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Last-Minute Eats for Fourth of July

Take your Independence Day gathering to the next level with some of these quick and tasty summer treats and cocktails. 

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Photo: Photo by Mick Telkamp
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Red, White and Blue Berry Pops

These colorful ice pops layered with raspberry, blueberry and yogurt will serve as the perfect party favors for any patriotic gathering.

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Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
2 / 31

Tropical Banana Pudding in-a-Jar

Put a tropical twist on everyone's favorite summer dessert. With a few simple layers and some clever presentation, this cute little banana pudding jar will have kids (and adults) wanting more!

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From: Chrissy Barua
3 / 31

Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream

There is no better way to cool off during the middle of summer than with some homemade ice cream, so whip up some of this rich and creamy peanut butter dessert to wow your party guests.

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4 / 31

Patriotic Panna Cotta Shooters

Panna cotta shooters will surely cool you and your Fourth of July guests off. Give the shooters an American-inspired spin by layering them in red, white and blue.

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5 / 31

Tomato Burrata Crostini

Add a little extra color to your party palette with some of these adorable and cheesy heirloom tomato crostinis.

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Best Potato Salad

No outdoor party is complete without a bowl of potato salad, so add a spoonful of this delightful dish on the side of your burgers or hot dogs to complete your perfect Fourth of July menu.

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Photo: ALX Creatives. From: Katie Meyers
7 / 31

Homemade Sparkling Sangria

This sparkling sangria will make the perfect signature cocktail for any outdoor party! Packed with bright summery flavors, this sangria will have your guests' taste buds singing.

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From: Kristin Guy
8 / 31

Grilled Mexican Corn

Spices, lime juice and cotija cheese bring extra Mexican-inspired flavor to this quick and easy classic that will fit right in at any outdoor barbecue.

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9 / 31

Clementine Sorbet

Help your guests cool off with this refreshing frozen treat during the heat of the day. Go the extra mile and use the clementine shells as bowls for a truly spectacular presentation.

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Photo: Image courtesy of Mick Telkamp
10 / 31

Fourth of July Parfaits

These parfaits are sure to be a hit with the grown-ups and kids alike. Layers of red and blue berries with vanilla pudding add the perfect Fourth of July flare to this quick and simple dish.

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Nacho-Stuffed Potato Skins

Nothing says summer barbecue like stuffed potato skins. Top these skins with bacon, beans and guacamole to keep your guests full and happy.

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12 / 31

Boozy Root Beer Float

Throw a little twist in this All-American favorite by adding in some coffee liqueur for the perfect creamy cool-down.

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13 / 31

Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Add a dash of blue gel food coloring to classic red velvet cake to show your true American spirit. Top it off with a star-shaped cake piece to really make it a special Fourth of July treat.

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Photo: Margaret Houston
14 / 31

Goat Cheese Guacamole

Combine creamy goat cheese with zesty guacamole to create an added refreshing spin on this classic crowd favorite.

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15 / 31

Bourbon Cherry Vanilla Coke Slush

Go back to your childhood with a cocktail that tastes just like a cherry slushy. To make, combine 1-1/2 ounces cherry bourbon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 pitted cherries, 3 ounces Coke and one cup of ice in a blender. Blend until it forms a slushy consistency. Pour in a glass, and garnish with cherries.

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16 / 31

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Put an additional spin on the fan-favorite cookie cake by adding a layer of peanut butter, caramel and marshmallows to create a rich and fluffy dessert your guests will rave about.

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From: Kristin Guy
17 / 31

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Throw some fruit on the barbecue for the perfect summer dish that is packed with flavor. Pair yogurt with ricotta cheese for an unexpected heat.

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Photo: STEPHEN MURELLO
18 / 31

Hop, Skip and Go Naked Punch

This punch recipe takes the classic lemonade recipe to the next level. The addition of beer and Canadian whiskey will have your guests coming back for more.

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19 / 31

Watermelon Cake

Give your guests a refreshing surprise with this "cake" that is actually just fresh watermelon, covered in fluffy whipped cream and topped with sliced almonds and bright fresh fruit.

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Photo: Photo by Mick Telkamp
20 / 31

Peach Salsa

Use this summery salsa as a refreshing topping for chicken or seafood, or just serve it with some classic tortilla chips.

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21 / 31

Confetti Ice Cream Sandwiches

Nothing says outdoor party like homemade blondie ice cream sandwiches, packed with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

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Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
22 / 31

Red White & Blue Sangria

This deliciously festive red, white and blue sangria is the perfect colorful cocktail for any Fourth of July get together. With adorable star-staped fruit, the presentation is almost as satisfying as the taste.

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23 / 31

Bacon Beef Burgers

What's better than a burger with bacon on top? A burger with bacon inside. This twist on the classic cookout favorite calls for half ground beef and half ground bacon to create a flavor that's sure to pack a punch.

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24 / 31

Mini Tacos

For those guests that desire something beyond the usual barbecue food, assemble these tasty mini tacos that everyone is sure to enjoy. Completing the quick and easy preparation process the night before will relieve some extra stress come the day of the party.

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25 / 31

Pom-Berry Bellini

This bright red bellini will add the perfect amount of patriotic flare to any table setting. It can be served both with and without alcohol so kids and parents alike can join the fun.

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Photo: Margaret Houston
26 / 31

Pea-co de Gallo

This healthy twist on classic salsa features field peas and fresh tomatos and is the perfect side dish for any summer party.

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Pie Pops

There is nothing more American than a bit of homemade pie, so whip up some of these miniature pie pops to give your guests a real Fourth of July treat that everyone is guaranteed to love.

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Photo: H. Camille Smith. From: H. Camille Smith
28 / 31

Tropical Margarita

Ditch the store-bought mix and prepare a classic margarita from scratch with some summery, tropical flare.

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Lemon Curd Tart With Berries

Topped with a layer of bright red and blue berries, this lemon tart is the perfect dessert for your holiday party. Light and refreshing, the lemon curd paired with the fluffy layer of whipped cream serves as a perfect summer treat.

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Cardamom Berry Smash

This blackberry and cardamom concoction is the perfect way to add a refreshing kick to any hot summer day. Its purply red hue will serve as the perfect complement to your festive decor.

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Lemon Cupcakes

These bright confections are made with Limoncello, a lemon-flavored Italian liqueur, adding an extra tough of citrus flavor. Top it with lemon candy and pair with classic lemonade to give it that perfect summertime feel.

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