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Bobby Flay Swears by This One Dish Every 4th of July—and It’s Not What You Think
For most of us, the Fourth of July means burgers on the grill, hot dogs in buns, and maybe a slab of ribs for good measure. But if you’re Bobby Flay, America’s favorite grill master, you throw tradition out the window—and throw some pork chops on the grill instead.
Bobby Flay’s Unexpected 4th of July Tradition
In a conversation with Wondercade, Flay revealed that his go-to July 4th dish isn’t what you’d expect. “Pork loin has a low fat content, so it cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well,” he explained. That makes it perfect for a holiday where no one wants to be stuck over the coals all day.
Flay prefers thick, bone-in, center-cut chops—about 1½ inches thick—to strike the perfect balance between lean meat and flavorful fat. And while pork can dry out quickly, he keeps it juicy by brining it ahead of time. That extra step helps the meat retain moisture and adds depth of flavor before it even hits the grill.
But the real trick? Getting a deep, crusty char. “The char adds texture and locks in juices,” Flay says. It also brings out a smoky, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with a glaze. His favorite? A sweet-tart balsamic vinegar reduction. But he’s quick to point out that home cooks should get creative—anything from a barbecue glaze to a jam-and-mustard combo can work just as well.
His final tip? Let your pork chops sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. “If you cook it straight from the fridge, it can heat unevenly and dry out,” he warns. For perfect results, he recommends grilling until the internal temp hits 145°F.
Flay’s Favorite Sides to Complete the Cookout
Of course, no Fourth of July meal is complete without a lineup of killer sides—and Flay has that covered too. Over on Food Network, he’s curated a collection of bold, seasonal dishes that pair perfectly with pork chops.
Some standouts from his list include:
- Grilled Corn Salad with Lime, Red Chili and Cotija – Sweet corn meets smoky heat and creamy cheese.
- Watermelon-Cucumber Salad with Feta and Mint – Refreshing and bright, this one cuts right through the richness of grilled meats.
- German Potato Salad with Bacon – Warm, tangy, and packed with flavor.
- Tomato Bread Salad (Panzanella) – Hearty, herby, and perfect for soaking up meat juices.
- Roasted Beet Salad with Orange Vinaigrette – Earthy meets citrus in this vibrant side dish.
Tell us! What do you think of Bobby Flay’s tradition of pork chops for Independence Day? Let us know in the comments below.
