Hot Dogs Who? Easy recipes, fast drinks, and last-minute wins.
Fourth of July recipes for the last minute partygoers! These will make you look like you planned ahead.
We’ve all experienced the classic pre-party scramble. You tell the host, “I’ll bring something,” and then suddenly it’s the day before (or GASP, the day of), and full panic mode kicks in. But don’t sweat it… Cailee is to the rescue! (Picture me with a dramatic cape and some sick superhero theme music playing.) I’ve put together some simple appetizers and drinks to save you from any last-minute stress. Let’s get prepped so all you have to do is kick back, relax, and enjoy some summer sunshine! 🇺🇸
My Favorite Hosting Items
Before you get started, take a look at a few of my holiday hosting favorites. These are all items I plan to use for hosting with the recipes below, and if you act fast, you can still get them before the 4th! These are affiliate links, meaning I could earn a small commission if you purchase through those links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Appetizer Skewers: super cute, and perfect for the Caprese Sticks!
Serving Dishes: It’s nice to do things on theme, but I prefer dishes that I can use year-round.
Chinet Disposable Plates: For easy clean up… save yourselves!
My Apron: comes in so many cute prints! Use code caileeeeats for 15% off all products <3
Star-Spangled Starters and Sides
🌽 Street Corn Dip
All the magic of a Mexican street corn, but no cob required. I’m telling you… this dish disappears almost immediately, so maybe double it just to be safe! It’s creamy and flavorful, and easily served with your favorite tortilla chips. For extra spice, just add more jalapeños!
🍉 Watermelon Feta Salad
Nothing says the Fourth of July like a big, juicy slice of watermelon. But this year? We’re taking it up a notch! Add some cucumbers, mint, and feta, and you’ve got an easy salad that’s refreshing and just the right amount of fancy.
🍍 Pineapple Salsa
This brings the heat and the sunshine, with just the right amount of sweet, spicy, and sassy. It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, and guaranteed to disappear fast, especially near a bowl of chips or anything off the grill. Just don’t forget to add the avocado right before serving to keep things fresh!
🍅🫐 Caprese Sticks with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze
Have you ever thought about adding a bit of blueberry flavor to your caprese?! Luckily, I did, and it’s delicious. These bite-sized sticks make for the perfect, easy grab-and-go snack, while the blueberry balsamic glaze is bound to impress!
Drinks That Bring The Party
🥥 Pineapple Coconut Margarita
Dare I say… a beach vacation in a glass! I love a classic margarita, but this one is creamy (and heavenly). The cream of coconut makes it the perfect smooth cocktail for porch sipping. Shake, pour, sip, repeat.
2.5 oz of 1800 Coconut Tequila or Tequila of your choice
1 oz of Cream of Coconut ** Not the canned kind, you can find it in the Liquor section of your favorite store
3 oz of Canned Pineapple Juice
0.5 oz of Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
Ice
The above makes one serving. Combine all of the ingredients above into a shaker with ice, and pour into a salted cup with ice. Enjoy!
🍹 Guava Punch
This big-batch Guava Punch is fruity, refreshing, and dangerously easy to sip. It feels tropical with the quava juice and coconut water, while the tequila brings it all together. Perfect for a big group!
2 cups of Revl Fruits Paradise Guava Juice ** I found this at Target
2 & 3/4 cups of Coconut Water
1 & 1/2 cups of Tequila
1 cup of Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
3/4 cup of Simple Syrup ** Can add more based on your desired level of sweetness
This makes a large batch! Combine all of the above ingredients in a large pitcher. If it’s not sweet enough for you, add a little more simple syrup!
Firework-Worthy Finds from Fellow Creators
Sometimes the real magic comes from seeing what other brilliant minds are cooking up. I’m always inspired by fellow creators, and I thought I’d share a few 4th of July holiday hosting recipes that I can’t wait to try! 🎆
Grilled Veggie Skewers by The Forked Spoon - I love grilled veggies. These are brushed in a fresh garlic sauce and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. YUM!
Fruit “Sparklers” by Tastes Better from Scratch - easy, on-theme, and adorable!
White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (with Blue Sprinkles!) by Play Party Plan - the perfect, cold dessert for a hot holiday party!
Strawberry Baked Brie by Damn Delicious - “damn delicious” is right!
Remember… you’ve got this! Don’t wait until the last minute - grab everything you need now and wow everyone with your skills. You can even tell them you came up with the recipes yourself… I won’t tell. 🤫
I’m so grateful to have you as a subscriber. It truly means the world! If you give these recipes a try, please let me know what you think, and don’t forget to tag me in your celebration photos or videos! You know I love seeing them. Stay safe, have fun, and happy 4th!
Stay sparkly✨,
Cailee
My fave 4th recipe is lobster, I love boiling with 2 cans worth of Modelo