The 4th of July is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to plan the perfect menu for your celebration! Whether you’re hosting a big neighborhood block party, a fun pool party, or a simple family cookout, planning all the food can feel like a huge task, I know. But don’t you worry! I’ve put together the ultimate 4th of July menu with 50 of my favorite easy recipes to make your Southern celebration stress-free and absolutely delicious.
In This Post
This year, I’ve pulled together 50+ of my best 4th of July recipes—all Southern favorites that’ll help you host a cookout that feels festive, delicious, and totally doable. Let’s get this party started!
Answering Your 4th of July Party Questions (FAQ)
Classic American cookout foods are always the star! Think juicy hamburgers, grilled hot dogs, flavorful ribs, and classic side dishes like potato salad, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. And of course, you can’t forget a festive red, white, and blue dessert!
Cold pasta salads, potato salads, and coleslaws are perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, they often taste even better the next day! Dips like my Million Dollar Dip or Pimento Cheese Sausage Dip can also be prepped in advance to save you time on party day.
The key is planning! Choose recipes that can be made ahead, like the ones in my “Stress-Free Slow Cooker & Make-Ahead Mains” section. Prep your ingredients the day before, and don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert. The goal is to celebrate, not spend the whole day in the kitchen!
My Top 3 Tips For A Classic Southern Cookout
- Don’t Forget the Ice (Seriously) – If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this—you always need more ice than you think. Between keeping drinks cold, filling coolers, and tossing scoops into sweet tea and lemonade, it goes fast. I always grab an extra bag or two just to be safe.
- Stick to the Classics, With a Little Twist – I always serve the tried-and-true favorites—grilled chicken, deviled eggs, baked beans. But I like to throw in something new each year too, just to keep things fun. A seasonal salad, a fresh dessert, or a creative dip gives guests something to talk about.
- Make It Comfortable So Folks Will Stay Awhile – Good food is just the start. I always set up a few shady spots, fill coolers with drinks, and play some music to keep the mood light and easy. Add a few flags or festive touches, and you’ve got yourself a classic Southern celebration that’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of good memories.
Crowd-Pleasing 4th of July Appetizers & Dips
Southern Caviar – Black Eyed Pea Appetizer
Made with black-eyed peas, corn, and a zesty dressing, Southern Caviar (or Black Eyed Pea Appetizer) is quick and super easy to make! This spicy and crunchy recipe is a versatile Southern staple that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or on top of grilled seafood or chicken.
Antipasto Skewers: The Ultimate Appetizer or Side Dish
These Antipasto Skewers are a fun, make-ahead appetizer packed with bold Italian flavors. Great for parties, easy dinners, or serving alongside soup or grilled meats—this is finger food done right.
Party Cheese Ball
There’s something undeniably charming about a good cheese ball—it’s nostalgic, simple, and always the first thing to disappear at a party. My Southern Cheese Ball Recipe perfectly balances sweet and savory with creamy cheeses, crunchy pecans, and a burst of fresh apple. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just real food, real flavor, and a whole lot of Southern comfort.
Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery
Celery sticks stuffed with cream cheese, bacon, herbs and cheddar cheese are outrageously good! Served as an appetizer or snack, this is a recipe that's sure to become a favorite at parties, cookouts and family gatherings.
Million Dollar Dip
Million Dollar Dip made with just a few simple ingredients is totally addictive and deserving of its name! This easy dip recipe made with cheese, bacon, green onions, almonds and mayo is great to serve at parties, for game day or when you're entertaining.
Candied Jalapeños Recipe (Cowboy Candy)
It doesn't matter if you call them Candied Jalapeños or Cowboy Candy, this sweet and spicy concoction is downright irresistible! With just a few ingredients, fresh jalapeños are turned into something extra special and perfect with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers or anything else that suits your fancy.
Pimento Cheese Sausage Dip
Pineapple Bacon Cheese Ball
Crushed pineapple, smoky bacon, and plenty of cheese come together to make a sweet and savory Pineapple Bacon Cheese Ball that’s hard to resist! Serve it with your favorite crackers for an appetizer during the holidays, at parties, or anytime you want to jazz up cocktail hour.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe
This colorful and fresh Black Bean And Corn Salsa is creamy, and crunchy with a subtle spicy kick! Made with 6 simple ingredients and in just 10 minutes, this salsa makes a great appetizer on its own, but don't stop there. Serve it as a side dish, or pile it on tacos, salads, eggs, or just about anything!
Easy Hot Crab Dip
Rich, creamy Hot Crab Dip cooked in a cast-iron skillet is the ultimate appetizer for any party! Loaded with fresh crab meat and seasoned perfectly, your friends and family will be begging for this easy-to-make recipe.
Ranch Dill Pickles (TikTok Recipe)
Ranch Dill Pickles have been blowing up the internet! Turn a jar of dill pickles into something ridiculously good with a packet of ranch seasoning mix. For snacking, appetizers and a must for any summer cookout or party.
Fresh Tomato Relish
Fresh Tomato Relish is full of bright, sweet, and tangy flavors making it irresistible! Serve it as an appetizer with crunchy bread and cheese or as a dip with chips. It's super versatile and makes the best topping for grilled burgers, sausages, chicken, and fish.
Slow Cooker Queso Beef Dip
Queso Beef Dip is creamy, cheesy, loaded with ground beef, and simple to make in the slow cooker! This velvety smooth dip with swirls of green chilies, salsa, and jalapeños is a crowd-pleasing appetizer at any party, game-day celebration, or when you're entertaining.
Essential Cookout Salads & Sides (Cold)
Classic Potato & Pasta Salads
Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad
Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and herbs tossed in a light creamy dressing with pasta make a salad that's absolutely irresistible! Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but it's colorful, cool, and does double duty as a side dish or salad.
Southern Potato Salad
With tangy mustard and hard-boiled eggs, this Southern Potato Salad is the perfect easy side dish for family gatherings and a must for holiday celebrations. Loaded with a flavor and a creamy texture, after just one bite, you'll know why this cherished recipe is a crowd favorite!
Creamy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
A creamy mix of deviled eggs, macaroni, crunchy celery, onions, and bacon—this pasta salad takes a Southern favorite to the next level and is perfect for cookouts, summer parties, or any family gathering.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combines crispy bacon, tender pasta, sharp cheese, sweet peas, and a cool ranch dressing to create the BEST pasta salad ever! You can never have too many salad recipes in your recipe box, and this one is an all-time favorite.
BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Inspired by a classic BLT sandwich, this pasta salad is outrageously good with the addition of cheese tortellini and a light creamy dressing! This easy to make recipe is just the thing for any cookout, potluck, or family gathering.
Fresh & Fruity Summer Salads
Fresh Fruit Salad for A Crowd
Fruit Salad for A Crowd is a fresh, delicious, easy-to-make-ahead recipe that can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Whether you're hosting a family reunion, block party, or tailgating event, this budget-friendly fruit salad recipe will be loved by all!
Watermelon Salad With Feta (Refreshing And Easy)
With the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavor, Watermelon Salad with Feta is bright, refreshing and super easy to make! Whether served as a side dish or light lunch, it's the best cool salad for summer.
Best Salad For A Crowd
When it comes to feeding a crowd, salad is an excellent choice for its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you're hosting a party, potluck, or gathering, serving up a delicious salad has something for everyone.
Pineapple Coleslaw Recipe
Pineapple Slaw is sweet and crunchy with a light dressing that will have you feeling like it's summertime with every single bite! This quick and easy recipe is great to serve as a side dish, take to a covered dish supper and is a must at any backyard BBQ.
Easy Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad is a classic recipe that's hard to resist. Make with pineapple, cherries, oranges, coconut, pecans and grapes all wrapped up in fresh whipped cream and marshmallows, is a fruit salad that dreams are made of!
Caprese Pasta Salad (Fresh and Easy)
This fresh and easy salad combines all the classic flavors of a Caprese Salad with pasta! Perfect for a simple family meal or when feeding a crowd this make-ahead recipe for the best Caprese Pasta Salad delivers a burst of flavor everyone will love.
Simple Green Bean Salad
A crisp, refreshing green bean salad that’s a lighter alternative to heavier sides and comes together in minutes.
Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
Ripe, juicy strawberries, tender pasta twirls, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a bright dressing, make a fresh, easy-to-make salad that's like a pop of summer in every bite.
The Main Event: Classic BBQ & Grilling Recipes
Burgers, Dogs, and Handhelds
Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs
In just minutes, you can make rich, tangy homemade BBQ Sauce with just the right amount of sweetness and heat! This made-from-scratch sauce is great slathered on chicken, pork, or beef, plus it's great as a dip for fries, onion rings, and veggies.
Grilled Sausage With Peppers And Onions
For an easy weeknight meal or casual entertaining, Grilled Sausage With Peppers and Onions is a quick and simple dish that has something for everyone. Mild or spicy Italian sausage and tender veggies are a classic combination that's fantastic served with your favorite side dish or on crusty rolls.
Easy Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Make the VERY BEST hot dogs ever in the air fryer! Cooked in less than 10 these hot dogs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and nestled in a toasted bun. This fast, easy way to serve up a family favorite treat is great whether you are feeding a couple of people or a crowd.
Sausage Potato Foil Packs
Sausage and Potato Foil Packs are a delicious dinner shortcut and incredibly easy to make! Flavorful, juicy sausage, potatoes, and sweet onions are cooked together in little bundles on the grill or in the oven for a delicious, stress-free meal.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Legs is the best for perfectly seasoned drumsticks without heavy breading and extra oil. They are juicy on the inside with mouthwatering crispy, crunchy skin. If that were not enough, they are ready to serve in 20 minutes!
Grilled Barbecued Hot Dogs
Made with yummy beef hot dogs and kicked-up store-bought barbecue sauce, these Grilled Barbecued Hot Dogs are the ultimate cookout recipe!
Hamburger Hobo Dinner Foil Packs
Hamburger Hobo Dinners cooked in foil packs are downright delicious! Whether you’re cooking this meat and potato dish on the grill, a campfire, or the oven, these flavorful packages are sure to be hit with your family and friends.
Showstopper Meats and Kabobs
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Making juicy, tender pork has never been easier! Grilled Pork Tenderloin turns out perfectly every time all thanks to a simple marinade made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and herbs. Whether you're grilling on a summer evening with your family or entertaining friends, this delicious recipe is guaranteed to get rave reviews.
Easy Marinated London Broil Recipe
Learn how to make the juiciest, most tender London Broil with this easy recipe! A simple marinade makes the beef extra flavorful for a main dish that's easy enough to make for a weeknight meal yet special enough to serve when you're having friends over for dinner.
Juicy Balsamic Chicken Thighs
For an easy weeknight meal or a casual weekend get together, Balsamic Chicken Thighs are always a welcome sight at the table. Marinated in balsamic vinegar, honey with fresh herbs and garlic, this chicken is tender, juicy, tangy, and sweet.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Honey Chiptole Grilled Chicken
This Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken recipe is sweet, smoky, and just spicy enough! Made with honey, chipotle peppers, and lime, it's perfect for grilling season.
Stress-Free Slow Cooker & Make-Ahead Mains
Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs made with pineapple, BBQ sauce, and ginger. Sweet, tangy, and tender — perfect as a party appetizer or weeknight meal.
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Rich, creamy Crock Pot Creamed Corn, with a hint of sweetness, might be the ultimate side dish. It's easy to make since the slow cooker does all the work! Free up your stove top or oven space during the holidays or busy weeknights with the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs
Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs are tender, succulent, and loaded with irresistible flavors. These meatballs, prepped in just minutes, are cooked in the Crock-Pot and are perfect to serve as an appetizer, for game day or on lazy weekends.
Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
Crock Pot Country Style Ribs are slow-cooked until they’re tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Coated in a rich, savory sauce, they’re the kind of no-fuss comfort food that’s just right for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners—no need to leave the house to enjoy ribs this good!
Easy Crock Pot Baked Beans
Slow-Cooked, sweet and savory baked beans with brown sugar and bacon is a side dish recipe that's pure perfection! For any cookout, barbecue, or summer party, these Easy Crock Pot Baked beans will be a hit.
Must-Have Side Dishes (Hot)
Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes cooked in Foil Packs are the perfect side dish for cookouts and BBQs. Cooking in foil packs on the grill is super popular, and for good reason. You can customize your dish with your favorite ingredients; it's easy, there's virtually no cleanup, and most importantly, the flavor is outstanding.
Air Fryer Cajun Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these Air Fryer Cajun Potatoes are packed with bold Southern flavor and ready in under 15 minutes—an easy, flavorful side dish for any meal.
Southern Style Green Beans
Savory, and full of Southern flavor, these green beans are a classic side I turn to again and again. Simmered with bacon and simple seasonings, they’re easy to make and always a hit at the table—whether it’s Sunday supper or a holiday meal.
Air Fryer Corn On The Cob (Quick And Easy)
Air Frying is an easy, one-step way to cook perfect corn on the cob in just minutes. Irresistibly delicious, corn on the cob is crispy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, with a grilled taste you'll love!
Festive Red, White & Blue Desserts
It wouldn’t be the 4th of July without a patriotic dessert! This sweet treat is as beautiful as it is delicious.
No Bake Cherry Delight In Jars
For the easiest, yummiest no-bake dessert, ever, Cherry Delight served in jars is a sure-fire winner! It’s sweet, creamy, and great to serve at any summer gathering, party or during the holidays. This simple little dessert has quickly garnered a cult following. Here’s how it happened… A couple of weeks ago, I had Hunter and
More Sweet Southern Treats
Million Dollar Pound Cake
Million Dollar Pound Cake is buttery, soft, has rich flavors of vanilla and almond, and is a dessert that's worthy of its name! This classic recipe not only looks impressive but also tastes amazing and, believe it or not, is very simple to make with just 7 ingredients.
Easy Creamy Chocolate Dip
Creamy, dreamy, light, and fluffy is what Chocolate Dip is all about! This decadent treat whipped up in less than 15 minutes is great served with fresh fruit, cookies, or your favorite salty snack.
No-Bake Butterscotch Cookies
No bake cookies made with crunchy corn flakes, melted butterscotch chips and creamy peanut butter, are super easy to make!
Easy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip
Get your cheesecake fix with this sweet, creamy, easy to make dip! This no-bake dessert has all the classic flavors of cheesecake yet it's taken to a whole new level with the addition of fresh fruit, cookies and savory pretzels for dipping.
Super Simple S’mores Brownies
S'mores Brownies are super easy to make with a box brownie mix and then amped up with toasted marshmallows, crispy graham crackers, and chocolate. This rich, gooey, summertime treat can now be enjoyed any time of the year!
Orange Pound Cake
No Churn Peach Ice Cream
No Bake Coconut Cream Pie In Jars
Indulge in a sweet treat with this easy no-bake coconut cream pie in jars recipe! With its creamy coconut filling and crunchy crust.
Refreshing Summer Sips & Drinks
Grapefruit Salty Dog
Sweet, tart and salty flavors is what a Grapefruit Salty Dog is all about! It's refreshing and a great easy to make, summer cocktail with a fresh burst of citrus flavor. With just 4 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you can relax in the sunshine sipping this irresistible drink!
Easy Refreshing Homemade Lemonade
Fresh Tequila Sunrise Cocktail
Beautiful to look at and refreshing to drink, Tequila Sunrise is a 3-ingredient cocktail that's full of summertime flavors.
Watermelon Cooler Cocktail
Watermelon Cooler Cocktail is the perfect summer sipper! A refreshing drink, with or without tequila to enjoy at any summer party, BBQ or when you’re relaxing while watching the sun set. One of the best parts of summer is enjoying a sweet, ripe watermelon. When I was a little girl and spent summer days with
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
Oh my! Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful recipes and tips!! Happy 4th of July to you!
Happy 4th! I hope you have a wonderful day and eat lots of good food! ~Donya