There's nothing as American as a barbecue filled with burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, corn on the cob, and a patriotic dessert. But after years of cooking my way through recipes from all over the world, I thought it would be fun to change things up a bit with an international-inspired spread!
Skip the same old cookout menu. Here are 18 recipes I've gathered from around the world (inspired by the classic dishes) to give your BBQ a global twist. They are sure to make your Fourth of July unique and memorable.
APPETIZERS & FINGER FOODS
The classic: chips and dip. The twist: real-deal Mexican guacamole made from scratch.
The classic: bacon-wrapped little smokies. The twist: sweet, jammy Medjool dates instead of cocktail sausages.
The classic: ketchup, mustard, and a sad jar of relish. The twist: a fresh tropical fruit salsa.
The classic: garlic bread. The twist: Italian roasted-tomato bruschetta with creamy goat cheese on toasted bread.
SALADS & SIDES
The classic: American macaroni or potato salad. The twist: the creamy, tangy Hawaiian plate-lunch version you'd get at a luau.
The classic: corn on the cob with butter. The twist: Mexican elote, grilled and slathered with crema, cotija cheese, lime, and chili.
The classic: garden salad or mayo-heavy coleslaw. The twist: a bright, vinegary Thai cucumber salad with zero mayo.
The classic: the standard fruit salad or a plain caprese. The twist: an Italian caprese reinvented with summer berries and a strawberry balsamic glaze.
The classic: cornbread (the one BBQ staple that's already perfect). The twist: a sweet, tender, Southern buttermilk version that holds its own next to anything.
MAINS & GRILLING
The classic: plain grilled chicken skewers and kebabs. The twist: Thai satay, marinated and served with a rich, savory peanut sauce.
The classic: ballpark hot dogs. The twist: authentic German bratwurst with proper sauerkraut.
The classic: grilled chicken or burgers. The twist: Greek-marinated chicken with tzatziki, wrapped in warm pita.
The classic: pulled pork. The twist: sweet, slow-cooked barbacoa-style pork that feeds a crowd.
DRINKS
The classic: lemonade. The twist: Mexican agua fresca, light fresh-fruit water that's less sugary than lemonade.
The classic: sweet tea. The twist: agua de jamaica, a deep-red, tart hibiscus tea served over ice.
DESSERTS
The classic: watermelon slices. The twist: that same watermelon, frozen into a light, refreshing sorbet.
The classic: flag cake or berry shortcake. The twist: layered individual parfaits with cheesecake filling and fresh berries.
The classic: classic cheesecake or pie. The twist: individual no-bake minis you can top with berries for a patriotic look.
That's the lineup from start to finish, without a single boring dish in sight. I recommend picking one or two from each section for a fun spread that'll have people asking you for the recipes all day!
Comments
No Comments