Skip to content

Top Navigation

Food & Wine Food & Wine
  • Recipes & Cooking
  • Drinks
  • Travel
  • Holidays & Events
  • News
  • F&W Classic
  • Video
  • Kitchen & Home
  • F&W Pro

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Wine Club
  • Podcast
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Food & Wine

Food & Wine Food & Wine
  • Explore

    Explore

    • F&W Cooks

      Food and Wine presents a new network of food pros delivering the most cookable recipes and delicious ideas online. Read More Next
    • Our 22 Best Crock Pot and Slow-Cooker Recipes

      Looking to amp up your beef stew but unsure where to start? A slow cooker can can take your comfort food to the next level. Read More Next
    • 50 Affordable Wines You Can Always Trust

      We’ve assembled a list of 50 of the world’s most reliable, inexpensive wines – bottles that offer amazing quality for their price year in and year out. Read More Next
  • Recipes & Cooking

    Recipes & Cooking

    See All Recipes & Cooking
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Comfort Food Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Pasta & Noodle Recipes
    • Chefs
    • Meat & Poultry Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Fruit Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Special Diets
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Steal This Trick
  • Drinks

    Drinks

    See All Drinks
    • Wine
    • Cocktails & Spirits
    • Coffee Drinks & Recipes
    • Juices
    • Beer & Brews
    • Champagne & Sparkling Wine
    • Tea Recipes & Ideas
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    • Wine Regions
    • Restaurants
  • Holidays & Events

    Holidays & Events

    See All Holidays & Events
    • Valentine's Day
    • Halloween
    • Passover
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • Gifts
    • Super Bowl
    • Easter
    • Thanksgiving
    • New Year's Eve
    • Holiday Entertaining
  • News
  • F&W Classic
  • Video
  • Kitchen & Home
  • F&W Pro

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Wine Club
  • Podcast
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Holidays & Events Chevron Right
  3. 4th of July Chevron Right
  4. Ultimate Guide to the Fourth of July

Ultimate Guide to the Fourth of July

By Food & Wine
Updated May 30, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet
Credit: CON POULOS
This Fourth of July, you should go big. Summer entertaining is at its peak and you must take advantage. Throw a pool party, a dinner party, a pre-fireworks party, a post-fireworks party—whatever. And no matter which you decide on, you'll definitely require food and drinks. And that's where we come in. We've designed the Ultimate Fourth of July Guide with hundreds of recipes that highlight barbecue, summer produce, patriotic dishes and more. We have full menus you can cook from start to finish, as well as inspiration for your own creations. And don't worry, we have a few detox recipes for July 5, too. So decide between juicy burgers or fall-off-the-bone ribs, blackberry or stone fruit pie with almond streusel, a mango margarita or a cold, local IPA, and you will be absolutely set with the tools you need to have the best July Fourth ever. Thanks, America, for being born.
Start Slideshow

1 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

23 Phenomenal Fourth of July Recipes

Credit: © Christina Holmes
Go to Gallery

You shouldn't be without options on the 4th and we have plenty for you. 23 in fact. From creamy cucumber and grilled potato salad to apple-glazed barbecued baby back ribs, you'll be set.

1 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fourth of July Snacks You Definitely Need

Credit: LINE KLEIN
Go to Gallery

For any all day party or celebration, snacks are key. Obviously the meal is the main event, but having tasty snacks on hand to nibble on throughout is ideal. Celebrate the Fourth of July by indulging in easy and refreshing snacks, including ice pops, summer parfaits and crispy kale chips.

2 of 35

3 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Celebrity Chefs' Best Fourth of July Recipes

Credit: © John Kernick
Go to Gallery

From watermelon salad with feta and mint one-pot sticky chicken wings, it's obvious that chefs know exactly what to cook on the Fourth of July. Here, some incredible recipes from incredible chefs like Wolfgang Puck's hot dog melts and Richard Blais's tomato salad with pickled walnuts and blue cheese.

3 of 35

Advertisement

4 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Standout Fourth of July Cookout Additions

Credit: MARTIN MORRELL
Go to Gallery

Menu inspiration can be quite a challenge. That is why we have gathered our best ideas for all Independence Day culinary brainstorms. From a delectable triple pork burger to a refreshing grilled watermelon dish with yogurt, here are some exciting food ideas to cook up during your Fourth of July celebration.

4 of 35

5 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fourth of July Party Ideas

Credit: LUCAS ALLEN
Go to Gallery

Celebrate summer, America and all the delicious food our great country has to offer. Get festive for America's birthday this year with red sangria, a firecracker salsa, color-coded hors d'oeuvres and much more.

5 of 35

6 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Red, White and Blue Food for Fourth of July

Credit: JOHNNY MILLER
Go to Gallery

Everyone knows that red, white and blue are the beautiful colors of our country, and luckily many delicious foods also share this color scheme. Here, 12 recipes for festively colored foods for an amazing Fourth of July party like juicy, grilled watermelon, cool white gazpacho and a fresh blueberry tart.

6 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

15 Fourth of July Barbecue Recipes

Credit: © Kristen Stevens
Go to Gallery

Hosting a cookout this Fourth of July? Follow these summer grilling recipes and enjoy the most delicious BBQ you've ever tasted. From glazed chicken breasts with coffee BBQ sauce to easy BBQ chicken enchiladas to BLT hot dogs with caraway remoulade, you'll be all set with the grill.

7 of 35

8 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

The Ideal Roasted Pork Ribs Menu for Fourth of July

Credit: © Tina Rupp
Go to Gallery

Are you too busy (or just not in the mood) to plan out an entire menu for your Fourth of July celebration? Well you're lucky we're here to help. Here, a complete July 4th menu, with tasty, Tuscan-style spareribs with balsamic glaze and a fresh, summery chopped salad with beets, beans, goat cheese and hazelnuts.

8 of 35

9 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

An Impressive Jerk Chicken Menu for the Fourth of July

Credit: © Dana Gallagher
Go to Gallery

Spicy, flavorful jerk chicken is an excellent centerpiece dish for your festive celebration. This multi-course meal features a roasted sweet potato and okra salad and a decadent black-bottom banana cream pie.

9 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Laurent Tourondel’s Fourth of July Recipe

Credit: © John Kernick
Go to Gallery

Star chef Laurent Tourondel, known for his BLT Restaurant Group, let us in on all his Fourth of July celebration secrets with seven stellar recipes you should definitely make this holiday. From four cheese-stuffed portabellos to Asian-style spicy coleslaw, Laurent Tourondel showcases his incredible ability to revitalize traditional American flavors.

10 of 35

11 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

30 Essential Grilling Recipes for a July Fourth Feast

Credit: © Con Poulos
Go to Gallery

Temperatures are up and the sun is out, which means grilling season is upon us. From mains like expertly-seared steaks and crispy grilled fish to desserts like grilled lemon pound cake and even drinks like smoky sangria, here are 30 essential grilling recipes that you and your guests will love to eat.

11 of 35

12 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Super Fast Grilling Recipes for a Last-Minute Barbecue

Credit: JOHN KERNICK
Go to Gallery

Sometimes things don't go as planned. When it's supposed to rain on Fourth of July, but the sun comes out or the party you were supposed to go to gets cancelled, you may have to throw together a last-minute barbecue. Luckily, that isn't so hard with these quick grilling recipes. These delicious recipes include juicy bacon burgers on brioche buns and a brilliant grilled eggplant Parmesan.

12 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

33 Juicy Burgers to Make for Fourth of July

Credit: MARCUS NILSSON
Go to Gallery

Everyone loves a tasty burger, and your Fourth of July guests won’t be an exception. These incredible burger recipes offer unique twists on the classic hamburger, incorporating ingredients like pimento cheese, sesame oil and serrano chiles. The flavors don't stop there, though. Whip up a few of our favorite Umami burgers, chicken burgers and buffalo burgers this Fourth of July.

13 of 35

14 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

36 Grilled Vegetable Dishes to Make for July Fourth

Credit: CHRISTINA HOLMES
Go to Gallery

Whether you're looking for delicious side dishes or ideas for vegetarian mains, throwing veggies on the grill is always a great idea. With everything from grilled potato salad to flavor-packed corn on the cob, these recipes are sure to be crowd-pleasers. Here, grilled vegetable dishes that you and your party guests will love.

14 of 35

15 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Easy Grilled Appetizers

Credit: CHRISTINA HOLMES
Go to Article

Appetizers set the mood for the entire party, so it's important that you make them well! From incredible oysters with tangy chorizo butter to smoky grilled kale toasts, we've got everything you need right here. We present nine easy (but impressive) grilled appetizers to kick off your 4th of July cookout.

15 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Awesome Grilled Chicken Wings

Go to Article

Let's be real. Everyone loves a good wing (or ten). From spicy-sweet apricot wings to Andy Ricker's fish sauce-coated ones, you don't even need an oven for these cookout-ready wings. Just for you, we're serving up seven of the best grilled chicken wings to make for a Fourth of July bash.

16 of 35

17 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Advanced Grilling Recipes to Show Off on the Fourth of July

Credit: PEDEN + MUNK
Go to Article

We don't know about you, but the whole long weekend is the best part of the Fourth of July. Take advantage of the extra day of prep time and get to work making one of these time-consuming (but incredibly rewarding and impressive) grilling recipes. You only get one Fourth of July a year—go ahead and show off.

17 of 35

18 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Best Finger Foods

Credit: © Kate Winslow
Go to Article

There are so many reasons you should celebrate the Fourth of July with crowd-pleasing finger foods. They're easy to serve, they're super festive and eating with your hands is always more fun. From hogs in a blanket to lobster sliders to Greek salad skewers with anchovy aioli, you're going to have a tough time choosing.

18 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

How to Cook for Vegetarian Guests on the Fourth of July

Credit: CON POULOS
Go to Article

On a holiday that is known for its barbecued meats and sumptuous sides, feeding a vegetarian guest an equally summery meal may seem like a challenge. But it's a delicious one! We've got veggie burgers, juicy grilled tomatoes and more meatless ways to celebrate Independence Day that your vegetarian friends and family will love.

19 of 35

20 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

17 Fourth of July Picnic Recipes

Credit: © John Kernick
Go to Gallery

The Fourth of July is a great excuse to get the family outside for a meal. However, it takes a surprising amount of time to plan an easily portable menu. Luckily for you, we've already done just that. Here are 17 simple picnic-friendly recipes to celebrate—from ratatouille and goat cheese subs to butter bean salad with lime and mint.

20 of 35

21 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

30 Summer Tomato Recipes for July Fourth

Credit: CON POULOS
Go to Gallery

Summer means many things, but one of the best is the arrival of tomato season. Tomatoes picked at the height of summer are the most delicious, juiciest, plump red fruits you may ever come across. Recipes like risotto-style penne with tomatoes and zucchini blossoms are just the thing for a July Fourth barbecue.

21 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

30 Summer Drinks to Sip On This Fourth of July

Credit: JOHN KERNICK
Go to Gallery

The weather is warm and sunny, everyone is happy to be outside and some of the most delicious (and nutritious) produce is in season. Indeed, summer is the best season of the year. Summer is also prime drinking season and we think the best way to celebrate the sunniest time of the year is with some cold cocktails.

22 of 35

23 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Iconic American Cocktails

Credit: LUCAS ALLEN
Go to Article

This Fourth of July, don’t just toast the birth of the nation with any old cocktail. Do it with an iconic American invention. From the sazerac to the mint julep to fish house punch, this is a boozy list you won't want to miss. Here, seven delicious drinks that are American to the core.

23 of 35

24 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Frozen Drinks to Mix for Fourth of July

Credit: DAVID MALOSH
Go to Gallery

We don’t care what anyone says, there is nothing like a frozen cocktail on a hot July day. These summery, fruity frozen drinks include a mango margarita, basil limeade slushies and a watermelon-honey-citrus refresher. So pick a drink you think your guests might like and sip the heat away together.

24 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

9 Baller Beer-tails for July Fourth

Credit: CON POULOS
Go to Article

A hot summer’s day calls for a frosty cold mug of beer—especially when that hot day is America’s birthday. Take your Fourth of July brews to new heights by making them into sublime, spritzy cocktails. Here, nine exceptional beer cocktails to serve guests at your Fourth of July party.

25 of 35

26 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

50 Best IPAs in America

Credit: LEWIS COMMUNICATIONS
Go to Gallery

As the craft beer world has grown to support over 4000 unique breweries around the United States, no style has kept up with India Pale Ale. As of 2015, IPAs accounted for over a quarter of all craft beer sales in America. That means there is fierce competition amongst the brewers of the country’s hoppiest beers. But this is a big country and with the IPA's popularity, every state has something to offer. Here, a standout from each member of the union, so you can enjoy something local and American.

26 of 35

27 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

27 Ice Cream Recipes for Fourth of July

Credit: ABBY HOCKING
Go to Gallery

Ice cream is one of the world's best inventions — especially on a hot summer day. Make your Fourth of July celebration into an ice cream party and all of your guests will be very thankful. From mile high ice cream pie to cardamom-oatmeal cookie ice cream sandwiches, you'll be set.

27 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

10 Stunning Pies (Other than Apple) for the Fourth of July

Credit: QUENTIN BACON
Go to Article

Pie is the quintessential American dessert, which makes it both an obvious and delicious, choice for the celebration of our great country's birthday. While apple pie might be a popular classic, you must not limit yourself, especially because summer offers the most delicious fruits. Here are 10 bright and tangy summer fruit pies to make for July Fourth.

28 of 35

29 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

7 Best Cookie Recipes for the Fourth of July

Credit: FREDRIKA STJÄRNE
Go to Article

From rich chocolate cookies to zesty, lemon-scented sugar cookies, we've got you covered with all the cookies you might want for your July Fourth celebration. Take them over-the-top with patriotic flag- and star-shaped cookie cutters and red, white and blue frosting. Here are seven fantastic treats to make for a Fourth of July party.

29 of 35

30 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

9 No-Bake Desserts for the Fourth of July

Credit: Petrina Tinslay
Go to Article

Dessert is an important part of any celebration, but baking in the middle of the summer can be uncomfortably hot and time-consuming. Leave the oven off and spend more time outside this Fourth of July. From over-the-top cheesecake to instant ice cream sandwiches, here are nine amazing no-bake desserts to make this weekend.

30 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

9 Fantastic Fourth of July Cakes

Credit: TINA RUPP
Go to Article

With Fourth of July around the corner, we rounded up our best recipes for super-summery, festive cakes. With options like goat cheese cake with mixed berries, banana split cake and lemony semolina-jam cake, you will want to make all of them. Here, nine delicious and crowd-pleasing cakes for your Fourth of July menu.

31 of 35

32 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

10 Incredible Cookies for the Fourth of July

Credit: © Emily Farris 
Go to Gallery

There are few things that a good cookie can't fix. Everything about your Fourth of July party could go wrong, but a cookie will save the day. Sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, oatmeal cookies...We've got them all! Celebrate the Fourth of July by devouring every single one of these cookies.

32 of 35

33 of 35

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Fourth of July Table Setting Ideas

Credit: JOHN KERNICK
Go to Gallery

While the food often speaks for itself, it never hurts to have festive decorations to really bring your party together. Here, we have stylish ways to set the table, from stars-and-stripes napkins to spice shells. And have you ever seen "Menu in a Bottle"? You're going to absolutely love that one.

33 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 35

Save