Nothing says summer like the smoky smell of a grill and the crack of bottle rockets. If you’re gathering with friends and family this year for an epic celebration, you need to build the perfect menu. Check out these 4th of July recipes for a patriotic spread of tasty foods, delicious desserts, and refreshing drinks.
4th of July Food Ideas
Backyard BBQs and cookouts are an American tradition, so choosing the menu for your 4th of July party is pretty easy. Stick with the classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and simple sides. But have fun with the recipes and add patriotic flair where possible.
Better-Than-Basic Burgers
No cookout is complete without tasty burger options. Serve them plain with a spread of toppings, or take your Fourth of July recipes up a notch with some twists. Take the cheese off the top and stuff it inside. Or, trade your bacon slices for bacon jam. And don’t forget a veggie burger for your vegetarian friends!
Hot Diggity Dogs
Give your guests some alternatives to the classic hot dog with fun wraps and festive add-ons. For the adults, wrap the dog in bacon and serve it with patriotic slaw. And the kiddos would love a firecracker hot dog on a stick wrapped in dough with cheese stars on top!
A Side of Patriotism
Round out your menu with a few side dishes that fit perfectly with a backyard cookout. Mix up a pasta salad with a patriotic twist and throw some corn on the cob on the grill. Or, for something sweet and refreshing, cut watermelons into star shapes and add blueberries for a festive fruit salad.
?? Bring in the professionals! If you’re planning a 4th of July extravaganza for your whole neighborhood, town, or business, you may need some help. Hire a caterer and waitstaff to make sure everything goes smoothly.
4th of July Dessert Ideas
Be sure to save some room for a delicious dessert or two after eating all those grilled goodies. Stay on your 4th of July theme by creating unique variations of classic recipes with stars and stripes and lots of red, white, and blue colors.
Pie, Pie, Miss American Pie
You can’t go wrong with any type of pie when dreaming up patriotic dessert recipes. Apple pie is an American classic, but you can also add other fruits or delectable ingredients to switch things up. And if you’re looking for a fun 4th of July activity, turn your dessert menu into a bake-off or pie-eating contest!
Something Simple and Sweet
If you want festive Fourth of July desserts your guests can grab and go, stick with the three Cs — cookies, cupcakes, and candy. These recipes are fun and easy to make, and all you have to do is add red, white, and blue food coloring to make them perfectly patriotic.
? Looking for more 4th of July food and party ideas? Check out our Pinterest board!
4th of July Drink Ideas
If you’re hosting your 4th of July party outside, your guests will want some ice-cold refreshments to relieve them from the hot weather. From lemonades and iced teas to cocktails and punches, you can find recipes that work for the young and old alike.
Liber-Tea for All
There’s nothing quite like a cold glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. Celebrate Independence Day with some refreshing twists on America’s favorite drink. Keep it classic by just adding fresh fruits and citrusy juices. Or, have a little fun with popsicles and frozen yogurt to turn it into a tea float all ages will enjoy!
Chill Out, Kids
When it comes to choosing 4th of July drink recipes for the little ones at your party, remember the sweeter, the better. Think thirst-quenching punches, brain-freezing slushies, and mouth-watering milkshakes. And we say they’re for kids, but the adults will be reaching for these tasty treats as well.
? Looking for more ways to entertain the little ones? Check out these 8 Kid-Friendly 4th of July Activities.
Red, White, and Boozed
Get all the grown-ups in the 4th of July spirit with some, well… spirits. Sure, you could throw some beers in a cooler and call it a day. But for a more crowd-pleasing option, mix up a crisp and fruity cocktail or create unique on-theme jello shots.
? Need a hand with those patriotic pours? Hire a local bartender to take care of shaking, mixing, and pouring a variety of tasty beverages for you and your guests.
We hope these 4th of July recipe ideas help you create the perfect menu for your get-together this summer. Though, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what you eat or drink. It’s just about having a blast with your friends and family and celebrating America. And fireworks, of course. ?
Book something awesome for your 4th of July party! Find everything from live musicians to children’s entertainment on GigSalad.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.