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20 Best 4th of July Menu Ideas for Any Patriotic Party
Appetizers, BBQ sides, and star-spangled desserts!
There's no better way to celebrate America's birthday than with plenty of good food (and some refreshing 4th of July drinks, of course). Just ask Ree Drummond who plans a huge 4th of July gathering in her hometown of Pawhuska each year. "We usually throw a big 4th of July shindig in our town, and although the fireworks, music, and decorations make me smile, the focus for me has always been the food," Ree says. The feast is filled with grilled burgers and hot dogs, of course, but there's tacos, steak bites, and refreshing snow cones, too. Back home, the Drummonds often host a smaller family celebration with even more classics. Think: fresh corn casserole, the best baked beans ever, and perhaps the most patriotic dessert of all time—a giant American flag sheet cake.
And if that doesn't inspired you for your 4th of July menu, don't worry—this roundup of 20 menus certainly will. Whether you're throwing a sophisticated 4th of July cocktail party, hosting a casual picnic, venturing off on a Independence Day camping trip, or want to celebrate just like the Drummonds, these menus and divine dishes have got you covered with deliciousness for every single occasion. There's even vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free menus, plus meals inspired completely by fresh summer produce and the stars and stripes—there's nothing more patriotic than a red, white, and blue themed party!
These menus have every recipe you need from start to finish to throw the best 4th of July celebration yet. Start with 4th of July appetizers and then venture into main courses like burgers, barbecued ribs, and juicy grilled steak recipes. Balance out the menu with filling salads, baked beans, and crunchy, munchy bites, and don't forget a summertime dessert. Each menu is complete with something delicious from no-bake pies and bubbling cobblers, to grab-and-go bars and, of course, plenty of frosty treats. Add a refreshing beverage (or two!) to wash it all down, and you're set! Just remember to make enough so that everyone can have seconds. 😉
Potluck 4th of July Menu
Let everyone help with this year's 4th of July feast. Each guest can oversee a certain section of the meal, and you'll end up with a wonderful variety that’s sure to make your party even more memorable.
Main Course
Sides
Desserts
Drink
Cocktail Party Menu
Summer calls for easy entertaining, so skip the fussy main course and instead make a bunch of finger foods like sliders, party dips, easy-to-grab skewers, and other munchies. Just mix up a few red, white, and blue cocktails and let happy hour begin!
Appetizers
Green Goddess Chicken Salad Dip
Best Fried Pickles
Garlic-Mustard Grilled Beef Skewers
Dessert
Drinks
Decadent 4th of July Menu
This mouthwatering menu is chock-full of all the good stuff: juicy cowboy steaks, finger-licking ribs, crispy fried snacks, and scrumptious desserts. Even the salads are over-the-top—just look at the loaded salad nachos. Tell your guests to come hungry!
Main Course
Sides
Bacon-Cheddar Skillet Cornbread
Grilled Corn with Spicy Bacon Butter
Desserts
Drinks
Seasonal 4th of July Menu
Beeline to your local farmers' market to stock up for this summertime feast—it stars the season's bounty! Think fresh corn, ripe tomatoes, juicy peaches, berries, watermelon, and so much more.
Main Course
Beef-Vegetable Kebabs with Orzo
Sides
Desserts
Drinks
Vegetarian 4th of July Menu
Don’t be fooled! These veggie-friendly dishes will be a hit with everyone at your party. With hearty pastas, an array of salads, and easy desserts, these recipes don't skimp on deliciousness. There's even a grilled veggie burger that proves you don’t need the meat at your 4th of July feast.
Main Course
Rigatoni with Summer Vegetables
Sides
Desserts
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Drinks
Watermelon-Inspired 4th of July Menu
It's the fruit on everybody's minds, after all. So why not give it the spotlight? Here, watermelon makes an appearance in just about every category: It's the star of side dishes, desserts, and even a few refreshing sippers. Balance things out with a heavier main and cheeseburger salad.
Main
Side
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Dessert
Drink
Red, White and Blue 4th of July Menu
Who doesn't love a good theme? Keep your meal red, white, and/or blue all over with this colorful menu. Bonus: Each of these vibrant recipes practically doubles as table décor, especially the 4th of July sheet cake.
Main Course
Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad Wrap
Sides
Dessert
Drink
Colorful 4th of July Menu
If you're having trouble coming up with a theme for this year's menu, try something simple: color! Take a look at the color of the food you're serving, then kick it up a notch. Most of the eye-catching dishes on this menu are bursting with vibrant rainbow hues—even the cocktail.
Main Course
Side
Dessert
Drink
All-Grilled Fourth of July Menu
It's just common sense, really: If you're going to the trouble of firing up your grill, you might as well use it for everything on your table, right? Right. From burgers and chops to pizza and even peaches for dessert, the grill can do it all.
Main Course
Side
Grilled Chicken and Lemon Orzo Salad
Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese
Dessert
Drink
Easy 4th of July Menu
There's no need to spend hours in the kitchen whipping up a winning 4th of July menu! Sometimes, the simplest techniques make for the most impressive outcomes. The flank steak recipe is practically a "Grilling 101" lesson, the key lime pie requires no baking and can be made ahead, and the grilled corn is every bit as easy as it looks.
Main Course
Side
Classic Coleslaw
Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
Dessert
Drink
Skillet 4th of July Menu
Whip out those trusty cast-iron pans! This menu relies on the beloved kitchen workhorse for mains, sides, and desserts. (Of course, if you've only got one or two skillets at home, you can always mix and match these ideas with dishes from the other menus on our list.)
Main Course
Side
Skillet Dinner Rolls with Herb Butter
Roasted Veggie Cast-Iron Pizza
Dessert
Drink
Picnic Fourth of July Menu
A picnic on the 4th is not exactly revolutionary, it's true...but we don't really mind. Few things are more summery than a good old-fashioned spread that can be enjoyed outdoors. Pack up sandwiches, salads, and some easy-to-serve treats too, then get outside with the whole family for a meal you won't soon forget.
Main Course
Side
Chipotle Pasta Salad with Mozzarella
Dessert
Drink
Slow Cooker 4th of July Menu
Yes, you can make an entire 4th of July meal right in your slow cooker. And the few menu items on our list that don't get thrown into the beloved gadget are easy enough to make on their own. (Case in point: If you can pour strawberries into a bowl, you've got this dessert down pat. Serve over scoops of store-bought vanilla ice cream if you dare!). Get ready to save tons of time making these fabulous dishes.
Main Course
Slow Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches
Fall-off-the-Bone Slow Cooker Glazed Ribs
Side
Dessert
Drink
Meat Lovers 4th of July Menu
Burger enthusiasts, this one's for you. We've compiled some of our favorite dishes for meat lovers in this hearty, fuss-free menu. Refreshing salads, ice cream sandwiches, and adults-only slushies balance things out.
Main Course
Side
Steak and Bacon Salad with Chipotle Dressing
Dessert
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches
Drink
Camping Cookout 4th of July Menu
Even if you're not spending your 4th of July in the woods, giving a nod to traditional camping fare is still a fun idea. Foil-covered "bundles" and cowboy beans are just two of the reasons to fall in love with this menu—and just wait until you get a load of those chocolate-covered s'mores.
Main Course
Ham Sandwiches with Quick Pickles
Side
Dessert
Drink
Southern Fourth of July Menu
It's no secret that the very best 4th of July grub is comfort food. In this menu, we've rounded up a few of our favorite Southern recipes to help you put the "down home" in "home of the brave." (Har har har.)
Main Course
Spicy Steak with Pimiento Cheese Grits
Side
Dessert
Drink
Cheese Lover's 4th of July Menu
If you're the kind of person who wouldn't dream of eating a burger without slapping a slice of cheese on top, this is the menu for you. Each of these creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dishes involve a generous helping of—you guessed it!—cheese. Heck, even the dessert is loaded with the stuff! Wash everything down with a refreshing lavender lemonade.
Main Course
Side
Dessert
Drink
Ree-Inspired Fourth of July Menu
Take a cue from The Pioneer Woman herself with menu ideas inspired by her own favorite 4th of July recipes. Ree's signature Dr Pepper Pulled Pork will have your guests swarming for seconds, but it's her warm, seasonal Peach Crisp that'll really make their skirts fly up.
Main Course
Side
Creamy Lemon Basil Potato Salad
Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil
Dessert
Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Sauce
Drink
Gluten-Free 4th of July Menu
Gluten-free is anything but boring, and with one bite of the corn salad or cheesy baked tomatoes on this menu, you'll see that for yourself. Add homemade ice cream and a summery mocktail to the mix for added fun.
Main Course
Sheet-Pan Cajun Chicken and Corn
Shrimp & Tomato Sheet Pan Supper
Side
Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing
Dessert
Drink
Spirit-Inspired 4th of July Menu
If a whiskey-maple sundae loaded with bacon can't convince you to take a closer look at this menu, well, we don't know what will. Spirit-infused beverages are highlighted in almost every one of the dishes here, and each one is more mouthwatering than the last. For extra credit, finish things off with an impressive bananas Foster (just be careful with the open flame!).
Main Course
Side
Dessert
Whiskey-Maple Sundaes with Bacon
Drink
Watch Next
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