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Whether asked or not, it's usually polite to bring a dish to a Fourth of July gathering. If you're hosting your own party, you want to make sure to have plenty of food on hand. Here are a few recipes that are sure to please, and are just as easy to bring with you to a party or make for your own celebration! These recipes are portioned for large gatherings...or simply for large families! Of course, serving size may vary depending on portion size. Bacon-Ranch Potatoes Only 3 ingredients and super easy to make, this dish is the perfect party addition, and a much-requested recipe. Ingredients: 2 32 oz bags of southern style hash browns (you may substitute with O'Brien-type)* 2 16 oz bottles of ranch dressing 1 cup of bacon bits (you can substitute 1 bottle of Bac-Os) Directions: Heat oven to 425 degrees. Pour hashbrowns into large casserole dish. Pour 1 1/2 bottles of dressing over potatoes and mix well; I use my hands as it more evenly distributes the dressing. Pour remaining dressing over top of potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring the potatoes 2-3 times during cooking. Sprinkle bacon over the top of the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes longer. Serves 12-15. Note: To cut baking time for this dish, I pre-thaw the hashbrowns overnight in the refrigerator or by using the microwave. If using frozen potatoes, double baking time. * Southern Style Hash Browns are potatoes cut into small cubes; O'Brien brand are similar, with the addition of diced onion and green pepper. Hot Taco Dip This easy-to-make dish can also be used as a taco filling, and tastes good at room temperature so you don't have to worry about keeping it hot throughout your party. Ingredients: 2lbs of sloppy joes meat (click here for recipes) 2 16 oz. cans of refried beans, do not use chunky style 1 cup of finely diced hot peppers of choice (optional) 2 cups of shredded cheese--cheddar or mexican blend work best Directions: Place sloppy joe meat in food processor and grind until it is a medium-fine consistency. If you don't have a food processor, break the meat up with the spatula; there should be no large chunks of meat. Heat beans in a pan, adding a bit of oil and mixing until they are very smooth. Spread meat on bottom of casserole dish. Sprinkle hot peppers over meat. Spread beans over top of meat mixture, making sure top is totally covered and it is spread to the edges. Sprinkle cheese over top of beans and heat in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips. Serves 12-15. Snicker Salad This dish is a new and fun variation on the traditional taffy apple salad. At a recent party I attended, it was a great hit and I had to ask for the recipe! Ingredients: 6 granny apples, cubed 6 Snicker bars, cut into small pieces 2 6 oz pkgs of vanilla pudding mix 1 1/2 cups milk 24oz. of non-dairy whipped topping (like Cool Whip) Directions: Place pudding mix and milk into a bowl and stir until just mixed. Add apple and candy pieces and stir until coated with pudding mixture. Fold in whipped topping. Chill for at least 1/2 hour before serving. Serves 12-15. 2005 Lotsofkids.com |