This Is The Easy But Delicious Menu You Need This Fourth Of July

by HexClad Cookware

When it comes to celebrating American Independence, it can be easy to fall back on the burgers and dogs plan (and if you do want to cook burgers for this Fourth of July, can we recommend our guide to building the perfect burger?) But this year, why not put together an easy meal that celebrates the day without too much work? We’ve got gorgeous side dishes, tender pulled pork sammies, and a skillet shortcake everyone will want to tuck into. What are you waiting for? All that’s left to do is grab your BBQ Grill Pan, don your apron, and lay out your grilling tools, and get the playlist going.

This menu flips the normal Fourth of July script, putting the veg on the grill while the semi-make-ahead main comes together in a pot. And, channeling the fireworks that will dot the sky on the holiday, the menu features quite a bit of spicy heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, adjust to your liking or check out the other ideas below.

DR PEPPER PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

Rather than spend all day over the hot grill, why not opt for a main dish that you can get done in advance? These pulled pork sandwiches can be made entirely before the party starts. You’ll start by cooking the pork low and slow in your HexClad 5QT Hybrid Dutch Oven or 8QT Hybrid Stock Pot in a spiced Dr Pepper mixture. The pièce de résistance may in fact be the homemade onion rings, which adorn each sandwich in golden, fried glory. Topped off with a quick mustard-spiked coleslaw on soft rolls, the result is a crowd-pleasing Fourth of July main that may just become a holiday favorite.

Get the recipe for Dr Pepper Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

KOREAN-STYLE FRIED CHICKEN

It’s not Fourth of July without something messy, and this year, it’s Korean-Style Fried Chicken. After coating pieces of chicken in a rice flour batter, you’ll fry them until the crust is burnished and craggy, perfect for brushing with a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. Sorry not sorry if your fingers (and clothes) are coated with the bright red sauce. Serve them with plenty of napkins and light beer or sparkling water.

Get the recipe for Korean-Style Fried Chicken.

TOMATO, PEACH AND BURRATA SALAD WITH CHILE-LIME VINAIGRETTE

Rethink the standard plate of tomatoes that sits sadly on the end of every Fourth of July table with this sophisticated salad, which combines three different types of tomatoes with peaches and extra-creamy burrata. The ultra-umami dressing boasts a savory-sweet combination of fish sauce and light brown sugar, with lime juice for tartness and chili garlic sauce for a bit of heat. Pro tip: Grill planks of homemade sourdough for dunking in the juices.

Get the recipe for Tomato, Peach and Burrata Salad With Chile-Lime Vinaigrette.

GRILLED LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH CALABRIAN CHILE CESAR

Goodbye hearts of romaine, Little Gem lettuce is here with cuteness and superior texture. After grilling the lettuce until nicely charred, you’ll top them with a spicy Caesar dressing, homemade garlicky parmesan breadcrumbs, and plenty of shaved parmesan.

Get the recipe for Grilled Little Gem Salad with Calabrian Chile Caesar.

GRILLED SOUR CREAM & ONION POTATO SALAD

Your favorite dip and BBQ side join forces in this delicious potato salad recipe. After boiling the potatoes until tender, you’ll grill them until charred and infused with smoky flavor. Then, they get tossed with a sour cream and caramelized onion mixture that rivals the best dip around. P.S. Don’t skip the celery–the slightly bitter flavor and fresh crunch balances the creamy dressing nicely.

Get the recipe for Grilled Sour Cream & Onion Potato Salad.

RED, WHITE, & BLUE MIXED BERRY SKILLET SHORTCAKE

There’s no need to make individual shortcakes which require an assembly line. Instead, opt for this easy skillet shortcake, which gets baked in your HexClad 4.5 QT Deep Sauté Pan and topped with freshly whipped cream and a macerated blueberry and strawberry mixture.