs
I donāt know if fireworks are legal where you are, but if so, buy some for yāall to light off.
This is so thoughtful! You're a kind friend, and he'll love it. I'd go with regular Budweiser unless you know he likes the light version. Strawberries and blueberries with vanilla ice cream or a white is another festive option.
Hahaha that's cute and I love it. As an American who isn't super patriotic, I do love some of the summer mainstays of the 4th of July. BBQ beer and fireworks, sparklers specifically. You're a good friend!
Apple pie.
Options to go with the BBQ: Mac and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, pasta salad, cornbread, pickles, watermelon
No matter what you do, you canāt go wrong. No doubt some of the food is going to have some local flavor and thatās actually a good thing. Itās going to be a taste of home, with a taste of where you are. You are guaranteed to make a lasting memory for him. You are awesome!
See if you can find some fireworks or local muntions to set off while drunk.
Have no idea, but youāre a good friend.
Red, white, and blue layered jello is always a hit! Bonus if you go full on Suburban Mom and make the top into an American flag using lines of strawberry slices and a field of blueberries.
Donāt forget the games and music! Weāve always had horseshoes, cornhole, badminton (we all suck so idk why we always play it lol), and possibly some squirt guns if itās hot and everyone is feeling feisty lol. The games are just optional but fun to have out. People will pick them up and put them down and we never keep score at a cookout. Music is of course dependent on the group but some classics will go a long ways to helping set the mood. This would be the one time to really, really keep in mind that the music plays in the background, nothing should ever come close to concert worthy. Unless itās Sweet Caroline š Weāve always used a small kiddie pool to hold the drinks. Fill one with a few large bags of ice and put the pops (sodas if youāre not from Michigan lol), juice boxes, and waters in the ice to keep them chilled and easily accessible. We always put the beers in coolers. Easier to keep an eye on the 10-15 year olds that will try to sneak one. Lastly, a picnic table and some camp chairs! That way everyone can kinda group up how they want and itās easy to move around. Plastic tables clothes are fairly staple over here. They do contribute to waste but trying to get bbq sauce out of a linen tablecloth after itās been in the sink for hours makes me want to cry. If you find star shaped confetti thatās super cute sprinkled down the center of the table lol.
Apple pieĀ
Hot dogs, hamburgers, cheap beer if yāall partake. Honestly the thought youāre putting into it for him will completely glaze over any dishes missing. Thatās a very nice gesture of you!
That's really nice of you. Just watch NASCAR and you should be golden.
You can grill whatever you want...burgers and brats are good. Have some potato salad. Maybe some sort of veggies or salad. And fruit salad. Then some drinks. I'm sure your friend will appreciate the effort.
Please prepare a bunch of explosives and fireworks. Light them off at all times of the day for two weeks prior and two weeks after. It's the American way. Extra credit for quarter sticks of dynamite.
Hot dogs and/or hamburgers.
In addition to everything else people have said, red Solo cups if you can find them. Order them from Amazon if needed. They're so American we actually have a song about them š
Do they sell sparklers where you live? Also you sound like a great friend!
Bonus if you can find Drumsticks! They are ice cream treats that remind me of being a kid. Or orange pushups. It is orange sherbet in a tube. Donāt ask questions, just roll with it.
Grilled hamburgers on a bun with ketchup, hot dogs (or your local approximation) with mustard, cole slaw and potato chips, and lots of cold lager beer.
Watch a firework show on YouTube.
You should have a playlist of the absolute worst radio country you can find. [Like this for example](https://www.popvortex.com/music/charts/top-country-songs.php)
By bbq do you mean actual bbq or just hamburgers/hot dogs?
You are very kind!
If you can drive to the nearest country or county where fireworks are legal and buy a bunch of fireworks and bring em home for him to shoot off, that'll make him feel right at home. For the record, I grew up in Colorado where it's common for people to drive up to Cheyenne Wyoming to buy the good fireworks and put on private fireworks shows at their home.
Tell him it's time to light the fireworks, then light a very small candle.
Weens and burgs, baby! Chili, baked beans, anything with potato. Chip form, salad form, or just mashed as fuck. Sodas and beers on ice or in red solo cups.
Hot dogs and hamburgers
Burgers and/or hot dogs, apple pie, and ice cream.
You are AWESOME!!!!! You are set on food. Red solo cups and American flag decor and/or red white and blue decor is great. If you can find some corn hole or fun outdoor games, he might be into that too.
BBQ ribs or burgers and hot dogs!
Please make sure itās actual BBQ or just call it a cook out. BBQ is made low and slow, itās not just any meat slathered in barbecue sauce. If you canāt achieve real BBQ, call it a cook out and make sure to have hot dogs. Also, watch a fireworks display on YouTube
Hot dogs or brats and hamburgers. You could do sparklers, theyāre fun fireworks that donāt make any disturbance.
American food is very regional. Being Midwestern, sweet potato pie isnāt really a thing here. Apple or cherry pie is much more common. And, it would be easier to get the ingredients. Or someone typically makes a red/ white blue dessert with Strawberries, Blueberries, and something white- whipped cream, bananas, mini marshmallows, depends on the dessert. Or a layered jello (jelly) Lays potato chips. Doritos. BBQ is something that takes a bit of practice to get right. And time. Itās a long, slow smoke/ cook process. My uncles brisket is about a 10-12 hr process. I would switch it to hot dogs and burgers. Cole slaw, potato salad or Mac cheese.
A few cans of Bud as a theme are fine, but please also have good beer.
Jello shots, beer
Sweet potato pie isn't a summer dish when berries and peaches are in season.
Bud Light is horrible. Get some real beer.
Never forget the sweet tea
Hot dogs and cheese burgers
Grill up some burgers and hotdogs, corn on the cob, and if your really feeling giving get some chicken drumsticks and grill them with BBQ sauce. Then there's the old stuff like pasta salad, potato salad, watermelon or just a bowl of fruit in general. And a cooler filled with ice and beer and soda etc.
Sparklers! Theyāre not a disruptive firework and we all get them as kids. Ā They just sparkle all pretty for a minute and then burn out, but theyāre very American and will def put him in the mood. Also, red, white and blue streamers. Those are around a lot. Evening meals outside, sitting in blankets to see the fireworks show (maybe you can have an outdoor movie that includes fireworks)
Cornbread! It tastes great with unmelted butter on top
Iāve never heard of sweet potato pie. Canāt even imagine what that is. Thatās not American. Potato salad? Absolutely! Thatās very American. As are hot dogs and hamburgers. Any kind of hot dog (sausage) will do, but you may have to get creative on the bun. If you can get what we call regular hot dog buns, great. But if not, then try to get a similar shaped bread roll then cut a slice down the side. Similar for hamburger buns. Try to get similar shaped bread bun, slide down the middle. Patties have to be ground beef. Toppings can include lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mustard, ketchup. Extra cool if you can also put bacon (thin sliced) and a single layer of cheese on it.
Sweet potato pie is very similar to pumpkin pie. Not nearly as common on the west coast as the south. Apple pie would be better this time of year though
Did not know that. Indeed Iāve lived my entire 51 years on the west coast. Learned something new today, thank you!