It’s Fourth of July on a stick: Skewers make your party a breeze

The Fourth of July is the time to celebrate with fireworks, family and, of course, food. This year let’s make the celebration even easier and more fun — by taking everything on a stick.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a picnic or attending a block party, these skewers will keep everyone happily munching without the mess.

When it comes to holiday fare, I love a good kabob. Kabobs are the ultimate finger food; they’re easy to eat while mingling or watching the fireworks.

They’re customizable, delicious and fun to make. You can go savory, sweet or a combination of both, and the best part? They require no plates. Just grab and go.

Tip: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using.

Here are some kabob ideas that will impress your guests and make cleanup a breeze.

The Appetizer Skewer: Let’s start with something light, fresh and oh-so-flavorful. Mini Caprese Skewers are as simple as they get — just cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves, all threaded onto skewers. They offer a burst of tangy goodness with every bite. For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle them with a little balsamic glaze before serving. These skewers are a perfect appetizer. They’re vibrant, simple and a refreshing break from the heavier grilling options.

The Dessert Skewer: Want to add a little sweetness to your menu? These Firework Fruit Skewers will do the trick. Thread fresh strawberries, blueberries and banana slices onto skewers for a patriotic burst of red, white and blue. Brush the banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. To take these skewers over the top, brush them with melted coconut oil and toss them on the grill for a minute or two to add a smoky, caramelized sweetness that’s simply irresistible. Serve with ice cream or glazed doughnuts. Trust me on this.

The All-American Chicken Sausage Skewers: These skewers are a true crowd-pleaser, combining the savory goodness of chicken and apple sausage, or your favorite sausage, with the vibrant colors of red peppers, earthy mushrooms and sweet red onions. It’s a simple but flavorful combination that also looks gorgeous on the platter and captures the spirit of the Fourth of July — celebrating all things fresh, bold and fun.

So, fire up the grill, grab your skewers and let the good times roll — no plates, no problem!

All-American Chicken Sausage Skewers

Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 chicken and apple sausages (or your favorite sausage variety)

1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 red onion, cut into chunks

8 large mushrooms, halved or quartered

2 zucchini

Olive oil for brushing

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish, optional

Procedure

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice the sausages into 1-inch pieces. You want them to be bite-size for easy skewer assembly. Thread the sausage pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of red bell peppers, red onion and mushrooms. Lightly brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place the skewers on the preheated grill, turning occasionally until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender with a slight char, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Once done, remove from the grill and cool. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top for added flavor and color, if desired. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve.