5 Ways to Incorporate Cheese Into Your Holiday Weekend

It’s a day of fun and families, and the food is just as much part of our holiday traditions as the fireworks. When planning your spread for Fourth of July weekend, don’t forget to add wholesome, delicious cheese. From snacks and sides to your main dishes, there are so many ways that cheese can make the menu sparkle. Try some of these ideas … 

Assemble a charcuterie board in red, white and blue: Charcuterie boards add an upscale touch to any social gathering, and guests will be sure to take notice when you incorporate the cause for celebration. Use provolone and mozzarella for your whites along with light-colored crackers and a soft, white cheese for spreading. Bring out the reds with salami and summer sausage, cherry tomatoes, strawberries and red bell pepper slices. Blueberries and blackberries are great options to complete the patriotic package.  

Offer choices with those cheeseburgers: Nothing says Independence Day like a backyard barbecue, and no cookout is complete without cheeseburgers. The goodness is all in the cheese. Dress them up right by letting your diners choose their favorites whether its simple American, a sharp cheddar, provolone or monterey jack. It’s the small details that add up to make your parties memorable. 

Scoop into an American favorite: Macaroni and cheese is an all-American choice for your holiday table. Did you know founding father Thomas Jefferson is credited with popularizing macaroni after serving it to guests during his presidency? Macaroni and cheese goes back to our nation’s earliest days – and after all this time, it remains a favorite. Sharp, creamy and rich, it’s a perfect Fourth of July side dish. 

Stack a tasty combination: Fun and delicious make the perfect combo for any July 4 party. Stock your snack table with fruit-and-cheese kabobs. Use cubed cheddar and Monterey jack. Alternate with your favorite fruits, whether grapes, kiwi, strawberries or apple pieces. Get creative. It’s quick, easy and they’re bound to be a holiday hit.  

Spoon up a delectable dip: Backyard snacking is an Independence Day tradition. While the cold, store-bought French onion dip is fine, it only takes a little effort to bring the wow factor to your buffet. Add a hot dip to your table made with gooey, delicious cheese. Go spicy with a jalapeño popper dip featuring cream cheese and sharp cheddar or whip up a tasty hot spinach and artichoke dip with parmesan and feta.