Looking for 4th of July food ideas for your holiday gathering? We've got grilled classics, salads, and patriotic sides and desserts perfect for your Independence day celebration.
As we Americans celebrate the independence day of our nation, families and friends around the country gather in homes for a fourth of July party. Our family loves to host a backyard barbecue with lots of yummy food, sweet treats, outdoor games, and splashing around our above ground pool before heading off to the local fireworks show in the evening.
No July 4th party would be complete without some really delicious food, and today I'm sharing my favorite fourth of July food ideas. I prefer my 4th of July food to fall into three categories: patriotic food, American classics, and grilled food. Nothing says America like firing up the grill and serving some over the top red, white, and blue desserts and side dishes.
I hope these 4th of July food ideas help you have the best feast yet!
Main dishes
You can go as basic or fancy as you want here. I've included the basics, grilling upleveled, classic American favorites, and more.
- hamburgers
- hot dogs or bratwurst
You can't go wrong with a classic hot dog or brat. Serve with all the toppings: ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, sauerkraut.
- lemon herb chicken kabobs
- smoked sausage kabobs
- best simple grilled chicken thighs
- buttermilk fried chicken (or order some ahead of time)
- baby back ribs
- oven bbq chicken leg quarters or legs
- slow cooker bbq chicken thighs
- summer charcuterie board
Side dishes
Side dishes are where it's at when it comes to cookouts. Give me all of them! These highlight the best of the seasonal summer produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, peppers, squash, zucchini, and fruit. All of these are winners and they are also mayo-free!
- healthy Asian inspired cabbage salad
- Greek quinoa salad
- cucumber and dill salad
- tomato and cucumber salad
- red white and blue potato salad
- quick and easy pasta salad
- sweet corn on the cob
- black bean and corn salad
- 4th of July fruit salad
- red white and blue fruit kabobs
- chips and sour cream dip
- fresh homemade salsa with corn chips
- baked beans
- grilled squash and zucchini
- squash casserole
- corn salad
Desserts
Patriotic desserts are such a fun way to celebrate America's birthday even if you don't have any other red white & blue food on the menu. Blue and red berries along with white cake or ice cream are easy ways to sneak in the patriotic colors. It's a great way to take advantage of the summer bounty while staying festive.
- red white and blue popsicles: homemade or store-bought (I like Johnny Pops brand)
- patriotic parfaits
- American flag cake
- 4th of july ice cream sandwiches: Just store bought ice cream sandwiches with red and blue sprinkles. Easy!
- patriotic trifle
- cherry pie
- blueberry cobbler
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