Get Creative at the Grill: Barbecue Ideas for the Fourth

What better way to celebrate independence day than with a little independent thinking at the grill?

As you light the charcoal for a Fourth of July feast, try something a little different this year. Hailee Moore, a professional cook and graduate of the French Culinary Institute, offers a grilling guide to hit all your taste buds.

Jalapeno Blue Cheeseburger

Create a few fireworks on your tongue by adding a few jalapenos to your time-honored classic. Replacing your all-American cheddar cheese by mixing in some blue cheese gives your burger a complimentary flavor in every mouthful.

Tuna Burger with Spicy Mayonnaise

This is not your typical burger, but if you are watching your waistline or cholesterol, replacing ground beef with ground tuna in your burger allows you to enjoy the American classic without compromising your health. Adding a little heat to your mayonnaise condiment is a spin that you can add to both tuna and beef burgers alike. Try sriracha chili paste, or a little chipotle pepper in adobo for a hint of smoke.

Grilled Vegetable Sandwich

Not in the mood for beef or fish? Try a vegetable sandwich that is chock full of flavor straight from the grill.  The top veggies to grill are sliced zucchini, eggplant, yellow squash, and bell pepper. May we recommend French baguette to vessel your vegetables?  

Spicy Roasted Potato Wedges

Roasted potato wedges are an original alternative to French fries or potato salad. Whether you are a carb watcher or not, these spicy treats will be hard to pass up while venturing the buffet table. Simply toss your potato wedges in olive oil, white vinegar, chili flakes, and chopped garlic before roasting.  Finish your potatoes with a sprinkling of chopped parsley. With a zestful essence, forgoing ketchup is highly recommended.

Summer Fruit Salad with Mint

Take advantage of the stone fruits and berries that are seasonally popping up in the grocery store and at local markets.  The addition of fresh chopped mint makes for a refreshing end to a spectacular Fourth of July buffet!

Hailee Moore is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute.  She is a professional cook by day and a food writer anytime in between.  When Hailee is not cooking or writing, she can be found running or behind a book.  Her favorite summer dish is anything that comes off of the grill.