The Fourth of July is kind of like the Thanksgiving of summertime. We'll be honest and admit that we stuff our faces on the holiday like the true American eating champions that we are. And God bless us!
We love our barbecues, we love our beers, we love our illegally imported fireworks that have enough ammo to blow up a small town … ah, Independence Day. But for me, the Fourth isn't entirely about the grilled meats; it's also about the side dishes.
Anyone can throw a hot dog or burger on the grill and serve up something delish, but the sides are what I'm all about. From bacon mac 'n' cheese to grilled corn with Manchego cheese to beersicles, here's a list of my favorite top 10 barbecue must-have side dishes, starting with a recipe for killer German potato salad.
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German Potato Salad
Via the Food Network.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
- 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons minced chives, for garnish
Directions:
Place the potatoes in a medium-size pot and cover them with enough water to extend 2 inches above the surface of the potatoes. Salt the water and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once crisp, place on a paper towel-lined plate and crumble into small pieces. Pour off the rendered fat, reserving 1/4 cup in the pan. Turn the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook until translucent and just beginning to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Whisk in the vinegar, sugar, mustard, and salt and stir until thick and bubbly. Add the sliced, cooked potatoes and toss to coat. Top with the crumbled bacon and garnish with the chives. Serve warm.
Simple Baked Beans
Baked Beans are always a timeless crowd pleaser that most expect to see at a summer barbecue. This recipe is on the sweeter side.
Grilled Corn
Grilled corn with chili and Manchego cheese is an elevated take on traditional sweet corn. You'll feel fancy serving this, I just know it.
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Broccoli and raisin salad is my personal favorite salad. The crunch of the broccoli and the sweetness of the raisins really do go together.
More from CafeMom: 16 Crock-Pot Side Dish Recipes Perfect for Your Summer BBQ
Seven-Layer Dip
Who wouldn't want to dig into some delicious dip, especially when it has this many layers of flavor? Seven layer taco dip is composed of guac, cheese, sour cream … what's not to love?
North Carolina Coleslaw
North Carolina style coleslaw is different because it's vinegar-based instead of mayonnaise-based. I'm a big fan of vinegar, so this slaw recipe has my vote.
Beersicles
Beersicles could not be any more refreshing. Plus, we're sure you'll impress all your guests with this unusual cold treat. But these are for the adults only, please.
Watermelon & Feta Salad
This watermelon and feta salad is the requisite BBQ fruit, but it will look like you put some thought into it. It's light, tasty, and only six ingredients, so you won't need to spend hours shopping at the grocery store.
Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese
Bacon mac 'n' cheese will make almost anyone happy — because calories don't count on a holiday. This side dish is always going to be a winner.
Thai Noodle Salad
Thai noodle salad goes will with hot dogs, for real. It may sound like an unusual pairing, but trust us – it definitely works.
Easy, Classic Deviled Eggs
Easy, classic deviled eggs are something no barbecue should be caught without. If you don't already have a crowd-pleasing recipe, this is a great one for this classic side dish.
Berry & Goat Cheese Summer Salad
Berry and goat cheese summer salad is a festive take on the salad side dish for sure. If I'm going to have greens on the Fourth of July, some cheese must be involved. This green salad covers that base.
