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4th of July Menu

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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
stuffed peppers served on white plate with cilantro for garnish

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.
Make this recipe
grilled chicken wings on round serving tray with grilled green beans
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.
Make this recipe
grilled chicken skewers served on a white plate
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.
Make this recipe
grilled chicken thighs served on oval white platter garnished with cilantro leaves
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.
Make this recipe
slab of grilled pork spare ribs on cutting board with sauce
Grilled Flanken Short Ribs
Grilled Flanken Ribs seasoned to perfection with a Cajun spice blend for a flavorful and easy weekend dinner idea.
Make this recipe
grilled flanken ribs served on a circular wooden serving dish next to a beige napkin
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. 
Make this recipe
grilled shrimp skewers on wooden serving platter with grilled bok choy

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.
Make this recipe
buttermilk cornbread with melted butter and drizzle of honey
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.
Make this recipe
creamy baked mac and cheese in a white casserole dish with plates on side
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.
Make this recipe
grilled sweet mini peppers, zucchini, and bok choy served on white platter
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.
Make this recipe
spinach pasta in blue round serving dish
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
Make this recipe
Easy Baked Ziti served in a square burgandy baking dish
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.
Make this recipe
healthy coleslaw recipe no mayo in a cream colored serving bowl with a side of tahini salad dressing
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.
Make this recipe
vegan roasted beet salad with grilled peaches and arugula
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.
Make this recipe
final shot of roasted asparagus with garlic, lime juice, toasted pistachios and cilantro

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.
Make this recipe
mm cookies on white round plate
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.
Make this recipe
brownie cookie bars on cooling rack drizzled with fudge
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.
Make this recipe
brownie trifle with slice cut out
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.
Make this recipe
old fashion peach cobbler in white baking dish next to orange bowls
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.
Make this recipe
Brazilian Pineapple Dessert

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.
Make this recipe
baked beef short ribs served on a cutting board
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.
Make this recipe
turkey burger sliders on hawaiian rolls
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.
Make this recipe
instant pot bbq beef short ribs on white serving platter
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
tri tip on wooden chopping board with knife and rosemary

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

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