Creating the perfect Fourth of July menu

Brat Toppers

June 28, 2018 — From brat toppers to BBQ ribs and desserts, the Schwan’s culinary team and members of the Schwan’s Chef Collective recently put together the ultimate list of menu ideas for the Fourth of July holiday. With a grill, delicious food and family and friends, the peak summer holiday is sure to be a great one.

Starting with the center-of-the-plate, Corporate Chef Deb Hey recommended these grill recipes.

• Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken. This fresh and tasty Mexican-inspired recipe features Signature™ Chicken Breast Fillets that are easy to prepare and a favorite marinade for grilling.
• Brat Toppers. These recipes provide fun and delicious ways to top favorite brats and dogs. Toppers include Apricot Relish, Bacon Sauerkraut, Corn and Black Bean Salsa, Bacon Jam and Spicy Jack Brats with Peppers and Onions.
• Saucy BBQ Ribs. This recipe is the definition of entertaining made easy. You can choose and create your very own BBQ sauce profile like Sweet & Fruity, Rich & Sassy or Hot & Spicy using the enclosed BBQ sauce packet and simply adding a few extra ingredients.

Possible sides to pair with the center-of-the-plate foods include:

• Grilled Loaded Baby Bakers. This is a fun play on the classic loaded baked potato that can be easily prepared alongside other items on the grill.
• Grilled Asparagus and Portabella Salad. Take a simple salad to spectacular with a basic balsamic marinade. The marinade gives the asparagus and mushrooms a sweet tangy flavor when grilled.

Lastly, a meal wouldn’t be complete without a dessert. See what our chefs recommended:

• Grilled Apple Pie. It really works so go ahead and try it. Surprise your dinner guests with a simple dessert that starts on the grill. Don’t forget to top with Schwan’s® ice cream.
• Summer’s Dream Orange Ice Cream Tart. A refreshing, impressive and surprisingly easy-to-make dessert made with one of Schwans’ all time favorite season ice creams — Summer’s Dreamsicle™.