The ultimate 4th Of July cookout menu for NJ, according to my sons

When it comes to the 4th Of July, a lot of things may come to mind. Sure, fireworks displays are probably on the top of that list, but so are vacations and cookouts.

Vacations, of course, are a big deal in New Jersey. And with Independence Day falling on a Friday this year, it definitely adds to the excitement of a 3-day holiday weekend.

But even if you're not vacationing, one thing is probably a definite. One way or another, you're going to enjoy a good old 4th Of July barbecue cookout. It's the Jersey way, after all.

And with those cookouts comes the talk of food. What exactly should be served for that 4th Of July gathering?

Rather than go to a national or statewide poll to find out, I thought it would be interesting to see what my twin sons say belongs at a 4th Of July cookout. And I'll admit, what my almost 10 year old sons mentioned actually sounds like a pretty good menu.

What Jake thinks

First off, my son Jake. After posing this question to him, his response is something you might not expect from an almost 10 year old.

According to him, every 4th Of July gathering should have baked beans and potato salad. And I'll admit, I would love this at our gathering.

Baked beans is already said to be New Jersey's #1 dish for an Independence Day cookout, so we've already got that. But it's what he said about the potato salad that really makes it authentic to our state.

He said the potato salad must be made with Jersey potatoes. And luckily for us, we grow Jersey potatoes right in our own backyard. It really doesn't get more Jersey than that.

What Owen thinks

My son Owen, on the other hand, went a more traditional route. He said you can't celebrate the nations birthday without good-old American hamburgers and hotdogs.

And I personally agree with this. I mean, what kind of summer cookout would it be with out hamburgers and hotdogs? Let alone on the 4th Of July, it's probably one of the most American foods you can serve up.

As a follow up, I asked him about those who don't eat meat. His response? Just cook some veggie dogs and burgers. Everyone's covered.

Dessert choice

As for dessert, I thought my kids would say something like apple pie since there's nothing more American than that. But nope, they went a different route. And, I have to tell you, it's really not a bad option for a hot summer day.

My sons, who were unanimous on this, said the red, white, and blue bomb pops should be served. Honestly, that's a great and simple option to have.

MORE: The most and least common fireworks colors you'll see in NJ this summer

So when you put it all together, the ultimate Jersey 4th Of July gathering should have potato salad made with Jersey potatoes, baked beans, hamburgers, hotdogs, and patriotic bomb pops. I have to say, that sounds pretty good to me.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.