4th of July Party Menu

Celebrate Independence Day with a classic 4th of July menu that’s perfect for barbecues and backyard cookouts. The whole family will love these recipes and ideas for burgers, hot dogs, side salads, dessert and more! Make it potluck style so everyone can share the work and make this the best summer gathering.

collage of cookout party food recipes for 4th of July parties.

July 4th is one of America’s biggest holidays highlighted by festive Americana decorations, neighborhood parades, pool parties, and backyard bbq’s. And the traditional meal typically includes grilling and make-ahead dishes.

I’m gathering all my favorite recipes that I’ve been serving for years! Plus some non-recipe food ideas for those of us who want to make it even easier to prepare.

Helpful Tips

  • Pick and choose from the list of salads, veggies, grilled meats, and more. Everything can be prepped ahead or cooked on the grill for easy entertaining.
  • Share in the work so you can have fun too. Make this a potluck party so guests can bring their favorite recipes.
  • Take your party to the next level with these 4th of July party ideas. Adding a focal point such as food or drink stations makes it more interactive and social.
  • Make sure you’re grill is ready for cooking. Check to make sure it’s clean, there’s plenty of fuel or charcoal, and you have the right cooking tools.
  • Don’t forget your signature party drink. Serve up a blue cocktail or a pitcher of red-toned blackberry-lemonade iced tea.
collage of easy appetizers.

Appetizers

A summer bbq is one where I like to keep the appetizers simple with a cold dip or grilled snack. In fact, a trio of chips like ruffled potato chips, flavored tortillas, and hearty corn chips may be just what you need to hold you over for the main event.

  • Cowboy salsa – This corn and bean “cowboy caviar” is a classic for good reason. It’s so delicious and easy to make ahead! You can even serve it as a side salad if you like.
  • Bacon wrapped chicken bites – If you’re outside grilling you have the opportunity to make these bacon and chicken appetizers. Pickled jalapeno and water chestnuts add flavor and crunch, and I guarantee they will be a hit with your guests! Prepare them ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to cook them on the grill.
  • Veggie tray – I include a vegetable tray of some sort at most of my parties. It can range from veggies in bread cups to stuffed cherry tomatoes or cucumber cups. It may seem basic but people DO appreciate it. For a relaxed summer party I like this presentation of veggie sticks served in a rustic freeform pattern, that’s easy to pick up and nibble on.
  • Fruit tray – Refreshing summer fruit can be a light appetizer, side dish, or dessert. A patriotic themed fruit platter needs little more than sliced watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries and blackberries. If you can find star fruit (carambola) at your grocery store, slice it to add a “stars and stripes” theme.
collage of grilling recipes including hot dogs, burger, chicken and beef kabobs.

Entrees

The main dish at a cookout party is typically cooked on the grill. Although we love to include some other options too.

  • Hot dog roast – Old fashioned fun and memories can start with a hot dog roasted over an open flame. We loved this as a kid! Just make sure you keep safety in mind especially with younger children. If you’re feeling inspired, set up the ultimate hot dog bar.
  • When it comes to grilling for July 4th, I grab this recipe for juicy burgers for a crowd. The ingredients may sound unconventional but the results are fantastic! Other burger recipes include:
  • Grilled lemon-herb chicken – Light and savory chicken breast is a crowd pleaser on July 4th. Prep it ahead and let it marinate for several hours or overnight. Then it’s ready for grilling!
  • Grilled beef kabobs – Another classic for cooking outside is kabobs. This recipe uses cubes of sirloin beef and a simple brush-on seasoning. You can thread everything onto skewers ahead of time and then cook when ready.
  • Slow cooker bbq beef – If you really want to get ahead of the day, make pulled beef barbecue in the crockpot a day ahead. It’s a hearty and satisfying alternative to the grilled meats.
collage of side dishes including pasta salad, potato salad, and corn on the cob.

Sides Dishes

It pays to have a list of go-to summer side dishes that are easy and delicious. Here are some of my favorites for a July 4th party.

  • Creamy potato salad with eggs and bacon is hands down my favorite side dish for barbecues. You make it ahead and you can use a mix of red, white and blue potatoes to make it patriotic.
  • Coming in at a close second is my creamy pasta salad with eggs and mayo. It’s got flavor, crunch, creaminess, and a hint of sweet to make it southern.
  • Grilled corn on the cob with parmesan butter is a traditional grilled side dish that everyone loves. For a larger gathering I suggest cutting the corn on the cob into halves or thirds to make it easier to eat, and to feed more people.
  • Another easy option for vegetarians is this pesto pasta salad that’s got beans, sundried tomatoes, and sweet red and yellow bell peppers. Follow my simple method for cooking the peppers just right so they’re softened but still crisp.
  • Although we typically add these sweet & spicy baked beans to the side dish table, it’s got enough protein to act as a main dish too. Sausage and bacon take this recipe over the top!
collage of side dish salads and chips.
  • I have to urge you to make Doritos corn salad for a unique but amazing side dish. The combination of sweet and savory is in perfect balance and has plenty of texture. I could eat the whole bowl!
  • Another super simple option is watermelon salad with salty feta, sweet balsamic glaze, and fresh basil.
  • This crowd pleasing corn salad is loaded with summer produce like tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions. My “trick” is to char the outside of the corn kernels to caramelize it before mixing everything together.
  • An absolute MUST at backyard parties is an abundance of chips! For July 4th, fill paper cones with red, white and blue potato chips for a festive snack that guests can walk around with. They also make the ideal side item to burgers and hot dogs.
collage of red, white and blue desserts.

Dessert

Summer berries help to make delectable red, white and blue 4th of July desserts. Here are some great choices.

  • Red, white and blue berry trifle – The perfect dessert that feeds a crowd and you make it ahead. Fresh berries, yellow cake and white chocolate ganache make this indulgence totally worth it!
  • Strawberry shortcakes – Make this crowd pleasing recipe in individual servings, or prep it all in one big trifle dish. It’s summer in a bowl!
  • Stuffed strawberries – Sweet cheesecake filling takes seasonal strawberries to the next level. Stuff them like I did here or simply serve the filling in a bowl and let guests dip the fruit inside.
  • Easy 4th of July mini pies – It doesn’t get much easier than making pies with fruit filling and refrigerated pie dough. The fun part comes when you use mini star-shaped cookie cutters to decorate the top. Use this for mini pies or full size ones.
  • Flag cake – Nothing is more themed for July 4th than a flag cake! See how to make this layer cake step-by-step so when you cut into it, you get a patriotic surprise.

Are you ready to create your 4th of July party menu and celebrate with friends and family? I think you and your guests will love these recipes as much as we do!

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