4th of July Menu

Check out our 4th of July Menu that's filled with fun, easy and delicious recipes.  There's a little something here for all to enjoy ranging from main dishes to desserts.

I can't even believe we are heading into July.  This year has started off like no other from unexpected tragedies, the pandemic and racial injustices.  It's been a crazy time.  Unfortunately, this 4th of July will look a little different for many of us, but hopefully it will not put a damper on showing gratitude, having great conversation, and having delicious food.

Whether you decide to physically gather with friends and friendly or have a virtual 4th of July over Zoom, it's important that we continue to practice safe and healthy habits. Check out this guide on how to remain safe.

I'm hoping this 4th of July Menu brings you joy and provide you with ideas for planning your 4th of July.

What should I BBQ for the 4th of July

For the 4th of July, you should BBQ your favorite types of protein.  Chicken wings and thighs, beef ribs, pork spare ribs, tri tip and salmon are our favorites.  I've highlighted some of these recipes in the 'Main Dishes' section below.

From there, decide on your side dishes.  Make it easy on yourself, but I must say... what's 4th of July without Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (see the link below) so that's a must.

Lately, we've been putting so many different vegetables on the grill (peppers, carrots, green beans, and bok choy).  They're quick and make absolutely delicious sides. The smoke flavor that infuses throughout the vegetables really take the vegetables to another level.

Of course, green salad, coleslaw, and other summer salads are terrific options.  Really, the ideas are limitless.

I've rounded up a list of recipes that would be great to have on your 4th of July Menu.  I've broken them out by:

• Appetizer
• Main Dishes
• Side Dishes
• Desserts.
• If you do not have an outdoor grill, but you still want 4th of July food.

Let's start...

What is a good 4th of July menu

A good 4th of July menu, consists of recipes from each category outlined below:

Appetizer

Oven Roasted Stuffed Mini Peppers

Oven roasted sweet mini peppers stuffed with taco meat, beans and melted cheese for a quick and easy appetizer.

Make this recipe

Main dishes

Grilled Chicken Wings

These marinated Grilled Chicken Wings are slightly charred with a robust smokey flavor. Let this foolproof recipe be the next best thing on your table this grilling season.

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Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers grilled to perfection in a simple but flavorful cilantro lime marinade.  For a burst of flavor, marinade between 15 to 30 minutes.  You will not be disappointed.

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Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

Tender and juicy Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs marinated in our favorite Cajun inspired dry rub for the most delicious indoor our outdoor dinner.

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Grilled BBQ Pork Spare Ribs

Fork-tender BBQ Pork Spare Ribs coated in a Cajun dry rub and grilled to perfection. Slather over your favorite BBQ sauce for the most delectable tasting ribs.

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Grilled Flanken Short Ribs

Grilled Flanken Ribs seasoned to perfection with a Cajun spice blend for a flavorful and easy weekend dinner idea.

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Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These Grilled Shrimp Skewers are lightly seasoned with kosher salt and pepper for an easy and delicious dish that's perfect as a fun appetizer, lunch, or casual weeknight dinner. 

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Side dishes

Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread

Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread made with honey and no sugar. This just might be your favorite go to side dish. It's light, fluffy, moist and uses minimal ingredients.

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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese layered with three cheeses is so creamy and delicious. It's so easy to make and is perfect for serving a crowd.

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Grilled Peppers Medley

This Grilled Peppers Medley is the perfect side dish for your next outdoor BBQ.  Arrange your platter with these vibrant grilled sweet mini peppers, zucchini and baby bok choy for a creative way to add vegetables to your dinner menu.

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Spinach Pasta Recipe

This Spinach Pasta Recipe is an easy weeknight dinner.  It's loaded with fresh spinach, mozzarella, and creamy burrata in a flavorful tomato based pasta sauce.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey

Easy Baked Ziti made with savory ground turkey in a pool of zesty tomato based marinara sauce makes the perfect weeknight dinner

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Healthy Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)

This Healthy Coleslaw Recipe without mayo is the perfect side dish for serving your family or a crowd.  It's simple enough to make on the spur of the moment or as a make-ahead dish.  The velvety tahini dressing adds a modern twist to the traditional coleslaw.  It's Vegan and Gluten Free. It's so tasty.

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Vegan Roasted Beet Salad with Grilled Peaches

Vegan Roasted Beet Salad with Grilled Peaches, a delicious fresh salad made with beautiful golden beets that are oven roasted until tender and crisp grilled peaches. Serve it cold or warm.  Either way you will not be disappointed.

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Roasted Asparagus With Garlic

Roasted Asparagus with Garlic topped with lime juice, fresh garlic, toasted pistachios and cilantro adds a unique twist that's flavorful and delicate. This healthy side dish is cooked in 8 minutes or possibly less. It's light and fresh.

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Desserts

M&M Cookies

Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies made in one bowl and no blender. This simple recipe will make the most delicious cookies.

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Brownie Mix Cookie Bars

Brownie Mix Cookies, a mash-up between chocolate chip cookie dough and brownies, for the ultimate chocolatey dessert that's soft, frudge-y, gooey and delicious.

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Brownie Trifle Dessert

This Chocolate Brownie Trifle is a chocolate lover's dream. It's a healthier version made with applesauce instead of oil or butter. I can't even begin to tell you how luscious and decadent this dessert is.

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Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler

Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler, a double crust cobbler filled with tender sweet peaches in a delicious pure maple syrup filling combined with cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom.

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Brazilian Pineapple Dessert

This delightful Brazilian Pineapple Dessert is warm yet refreshing and has the perfect hint of cinnamon that adds the perfect twist to this inviting dessert.

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If you do not have a grill, you'll love these

Baked Beef Short Ribs

This Beef Short Rib Recipe comes to you loaded with flavor, minimal ingredients, and with ease.  If you're looking for melt-in-your-mouth goodness, this is the recipe for you.

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Turkey Sliders

These small but mighty turkey sliders are bursting with flavor and are so easy to make. They're topped with melted mozzarella cheese and sandwiched between slightly toasted Hawaiian rolls drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with Italian seasoning.

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Instant Pot Beef Ribs

These Instant Pot BBQ Beef Short Ribs are packed with incredible flavor.  They're seasoned to perfection with kosher salt and a lovely Cajun spice blend and pressured cooked until fork tender.

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How to Cook Tri Tip in the Oven

Cooking Tri-Tip in the Oven is a low maintenance way of having a delicious meal packed full of flavor for all to enjoy.  This tri-tip is beautifully seared on the outside and nice and juicy on the inside.  This easy to follow recipe is marinated in a simple dry rub blend of salt, granulated garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Make this recipe

What should I bring for a 4th of July party

For a 4th of July party, you can bring:

• Various types of salad (green salad, potato salad, macaroni salad, protein salad)
• Vegetables platter with dip
• Finger foods (cheese board with crackers)
• Shrimp cocktail
• Chips with dip (guac, salsa, bean dip)
• Fruit salad, fruit skewers or diced watermelon
• Beverages (for kids and adults)
• Dessert
• Patriotic themed gift ideas or food
• You can also bring food to go on the grill (corn, meat, prepared kabobs, hot dogs, links)

Note: If you'll be celebrating outdoors, be mindful of food items that you bring that are perishable. For example, if a dish consists of mayo or other perishable ingredients, bring a dish that will not go bad if left out.

I hope you find this helpful.

Be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for more tasty recipe ideas.

For comments or questions, leave them in the comment section below.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful and safe 4th of July.

~Cree