4th of july

An Easy Fourth of July Menu with All of the Fireworks

Patty Catalano
Patty Catalano
Patty is a recipe developer and food writer. She worked Alton Brown’s Research Coordinator and podcast producer and in the Oxmoor House test kitchen. She loves maple syrup, coffee and board games. Patty lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.
updated Jun 15, 2021
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Credit: Brie Passano

Fourth of July is right around the corner and this year we’re ready for a star-spangled celebration with festive fare, from apps to dessert that will wow your whole crowd. This year we have a menu that celebrates the very best flavors of summer, with easy outdoor cooking and an abundance of in-season produce. From make-ahead dips to grilled summer favorite to seasonal salad, and of course a red, white, and blue dessert, there’s something for everyone.

Kitchn’s Guide for a Festive Fourth of July Menu

Instead of serving the basic burgers and dogs, this menu suggests seasonal alternatives that still scream summer. (If you’re looking for the classics, this Summer Cookout Menu is perfect.) Plan to prepare several dishes in advance, so that you aren’t left sweating the timeline. You’ll need a grill (or broiler) to finish the main dish, but that’s an easy task to take on with a cool drink in hand.

To Start: Try One of Our Favorite Summer Apps

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Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy caviar is a fresh dip that is a must for any summer menu. The beans and veggies only get better as they marinate overnight in the herby vinaigrette, as if they're asking to claim the title of the perfect make-ahead party snack. You can make the dip a day in advance, and since it's not made with mayo or cheese, you can set it out at the start and not worry about it again until the final fireworks flash.
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Mango Salsa
This sweet, fruity, and slightly-spicy salsa that’s infinitely better than anything sold in a jar. Any variety of mangoes work great here, just remember to use ripe mangoes for the very best result.
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Easy Bruschetta
If you happen to have some wonderfully ripe, fragrant summer tomatoes, sweet, crunchy, tangy bruschetta is always a hit.
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The Main Attraction

Go for Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings! Everyone will expect burgers and hot dogs to come off of the grill. Surprise them with sticky-finger grilled barbecue chicken wings. Slow-cook them a day in advance, then douse with sauce and finish on the grill.

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Grilled BBQ Chicken Wings
BBQ chicken wings are ubiquitous at summertime parties, and for good reason — they can be eaten with one hand (cold drink in the other) and are satisfying to devour. Cook the wings long and slow in their sauce, and then crisp them on the grill just before serving. The results are tender, juicy wings with a caramelized, crispy skin that everyone will love.
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Easy 5-Ingredient Black Bean Veggie Burgers
These aren’t just good veggie burgers — they’re good burgers, period. They’re spicy, smoky, and packed with protein. And, unlike so many veggie burgers, they don’t fall apart in the skillet.
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Simple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This dead-simple pulled pork acts as the base for tacos or BBQ sandwiches with a salt, pepper, and brown sugar rub. So easy, you'll want to commit it to memory.
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On the Side

Go for tomato salad! We wait all year for ripe, red tomatoes, and they’re finally here.

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Tomato Salad
Dress tomatoes up for the Fourth with thin slivers of red onion, fruity olive oil, fresh herbs, and a generous sprinkling of salt. Slice and soak the onions early in the day to curb their bite. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and dress them as soon as the wings hit the grill.
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Hot Honey Butter Bath Corn
Butter bath corn is taken to whole new heights with the addition of sweet honey and fiery red pepper flakes.
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BLT Pasta Salad
This pasta salad takes everything you love about that classic sandwich, then folds it into a summery side that's sure to be a hit at your next potluck.
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The Finishing Touch

If you’re a strong believer that Fourth of July simply isn’t complete without a red, white, and blue dessert, Firecracker Rice Krispies Treats will definitely bring the sparkle to the party.

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Firecracker Rice Krispies Treats
These will be a hit with kids and adults alike, and you can get a head start by making them a day in advance.
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Double Crust Peach Cobbler
If you're craving something fruity, you've got to try this peach cobbler. It is simply unbelievable. Just don't forget the vanilla ice cream.
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Flag Cake
If you're going for something classic, you can't go wrong with a flag cake. This stately, whipped cream-gilded cake has a colorful surprise inside that makes this vanilla-cake-meets-berry-shortcake recipe stand out from the rest.
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A Timeline for a Festive 4th of July

  • The day before: Cowboy caviar is even more flavorful when made in advance, so mix the vinaigrette and veggies today. Slow-cook the chicken wings today, let cool, and refrigerate. Make the Rice Krispies treats.
  • The morning of: Make the vinaigrette and prepare the onions for the tomato salad. If you didn’t do so the day before, make the Rice Krispies treats.
  • Get the party started: Set out chips and the cowboy caviar.
  • Dinnertime: Light the grill. Slather the slow-cooked chicken wings with barbecue sauce and grill. Slice the tomatoes and toss with the vinaigrette and onions.
  • The finishing touch: Serve the Rice Krispies treats.
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