Celebrate Independence Day with a bang using this 4th of July Party Menu Plan to get your patriotic get-together off to a sizzling start! This 4th of July Party Menu Plan has loads of great recipe ideas for you to choose from when planning your big bash for the Fourth!
The 4th of July is one of my very favorite holidays. The fireworks, the parades, the cooking and eating out of doors with lots of grilling and fresh fruits and warm weather all just combine to create one fantastic, magical holiday. And it feels like there is way less pressure, unlike the faster paced holidays of Christmas or Thanksgiving!
One of the best parts of the our Independence Day is the gathering of friends, neighbors, family – everybody, really! Whether you are gathering in the cul-de-sac in your neighborhood to set off fireworks, on the back patio for a good old-fashioned cookout, or taking your food to go to a fireworks show, there are some amazing recipe ideas in this round-up from some of my favorite food bloggers that are sure to be a hit at your 4th of July party!
I’ve got everything from appetizers and drinks, to main dishes, sides and desserts are covered, helping you come up with your holiday menu without a hassle. These are all recipes that I have personally made for a 4th of July party or friends have brought and shared, so you can be sure that every one of them is a keeper!
4th of July Appetizers
Kick off your 4th of July bash with a spread of delightful summer appetizers that scream sunshine and good times! As friends and family gather, these appetizers set the perfect mood for a day filled with laughter, fireworks, and summer memories in the making.
- 4th of July Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
- Best Deviled Eggs
- Slow Cooker Little Smokies in Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce
- Crispy Homemade Onion Rings
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip
- Texas Cowboy Caviar
- Trader Joe’s Lentil Bruschetta Feta Dip
- Bacon Dip from The Gingered Whisk
- Chili Cheese Dog Dip from Bread Booze Bacon
Summer Salads and Sides
When it comes to salads and side dishes for your 4th of July extravaganza, think fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor! Summer recipes featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers are always a hit. Add a twist with a red, white, and blue potato salad, where creamy mayo meets chunks of red potatoes, blue potatoes, and crunchy celery for a patriotic vibe. And you can’t go wrong with corn on the cob and slices of cold watermelon.
These dishes not only complement your grilled favorites but also ensure your guests leave with smiles and satisfied bellies after a day of celebrating under the sun. Here are some of our faves:
- Deviled Egg Potato Salad
- Seafood Pasta Salad
- Best Macaroni Salad
- Best Baked Beans Recipe
- Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
- Watermelon Basil Feta Salad
- Best Corn on the Cob
- Frito Corn Salad
- Patriotic Quinoa Fruit Salad from It’s Yummi
- Patriotic Fruit Salad from Cooking on the Front Burner
- Caramelized Onion & Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe from Bread Booze Bacon
Side Dish
Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
Side Dish
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Main Dishes from the Good Old USA
When it’s time to fire up the grill for your 4th of July bash, you want main dishes that bring the flavor and sizzle! Picture juicy burgers loaded with all the fixings—melty cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a dollop of tangy BBQ sauce, all sandwiched between a toasted bun. If burgers aren’t your thing, imagine sinking your teeth into tender BBQ ribs slathered in a finger-lickin’ sauce that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. And for our veggie-loving friends, grilled vegetable kebabs featuring colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms marinated in a zesty herb dressing are a tasty alternative. These main dishes are sure to be the stars of your patriotic feast, making your backyard gathering one to remember!
- Red, White, and Blueberry Bacon Burger with Basil Aioli
- Authentic Texas Barbecue Smoked Brisket
- Cornell Chicken
- Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe
- New Jersey Italian Hot Dogs
- Coney Island Hot Dogs
- Southern Fried Chicken
- Huli Huli Chicken
- Marinated Steak Kabobs
- Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Coconut-Rum Grilled Shrimp from Home Cooking Memories
- Barbecue Bacon Hot Dogs from Cooking with Curls
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork from The Life Jolie
Family-Friendly Patriotic Drinks
Quenching your thirst on the 4th of July is easy-peasy with family-friendly drinks that scream summer fun! Imagine whipping up batches of refreshing homemade lemonade, bursting with fresh-squeezed goodness and just the right amount of sweetness to keep everyone cool. For a fizzy twist, set up a DIY Italian soda bar with colorful syrups and sparkling water so kids can mix up their own bubbly concoctions. These drinks will keep everyone hydrated and happy while you celebrate Independence Day with your loved ones!
- Virgin Piña Coladas (Non-Alcoholic)
- Shirley Temples
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Easy Watermelon Lemonade
- Homemade Hawaiian Punch Recipe
- Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep
- Easy Brazilian Lemonade (Limeade)
- Red White & Blue Daiquiri from Kleinworth & Co. (there is a mocktail option!)
- Red White & Blue Sparkling Cider from Around My Family Table
- Peach Sweet Tea from Bread Booze Bacon
Independence Day Desserts
Cap off your Independence Day celebration with desserts that add a sweet finale! For a classic American twist, serve up homemade cherry pie or apple pie with a flaky crust and a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. And for the little ones (and the young at heart), set out a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar with all the fixings—chocolate sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream, and cherries on top. Or let them make their own ice cream in a bag for a fun activity! These desserts will leave everyone smiling and satisfied, making your 4th of July party one to remember!
- Red, White, and Blue Bundt Cake
- Cherry Pie Bars
- Old-Fashioned Blueberry Cobbler
- Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake
- 4th of July Flag Cake
- Summertime Strawberry Shortcake
- Magnolia Banana Pudding Recipe
- Easy Fresh Fruit Pizza
- S’mores Bars
- Old Glory American Flag Pie
- Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
- Firecracker Cake from Love Bakes Good Cakes
- Berry Cheesecake Trifle from Liz on Call
- Coconut Berry Icebox Cake from Self Proclaimed Foodie