The Most Popular 4th of July Dish in Every U.S. State

In New Jersey, every backyard on the 4th smells like an old-school festival. Grills loaded with thick coils of Italian sausage and rainbow-colored peppers create a kind of celebratory symphony—loud, a little chaotic, and full of flavor.

The dish migrated from Newark delis and Hoboken stoops, carried by generations who knew a good cookout starts with sizzling links and a splash of olive oil. Tucked into crusty rolls or plated beside pasta salad, sausage and peppers embody Jersey’s energy: bold, spicy, and hard to ignore.