The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Menu for Your 4th of July Bash
Get ready to kick off your 4th of July bash with an epic spread of all-American eats! From hassle-free no-bake desserts, prep-ahead dips and marinades, and even a self-serve cocktail bar—you can take a break from the kitchen and host with ease this summer! Best of all? You won't have to break the bank. There's something for everyone in this budget-friendly round-up!
12 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes Under $3!
Appetizers
1. Pulled Pork Nachos - $1.82 cost per serving
These Pulled Pork Nachos are a must for any social event! Made with traditional Southern-style Pulled Pork Seasoning, a rich Roasted Garlic Aioli, and loaded with cheesy goodness! Ditch the oven and prepare them in advance in the slow cooker, giving you more time to socialize, eat, and enjoy your holiday celebrations! Recipe yields 6 servings.
2. Hot CCB Dip - $0.35 cost per serving
No party is complete without an irresistible homemade dip! This 5-ingredient dip recipe made from real Parmesan cheese, chives, and smoky vegetarian bacon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. One jar of CCB Dip Mix can make up to 8 cups of dip, so you can make as little or as much as you'd like depending on your party size. At only $0.35 per serving, you can't go wrong!
Recipe Yields 2 cups.
3. Extraordinary Crostini - $0.31 cost per serving
If the Hot CCB Dip recipe appealed to you, you'll adore these baked crostini's! They make fantastic bite-sized appies that are both inexpensive and simple to prepare. Serve them with the recipe above or enjoy them on their own. The crostini bread can even be made ahead of time and stays crisp for days, saving you time!
Recipe yields 16—18 servings.
4. Star Spangled Layer Dip - $1.01 cost per serving
This recipe was originally developed by President and Founder Sylvie Rochette’s grandson Kaïs for a school project. This inspired us to create the perfect Epicure version, just in time for July 4th!
Mains
4. Great Big Burger - $1.97 cost per serving
Every 4th of July barbecue needs a good juicy burger recipe. So, fire up the grill and prepare this classic all-American style burger with a creamy Big Burger Sauce! This condiment is made with better-for-you ingredients that everyone will love.
Recipe yields 4 servings.
5. Grilled Maple Miso Chicken Skewers - $2.23 cost per serving
This make-ahead recipe will cut your prep time in half—simply marinate your chicken in advance and you'll have dinner ready in minutes when your friends arrive and it's time to grill.! Made with sweet maple and earthy miso flavors, these skewers are sure to be the talk of the party!
Recipe yields 4 servings.
6. Teriyaki Beef & Mushroom Kebabs - $2.49 cost per serving
You'd never guess that these lavish steak kebabs are only $2.49 a serving! Made with a versatile Teriyaki Dry Glaze that doubles as a glaze for grilling or a sauce that's guaranteed to wow your guests.
Recipe yields 4 servings.
Desserts
7. Berry Swirl No-Bake Cheesecake Petites - $0.38 cost per serving
These light and delicious no-bake summer treats are the perfect way to cool off on a hot day! In just a few minutes, you can blend your ingredients and set-it-and-forget it in the fridge overnight, so you’re ready to impress everyone at tomorrow’s patriotic bash!
Recipe yields 30 servings.
8. All-American Apple Pie - $1.02 cost per serving
Nothing says 4th of July quite like this All-American Apple Pie recipe! Made with a blend of Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, and Granny Smith apples—it's sweet, aromatic, and simple to make.
Recipe yields 8 servings.
9. Luscious Lemon Ice-Cream Cake - $1.04/serving
This cake is perfect for any summer celebration! Make the Luscious Lemon Curd the night before so that it’s chilled and ready to go when guests arrive the following day.
Recipe yields 16 servings.
Drinks
10. Pink Lemonade Herbal Tea - $0.75 cost per serving
This versatile summer sipper reminiscent of old-time lemonade is packed with thirst-busting citrusy flavor!
Recipe yields 1 cup.
11. Cosmic Cocktail - $1.28 cost per serving
Made with the Blue Butterfly Herbal Tea Blend, this summer cocktail is an Instagram-worthy beverage that will wow everyone! To make these cocktails for your guests quickly and easily, prepare the syrup in advance. By leaving out the vodka for a mocktail variety, you can adjust it to your guests' preferences.
Recipe yields 4 servings.
12. Pina Colada - $0.85 cost per serving
You can whip up this crowd-pleasing cocktail in just five minutes! Infused with notes of creamy coconut, sweet pineapple, and citrusy lime, this Pina Colada recipe with a healthy twist is sure to keep your guests cool. Simply blend water, canned pineapple, ice, and rum (if desired).
Recipe yields 2 cups.
How will you be celebrating Independence Day? Which new recipes are you most excited to try out this year? Let us know—tag us on Instagram!
Written by Gabi Abreu, Epicure Product Education Specialist. (BSc Nutrition & Dietetics)
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