Juneteenth Party Food Guide: Recipes for a Beautiful Celebration

What is Juneteenth 

Juneteenth is on June 19th. It commemorates the day the news reached the last group of enslaved people in Texas that they were free from slavery. This is a day to celebrate freedom for all Americans. Wave your Juneteenth flag which is red, white, and blue like the U.S. flag to celebrate freedom for all Americans 

How to Celebrate

Many communities across the U.S. have large celebrations like parades or family fun days. There are also organizations and groups that have events. 

Get creative by dressing in red, white, and blue and even style your nails in the theme. 

Having a cookout or barbecue are classic options that are perfectly suitable for any size crowd. Choosing to have a dinner party is an out of the box option, but could be a delight for your guests and a way to wind down in the evening after a day of festivities. 

You could even have a classics cook off. Choose a classic dish in Black American cuisine and have your guests make their best versions. 

The food options below will predominantly be centered around Black American food traditions but there will also be influences from across the African diaspora.  

Salad

An array of salad options are great for the summer season. Some of these can be warmed and, of course, others are served chilled. 

Sugar Snap Pea Salad

A new way to each these sugar snap peas that’s full of flavor

Collard Green Slaw

A culturally classic green styled in a new way

Soul Food Salad

Black American classics mixed into one flavorful salad

Chicken Salad

Protein filled, creamy, and simple to put together

Brussel, Kale, Apple Salad

A light crisp salad

Spicy Watermelon Salad

The famous red fruit with a kick

Potato Salad

There is sometimes debate over who makes it; make sure it’s the right person. 

Dessert

What’s a celebration without dessert? Make one or multiple sweet treats to wow your guests. From upgraded classics to a little something new, these desserts will work well for your Juneteenth party.

Tea Cakes

Grandma’s simple dessert

Cardamon Loaf Cake

A warm, spice filled sweet treat

Banana Pudding 

Smooth, crunchy, and full of flavor

Sweet Potato Pound Cake

This combination of two Black American favorites will suit your Juneteenth party menu

Brown Sugar Cake

A simple and subtle dessert to please a crowd

Pineapple Coconut Cake

Add some tropical flair with this cake option

Peach Cobbler with Oat Streusel

A nice fruity dessert full of richness and spice

Appetizers

Small dishes for your guests to nibble on while dinner is finishing are great to set out or have guests bring in potluck fashion.  

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

A pop-able Juneteenth party treat

Deviled Eggs

This barbecue classic has many variations to suit many different appetites

Hot Cheesy Collard Green Dip

A classic dip with a Black American twist

Sides

Vegetables and carbs are needed for a complete meal. These sides are full of flavor and support the theme for a Juneteenth party. 

Layered Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes with soul 

Stewed White Beans

Warm, comforting, and still suitable for a summer celebration

Green Beans

Vegetables are needed and these are perfect for a quick addition

Creamed Corn

One of summer’s favorite veggies with a tiara on top

Collard Greens

The classic that simply makes sense

Yellow Squash

A sometimes forgotten summer vegetable makes a beautiful side dish

Main Course

Some of these are more suitable for a dinner party, while others work well for a more casual gathering. These are a mix of classics and dishes that are a small twist on classics.

Tamarind BBQ Ribs

Mix a special ingredient that spans the diaspora with a grilled favorite

Pan Fried Snapper Fillet

Fancy to some, but a classic in other communities throughout the diaspora 

Fried Catfish

A southern staple that’s served at events and home dinner tables 

Honey Garlic Wings

A bit a sweetness is perfect for this simple wing dish

BBQ Ribs

Simple but flavorful and customizable 

Lemon Pepper Wings

The tangy favorite among Black American culture is a must

Caramel Ginger Braised Chicken

Spiced and rich, perfect for a cozy Juneteenth dinner

Drinks

A signature drink at your event will definitely wow your guest and elevate the experience at your Juneteenth party. Make non-alcoholic drinks to remain hydrated in the summer heat. 

Cornbread Latte

A favorite accompaniment turned into a drink

Cucumber Basil Hugo Spritz

Light and refreshing, made into a mocktail

Hot Honey Peach Margarita Mocktail

Spicy, sweet, and fruity…what you need in a signature drink for your Juneteenth party

https://www.orchidsandsweettea.com/hot-honey-peach-margarita-mocktail/

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