Young, Scrappy, and Hungry! A Hamilton-Inspired Menu for Your Independence Day Movie Watch.
What time is it? Showtime! The long-awaited Hamilton movie comes to Disney+ on July 3, just a day before Independence Day. So instead of grilling up burgers and hanging out (safely) on the beach this weekend, we’re getting cozy on the couch and watching the Broadway spectacle in the comfort of our own homes. History is happening in our living room! (And you know that the hardcore Hamilfans, myself included, are sort of hoping for a rainy Fourth of July weekend so we have a great excuse to watch it on repeat.)
Because this is the Super Bowl of musical movies, it needs an expansive snack buffet to live up to expectations. So how about this? I’ll arrange the menu, and you can arrange the venue and the seating. The following Hamilton-inspired menu transforms a bunch of favorite party appetizers and finger foods into themed eats and drinks that go along with the show. Pick and choose from these recipes to build a Hamil-feast for your own viewing experience.
A Hamilton-Inspired Menu for Your Independence Day Movie Watch
You have 161 minutes of film to watch (including an intermission), so you’ll need sustenance as you reunite with Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, the Schuyler Sisters, and the rest of the crew. Serve a few items during Act One and then go for a second course for Act Two, or set up a big spread and let your family go to town. Decisions are happening over dinner, after all.
It’s Only a Matter of Thyme cocktail
Raise a glass to freedom! While you can certainly kick back like the Sons of Liberty with two pints of Sam Adams (working on three) over the course of the movie, a big event like this is always more fun when you serve a themed cocktail.
This peach thyme Bellini can be made with white peaches to approximate the parchment color of the costumes worn by the ensemble, and it’s an appropriate drink if you just can’t wait and have to start watching first thing in the morning.
That Would Brie Enough
While I could likely eat an entire round of baked Brie cheese all on my own, that’s probably not the best idea — even if done over the course of a nearly three-hour film. But eating a few of these baked Brie bites wrapped in puff pastry would certainly be enough for me to be satisfied.
Instead of the cranberry filling in the original recipe, try alternating raspberry and blueberry preserves in your muffin tin bites for a summery Fourth of July feel.
Guns and Chips
Everyone give it up for America’s favorite fighting Frenchman with a simple combo of tortilla chips and homemade salsa that’s redder than redcoats. Amp it up and make your salsa extra spicy if you dare, in homage to Lafayette’s rapid-fire rap in this song.
Try either pico de gallo or restaurant-style salsa that comes together in a blender.
The Battle of Porktown
Once you’ve got spicy salsa on your side, have it pull double duty as a topping for your epic pulled pork faceoff battle: tacos versus nachos using slow cooker pulled pork as the base for both.
Set out taco shells or soft tortillas, more chips, and a toppings bar with options like crunchy slaw, shredded cheese, diced avocados, sour cream, and pickled jalapeño slices so everyone can choose. And if any fights break out, remember: Most disputes die and no one shoots.
Say Dough to This
What’s more seductive than a red swirl of marinara sauce as it oozes from a cheesy pocket of pizza dough? These air fryer mini calzones are the Maria Reynolds of the snack table: impossible to resist, and way too easy to go back for one more, even if you said it was the last time.
So pull a Hamilton and exhibit no restraint with these bite-sized savory pastries. And nobody needs to know they’re easily made with refrigerated pizza dough.
The Mushroom Where It Happens
You’ll talk less and smile more as you keep stuffing panko and herb-stuffed mushrooms into your mouth while watching Burr’s big moment. These classic appetizers have been the pièce de resistance of many a cocktail menu since the colonial era — and although they might not look like the most colorful bite, they’ll steal the show.
Best of Chives, Best of Women
Delicate in looks yet strong in flavor, chives are some of the undersung heroes of the herb world. So let’s take a moment to appreciate their Eliza Hamilton-like qualities and give them a spotlight moment in this French cheese spread. Or just fold chives into sour cream or plain Greek yogurt with a spoonful of mayo for a simple creamy dip.
Who Lives, Who Fries, Who Tells Your Story
We’ve had enough drama, so for the grand finale, let’s comfort ourselves with something sweet. But we’re running out of time, so quick — fire up the air fryer again for a round of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
Yes, it’s true! This ingenious method gives you warm, gooey cookies that rise up in five minutes. That’s practical tactical brilliance, if you ask me.
What do you plan on making? Let us know in the comments!