We’ve gathered our favorite Fourth of July menu ideas, due to the fact that there’s something about food around this holiday that’s impossible to forget and exciting to eagerly anticipate. These side salads, slaws, and dips are fresh, intense, and full of tastes that household, friends, and celebration visitors will be raving about all year long.
We’ve written some 4th of July menus with meals that are easy to tote, whether to a potluck or to the local park, as well as some others that are better suited for beachside or lakeside celebrations. You’ll see some regional favorites with lots of special, unforeseen active ingredients (like Cheese Slaw) together with classics like Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders and sliders.
We’ve matched dishes with special desserts that are worth taking out all the stops, from ice cold Frozen Lemonade Pie and Ice Cream Sandwiches to a festive Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle. You’ll discover a series of menu ideas, whether you’re hosting a big event or something quick, simple, and sweet for a select few.
01
of 07
Fourth of July at the Park
An appetizing mix of buttermilk and pickle salt water updates these chicken tenders to make them extra craveable. Kick things off by circulating buttery crackers and Cheese Slaw, a refreshing, velvety, tacky appetiser dip that rounds things out with a little heat from pepperoncini and jalapeño. Seasonal Vidalia onion and cucumber salad are a preferred in the summer season heat.
A red, white, and blue trifle is the showstopper. Not just is it a terrific method to use an assortment of fresh, joyful red and blue berries, however it’s easy to carry to and from a parkside celebration with very little clean-up.
02
of 07
Fourth of July at the Lake
This menu has lots of the classics and great for a crowd of any ages. Broccoli slaw is creamy, crunchy, and plays well with a sweet in-season corn pasta that even the kids will like. For the adults and the adventurous eaters, these grilled pork chops are inexpensive, umami-rich, and beautifully experienced.
This lakeside meal tops things off with ice cream sandwiches, a traditional dessert for scampering around the dock, deck, and everywhere in between.
03
of 07
Seaside Fourth of July Feast
This is a simple yet unique menu for Fourth festivities that integrates fresh shrimp, which is constantly a hit at the beach. Tossed together on a sheet pan with fresh corn cobs, potatoes, and smoked sausage, it’s whatever delicious about a traditional Shrimp Boil without a lots of extra effort or unneeded pots and pans. Use leftover fresh corn to whip up a corn and tomato side dish that’s tangy, velvety, and completely well balanced to a seafood-forward meal.
As the sun sets and everybody is preparing for fireworks, slice into a Frozen Lemonade pie– no fresh lemons needed, simply one container of frozen lemonade and only 30 minutes of hands-on time.
04
of 07
4th of July Grill-Out
Fire up the grill for buttery spuds that are crisp on the outdoors and melty on the within. Serve pimiento cheese as an appetizer and save some additional spoonfuls to update classic grilled chicken sandwiches with some Southern flair. This recipe for grilled watermelon is extremely basic, however it’s outstanding– break out Tajin, chile lime powder, or additional lime enthusiasm and flaky salt for visitors to pick from.
You can’t fail with a side of velvety potato salad, and this recipe includes 3 various pickles– consisting of okra– for a zesty edge that compliments the smoky umami of grilling tastes. Cherry delight is reminiscent of cherry pie, but simpler to prep and serve for a crowd. Everyone will love the fond memories of cherry pie filling with a velvety cheesecake base and buttery graham cracker crust.
05
of 07
Fourth of July Potluck
Traditional smash hamburgers with a little bit of Southern flair anchor the potluck with crispy tender patties and American cheese. Texas caviar– likewise passionately called “cowboy caviar”– is a substantial hit at any event, plus it’s simple to whip up and does not need any cooking.
If you’re truly attempting to display– and even if you’re not– this cornbread salad looks beautiful in a trifle meal: layers of cornbread, veggies, and bacon are tossed and dressed to impress. Buttermilk makes this blueberry cobbler extra unique for those with a craving for sweets and increased Arnold Palmers keep the celebration going well into the proving of fireworks.
06
of 07
4th of July Dinner Party
Decorated with sweet fresh corn-chile relish and flavorfully spiced, this flank steak is a stylish summertime supper favorite. The menu likewise includes summertime produce in brand-new, raised, and in some cases unforeseen ways.
Serve crostini with a macerated strawberries, fresh mint, and jalapeños for a sweet, savory, and somewhat hot twist. Save some strawberries for a crispy prosciutto salad, and surface things off with sweet, ripe grilled peaches and ice cream. Not just are palomas are advanced and rejuvenating, however they’re simple to make and have a gorgeous blush pink hue.
07
of 07
Vegetarian Fourth of July
This menu is festive, colorful, and ideal for vegetable fans. Our jackfruit barbecue is tasty, hearty, and dressed with stylish cabbage slaw. Cantaloupe salad and green bean almondine lend some fresh flavors to seasonal veggies. Roasted tomato mac and cheese puts ripe tomatoes to great usage, too.
This strawberry and basil pavlova recipe just needs a sheet pan and minimal cooking area equipment to make a light, pillowy meringue that’s the ideal sweet automobile for syrupy strawberries and fresh basil.
