Do you have those days when you are burnt out on cooking? Then comes a holiday that you want to celebrate but that means more groceries, meal prep, cleaning and yes more time in the kitchen. The dread can zap the fun right out of any celebration. We can ask family and guests to bring a dish but they’re likely in the same boat as you. There is a solution that’s easy, delicious, filling and exciting enough to put the pizzazz back into your celebrations! Dips are perfect as sides for summer barbecues and they travel well too! Here are some favorites that will be an explosion in your mouth with the taste of American favorites for this Fourth of July and all summer long!

Chili Cheese Dog Dip

Hot dogs likely come to mind when you think of summer celebrations, baseball games, and picnics. Add some chili and cheese to whip up a dip that is easy and 100% classic!

Ingredients

15 ounces of chili without beans

4-6 quality hot dogs, diced

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-In a medium mixing bowl, stir chili, hot dogs, cream cheese, and one cup of cheddar cheese until thoroughly combined.

-Transfer to an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish, spreading into an even layer.

-Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.

-Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the dip is bubbling and the cheese is melted.

-Serve with corn chips.

Smoked BBQ Queso Dip

Likely a tie with the great American hot dog barbeque! The smoky sauces are a must for backyard grilling and now you can serve up the sensational taste in a convenient, traveling and easy-to-eat dip!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 white onion, diced

1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey Chipotle Barbecue Sauce ( Or your favorite)

24 ounces of Velveeta, cut into one-inch cubes

1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced

1 red and 1 green pepper, cut into one-inch pieces

1 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded

Small star cookie cutter

Directions

-Heat grill to low-medium heat.

-On the stovetop, thoroughly cook onion and crumbled beef in a large skillet.

-Drain grease and stir in barbeque sauce, coating completely.

-Place all ingredients in an aluminum pan and top with the remaining barbeque sauce.

-Place the pan on the grill for about 35-40 minutes with the grill lid closed.

-Stir occasionally until ingredients are melted together.

American Flag Taco Dip

When you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, the flag must be present for the festivity and most of all remembrance. This dip will serve well for both with a tasty twist for the tummy and your table!

Ingredients

2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened

1 16-ounce jar of chunky salsa

1 8-ounce cup of sour cream

2 cups shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese

½ cup chopped green onions

1 bag blue corn tortilla chips, plus more for serving

8-ounce Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

I deli slice white cheddar cheese

1 cup quartered grape tomatoes

1 red bell pepper chopped

Instructions

-Beat cream cheese, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese and green onions in a large bowl until blended.

-Spread mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

-Crush enough blue tortilla chips to make one cup and arrange in a 5×4-inch rectangle on the upper left-hand corner of the cream cheese mixture.

-With a small (1 1⁄2 inch) star cookie cutter, cut shapes from the slice of white cheese and arrange them on the chips.

-Combine the chopped pepper with the quartered tomatoes in a medium bowl.

-Arrange the tomato mixture and the Monterey Jack cheese in alternating one-inch rows.

-Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

-Serve with tortilla chips.

Campfire S’mores Nachos

There must be a dessert to end any celebration and S’mores will be the perfect closure to a fun-filled, comfort food kind of day. This is the sweet touch in an easy-to-eat form that all ages will love as you sit back and enjoy the fireworks or reminisce around the firepit.