Fourth of July Party Menu

Hosting a Fourth of July party? This easy, flavor-packed Fourth of July party menu includes my favorite mains, sides, and dessert—perfect for summer entertaining.

Planning a Fourth of July party and not sure what to serve? This curated Fourth of July menu is your one-stop guide for crowd-pleasing recipes that are easy, flavorful, and perfect for summer entertaining. Whether you’re firing up the grill or keeping things simple in the kitchen, this menu has everything you need—from elevated BBQ classics to yummy sides. No stress, just great food.

What makes a great Fourth of July menu? It should be full of bold flavors, easy-to-make dishes, and a little something for everyone. This roundup checks all the boxes with crispy smashed tacos as a fun burger twist, and slow-baked BBQ ribs that fall off the bone. I’m also sharing an upgraded hot dog recipe using puff pastry, and two show-stopping sides that can be made ahead. And yes, there’s dessert—my peach butter swim biscuits are the perfect sweet finish.

If you’re hosting this year, here’s my tip: prep ahead. Choose recipes you can partially make the day before (like the pasta salad, fruit salad, and even the biscuit dough) so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during the party. Use disposable trays for easy cleanup and prep a drink station so guests can help themselves.

This Fourth of July party menu is designed to help you enjoy the day just as much as your guests—no complicated techniques or last-minute scrambling. Just simple, delicious recipes that taste like summer.

Get the full recipes below and make this your most flavorful Fourth yet.

Smash Burger Tacos

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Upside Down Hotdog Puff Pastry

A dreamy, golden, reimagined hot dog perfect for summer BBQs and backyard gatherings.

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Easy Oven Baked Ribs

No, you don't need a grill to make the best tasting ribs–all you need is your oven and my secret seasoning combo! Sit back, relax and let the oven do all the work for you.

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Hot Honey Sweet Chili BBQ Wings

If you want to take your game day spread to the next level, we've got just the recipe for you: Hot Honey Sweet Chili BBQ Wings.

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Creamy No Roux Baked Mac and Cheese

My creamy no roux baked mac and cheese has become a family staple and my husbands personal favorite. The combination of cheeses melts beautifully together to create the gorgeous base for the best cheese sauce you've ever had. This recipe is perfect for any holiday dinner or a special side dish to take dinner to the next level.

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Elote-Style Pasta Salad

This Elote-Style Pasta Salad brings together the smoky, creamy flavors of Mexican street corn with pasta, cotija cheese, lime, and a chili-spiced dressing. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or weekly meal prep.

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Easy Summer Fruit Salad

This easy summer fruit salad with strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, mangoes, and watermelon is drizzled with honey and lime for a refreshing, prep-ahead snack perfect for busy summer days.

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