Whether you’re hosting in the Hamptons or on your back patio in Cape May, your Fourth of July cookout deserves a gourmet upgrade. These refined yet crowd-pleasing recipes blend summer favorites with a high-end twist—perfect for impressing your guests while staying true to relaxed backyard vibes.
1. Gourmet Grass-Fed Burgers with Garlic Aioli & Arugula
Ingredients:
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2 lbs grass-fed ground beef (80/20)
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Brioche buns
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Aged cheddar
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Arugula
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Tomato slices
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Homemade garlic aioli (mayo, roasted garlic, lemon juice, salt)
Upscale Tip: Toast brioche buns and finish burgers with truffle salt for a luxurious touch.
2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Herb Marinade
Ingredients:
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1 lb large wild shrimp (peeled, deveined)
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Marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, garlic, paprika
Directions:
Marinate shrimp 30 minutes, then grill 2–3 minutes per side. Serve with citrus wedges and a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc.
3. Caprese Salad with Burrata & Heirloom Tomatoes
Ingredients:
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Sliced heirloom tomatoes
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Fresh burrata cheese
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Basil leaves
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Aged balsamic vinegar
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Flaky sea salt & extra virgin olive oil
Presentation: Serve on a slate platter and garnish with microgreens for visual appeal.
4. Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients:
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1.5 lb skirt steak or ribeye
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Sea salt and black pepper
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Chimichurri: parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, olive oil
Directions:
Grill steak medium rare, rest, and slice. Drizzle with chimichurri and pair with grilled asparagus or truffle fries.
Bonus: Sparkling Rosé Berry Parfait
Layers: Mascarpone whipped cream, macerated berries in sparkling rosé, and crushed shortbread.
Serve in martini glasses for an elegant finish.
Great recipes right here!