From all-American classics to family favorites, this collection of easy-to-make recipes has everything you need for the BEST 4th of July party! Each recipe is ideal for serving at a backyard cookout, pool party, neighborhood block party, or church social and perfect for celebrating the red, white, and blue!
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Table of contents
The biggest holiday of the summer is right around the corner! Celebrating the 4th of July is not only an American tradition but one my family honors as well.
To prepare for this special day, I start by decorating with flags and all things red, white, and blue. Then, I move on to the real star of the show—planning the menu.
I’ve rounded up the best appetizers, snacks, salads, main dishes, and desserts to help you plan your own festive menu. I have included make-ahead recipes so our cooks can enjoy the festivities and fresh dishes perfect for summer.
Tips For The Best 4th Of July Celebration
- Make a plan for serving the food. Make sure that hot food stays hot and cold food stays cool. I use coolers of different sizes inside and out to keep drinks, salads, and dips cold. For hot foods, the crockpot is a lifesaver for serving up baked beans, hot dips, and chili for hot dogs.
- One of the best pieces of hosting advice I received years ago is this: Always make sure you have enough ice on hand. I shop a few days ahead of time for what I’ll need.
- I like burning citronella candles to warn off flying critters that could spoil the fun. I also keep some non-toxic bug spray on hand.
- Shop your local Dollar Store or on Amazon for festive paper products with a red, white, and blue theme. Check out my Amazon Store for some of my favorites.
- I don’t get too fancy with serving platters and dishes. I keep things simple with items I already have, since the food is the star of the show!
Appetizers And Snacks
Fresh Salads And Pasta Salads
Make-Ahead Crock Pot Recipes
Amazing Main Dishes And Sauces
4th of july mains
Yummy Sides
Sweet Summer Desserts
Barbara Jean Smith
I am a widow but enjoy cooking. I am going to try some of your recipes making the listed ingredient amounts but freeze individual servings on a busy day I can remove frozen items from freezer heat items on stove or microwave and have a really delicious meal ready in no time plus saves some energy
Donya
Hey there Barbara!
Thank you so much for your interest in these recipes, that is a great idea! Most of my recipes are freezer-friendly, I’m a big fan of saving food to reheat for dinner on a rainy/busy day. I have storage instructions written in all of my recipe posts that will let you know how long the dish can be kept in the freezer, I recommend writing the “serve by” date on storage container. I really hope you enjoy these recipes, if you have any questions or comments at all, please don’t hesitate to ask, I’d love to hear from you!
~Donya