What Should I Cook for the 4th of July?

Hajnen Payson, March 1, 2022

Looking for some great dishes to cook at your next 4^th of July barbecue or picnic? Asking yourself “what should I cook for the 4^th of July?” Celebrate America with tasty dishes, some of which even include the traditional colors of the holiday: red, white and blue. Here are some excellent options you should include on your 4^th of July menu.

Patriotic cheese board

What’s cooler than a red, white and blue charcuterie board brimming with delicious cheese, meat and fruit? All it takes is a little prep work to make this fun and festive appetizer. Include an assortment of cheeses, meats and fruit like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and grapes to create a colorful and delicious display.

Festive marshmallow kebabs

Looking to add something sweet to your 4^th of July party menu? Festive marshmallow kebabs are a favorite for adults and kids alike. Skewer cut strawberries, marshmallows and blueberries for a red, white and blue treat that’s sweet and refreshing.

Red velvet cupcakes

Add something even sweeter (and maybe a little less healthy) to your Independence Day menu with red velvet cupcakes. Deck them out with white icing and blue sugar candy stars for a festive treat adults and kids alike will love.

Macaroni salad

No 4^th of July picnic is complete without some great sides—and macaroni salad is the star of the show. This refreshing, light dish is perfect for a hot day. Make a Miracle Whip macaroni salad if you prefer the tang of the spread to traditional mayonnaise. Alternatively, those who favor macaroni salad with mayonnaise can also include sour cream and dill in their macaroni salad for extra flavor.

Pulled pork sliders

Want an alternative to hot dogs and hamburgers? Few can resist a delicious pulled pork sandwich. Include bacon and onions in the mix, and add coleslaw on the side for a delicious, filling 4^th of July meal.

Potato salad

Potato salad is one of the most popular barbecue or picnic side dishes. Grab a container at your local grocery store or make it yourself with potatoes, pickles, onions, mustard, mayo and, of course, some hard-boiled eggs.

Hamburger sliders

Mini versions of food are just more fun, especially if there will be kids at your July 4^th gathering. Hamburger sliders cook faster on the grill, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy them instead of laboring over the fire. Add blue cheese, chipotle and bacon for a unique, flavorful twist on traditional sliders.

Coleslaw

No matter what you have planned for your main course—hamburgers, hot dogs, brats or barbecue—coleslaw will pair perfectly with it. If you want a unique twist on the traditional coleslaw, include red cabbage and some jalapeno for a little heat.

Cheese fries

Fries are great on their own, but they’re even better with cheese. Use an air fryer or an oven to cook the fries, then layer on cheese and any other toppings you want, like bacon or jalapenos. A blend of cheeses works best—try the combo of mozzarella and cheddar or add a spicy kick with pepper jack cheese.

Baked beans

Baked beans and barbecue are a match made in heaven. Add baked beans to your Independence Day menu for a sweet yet savory dish that pairs great with ribs, pulled pork and basically any other main course you can serve for the holiday. Fry up some bacon and put it in the beans to take the flavor to the next level.

Boneless ribs

Don’t want to fuss with a grill on a hot day like July 4^th? You can make an impressive barbecue dish without ever firing up the grill. Roast boneless, well-seasoned pork to create a unique take on “boneless ribs” that you and your guests will love.

Apple pie

As always, there’s nothing more American than apple pie, which is why this dessert is well-deserving of a spot on your 4^th of July menu. This dish is the perfect sweet complement to your meal. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool, delicious treat.

If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or picnic for the 4^th of July and wondering “what should I cook for the 4^th of July,” any of the dishes described above will make a great addition to your menu. Of course, you’ll want to wear your patriotic apparel to make the most of the occasion. Grab 4th of July t-shirts, shorts and much more at The Flag Shirt and show off your American spirit.