I love hosting, I love having people over to share food, beverages, and laughs. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that I absolutely HATE cooking or preparing dishes while guests are arriving or already arrived. By prepping ahead of time I’ve learned some tips along the way to make hosting much more enjoyable.
For the 4th of July I always do burgers and dogs. That’s just the way it is. However, flipping burgers and cooking dogs isn’t something I want to be doing especially when it's super hot out in Central Texas—so we are going to keep the grilling to a minimum this 4th of July. Dogs only.
Here’s everything you need to throw your own 4th of July party, so you can spend less time worrying about the logistics and more time enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Step 1: Make Your Chili
This 4th I’m making Frito Pie. By making your chili ahead of time you will not only let it sit and gather flavor, but you’ll also have one of the main components done for the spread. I like to make my own chili but you can use store bought or canned, I won’t judge. (But for me, nothing beats homemade.)
Get your 7.5QT Dutch Oven ready—you can make, store, and serve your chili from this one pan. I like to make my chili two days prior to the party and let it sit, covered in the fridge, until it’s go time.
Step 2: Prep the Dog Bar
By prepping all your accouterments ahead of time, you free yourself up on the day of to greet and mingle with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen breaking down onions, tomatoes, and any other time consuming cuts.
I like to keep it simple, and maybe have a couple curveball options. I love Bahn Mi sandwiches, so having those vegetables prepared to make Banh Mi dogs is a must. I lay out all the ingredients to let guests make their own creations, so I’m cutting everything up the day before and putting in deli containers to keep ingredients fresh for the main event.
No matter what flavor options you decide on, remember to have fun with it.
Step 3: Don’t Forget Beverages
I like to make a huge batch of something, now what that something is is completely up to you. Personally, I like to get a 3 gallon container and make a giant agua fresca. This time around, I went with a watermelon basil lemonade. It’s refreshing, delicious, and good with or without booze.
I also keep a cooler full of juice pouches and both still and sparkling water for the youngins or for anyone that doesn't want to imbibe.
You can also make batch cocktails ahead of time if that's more your speed, but for me making one big batch, setting and forgetting it, and letting the guest choose their own adventure is easier than making individual cocktails for everyone.
Step 4: Cook the Dogs
Now, I know we said grilling is going to be kept at a minimum, but these dogs gotta get cooked somehow. So, I will be taking the Made In Fish Basket and cooking them all at once on the Made In Grill. You can easily fit over a dozen dogs in the Fish Basket, which allows you to flip them all at once while still getting nice grill marks. You can also cook them the normal way—your choice.
You can leave them on a plate or put them in a bun, but either way, make a big, show-stopping pile on a Serving Platter or two.
Step 5: Time to Serve
Get a long card or foldout table. I like to set it up in the middle, where guests can approach from both sides so there aren’t any traffic jams when it's time to eat. Find cool bowls or containers to put all your prepped veggies, sauces, or whatever you decide to put out. One spoon per vessel, don’t cross streams—come on now.
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If you’re feeling overwhelmed about hosting a big party, that's okay. Prepping ahead of time will negate a lot of headaches the day of. Also, delegate and ask for help. Best believe my kid will be on chopping duty.
Having the right tools for the job is key. Get a big Dutch Oven if you don’t have one. Don’t have a Fish Basket? That’s okay, manage your heat and cook those dogs the old fashioned way. They don’t take too long. Make sure you have decent Glassware. The right glass makes all the difference.
Lastly, have fun with it. Choose whatever sides you want, and just make sure you give yourself enough time so you’re not scrambling day of. Don’t forget to start thinking about your playlist and make one. Set the vibe and enjoy your 4th.
