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4th of July Food Ideas?
Need some food ideas for a fabulous 4th of July celebration? You’ll love this Perfect Pulled Pork with a side of Ultimate Baked Beans. They’re great for holidays, parties with friends, and summer days when you want to have fun with your family and not spend all day in kitchen! :) Like yesterday for example- we hung out by the pool all day and when we got home, the last thing I wanted to do was think about what to fix for dinner. We could’ve stopped for fast food on the way home- but we didn’t have to. :) We had delicious pulled pork sandwiches and hearty, meaty, ultimate baked beans waiting on us. The pulled pork cooked in the crock pot all day and took less than 5 mins to pull apart because it was so tender, juicy and falling off the bone. The baked beans were made ahead and all I had to do was get them out of the fridge and pop ‘em in oven.
You can check out the Ultimate Baked Beans recipe for specifics on how I did the pulled pork in the crock pot. Another reason to check out it out? See that bacon up there? I cooked it in the oven. :D
I’ve been doing it this way for awhile now and it turns out *perfectly* done. Check out the recipe- it tells you exactly how I do it! :)
BTW, have you tried whole wheat hamburger buns? Let me be the first to say, I *hate* whole wheat bread. Okay, hate is a strong word. I really, really dislike whole wheat bread. I love bread, but unfortunately for my bathing suit, I really, really dislike whole wheat bread. :p Maybe it’s the texture, or the color, or the aftertaste, or I don’t know what. But I actually really like whole wheat hamburger buns! I can’t tell the difference! lol. Especially with these pulled pork sandwiches. I got two different kinds the other day, just in case- regular buns and whole wheat buns. I had one of each last night and I couldn’t tell the difference. I’m sold! If you’re a whole wheat bread hater (er, disliker?) like me, give these a try sometime. They might surprise you! :D
We had plenty of leftovers, so I think I’m going to fix myself another sandwich right now. :D
But before I go, I want someone to have this $25 gift certificate to B Johnson Jewelry!
Isn’t it just delightful? So pretty and summery. :) Someone I know should *definitely* have those earrings.
To be entered to win the $25 gift certificate to B Johnson Jewelry, leave a comment on this post- you can…
1. Leave a link to what you’d get! I’d love to see!
2. Tell me about your 4th of July plans- got any great recipes you’re looking forward to making? :)
3. Or you can just say whatever comes to your mind! ;)
One entry per person please! :) The winner will be chosen by his or her comment number, which will be picked by Random.org’s number generator. But hurry! The contest ends MONDAY night, June 29, at 10:00 pm CST.
Thanks so much for looking and GOOD LUCK!!! :)
Congrats to #53 Rachel E.! You won the $25 gift certificate to BJohnsonJewelry! Contact me to claim your prize! :)
Filed Under: Favorite Recipes, Giveaways • 129 Comments
That looks super yummy Amanda! So does all the fiber cancel out all that bacon?? LOL!
Amanda,
I am definitely going to try the ultimate baked beans next weekend. They look so good.
I enjoyed looking around at BJohnson Jewelry. If I win the $25 Gift I would most likely purchase these earrings:
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206376.xml
Happy 4th!
Merredith
I just became a fan of your site today, I’m loving it! Thanks for being such a great blogger!
Ok, so you have tried the pulled pork in the crockpot since you orignially posted your recipe? Did you do anything differently? This is something I’m totally thinking about making for dinner next week…but I don’t want to leave my oven on all day.
The first necklace is a sparkle of beauty and i would love to see it in person.
we have a BIG family bash this year over the 4th—this looks as though it will travel easy (7.5 hour drive) and what better time to load up my boys with beans than when they will be outside in a tent lol-lol-lol thanks for the recipe I’ll let you know how it comes out
jax
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206508.xml
I love the summer flower #2 earrings. Thanks Amanda!
All the jewelry there is lovely! I would definitely get this: http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206370.xml becuase breast cancer is a terrible thing, and everyone should have hope for a cure :)
That pulled pork looks wonderful.
I love this….http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206525.xml
I would want this!
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206375.xml
Lovely!
I’d buy these:
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/211531.xml
They are gorgeous!!
The jewelry is beautiful! I was looking at some of your pictures from the Blueridge Mountains, they turned out great! My husband and I went there on our honeymoon and took some pictures in front of a lot of the same waterfalls. We even had our dog all muddied up, too!
Hi Amanda!
The baked beans look great! The bacon looks so decadent, I know this is a total guys recipe that isn’t too fru fru to take to a good home style BBQ!
I love this necklace http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206325.xml
Its so my style and has my name written all over it!
This 4th of July I always make a pasta salad, I tried one today in the deli at Safeway that was Artichoke and Herb Pasta Salad I think I’m going to try to mimic that one!
xoxo
Samantha
http://www.twoheartstogether.com
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206325.xml
xoxoxo
samantha
I love the Brass Leaf Branch Bracelet # 206367 – it’s gorgeous!
Thanks!
This recipe sounds too tasty……I won’t be able to wait until next weekend to make it……..Looks like my family will try it out tomorrow evening! You always have THE BEST RECIPES!!! :o)
my fouth of july schedule includes firework watchin’ and summer fruit eatin’
*delightful!
Amanda, I make my pulled pork almost exactly like you do. The only exception is that I coat mine with a thin layer of yellow mustard before putting on the dry rub. I think I’ll be making pulled pork for the upcoming holiday weekend!
I just love BBQ for the 4th. It’s so great for everyone to get together and chit chat, and make great food dishes. What goes even better with food, jewelry. I hope to win that beautiful jewelry.
8 – )
Thanks again for sharing such great recipes. I can’t wait to try the pulled pork and baked beans this week. I have it planned for Tuesday. I also LOVE the idea of “baking” the bacon. I will definitely give it a try at the same time. Have a great holiday week. I do have to say this is one of my favorite holidays. The family time and traditions are lots of fun!
WE have no plans for the 4th, sadly. I am hoping someone comes thru with an invite (esp. someone with a pool!)
Love all the jewelry – thanks so much!
Bacon in the oven??? I’m going to have to give that a try! We always spend the 4th with family and friends, attending a parade and cookout. In Columbus, OH. the fireworks is a huge ordeal and it’s always done on the 3rd downtown. It’s great because here we get to celebrate two days in a row.
~Abby~
Thanks for sharing that great idea for baking the bacon. I definitely have to try that. My hubby and I are taking my mom and sis (who will be visiting) to Southern Oregon to see Crater Lake for the 4th. But your recipe ideas now have me wishing I could just stay home and have a great bbq! Amy
That does look yummy. I might have to wait for a while to give it a try. It is hot where I am (without AC) so I avoid the oven at all costs! For the 4th of July we are planning on going to the festival at Turtle Bay Resort here on Oahu! I can’t wait!!!
Love the jewelry, especially anything in the amber color.
We will be home my husband has week end duty and has to stay
close. We have a pool and will be enjoying it. The weather
has cooled down some here and will be in the high 80’s.
The pool water is 92 and a little like taking a bath without
the soap – but enjoyable. Decatur, IL.
Your beans look great. Oven is a great way to cook bacon too.
Enjoy your holiday and thank you for you blog. E
I am hungry now and it is all your fault!
This necklace says Gwen to me…http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206362.xml
I have been cooking up tons of raspberry mint jam for gifts on the 4th. I just hope that I don’t devour it before then!
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206508.xml
Love these earings!!!!
Can’t wait to make those beans! :)
Love the jewelry!! If I win, I’ll probably get the Lily of the Valley bracelet. My sister is getting married and she’s into vintage, so the bracelet would be PERFECT!
As always, I love your posts!
Bacon in the oven ?!?!? WOW! I have to try!
LOVE those earrings!
I can’t decide between the two swallow bracelets! pink of blue… hmm… or even the sweet romance necklace!
Hey Amanda :) For the 4th we’re either going to my parents for a fish fry, pool party and big fireworks display or we’re going to a waterpark with some family on my bf’s side and then to their house for a cookout and fireworks! Can’t decide!
We will be spending the 4th of July holiday with our family and two beautiful labs Rupert & Roscoe! The meal will be hamburgers, various salads, chips, and of course flag fruit cake! I wish you and your family a wonderful 4th. Lori
Mmm… I going to have to try that pulled pork. That sounds perfect for the 4th!
Great food and beautiful jewelry…..What more could a woman ask for ? Someone to fix the food maybe…. :?
Those baked beans look delicious! I would love to get those cute earrings on your post.
Thanks Amanda!
4th of July is my favorite time of year so I was browsing the internet for some cute ideas to take to a party we are attending and I found these super adorable Corn On The Cob-Cakes. So cute, I can’t wait to make them.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/corn-on-the-cob-cupcake?lnc=92f9cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD
Hope everyone has a safe 4th!
Amanda, I’m pretty sure you’re a genious! I’m so gonna make theses beans for our Fourth of July party! Thanks!
Hi Amanda,
The pulled pork looks wonderful for the 4th! Add to it, a few cold salads, maybe some watermelon, and some kind of red white and blue dessert. Would love the earrings! Happy 4th to you and yours!
Love this bracelet! http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206335.xml
4th plans… family picnic and then fireworks! I want to make a really good macaroni salad, one with some cubed cheese it in. Any ideas?
I’m going to watch fireworks at the Calgary Stampede!
You do the most fabulous things for other people!!! Thanks for everything.
I am so excited for the 4th every year including this year. We have an annual pool party at our house with family that comes in from all over the country. I can’t wait!! They start arriving on Tuesday.. Whahooo!!
This pulled pork recips is a great idea because I don’t like heating up the house and I want to spend my time outside.
Thank you!
I love your blog! Thanks for taking the time to give us great ideas and recipes and chances to win stuff!! Since it is my 54th Birthday on the 4th of July (yikes – am I that old!??) I would love to have some pretty earrings! Thanks!
my 4th of july plans include time at the lake house with friends! lots of cool drinks, swimming and food! i am definately bringing a tomato and mozzarella salad and a fun cake!
I love your website. I love the fonts, recipes, everything. I would love to get a bracelet.:)
Just bought whole wheat buns for chicken sandwiches tomorrow night. First time. Hope we like them, too
I think we are headed to some friends house for the 4th. That pulled pork is something I might have to try !! Thanks for the chance to win !!!
I Love all the jewelry from this site. I have no clue which I would pick as of now. As for the fourth, I will be in Atlanta accompanying 55,000 other folks as we take on the Peachtree Road Race :)!
Amanda,
I can’t wait to try out the beans with the bacon, and the bacon in the oven, I’ve never tried it, but it looks super!
Thank you for all of your fabulous posts. This website, I do have to say, is one of my favorites!
My parents will be visiting from out of town for the 4th of July. We always go out to a local golf course to watch the fireworks the night of the 4th.
I think your beans look great, and I’d really like to try making bacon in the oven!
We’ll be spending the 4th of July with our daughter, sil and the grandchildren. I’m sending this recipe on to my daughter in just a few minutes :)
Amanda, you said, “pulled pork cooked in the crock pot all day” but you don’t say what setting you used or how many hours it can be left in the crock pot before it dries out. I think cooking in the crock pot is the only way to go….LOL
Thank you for the recipes and also the chance to win.
hugs,
Shayna
Whole wheat bun are awesome!!! Orowheat has the best ones!! And whole wheat is very good for you! Have you ever tried grinding the wheat fresh and making your own bread. You will never go back!! Fresh ground is WAY better than the crap you buy in the store. IMO of course!!
oh my. all i can say is that recipe looks DELICIOUS!!! Thanks for sharing it!
Perfect timing. I actually JUST got a pork shoulder out of the freezer to let it thaw so I could make pulled pork for the 4th!
I’ll have to check out your recipe!
:)
We don’t have any plans for the 4th. How pathetic is that? We just moved to a new area and don’t know much about it. We thought we would spend the 4th with our little family instead of trying to find some shindig to go to. Hopefully we can find something fun, and maybe a firework show. Oh, and it would be LOVELY if I could get the GC so I could by that bracelet up above!
Girl, from the first time I tried this receipe (the pull-apart pork sandwiches) , I was hooked! :-) I have since referred it to several of my friends who’ve also given it out! A very inexpensive but delicious meal and full of protein! It’s absolutely yummy!
Love ya, Amanda :)
I am amazed at how pretty the bacon turned out. Where’s all the grease?
Thanks for sharing another FAB looking recipe! Can’t wait to try it. :)
Those baked beans look so yummy , Amanda! I wish I could get the kids to eat them ;)
The jewelry is really beautiful.
i love this necklace, It’s the dragonfly…it’s the love ….It’s so me! It’s perfect!! here’s the link
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206362.xml
No 4th of July, only because we celebrate Canada Day on the 1st of July. Will be spending it with the family, maybe so celebrations in the park!
Sorry this was too long
Shannon
What would I get, oh my goodness, that is a hard question! It all looks so awesome! I would probably pick out something my two teenage daughters would hate so they won’t steal it from me!!!!
I would buy the bird nest necklace if I won. It’s so cute!!
So excited for the 4th of July! Of course the 4th means lots of grilling, but I think I’m most excited for some of bakerella’s cake pops…they are going to be red, white, and blue!
I love getting your newsletter! Thanks!
Just a word of warning about using your crockpot when you are not at home…a friend of mine, a fireman, said to NEVER leave a crockpot on when you are not at home. He has seen to many problems caused by crockpots. When I use mine, I put it on a large oven pan(pizza pan)to minimize any damage from the heat and I check it several times to make sure that it is not over-heating.
Have a great day and give the doggies a hug and these cyber bones! 8=8 8=8 8=8
Hi Amanda,
The pulled pork looks deeeeee-licious! I love the bacon idea. I wonder if there is a grate you could put inside your pan so the bacon grease can drip down. hmmm. Just a thought. I might have to look for something like that. Keep up the great work. We love reading your blog! <3 Christy
Yummm! And I’d love to see a revision or an addition to your pulled pork recipe that includes how to do it in a crock pot. Pretty please??? :)
Your Ultimate Baked Beans look a lot like my Texas Baked Beans, except I use sausage. Always a hit. I’ll have to give yours a try this week. Also, a couple weeks ago, I served my pulled pork rolled in lettuce leaves, just to cut the carbs. And, guess what! Even the guys liked it.
One more thought — years ago, I started putting my crock pot out on the patio with a giant bug screen over it if I was going to be gone all day. I’ve even done my Thanksgiving turkey that way in my Nesco. No problems yet!
Well, if I win, I am going to give the certificate to my good friend, Janice. She just started making jewelry this winter and I know she would love it.
love the fonts and recipes! swr
Mmmmmm! My husband and I can’t wait to try the baked beans and I already love the pulled pork!
Amanda,
Thanks for the great Baked Bean recipe… my family loves all types of Baked Beans, and now I can serve this as a suprise for the holiday weekend!
Thanks for all of your inspiration!
You are the BEST!
~Debra
We’ll be going to my cousin’s house for a HUGE family get together. Lots of good food and lots of good people … can’t beat that!
I am hosting a family barbeque on the 4th. We love cookouts and everyone always brings such delicious food to share. I think I might make the bean recipe – it looks delish!
I’m making buttermilk pie!
We will be with friends for a picnic and fireworks on the 4th of July. I enjoy reading your website especially your decorating and craft ideas!
Amanda,
I really like your give-aways so i hope I win this time!
You know what would go great with your pulled pork and baked beans?! Cole Slaw! Go to allrecipes.com and search for Sweet Restaurant Slaw…it is AMAZING! And I always make it with bbq and baked beans! LOL Go figure! Oh! I’m so going to try the bacon in the oven, btw. Yum!
what beautiful jewelry! i would get these…http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206623.xml
you are not the first person i’ve had tell me about the pulled pork BBQ sandwiches – i cant wait to try them myself!
keep up the great work!
Yum I love making pulled pork! Dave and I are heading to Ohio to see his family and I’m in a wedding on the 4th. So I’ll miss most of the fireworks, sparklers, etc that I absolutely love about the 4th but I’m excited for my friend so it will be fun.
Hi Amanda! I can’t wait to try your pulled pork recipe! I don’t think I could pass up the heart lock necklace if I won the certificate. :)
Happy 4th!!
Good Morning Amanda! Im in charge of bringing a dessert to the party on the 4th and I have never failed with this yummy layerd angel food deliciousness http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberry-Angel-Food-Dessert/Detail.aspx Mmmmm! If I won the gift certificate I would for sure get this bird nest necklace. http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206526.xml
Heck even if I dont win I might get it anyway. Its beautiful!
hi again,
the recipes look awesome!!! i did make the colorful chicken alfredo and we loved it!!!
we will be hanging out at our friend’s italian restaurant on the 4th! the parade comes right in front of the restaurant and us girls sell food and mimosas. we save the $$ for our GNO (girls night out) fund!
this caught my eye: http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206525.xml
the colors are great!!!
have a great 4th of july!
I would get this Bird Nest Necklace:
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206526.xml
I’m going to make your beans, for sure–they sound yummy! Then I’ll include everything that I’ve always made for the Fourth: potato salad, tortellini salad, a rice salad with artichokes, crudite platter, brownies (The Barefoot Contessa’s Outrageous Brownies!), etc., etc. The guys will barbecue. Traditions!
Amanda,
I love your recipes and pictures! I especially love crock pot recipes! My husband and I work full time (I teach 6th grade, so I take a lot of work home with me, too) and I’m working on my doctorate, so it is always great to have a nice homemade meal on a busy weeknight without having to work too hard after a long day!
Thanks for all you do. I love seeing email from you in my in box!
Looks SO good! I know what we are having for dinner! Thanks Amanda!
We are going to the Rodeo for the 4th – I just got married and that is tradition for my new husband’s family. I’m very excited!
Meanwhile, my family tradition involves a lovely “salsa and chips” recipe:
Strawberry Salsa
Box of fresh Strawberries (cubed to look like tomatoes)
Box of fresh blueberries* (sliced to mimic olives)
Chopped Spinach (chopped fine to look like cilantro)
2 Oranges (cubed to look like “yellow” peppers)
2-3 cups marshmallows (dyed green & cubed to look like green onions)
2 tbs sugar
1/4 cup frozen lemonade
1/8 cup tiny ice cubes
Mix first five ingredients together gently.
Set aside.
Mix together sugar, lemonade, and ice cubes – careful not to melt the ice cubes, they should melt into the fruit mixture
Combine two mixtures (gently)
Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream (to look like sour cream) on top
Use dried apples for ‘chips’ or Nilla wafers for ‘crackers’
*large blackberries work, too
hi! i’m a relatively new subscriber, and i LOVE your blog! thanks for a chance to win this giveaway! :)
i’m loving this bracelet: http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206346.xml
I love being able to cook ANYTHING in the crock pot! I also have been cooking bacon in the oven for a long time now. I love how it eliminates the mess of a greasy stove top. I don’t care what I do, I cannot keep the pan from spattering all over the stove top. :) I use my broiler pan to cook it in so all the excess grease drains down into the bottom. Can’t wait to try these beans, they look so yummy!
The Ruby Biolette earrings are GORGEOUS!
The beans look really yummy! Making them in the crockpot is so easy! MMMM….now I’m hungry for them!
Also, the jewelry is gorgeous too!!
CCT
All the jewelry there is lovely! I like everything hard to pick one.
I made your pasta dish from last post, all the family loved it!!!
I’ve been to bussssssy and have not thought about 4th of July but know you gave me a great idea the pull pork and beans sound very good.
Thanks for all the great tips and ideas.
Love your website,
I will HAVE to try the pulled pork recipe! I’ve tried to find an easy recipe, but everything seems to take too much work. Can’t wait to try this one!
And I would definitely get the dragonfly drop earrings. So cute!
BBQing with my family on the 4th and going to see Heart at Ribfest in Naperville, IL.
How fun! I think I would get this necklace: http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206343.xml
And I think I’m going to try your pulled pork for our party on the 4th! Thanks for the fun recipes :)
Thanks for all your great recipe ideas and endless other great tips, your attention to details really helps! thanks again!
alyssa
Mmmm…my mouth is watering! Think I need to make pulled pork and baked beans this week. :D
Oh, the jewelry is beautiful. Would love to win, thanks for the opportunity! Enjoy the 4th!
I checked out their website – and their stuff is beautiful AND affordable. I love these:
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206321.xml
thanks for the give-aways! i love me some good contest entering :)
We are having a neighborhood 4th of July breakfast, bright and early so everyone can go on to their parades, BBQ’s etc. It is so much fun to see what everyone brings to share!
What brand of bacon do you buy? I have tried mine in the oven and it never comes out looking like yours. Boo!
Love the jewelry site, this is what I would be getting if I won:
http://bjohnsonjewelry.com/store/item/206319.xml
I never thought of putting bacon in the oven… I will have to try it out now!! Thanks for all the great ideas!
I’m looking forward to the making the pulled pork recipe this weekend! We have several food allergies in my family so I’m always looking for “safe” recipes and this looks perfect! Thanks for posting it!
Yum!! The baked bean recipes looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing!
Is summer the greatest?! We will be celebrating the 4th at my niece’s 10th birthday party!