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Budget-Friendly July 4th Party Menu for 4 Students

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A simple, tasty, and affordable menu perfect for a small July 4th party with friends, featuring grilled hot dogs, watermelon feta salad, oven-baked fries, and a berry yogurt parfait.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 beef or turkey hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns (white or whole wheat)
  • Yellow mustard
  • Ketchup
  • Diced onions (optional)
  • Relish or pickles (optional)
  • 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Plain Greek yogurt (2 cups)
  • 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Granola or crushed nuts for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and cut russet potatoes into ¼-inch thick fries.
  2. Toss potatoes with vegetable oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
  3. Spread fries evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  4. Bake fries for 20 minutes, flip, then bake another 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
  5. Light grill or preheat oven broiler.
  6. Place hot dogs on grill or broiler pan, turning every 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  7. Toast hot dog buns lightly on grill or in oven for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Assemble hot dogs with mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish as desired.
  9. Cube watermelon and combine with crumbled feta and chopped mint in a bowl.
  10. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, toss gently, and season with salt and pepper.
  11. Refrigerate salad until serving.
  12. Layer plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries in serving glasses or bowls.
  13. Add honey or maple syrup between layers if desired.
  14. Top parfaits with granola or crushed nuts just before serving.

Notes

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking for crispier fries. Add salad dressing just before serving to keep watermelon fresh. Reheat fries in toaster oven or broiler to maintain crispiness. Use vegan or gluten-free substitutions as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: July 4th, budget-friendly, party menu, student recipes, grilled hot dogs, watermelon salad, oven-baked fries, yogurt parfait

Find it online: https://grubella.com/budget-friendly-july-4th-party-menu-for-4-students-easy-recipes/