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The Fourth of July brings parades, fireworks, afternoons at the pool or lake, and food! I’m sharing some of my favorite Fourth of July menu ideas that I think you’ll enjoy! I love to prep and make ahead as much as possible so that the day is easy, low-stress, and fun for all!
No Cook Fourth of July Appetizers
These delicious no-cook, make-ahead appetizers are always welcome at any gathering throughout the year, but especially during the heat of the summer.
Simple Caprese Salad Skewers
5 from 1 vote
These tasty Caprese Salad Skewers are a quick and easy appetizer to make in minutes! Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and homemade balsamic glaze make a simple, yet impressive party food!
Easy Apple Dip Recipe – Sweet, creamy Apple Dip is easy and delicious for parties and snacks! Ready in minutes from just a few ingredients, it's an addictive dip for apples, pretzels, and more!
Blueberry Peach Salsa makes a delicious appetizer with chips or topping for fish tacos, chicken or so many other dishes. Get this easy blueberry peach salsa recipe!
Let’s face it, there are a few recipes that are simply must-makes for your July 4th celebrations. Some love a Shrimp Boil, others a Fish Fry, or Pulled Pork (with BBQ Sauce), etc. I love hearing about those favorite traditions. One of our favorites is my husband’s hamburgers, along with some favorite side dishes. The side dishes can be made ahead to make the day even more enjoyable for all!
Bart’s Best Hamburger Recipe
5 from 3 votes
This Best Hamburger recipe, two ingredients and a few time-tested tips are all you need for the best hamburgers every time!
Southern Potato Salad – Potato salad is a classic recipe perfect for every possible summer celebration! Made with potatoes, pickles, onions, and eggs, this potato salad is an all-time favorite!
Coleslaw Recipe – A delicious easy coleslaw recipe that’s always a crowd favorite! Crunchy cabbage with a delicious dressing, this easy coleslaw is a perfect side anytime!
Best Chicken Marinade Recipe – The Best Chicken Marinade recipe is easy, delicious, and comes together in minutes for the best grilled chicken and baked chicken you've ever tasted! It makes juicy, tender chicken every time.
Skillet Ribeye Steaks Recipe – These delicious Skillet Ribeye Steaks are butter-basted and will remind you of those at your favorite steak house! This recipe makes the best ribeye steak and is easy to make at home!
Chicken Salad with Grapes Recipe – This chicken salad recipe makes a delicious, quick meal. Made with chicken, grapes, and roasted nuts, it is always a favorite!
What would a Fourth of July menu be without desserts? 🥰 You can’t go wrong with everyone’s favorite chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or chocolate cake, but here are some of our other go-to desserts from which you might like to choose! Again, I love that these are all make-ahead friendly!
Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
4.97 from 156 votes
An old fashioned vanilla ice cream recipe that everyone loves! This creamy custard base homemade vanilla ice cream recipe tastes like an ice cream parlor favorite.
This Grilled Peaches with Honey and Ice Cream recipe is a simple yet decadent dessert! Juicy peaches are lightly grilled then drizzled with honey and served with vanilla ice cream for a treat everyone loves!
This easy Lemon Pound Cake recipe makes a dream dessert for lemon lovers! Made with freshlemon juice and zest and topped with a lemon buttermilk glaze, this moist pound cake is bursting with delicious flavor!
This easy cheesecake pie recipe makes the best recipe for cheesecake lovers. Creamy cheesecake filling bakes in a graham cracker crust and is delicious served plain or topped with your favorite cheesecake topping.
In addition to plenty of water, here are a few of our favorite drinks to serve through the day to keep everyone well hydrated!
Fresh Lemonade Recipe
5 from 9 votes
Refreshing homemade Fresh Lemonade recipe made with fresh lemons! It's a classic delicious drink perfect for any occasion! Includes how to make lemonade concentrate!
This Southern Sweet Tea recipe is smooth, sweet, and delicious! It includes tried-and-true tips for how to make sweet tea that everyone loves! I've also included instructions on how to make and serve Sweet Tea Concentrate!
This delicious Strawberry Lemonade is made with just 5 ingredients and ready in minutes! It makes a refreshing drink perfect for sipping on a warm day as well as for entertaining, showers and tailgating.
Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.
Terrific lineup! I’m really craving that Vidalia onion dip!
Everything looks delicious!! Wishing a safe and Happy 4th to Everyone!! :))
Everything looks so yummy! I really love the BBQ Ribs!!
Everything looks delicious! Happy 4th to y’all!!!