51 Best 4th of July Recipes for an All-American Menu
Get ready for a star-spangled spread.
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Planning your 4th of July menu? You're in good company. Ree Drummond knows how to throw a celebration, and every year, her family's big bash in Pawhuska is packed with music, friends, family, and a whole lot of food. Whether you're sticking with the classics—like burgers, ribs, and July 4th sides like grilled corn on the cob—or adding a few fun twists to your spread, you'll find plenty of ideas here to make your Fourth feel festive, delicious, and totally worthy of fireworks.
Here you'll find tons of options for make-ahead dishes that are a lifesaver on holidays like the 4th of July. After all, who wants to be stuck inside cooking while everyone else is celebrating? Try pasta salads that get even better as they sit and frozen desserts like ice cream sandwiches, icebox cakes, and popsicles that'll rival the firework show. There's even a handful of red, white, and blue desserts including a trifle that can be assembled in seconds and a seriously festive flag cake.
Of course, this fun holiday isn't all about the sweets. Fire up the grill for saucy, slow-cooked ribs, veggie skewers, and grill-fried chicken. As far as sides, you can't beat summer potluck sides like Ree Drummond's favorite baked beans and a bowl of creamy potato salad, but you'll find even more to love on this list. No matter which dishes you choose, this will be the best 4th of July yet.
Chili Dogs
Nothing says Fourth of July quite like a good old-fashioned chili dog. Pile 'em high with your favorite toppings and pass out extra napkins—these are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get Ree's Chili Dogs recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Berry Dessert
This festive dessert is as easy as it is eye-catching, thanks to layers of whipped cream, fresh berries, and cake. It's light, sweet, and perfect for patriotic celebrations.
Spicy Queso Burger
Turn up the heat this Fourth with a burger that doesn't hold back. A juicy patty gets smothered in melty queso and topped with pickled jalapeños for just the right kick. It's bold, messy, and totally worth it.
Get Ree's Spicy Queso Burgers recipe.
Grilled Chicken Wings
These wings are smoky, juicy, and just the right amount of crispy. Make a big batch with a few sauce options (buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan) so there's something for everyone.
Get the Grilled Chicken Wings recipe.
Beer Brats
Soak your brats in beer and throw them on the grill for that perfect snap. Serve with sauerkraut, mustard, and buns, and you've got a backyard classic everyone loves.
Get the Beer Brats recipe.
Cheeseburger Bowls
Everything you love about a cheeseburger, without the bun. These bowls are perfect for guests who want something lighter or low-carb without missing out on flavor.
Get Ree's Cheeseburger Bowls recipe.
Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe
This sweet, fluffy cake gets a big berry boost from real strawberries baked right into the batter. Top it with sugary frosting and you've got a nostalgic summer treat.
Get Ree's Strawberry and Cream Sheet Cake recipe.
Summer Vegetable Tarts
These flaky tarts are loaded with colorful summer produce and look beautiful on a platter. They're deceptively simple to pull together—just grab some puff pastry and go!
Get the Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Ramen Noodle Salad
This potluck-perfect salad is full of delicious texture. The toasted ramen noodles give it some serious crunch alongside cashews and convenient coleslaw mix. The mandarin oranges are bursting with juicy sweetness! It holds up beautifully in the fridge.
Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Beer Can Chicken
If you bought a pack of beers for your 4th of July party, use one of the cans to make this flavorful twist on barbecue chicken! It comes out tender and juicy every time.
Get the Beer Can Chicken recipe.
Strawberry Delight
Creamy, fruity, and layered with crushed cookies, this retro dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat. Keep it chilled until you're ready to serve and watch it disappear.
Get Ree's Strawberry Delight recipe.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Summer and sweet corn go hand in hand—and tossing it on the grill only makes it better. Finish each cob with a swipe of garlic-chive butter and watch them disappear fast!
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
These bite-sized burgers pack big flavor in a fun little package. Stack the mini patties with pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of burger sauce for the ultimate party skewer.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
Blueberry Upside-Down Cake
This gorgeous cake lets peak-season blueberries shine! Serve it with lemon whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fresh, fruity Fourth of July dessert.
Get Ree's Blueberry Upside-Down Cake recipe.
Perfect Potato Salad
Ree's take on classic potato salad is light, fluffy, and loaded with flavor. She mixes in hard-boiled eggs, bacon, sweet pickles, and green onions for a crowd-favorite side dish.
Get Ree's Perfect Potato Salad recipe.
Caprese Salad
When tomatoes are this good, you don't need to do much. Layer them with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a simple salad that always feels special.
Get the Caprese Salad recipe.
Dill Pickle Dip
This cool, creamy dip comes together in 15 minutes or less. It's a no-brainer for easy entertaining during the hot summer months. All you need is a bag of potato chips or veggie sticks for serving!
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Dip recipe.
Grilled T-Bone Steak
The key to this juicy grilled steak is in the homemade rub! It's full of smoky, savory flavor, but it's easy to whip up.
Get Ree's Grilled T-Bone Steak recipe.
Shrimp Salad Rolls
Whether you serve it at the beach or at a picnic, this cold shrimp salad is sure to be a hit. You can pile it into a toasty bun with crisp lettuce and a side of potato chips.
Get the Shrimp Salad Rolls recipe.
Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread is a must-have for any BBQ feast. It has crispy, golden edges thanks to the cast iron skillet.
Get Ree's Skillet Cornbread recipe.
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