Fireworks, barbeques, the Star Spangled Banner and red, white and blue everywhere… These are all things you’ll find at any classic Fourth of July celebration in the USA! The Fourth of July is also known as Independence Day and marks the birthday of the United States of America. It is a hugely festive summer holiday in the USA that is widely celebrated across the country. On the day, family and friends come together to share food, celebrate and toast the nation. So, to help you get into the spirit of the Fourth of July, Expat Explore has put together a list of classic American dishes for you to enjoy!
Plus, we’ve also rounded up some not-so-American meals that have become favourites among Americans, so you can celebrate the 4th of July the modern American way! Whether you want to gather friends and family around the grill, feel patriotic or simply try something new, these American favourites are a great way to pay homage to the good ol’ USA!
Did you know: Independence Day marks the birth of the United States of America, which took place when the Declaration of Independence was adopted on 4 July 1776. That makes the nation 248 years old this year!
Tuck into classic American cuisine this USA Independence Day:
1. Hot dogs
Nothing says “summer cookout” quite like a couple of hot dogs! While they may not be the ultimate gourmet dish, hot dogs are always sure to satisfy. The concept of hot dogs arrived in the USA with European immigrants. They are hugely popular thanks to Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker and his popular hot dog stand “Nathan’s” that he opened in Coney Island in the early 1900s. Today, it hosts the popular Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest annually on 4 July. The current record holder is Joey Chestnut who ate a whopping 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2020, but then broke his own record again in 2021 with 76 hot dogs!
2. Barbecue everything
Barbecuing is a proud American past-time! From grilling at home to tailgating at football games, many Americans love a good old barbecue. It’s a great way to cook a lot of food in one go and produce some American favourites. Think ribs, brisket, burgers and pulled pork. If you’re not a meat eater, grab some vegetarian substitutes and throw them on the grill too! But don’t forget that one of the best parts of a barbecue is the sides; coleslaw, collard greens, mac and cheese, corn on the cob and more!
3. Hamburgers
Ah, the humble hamburger! A versatile food that is just as enjoyable whether it is created by a gourmet restaurant or a fast food joint. Early versions of the hamburger arrived with the European settlers. But the burger and bun combo that we know and love today became popular throughout the early-mid 20th century when hamburger chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King began to open and flourish after WWII.
4. Apple Pie
“As American as apple pie” is how the saying goes, and this describes many of the incredible things born from American culture, like rock n roll, blue jeans and baseball! And apple pie is definitely one of them. Apple pie was introduced by British and Dutch settlers in different variations. But over time it has transformed into the wholesome American dish, widely loved today. The combo of golden crust and a lightly-spiced apple filling is usually served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Biscuits and gravy
These biscuits are not like the ones people may recognise outside of the USA that are typically enjoyed with a cup of tea. In the USA, biscuits and gravy is a savoury dish consisting of a flaky scone made with lard and buttermilk (biscuits) covered with a meat gravy (often sausage gravy). This meal originated in the American South and grew in popularity during the Revolutionary War as it was cheap and filling.
Munch on modern American favourites this 4th of July:
While these recipes are the classic, traditional 4th of july food favourites you’ll see at most Independence Day celebrations, the more globalised US citizens are expanding their palates and adding other global dishes to their lives. The rise in popularity of food delivery services like Postmates has ushered in a new age of cuisine for many Americans, giving them the opportunity to try and enjoy other popular recipes with the same ease as getting their hands on American staples.
Check out the list of non-American favourite dishes to incorporate in an Independence Day bash with a twist:
1. Burrito bowl
A twist on the classic Mexican burrito, the burrito bowl was popularised by fast food chain Chipotle and has become a favourite in many American homes. While this isn’t necessarily an American dish, it’s surely something the locals love to dig into! So if you’re looking for a modern American take on a 4th of July meal, the burrito bowl is a great contender.
2. Pad Thai
While Pad Thai didn’t originate in America, it can be argued that it was created for America. Originating in the 1930s and ‘40s in Thailand, Pad Thai was part of the movement to Westernise the country. However, today, this dish is a popular favourite among many modern Americans. So, you might even find it served at less traditional 4th of July festivities.
3. Quesadilla
Another Mexican-born recipe that’s made its way into American hearts is the classic quesadilla. Made by filling a tortilla with cheese, meats, spices and other ingredients like vegetables and herbs, this dish is popular for being chockfull of flavour! So this tasty recipe is sure to be a hit at any modern July 4th celebration if you pair it with some classic American staples.
4. Miso soup
One thing’s for sure, most Americans love Japanese takeout almost as much as they enjoy the classic American staples. So it should come as no surprise that another non-American local favourite is Miso soup, made from miso paste which gives this dish its iconic umami flavour. Since it’s perfect as a starter for your modern 4th of July bash, try out this delicious dish that’s become popular across the US!
5. Sushi
Another Japanese takeout staple that’s been thoroughly adopted into American cuisine culture is sushi. However, the classic Japanese approach was adapted to suit American taste buds and preferences. California Rolls were invented in Los Angeles in the 1960s. They are a beloved twist on Japanese sushi, where the tuna is swapped for avocado and crab and the nori is on the inside of the white rice. Another favourite, Spicy Tuna Rolls, was invented in Seattle in the 1980s. It consists of the same principle as the California Roll, except filled with raw tuna and usually a spicy sriracha mayo. So, add these to your modern 4th of July festivities for a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Related: Sushi and beyond! These are the Japanese dishes you simply have to try.
Get your fill of American classics this Fourth of July! Or, take the modern American approach by pairing the classics with some global favourites.
If you are looking to discover more of the USA, take a look at this Eastern USA & Canada Escape tour which explores the east coast of the USA and Canada. It includes highlights like Washington D.C, Boston, Toronto and Niagara Falls!