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4th of July Menu

Modified: · Published: by · This post may contain affiliate links · 11 Comments

Coming up with 4th of July Menu ideas can feel a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!

The key? Stick with the classics everyone loves—like juicy burgers, hot dogs fresh off the grill, and a slice (or two!) of all-American apple pie.

These timeless favorite 4th of July foods never go out of style and are sure to be a hit.

burgers, fries and American flag.

With a bit of planning and creativity, you can put together a festive and delicious menu that makes your celebration stress-free and your guests happy.

Start by choosing a few classic favorites everyone loves, then mix in a couple of fun, colorful sides or desserts to keep things exciting.

The right combination of simple recipes and patriotic flair will make your July 4th table one to remember.

Table of Contents

Fun Appetizers

4th of July Appetizers are probably my favorite part of the meal. I love finger food, dips and chips. Here are a few more menu ideas.

Don't forget to offer tasty snacks such as chips, dips, salads, and corn on the cob to complete your Fourth of July feast.

Celebrate Summer with the Red, White & Delicious Recipes eBook!

This beautifully designed digital cookbook features 10 fun and festive dessert recipes perfect for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any red, white, and blue celebration.

promo for red, white and delicious Kindle ebook.
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Red, White & Delicious: July 4th Side Dish Ideas

July 4th Side Dishes are meant to compliment the main course. However, don't forget to include vegetarian options on your menu to cater to all dietary preferences.

Burgers, Ribs, Steak, Chicken and Hot Dogs

Make sure to include a variety of meats on your menu, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and ribs, to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

Delicious Drinks Perfect for the Celebration

Don’t forget the drinks when planning your July 4th menu! Keep guests cool with lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water—and add a festive touch with red, white, and blue mocktails garnished with fresh berries.

Easy Red, White & Blue Desserts Everyone Will Love

Add festive flair to your July 4th menu with easy treats like red, white, and blue fruit skewers or patriotic cupcakes. A few fun details can make your celebration extra special. Need a simple dessert idea?

Check out my roundup of 4th of July Cupcakes—they’re fun, festive, and perfect for your holiday table!

FAQs for Planning the Perfect July 4th Menu

To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!

What is the most eaten food on 4th of July?

Hot dogs are the most eaten food on the 4th of July, with Americans consuming around 150 million in one day. Other favorites include hamburgers, barbecue, corn on the cob, and classic sides like potato salad and watermelon.

How can I keep food cold (or hot) during an outdoor party?

To keep food cold, use coolers filled with ice or ice packs, and store dishes in smaller containers so you can refill as needed. Serving trays placed over pans of ice work great for salads, fruit, and cold desserts.
To keep food hot, use insulated containers, slow cookers plugged into an outdoor outlet, or disposable chafing dishes with Sterno fuel. Cover everything well to trap heat and keep it safe for serving.

Celebrate Summer with the Red, White & Delicious Recipes eBook!

This beautifully designed digital cookbook features 10 fun and festive dessert recipes perfect for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any red, white, and blue celebration.

promo for red, white and delicious Kindle ebook.
Yes, I need this button with checkmark.

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❤️Tap the heart icon in the lower right corner to add this collection to your personal recipe box for easy access anytime.

⭐Tried some of them already? Don't forget to leave a review and star rating! Your support helps me continue creating and sharing free recipes for you to enjoy!

Strawberry Lemonade Punch Recipe

Easy to make and a summertime favorite!
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Homemade Peach Iced Tea

The fresh taste of peach in a refreshing drink.
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2 glasses of peach iced tea with ice cubes and fresh peaches.

Lemon Basil Mint Spritzer with Fresh Ginger

The fresh ginger is so good in this recipe.
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Easy Deviled Eggs

It’s not a summer celebration without a plate of delicious deviled eggs!
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classic eviled eggs on white platter.

The Best Salsa Recipe Ever

After you taste this recipe, you'll find it difficult to open a jar of salsa again.
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best salsa ever.

Homemade Queso Dip

Made with real cheese, you might just never open a jar of fake cheese again!
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Corn Fiesta Salad

Makes a great dip served with chips or a delicious side dish to grilled chicken.
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salad combined together in white bowl.

Twice Baked Stuffed Potatoes

Easy to make with freezing tips to help you prepare these potatoes ahead of time.
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Twice Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese FEATURED photo from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

Falling off the Bone Barbecue Ribs

Did you know you can cook ribs in your crock pot and then finish them off on the grill? The result is delicious ribs that really do fall off the bone!
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Photo credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

Cast Iron Steak with Easy Marinade

Even if you don't have a grill, you can still enjoy the taste of grilled steak with this recipe for Cast Iron Steak that uses a grill pan.
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Featured photo of Cast Iron Steak

5 Delicious Burger Recipes

A great collection of burgers perfect for any July 4th celebration!
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Photo credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

Grilled chicken served as a sandwich with an easy homemade garlic mayonnaise.
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Perfect Marinade for Grilled Chicken

If you're grilling chicken, you need a great marinade. Try this one!
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sliced grilled and whole chicken breast on cutting board.

Boston Baked Beans

It's not a barbecue or picnic if you don't have baked beans!
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Photo credit: dizzybusyandhungry.com

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Adding bacon to this pasta salad makes it even better!
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Photo credit: whoneedsacape.com

The Best ColeSlaw Ever

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Photo credit: www.ourlifetastesgood.com

German Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream Dressing

This recipe is so similar to what my Oma Behr used to make when I was a little girl.
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Easy Patriotic Homemade Brownies

These easy patriotic homemade brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with red, white, and blue candies—perfect for 4th of July celebrations and summer parties!
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red velvet brownies with m&m's

Patriotic Poke Cake

This patriotic poke cake is a fun and festive dessert made with red and blue gelatin, fluffy whipped topping, and sprinkles—perfect for your 4th of July party!
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2 pieces of patriotic cake on plates.

Flag Sugar Cookies

This sugar cookie flag is a festive and easy 4th of July dessert, topped with creamy frosting and fresh berries to create a delicious red, white, and blue treat!
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Sugar Cookie Flag Stacked.

This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2018 with new photos and information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!

About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois is the voice behind Walking on Sunshine Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly meals made with simple ingredients. She believes dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and offers practical recipes, monthly meal plans, and free printables to help busy families cook with less stress and more joy. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lois enjoys time with her family, gardening and sharing inspiration from her home in rural Pennsylvania.

Comments

  1. Jazmine Brown says

    They all look so good. Thank you for the lovely round up.

    Reply

  2. Marlys Folly says

    What a great roundup Lois. So many great recipes.. Pinning

    Reply

  3. Michal Woodruff says

    I never realize how hungry I am until I see your blog name on here or Facebook, and my stomach starts growling. Walking On Sunshine is like the bell for Pavlov's Dog. DING!!! Food! I'm hungry. Feed me.

    Reply

  4. Joanne DiPalo says

    Excellent roundup of recipes. I can plan my menu without effort, thanks so much Lois. Pinned/sharing.

    Reply

  5. Life Tastes Good says

    What a wonderful collection!! So many yummy things! Thanks for including me <3

    Reply

  6. Meal Plannin Maven says

    My mouth is watering over this stunning collection! Thank you for including my Heirloom Tomatoes 'n Goat Cheese with Balsamic Drizzle as well as taking the time to spotlight so many talented food bloggers!

    Reply

  7. Carlsbad Cravings says

    Everything looks fabulous! Thank for compiling such a great list in one place - the hard part is now narrowing it down!

    Reply

  8. Janette Fuschi says

    What a fabulous collection and so many amazing recipes and great ideas for 4th July.

    Reply

  9. Tara Brelinsky says

    Yummo, now I'm hungry. Desserts? I can't wait

    Reply

  10. Annette Whipple says

    Oh, I want to have a party now! These are great. Thank you for featuring our BBQ Chicken.

    Reply

  11. Patty Anderson says

    What a great line up of recipes Lois from some spectacular bloggers.

    Reply

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