The Picnic Poll: Round 1 - main dishes and drinks
June 28th, 2010
08:00 AM ET
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All week long we'll be taking polls to craft the USA's ultimate July 4th picnic menu. We'll share our favorite recipes, picnic tips and the most spirited comments and suggestions from our readers, so keep checking in. Things are bound to start sizzling.

Round 1: Main dishes & drinks
Round 2: Hot and cold sides
Round 3: Toppings and level of doneness
Round 4: Desserts

Previously – Up your grilling game

Try one of our spirited original drink recipes

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Filed under: Bite • Buzz • Holidays • Picnic Poll


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soundoff (65 Responses)
  1. Bruce Mackay

    Sounds like a very fun picnic wish I could travel more to see some of these events.

    September 22, 2011 at 6:37 pm |
  2. Sheryl

    The drink is going to have to be sangria...this time of year, white wine with peaches, strawberries, whatever is in season goes right in the carafe...and steeps as long as you have...then eat the fruit with angel food cake!

    July 2, 2010 at 6:25 pm |
  3. DownSouthRich

    ...oh yeah, and ICE COLD BEER!

    July 2, 2010 at 2:54 pm |
  4. DownSouthRich

    How 'bout a WHOLE PIG for a great PIG PICKIN'? Nothing beats pulled pig hot from the smoker that's been basted in a simple pig pickin' marinade (vinegar, hot peppers, salt and pepper)... although I have to admit, after living in Chicago for a while, those brats were dam*ed tasty!!! Some spicy deli mustard, onions and kraut... good eatin'!

    July 2, 2010 at 2:53 pm |
  5. Grillocules

    Pizza. Throw a pizza on the grill and add some applewood chips for that smoke and it's on and poppin'.

    July 1, 2010 at 12:19 pm |
    • Grillence Howard

      Just make sure to use indirect heat to seal the deal. Then you'll be saying "hey...man...what's goin on...wit chu...pizza?"

      July 1, 2010 at 12:28 pm |
  6. Meaty Portion

    For the main meal it has to be Bratwurst for me. Maybe some hamburgers too but you have to grill some Brats if you're in Wisconsin.

    Beer is fine for a beverage; this year it will be my own homebrew.

    July 1, 2010 at 12:05 pm |
  7. Jordan

    Smoke Brisket gets top honors at my 4th party. We do a theme every year (say all beef, or all ribs, or bbq sandwhiches, or steaks, classic burgers and dogs) and the years where we do smoked brisket it always gets rave reviews. Most of the time people are grabbing it off the cutting board as we're slicing it.

    July 1, 2010 at 8:52 am |
    • Kat Kinsman

      I am sooooo with you on the brisket! That's my Memorial Day tradition, along with smoked baked beans, beer can chicken & bok choy slaw. Takes patience, but so very worth it.

      July 1, 2010 at 9:05 am |
  8. Steve

    Brisket rules the 4th in the Texas Hill Country****

    June 29, 2010 at 11:12 am |
  9. Steve

    Original Boca Burgers are the only way to go! They're healthy, and they taste great!

    http://www.bocaburger.com

    June 29, 2010 at 9:08 am |
  10. Larry

    We're in South Central Texas, and we ALWAYS cook brats.....finally, something good from the Yankees!!!

    June 29, 2010 at 9:01 am |
  11. Sam

    I smoke about 30 lbs of pork shoulder and then serve pulled pork sandwiches with BBQ sauce on the side to the whole Volunteer Fire Department.

    June 29, 2010 at 8:54 am |
  12. Rick

    It was Independance day. We voted and the Eagle won. We should be grilling the Turkey. And I'd prefer spiking the lemonade for a typically hot day.

    June 29, 2010 at 6:53 am |
  13. Jeff

    Like, OMG. Whole-wheat free range organic gluten-free tofu on humanely-raised fat free buns. Think of the poor animals. The poor, tasty, tasty animals.

    June 29, 2010 at 6:37 am |
  14. Stephen

    As an educated Hoosier it pains me to say something so stereotypical, but i am ready to grill some corn on the cob in the husk.

    June 29, 2010 at 5:58 am |
  15. judy

    New york: italian sweet sausage, peppers and onions, bbq chicken, mac and potato salad, german franks and coneys!!!

    June 28, 2010 at 10:27 pm |
  16. stinkystain

    Morningstar farms riblets and boca dogs for sure. Not hatin' on you meat eaters, I just prefer not to eat fleshy things.

    June 28, 2010 at 9:28 pm |
  17. A

    Brats!

    June 28, 2010 at 5:40 pm |
  18. garry- Lake Hamilton-Hot Springs/Arkansas

    Here in Arkansas I am sure it is burgers and or brauts..but I hate brauts..so we do ribs slowcooked on the grill with home-made baked beans-potato salad( mustard)Texas toast-and cole slaw. Then we take the boat out for the firework display on the lake..simply AMAZING!!! Beer–good food-a great entertainment..what more could you ask for..and this year i took 12 days of vacartion before and after the 4th!

    June 28, 2010 at 4:18 pm |
  19. mikejay

    There will be LOTs of Brats on the 4th... Mmmmmm

    June 28, 2010 at 4:06 pm |
  20. Kat

    It all sounds great – tell me where to be!!!!

    June 28, 2010 at 4:04 pm |
  21. cg

    They are with the ribs, potato salad. baked/bbq whatever you want to call them Maty.

    June 28, 2010 at 3:32 pm |
  22. Scott

    Jumbo shrimp, split open with jalapeno wedge and cream cheese inserted, then wrap the whole magilla with thick bacon and cook on the grill. Also, steak and vidalia onions seared on the grill with a side of cold salad and hot buttered corn on the cob. YUMMM!

    June 28, 2010 at 3:29 pm |
  23. Maty

    Where are the barbeque beans?

    June 28, 2010 at 3:25 pm |
  24. Boka

    I will be having a lion burger.

    June 28, 2010 at 3:24 pm |
  25. Nick

    Italian Sausage w/ Sweet Peppers and Hot Giardiniera. Chicago and Neighborhood Tradition. With a Cold Beer.

    June 28, 2010 at 3:17 pm |
  26. jandulay

    Nice BBQ Chicken, corn on the grill, the sun is shining on the back deck, the pool is perfect and I will have a cold Vodka/Tonic in my hand.

    June 28, 2010 at 2:51 pm |
  27. Natch

    Brats? No thanks! Tried 'em, didn't care for 'em, won't bother with 'em again!
    Now a good old fashioned hot link is a different story altogether! Better tasting, more kick....what's not to like?
    And if you live in the northeast, check out the White (Pork) Hots! The absolute best, hands down!!

    June 28, 2010 at 2:44 pm |
  28. Matt

    If you havent tried double stuffed burgers I definitely recommend it. Take 2 patties of ground beef and top one of them with mozzarella, onions, and jalapeno slices. Then place the other patty over the toppings and seal both patties so that the cheese, jalapenos, and onions are not showing. Season and throw on the grill for awhile. What you'll end up with is a moist, flavorful burger oozing with cheese and jalapenos. Once you make one, you'll never go back. I promise. Jalapeno shrimp stuffed with crab meat is also amazing. Don't forget to have the beer pong table ready.

    June 28, 2010 at 2:42 pm |
  29. cmalloy

    tri-tip, grilled potato, and some grilled corn on the cob and most def some good ice cold beer

    June 28, 2010 at 1:54 pm |
  30. Nsoliday

    Fried Chicken, deviled eggs, potato salad, and sweet potato pound cake. What a way to spend the 4th!

    June 28, 2010 at 1:49 pm |
  31. stormy

    fred-- add hot sauce to the mayo/parm mixture for the grilled corn...unreal

    June 28, 2010 at 1:29 pm |
  32. Beasley

    Burgers and Beer on the Fourth. Why should it be any different than any other day?

    June 28, 2010 at 1:17 pm |
  33. cg

    ribs,potato-salad bake beans and cold beer

    June 28, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
  34. Mark

    I like everyone's suggestions, especially the one with crabs!

    June 28, 2010 at 1:06 pm |
  35. diad

    Margaritas! And, guacamole with chips. Fiesta!

    June 28, 2010 at 12:53 pm |
    • coltfourfive

      well thats very American...

      June 28, 2010 at 1:15 pm |
      • Rocky

        dont be a douche-icle

        June 28, 2010 at 3:12 pm |
  36. JakeTheThird

    The 3 B's: Burgers, Brats, and Beer. And don't forget to bring lots of fixins (mustard, mayo, relish, and rabbit food).

    June 28, 2010 at 12:51 pm |
  37. Me

    Zweigles "Pop-Open" white hots, on the grill till they pop – YUM

    June 28, 2010 at 12:33 pm |
  38. Don

    Mmm now this is "news" I can get into. Probably burgers n' brats. Mac salad, potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, and cold brews. For dessert? Fresh watermelon for the perfect summer finisher.

    June 28, 2010 at 12:26 pm |
  39. MD

    Lobster,corn, potato salad,

    Arnold Palmer cold drink

    Red Velvet cake

    June 28, 2010 at 11:42 am |
  40. Rachel

    Brats!!

    June 28, 2010 at 11:39 am |
  41. Fred

    Corn on the cob. Nothing beats it grilled in the husk and topped with butter or even better...mayo and parmesan cheese!

    June 28, 2010 at 11:31 am |
  42. S.W.

    Brisket. In Texas its a must

    June 28, 2010 at 11:17 am |
    • byndpst

      definitely! along with the pinto bean, potato salad & cornbread. MMM! MMMM! don't forget the Lone Star.

      June 28, 2010 at 4:24 pm |
  43. PG

    Seafood, 4th at the shore, always leads with Crabs, clams, lobsters, salmon or some other fish. Ribs make it too, but seafood leads.

    June 28, 2010 at 10:47 am |
    • ron

      that sounds great party at the beach with a lobster/crab bake.

      June 28, 2010 at 9:15 pm |
    • Randy

      Back in MA, it was steamers and lobster at the beach; live in MO now, so it's burgers and brats!

      June 30, 2010 at 3:04 pm |
  44. Roger

    I'll go with Bratwurst

    June 28, 2010 at 10:43 am |
    • Wisconsin Mike

      Gotta go with the brats ... eh!

      June 28, 2010 at 11:32 am |
      • Hoovee

        and beer!

        June 28, 2010 at 3:42 pm |
  45. Cindy

    "Picnic" potato salad and deviled eggs. It's the only time I get them!

    June 28, 2010 at 10:34 am |
  46. Chris Denney

    Brats must be a choice along with burgers. If only those outside Wisconsin knew the great taste of brats they would be regular fare at any cookout across the U.S.

    Watermelon and potato chips should also be included.

    June 28, 2010 at 9:58 am |
    • northofdenali

      And way up north here, reindeer (or caribou) brats are absolutely required – possibly by law! – on the 4th!

      June 28, 2010 at 12:49 pm |
      • AKliving

        that was why i voted other! reindeer for SURE!

        June 28, 2010 at 6:59 pm |
    • Karen S.

      Yep – brauts for sure!!!!!!!! Going to the Correlitas Sausage and Meat store this week to pick some up.

      June 28, 2010 at 1:57 pm |
    • Chrissy

      Brats are a definate favorite in the Upper Peninsula of MI. Beer Brats better yet!!

      June 28, 2010 at 2:05 pm |
    • Scott

      Brats – definitely, or other sausages. Hot dogs are for little kids.

      June 28, 2010 at 2:36 pm |
      • Toes14

        Scott – My kids get mad if I make them hot dogs instead of brats! Some kids are smart enough to know which is the best!

        June 28, 2010 at 5:36 pm |
    • Marcus68

      Oh Yeah! Brats with some hot mustard and 'kraut on top of a nice deli roll (no hot dog buns).

      June 28, 2010 at 3:40 pm |
    • Toes14

      We in Missouri know about brats and they are regularly included along with hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and steaks!

      June 28, 2010 at 5:34 pm |
    • Michael

      I live in the Pacific NW, and Johnsonville brats commercials have been on for at least 19 years that I know of... they're essential tailgating fare... geesh! You must not get out much! The rest of the world knows what you guys eat up there in "WISCONSIN", and we eat it too... along with chiles from New Mexico, and perogies from Pennsylvania, and Chicago dogs...

      June 29, 2010 at 2:15 am |
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