A Melting-Pot Menu For July 4th

For many, the Fourth of July holiday weekend is filled with traditional backyard barbecues of all kinds, trips to the beach, and leisurely picnics in the park (often with fireworks). But instead of relying on burgers and potato salad, spice up your menu this year by hosting a multicultural feast in homage to the U.S.'s ethnic diversity. It's been said nothing is more American than apple pie — but we'd like to think a menu inspired by dishes from around the world is more fitting.

Click here for A Melting-Pot Menu for July 4th Slideshow.

To inspire you, we've come up with 12 international favorites. Hosting guests for brunch? Make a traditional Polish babka in advance and then whip up fresh lassis, milkshake-like Indian yogurt drinks for your guests to enjoy. Hosting a Fourth of July dinner party? Sushi and Brazilian cheese bread, or Pão de Queijo, can be easily set out on trays as appetizers, while pitchers of ice-cold margaritas will surely bring a smile to your guests' faces. To save time on the day of your party, choose a main dish that can be made in advance or doesn't require your full attention, like a big pan of hearty Italian lasagna or Spanish paella, so you can enjoy spending time with your guests.

And because hosting a party and cooking a meal for a crowd is challenging enough, we've teamed up with Bottlenotes, Inc. founder and CEO Alyssa Rapp who has shared her favorite picks for wine to pair with many of the featured dishes. After all, when you're serving a Greek moussaka, why not choose an excellent Xinomavro over a California Pinot Noir?

Click here for A Melting-Pot Menu for July 4th Slideshow.