The Best 4th of July Menus to Serve at Your Annual Cookout
They make it easy to plan a star-spangled spread.
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Every year, the Drummonds throw one seriously fun 4th of July bash. Ree usually sticks to the classics—think juicy steaks, burgers hot off the grill, and plenty of barbecued ribs—but she's also known to toss in a few surprises, like a taco bar or some new summer sides. Your own celebration might look a little different (maybe it's kid-friendly, maybe it's beachside or by the pool), but whatever your plans, this big roundup of 4th of July menu ideas has you covered.
You'll find all the 4th of July recipes you need, from crowd-pleasing appetizers to sweet and summery desserts. There are main courses like ribs and steak recipes, plus plenty of BBQ sides like baked beans, hearty salads, and more. Maybe you're in the mood for a picnic-style meal, a red-white-and-blue themed spread, or something meaty for the grill lovers in your life. No matter what you choose, each menu comes with something tasty to end on, like a no-bake pie, a bubbling cobbler, or a frozen treat or two. And don't forget a cold drink to go with it all—just make enough for seconds! 😉
Hot and Spicy 4th of July Menu
Some folks like to play it safe on the 4th of July, but this menu is not for them. These spicy queso burgers have just the right amount of heat, and the Nashville-style hot chicken is so good you'll need a napkin in each hand. Balance it all out with jalapeño cornbread and a cold drink nearby—trust us.
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Drink
State Fair 4th of July Menu
You don't need a ticket to the state fair to get your fill of crispy, fried, glorious food. This menu is full of crowd-pleasers, from corn dogs to funnel cake, and the strawberry shortcake ice cream sandwiches might just steal the show. You’ve been warned.
Main Course
Sides
Desserts
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches
Drink
Taco Lover's 4th of July Menu
This taco-themed bash doesn't need a Tuesday to shine. Build-your-own pulled pork or shrimp tacos keep things casual and fun, while freezer door margaritas chill in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Make it a party with esquites and a round of choco tacos to finish!
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Drink
Classic BBQ 4th of July Menu
You can't go wrong with a classic BBQ on the 4th of July! The sweet and smoky flavors are always a hit. Choose from traditional BBQ dishes, like ribs and steak, along with comforting sides, like cornbread and beans. Just be sure to serve it all up with your favorite BBQ sauce!
Main Course:
Sides:
Dessert
4th of July Ice Cream Sandwiches
Drink
Retro-Inspired 4th of July Menu
Celebrate Independence Day with an old-school feast! It's a great way to embrace American history and it might even remind you of your childhood days. There are fun twists on classic nostalgic dishes, like Salisbury steak in the form of burgers and pineapple-upside down cake that's fit for a crowd.
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Drink
Tex-Mex 4th of July Menu
Every bite on this menu brings the heat in the best way. There's plenty of char, lots of cheese, and just enough sweet-and-spicy to keep things interesting. One helping will turn into two, and no one's mad about it!
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Drink
Brunch 4th of July Menu
Kick off your 4th of July bright and early with a breakfast or brunch party. We’re talking breakfast on the grill with grilled breakfast pizza and donut hole kebabs, alongside red, white, and blue specialties, like berry-filled pancakes and strawberry cobbler. There’s even a brunch cocktail to get the party started.
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Drink
Light 4th of July Menu
Hot weather calls for easygoing food. This spread skips the heavy stuff and leans into bright veggies, juicy grilled mains, and anything that doesn't require an afternoon nap. Even the "fancy" parts are surprisingly simple (and look great on a platter).
Main Course
Sides
Desserts
Drink
Beach Party 4th of July Menu
Whether or not you take a trip to the beach, you can bring the beach to your own backyard with this seaside-inspired holiday menu. There are classic dishes, like lobster rolls and crab cakes, that’ll make you feel like your feet are in the sand. Plus, the Atlantic beach pie is a sweet and salty creation that everyone is sure to love.
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Drink
Kid-Friendly 4th of July Menu
Don't forget the little ones on the 4th of July! This menu is tailored just to them—although adults will find it pretty tasty, too! After all, you can't go wrong with hot dogs, sliders, and mac and cheese. For the drinks, kids of all ages will love the twist on classic lemonade.
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Copycat Drumstick Ice Cream Cones
Drink
Big Batch 4th of July Menu
Feeding a crowd this 4th of July? We’ve got you covered! This menu is loaded with big batch dishes that make it easy to serve all your friends and family. For instance, you can put out a big platter of sausage and peppers and let your guests build their own sandwiches. Even the desserts are fit for a crowd—sheet pan ice cream sundae, anyone?
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Drink
Pool Party 4th of July Menu
Cool off with a summer pool party—and plenty of refreshing summer foods. You can even set up an inflatable pool for that much-needed dip. Then, serve up easy-to-grab bites, like coconut shrimp, grilled kebabs, corn salad, and tropical fruit galette. Plus, a frozen, fruity cocktail for another way to keep your cool.
Main Course
Sides
Dessert
Drink
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
Fruit Lover's 4th of July Menu
This one's bursting with summer fruit in every shape and form: salsas, salads, chilled desserts, you name it. Whether you’re team peach, team watermelon, or team "just give me a slice of everything," there's something sweet (or tangy, or juicy) here for you.
Main Course
Grilled Pork Salad with Strawberries
Sides
Dessert
Drink
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
Summer 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
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
Vegetarian 4th of July Menu
No meat? No problem. This spread is packed with flavor, texture, and color, plus a few dishes you might find yourself making all summer long. There's something about a chilled pasta or crunchy bean salad that just hits different when the sun's blazing.
Main Course
Sides
Desserts
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Drinks
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
Corn Muffins with Honey Butter Are a BBQ Must
Melon Feta Skewers Are So Easy To Make
This Peach Crumble Is The Dessert Of The Season
Whip Up Dill Pickle Dip For Any Party
