We have some time before the Fourth of July but we might as well start thinking about how we’re going to celebrate. Besides fireworks, the most important part of Fourth of July is food. A good Fourth of July party needs tasty food, preferably potluck style. Growing up I was lucky to live in a neighborhood that loved potluck parties for Fourth of July, it’s an awesome way to get some variety in your belly and see who among your friends/family/neighbors knows what they’re doing in the kitchen.
To help you contribute to your potluck this year, I put together a round-up of main dishes and sides. And believe me there’s something for everyone here. Even for those like me who only know how to make a salad. The Fourth is the time for grilling but it’s also the time for summertime seafood and picnic style recipes. Pasta salad, potato salad, baked beans. My goal was to get a little bit of everything, some classic, some on the fancier side, so that you feel inspired when you plan your Fourth of July party. And remember safety first when lighting off fireworks!
10 Party Ready Fourth of July Recipes
Let’s Get Cracking- A Summer Clambake | Anthropologie Blog
Clambake! Now that’s how you throw a party! All you need is a bunch of fresh, yummy seafood, a big pot, and time. Ok, and some seasoning like white wine, old bay, garlic, onion, and pepper. But this one pot meal is impressive and a crowd pleaser.
The BA Burger Deluxe | bon appétit
Mmm burger. Just look at that juicy sauce and melty cheese. It’s calling out to you. The key to this burger is three cuts of beef for a particularly scrumptious patty.
Cowboy Caviar | Cookie + Kate
Dan loves cowboy caviar, and you better get on that train too because this stuff is good. It’s a bean salad that is both a side and a salsa and this particular recipe has just the right amount of sauce to let the ingredients speak for themselves.
Early Summer Salad | Honestly Yum
I thought about putting a watermelon recipe on here but this kills two birds with one stone. A salad and a recipe featuring watermelon. Refreshing. Delicious. And a slightly healthy dish to offset all the BBQ’d meat you’re likely going to eat.
Barbecue, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Potato Salad | Climbing Grier Mountain
Oh man, I am drooling just looking at this loaded potato salad. What is more indulgent than a barbecue, bacon, and blue cheese combination with your potato salad? Forget the other sides, just load up on this.
Bourbon Peach BBQ Baked Beans | Half Baked Harvest
If you’re having a BBQ, you’re going to need some baked beans. Except these aren’t your mom’s regular ‘ole baked beans. You have smokiness of the bourbon with the sweetness of the peaches and add some bacon and you have a delectable pot of yumm.
DJ BBQ’s Rad Rum Ribs | Jamie Oliver
Aside from burgers, ribs are the next dish I think about when I think of Fourth of July. It’s time for BBQ! We’re looking for meat that falls right off the bone and sticky, sweet and slightly spicy sauce. Done and done.
Grilled Corn With Jalapeño Honey Butter | Honestly Yum
Corn on the cob is another classic outdoor dish. But this grilled corn recipe isn’t your regular grilled corn recipe. Jalapeño honey butter. Need I say more?
Grilled Lobster Rolls | Jamie Oliver
A little fancy and a bit more work, but these would be a wonderful addition to a small 4th of July gathering. It’s a classic summer dish that lets the lobster shine.
Simple Grilled Kale + Red Pepper Tuscan Pasta Salad | Half Baked Harvest
Someone ALWAYS brings a pasta salad to parties. It’s so easy. But this one is serious. Just look at it. We have bell pepper, kale, pepperoncini, sun-dried tomato, kalamata olives and then not one but two types of cheese! Mozzarella and gorgonzola, respectively.
