Food Blog: Your 4th of July Menu Starts Here

Monday, June 29, 2026

Your 4th of July Menu Starts Here

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Hey reader!

Okay PLEASE tell me you are experiencing the World Cup love-for-America content in your social media algorithm right now?? There are the most wholesome videos about Europeans (people from around the world, really) experiencing the US for the first time and it is pure gold. The consensus is that it's healing our country and bringing us together more than ever! I love that it's happening right around the 4th of July and people coming from all around the world like a giant party right here on our shores has us all feeling extra patriotic.

On that note- today I wanted to share some of my favorites for holiday (or any day) cook outs! If you're looking for something to add to your menu, I hope this gives you some great ideas.

xo, Sara

Festive Treats

Fruit Pizza - This giant cookie is a family tradition at our house!
American Flag WhiteTextas Sheet Cake - Feeds a ton of people and it's so festive.
Layered Jello - People always ooh and ahhh over this one!
Mini Cheesecakes - My Mom made these EVERY 4th of July when I was growing up! So easy. Use fresh fruit or canned pie filling.
Oatmeal M&M CCC Bars - Grab a bag of patriotic candy and this one is a go-to hit.
Red White & Blue Dipped Strawberries - Easy and fun fruit side.
Chocolate & Berry Trifle - Shortcut mousse, fresh berries and Oreos. Yes please.

Salads & Sides

Not Too Sweet Baked Beans - Homemade is easier than you think!
Easy Southern Style Creamed Corn - Incredible and so easy (no cream!)
Classic Potato Salad- I look forward to this one every year.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad - don't be thrown by the Hawaiian part, this is a fantastic mac salad that's perfect with bbq!
Memphis Style Coleslaw - I LOVE a tangy coleslaw, especially with any type of grilled meat.
Creamy Basil Pasta Salad - Pasta salad re-invented with fresh summer flavor.
Fresh Sweet Corn Salad - SO fresh and so delish!
Bacon-Wrapped Teriyaki Chicken Skewers - For a wildcard entry!

On the Grill

Seattle Style Hot Dogs- A simple trick for the best unique dogs!
Smash Burgers - My family's favorite burgers
Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs - No grill or smoker, no problem.
Bratwursts and Sauerkraut - If you love a Brat, this one's for you!
Smoked Tri Tip- Easy, hands-off, and our of this world.
Grilled Hamburgers - We're talking classic backyard burger!
Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers - Doesn't always have to be a burger or hot dog!
Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches - Just, yum.

Can't wait to see what my fellow Americans cook up for America's 250th. Share a photo and tag me so I can see!

Sara Wells

Sara Wells co-founded Our Best Bites in 2008. She is the author of three Bestselling Cook Books, Best Bites: 150 Family Favorite Recipes, Savoring the Seasons with Our Best Bites, and 400 Calories or Less from Our Best Bites. Sara’s work has been featured in many local and national news outlets and publications such as Parenting Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Fine Cooking, The Rachel Ray Show and the New York Times.

ALL RECIPES

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