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What to Include on Special 4th of July Menus

With the 4th of July fast approaching, now is the time to start preparing a special themed menu to drum up customer engagement and make the most of this seasonal opportunity! Here’s what to serve for American Independence Day:

American Classics:

BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, ribs, chicken wings… Check out our blogs for the full scoop, or read on for the topline.

BBQ: Perhaps the most iconic Americana food, BBQ covers a broad range of products – but more on those later, we want to talk specifically about the sauce! A good quality sauce has the power to instantly transform a dish, and it’s the most important part of a solid BBQ offering; it’s in the name after all. Whether you’re after a traditional, smoky number like our best-selling Rio Pacific Hickory BBQ Sauce, or a thicker Mop-Style Sauce that delivers that authentic, sticky finish, we’ve got what you need. Check out our BBQ blog for the full details.

Burgers: Rather than a standard beef patty, chefs could mix up their burger menus by using our brand-spanking-NEW range of Rio Pacific Pulled Meats. All authentically smoked with hickory wood chips in an open smoker for up to 14 hours, guests can choose from Rio Pacific Pulled Smoked Pork, or halal-friendly Rio Pacific Pulled Smoked Chicken or Rio Pacific Pulled Smoked Beef Brisket. Once defrosted, these 2 x 1kg packs can be kept refrigerated for up to 5 days, eliminating the risk of food waste. If using a traditional beef patty, chefs can offer premium upgrades as a great way to upsell products. Think burgers stuffed with mozzarella sticks or drenched in liquid cheese sauce! Check out our cheese blog to find the dairy best companions for your burgers.  

Hot Dogs: Go traditional with ketchup and Coney Island Hot Dog Mustard for that authentic New York style, or get creative with your toppings by checking out our hot dog blog. But choosing the right ‘dawg is equally important. For example, our Extra Large Chicago-Style Hot Dogs measure 25cm and are seasoned with ‘meatpacker’ spices then beechwood smoked to create that classic skin ‘snap’ when eaten. On the flip side, our Small Pork Frankfurter’s feature a smooth ‘street food style’ texture that works great on kids menus to help the whole family get involved in 4th of July celebrations!

Ribs: If you add only one type of ribs to your menu for American Independence Day, let it be our Rio Pacific St Louis Cut Ribs. Similar to a baby back rib, St Louis cut ribs are a spare rib but offer a higher meat-to-bone ratio and firmer texture, so customers get the best of both worlds. Need something suitable for speedy service or easy customisation? We’ve got options for that too! Check out our BBQ blog for more ideas. Stuck for flavour inspiration? Try our Easy Mexican Cola Ribs recipe!

Chicken Wings: Has there ever been a more iconic duo than wings and Buffalo Wing Sauce?! Our unique Rio Pacific recipe has been made with a luxurious, creamy texture to offset the punchy heat of cayenne peppers and can be served hot or cold – but we recommend hot for maximum flavour! Beyond this staple pairing, wings can instantly be diversified with a splash of sauce or sprinkle of seasoning – check out our recommendations in our wings blog.

These classics are all great for creating a special 4th of July menu, but they also make for popular additions year-round.

American Alternatives:

For something a little less mainstream, why not take inspiration from the increasingly popular flavours of the deep south? We’re talking gumbo – a hearty stew originating in Louisiana, featuring meat or shellfish, a thickening agent, and Creole; and jambalaya – an American Creole and Cajun rice dish with French, African, and Spanish influence.

Both gumbo and jambalaya feature authentic American blackened food. Blackened food is not burnt but contains a blend of spices that turn a dark colour when cooked. Our Rio Pacific Cajun Blackened Seasoning is perfect for achieving this. It can be used in a marinade or to season after cooking, and works best with chicken, veggies, and seafood, but is also compatible with pork and beef too. Traditionally, blackened foods are dipped in melted butter, then dusted with seasoning before cooking to bring out that iconic dark colour.

Po’ Boys also spotlight traditional blackened food. Also known as a hoagie, Cuban sandwich, or torpedo, Po’ Boys are traditionally served in a long sub, fixed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayo, and either beef, shrimp, or oyster. For an even simpler way to tap into the flavours of the south, chefs could use our Rio Pacific Creole Cooking Sauce. Best used as a cook-in sauce, this sauce is sweet, smoky, and spicy all in one!

Although Creole and Cajun flavours work with a variety of meat, poultry, and veggies, it’s arguably best with seafood, which plays a key role in southern American dishes. Why not take inspiration from our Classic Louisiana Seafood Boil recipe. Combining potatoes, onion, smoked sausage, corn cob, prawns, and crayfish tails in an aromatic and punchy boil, then finished with a mouthwatering hot garlic butter sauce, this recipe is easy to prepare in bulk to meet demand this 4th of July!

Need more ideas? Get in touch with our friendly Funnybones customer service team!

Phone: 01707 321 234

Email: info@gkco.com

The essential shopping list: