Cookout Classics for the 4th of July

There’s no better way to celebrate America’s independence (and my birthday) than relaxing with family, swimming, grilling up my favorite meat, noshing on fresh summer eats and indulging my inner pyro. Here are a few of my top picks, from beef ribs and baked beans, to simple side salads and a classic blueberry pie.

APPETIZERS

Fresh Tomatillo Salsa	Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes	Gazpacho
Grilled Shrimp with Rum-Guava Glaze	Cold Cucumber Soup with Yogurt & Dill	Low Country Soused Shrimp with Sweet Corn

 

MAINS

Aaron Franklin’s Beef Ribs	Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Trout with Sage & Lemon	Grilled Creole Chicken
Grilled Scallops with Tomato & Red Pepper Chutney	Pulled Pork with Homemade BBQ Sauce	Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken

 

SIDES

Grilled Mexican-Style Corn with Parmesan Mayo	Baked Beans	Tabbouleh
Corn & Green Tomato Salad	Grilled Fingerling Potatoes	Istrian Cabbage Slaw

 

DESSERTS

Lattice-Top Blueberry Pie	Berry Trifle with Marscapone	Deep-Dish Peach Streusel Pie with Ginger
Banana Pudding	The Best Key Lime Pie	Angel Food Cake with Macerated Berries & Whipped Cream