Celebrate July Fourth With All-American Foods
Nothing says patriotic celebration quite like the sizzle of a grill and the laughter of loved ones gathered around a table laden with America’s favorite foods. The Fourth of July transforms ordinary backyards into stages for culinary tradition, where every bite connects us to the simple pleasures that define summer gatherings. From the first appetizer to the final sweet indulgence, these dishes create the backdrop for memories long after the fireworks fade.
Starters
Make our refreshing Watermelon Salad to kick off your Independence Day celebration. The flavors of watermelon, fresh herbs, and feta complement each other most deliciously. For additional rave-worthy watermelon recipes, including Watermelon Pico de Gallo, Grilled Pineapple and Watermelon Fruit Kabobs, and more, check out our article Create Showstopping Dishes with Watermelon.
Grilled buffalo wings are the bold, spicy starter every summer celebration needs. Make Food Network’s Grilled Buffalo Wings and serve with the classic accompaniments: ranch dressing, carrot sticks, and celery sticks.
Entrées
Classic hamburgers and hot dogs are staples of an All-American cookout, so it makes sense that they fill the grill on July Fourth. Keep the classics, but add some flair—serve burgers and dogs with unexpected, delicious twists. Light up adventurous taste buds with our Jalapeño Cheeseburgers. The ground beef is perfectly seasoned with oregano, cumin, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and more. Topped with sliced jalapenos and a BBQ-mayonnaise condiment you can make at home, this burger delivers. Or make Betty Crocker’s Grilled Salsa Burgers. Prepared salsa mixed with ground beef adds fantastic flavor to the burgers and helps to keep them moist. For more burger inspiration, check out Serious Eats’ Burger Recipes.
In addition to classic hot dogs topped with mustard, ketchup, relish, and onions, consider setting up a DIY hot dog bar with toppings such as Fritos corn chips, guacamole, coleslaw, and more. Here are some Easy Hot Dog Topping Ideas from Food Network. When setting up a DIY hot dog bar, as soon as the hot dogs finish grilling, place them directly into the buns and then set them on a serving platter on the table with the toppings. All your guests need to do is grab their hot dogs and get creative with the tasty toppings.
Sides
Two must-make summer sides are macaroni salad and baked beans. Red bell pepper, carrots, celery, and red onion add a nice crunch to this Classic Macaroni Salad from Cooking Classy. Ree Drummond’s Perfectly Baked Beans is perfect for Independence Day menus. This five-star review recipe starts with canned beans and transforms into a full-flavored dish with ingredients like bacon, bell peppers, jalapeno, cider vinegar, brown sugar, and more.
Desserts
Remember when you were a kid eating a scrumptious Creamsicle on a hot summer day? Keep the classic theme going for dessert with our Homemade Creamsicles. Our creamsicle is a healthier version of the classic dessert, made with vanilla yogurt rather than ice cream. It’s still dreamy, delicious, and a fun treat to eat. If you want to serve another classic sweet treat with twists, you’ll want to read our article S’mores: A Top Summer Craving. You’ll discover 16 ways to make and enjoy this beloved treat.
How about these festive Star Brownies from Betty Crocker? You can use any brownie or cookie mix. Just follow the preparation instructions on the packaging for the brownies or cookies, then use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the stars before decorating.
As the sparklers dim and the last guests head home, the true magic of Fourth of July dining reveals itself in the satisfied smiles and the stories shared over empty plates. These cherished recipes don’t just fill our stomachs—they weave the fabric of American tradition one delicious bite at a time.
