Celebrating the Fourth of July is the perfect excuse to host a quintessential summer cookout. We’ve crafted a simple, but delicious, menu that will maximize flavor and fun with minimal impact on your wallet. So, light up that grill and get cooking!
Grilled Corn
Corn on the cob is a summer cookout staple. Luckily, by July, it’s also an in-season produce item, which means it’s readily available and affordable to boot! To prepare grilled corn:
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Peel back, but do not remove, the husk (like peeling a banana).
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Remove all the silk from the corn.
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Rinse with cold water.
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Smooth the husk back up around the corn.
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Place the husks directly on the grill.
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Grill over medium heat until the corn is tender and has taken on some smokiness from the grill.
If you really want to impress your friends, serve with a flavored butter made from chopped jalapeños, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Tomatoes with Dressing
Tomatoes are another type of produce that hits its peak in midsummer! This particular take on tomatoes is from the family of a PSECU employee.
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Grab some large, ripe slicing tomatoes (beefsteaks work great for this) and slice ¼-½ inch thick.
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Layer the slices on a platter.
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Top with a dressing made from:
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Two celery stalks, finely diced
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½ cup mayo
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1 TBL white sugar
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1 TBL white or apple cider vinegar
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Wait until ready to serve to pour on the dressing. Slice up a loaf of crusty bread to serve alongside the tomatoes, because as the dressing sits, the more flavor it takes on, and you’ll want your guests to be able to enjoy every last drop!
Baked (Grilled) Potatoes
The humble baked potato is an oft-forgotten and underrated side dish for a cookout. But because potatoes are inexpensive and hearty, we’re adding them to our menu for the Fourth!
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Simply scrub clean russet potatoes (enough for each person to have one), wrap them tightly in foil, and place them directly on a medium grill.
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Roast on the grill until tender, about 1 hour.
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Serve with classic toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chives.
You could use sweet potatoes for this, and it would be just as delicious. Either way, these will definitely be a hit!
Chicken Skewers
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an easy-to-cook and affordable option for your protein. Cooking the chicken on skewers reduces the cooking time and makes for an impressive presentation.
Here’s how to do it:
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Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
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Skewer each cube through the center, alternating with pieces of red onion.
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Season the chicken and onions with salt + pepper, and brush with your favorite BBQ sauce.
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Grill on medium-high heat for 12 minutes, flipping the skewers once, halfway through.
Pro tip: if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about an hour before using them, so they don’t burn and break on the grill. If you’re not a meat eater or have a vegetarian or vegan in your group, you can easily swap the chicken for extra firm tofu.
Grilled Peaches
While the grill is lit, you might as well use it for dessert, too! Peaches are the queen of summer fruits, and they’re super easy to turn into a unique and tasty finish to your meal.
This recipe for Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Butter from Bobby Flay is a stunner and is practically effortless.
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In a small bowl, stir softened butter until smooth.
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Add cinnamon, granulated sugar, and salt, mixing until combined.
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Brush peaches with oil, then grill over high heat until golden brown and just cooked through.
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Top each with a few teaspoons of the butter and garnish with mint leaves.
To really ramp up the yum factor, serve the grilled peaches with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Money Tips for All of Life’s Celebrations
Whether you’re just cooking out with the family or hosting a crowd for the Fourth of July, these recipes are affordable options that do not sacrifice flavor! Your guests will enjoy a hearty and seasonal meal, and you’ll be happy because you didn’t spend a ton of money. For more financial tips and tricks to help you take charge of your financial future, visit our Resource Center page.
