20 Best July 4th Menu Ideas for Every Type of BBQ
From traditional summer dishes to new recipes bound to become favorites.

It’s nearly time to celebrate America’s birthday, the 4th of July! So dust off the outdoor furniture, clean the grill, and get prepping for America’s favorite barbecue and booze-fueled holiday. If you’re hosting this year’s Independence Day festivities, we’ve put together 20 of the best July 4th menu ideas for your bash — no matter the size, location, or style of your get-together.
There are several routes you can take when planning your menu for a 4th of July party. The obvious choice is traditional American fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and mac and cheese. But if you’re looking to mix things up this year, browse through our list of menus that cater to various party themes, dietary preferences, and types of gathering. We’ve included Fourth of July menus for everything from potlucks to picnics to fish fries.
To cater to your vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friends, we’ve included menus with 4th of July recipes they can fully enjoy — and they don’t just consist of salad! There are recipes for portobello burgers, strawberry pizza, and pineapple and black bean fajitas, just to name a few. Hungry yet?
Browse our easy 4th of July menus and choose your favorite list of recipes for a hassle-free holiday, from the appetizers and drinks to dessert under the fireworks. Because the last thing you want to do is spend all day in the kitchen when your guests are outside lounging by the pool.
Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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