7 Complete Five-Course 4th of July Menus for Your Cookout
Satisfy everyone from meat lovers to veggie enthusiasts.
Are you in charge of coming up with 4th of July party ideas this year? Never fear—we compiled seven unique five-course 4th of July menus, including 4th of July appetizers, grilling recipes, barbecue side dishes, and 4th of July desserts—all fit for any kind of hungry crowd and festive party theme.
You can stick to the grilled classics through a meat-lovers lineup, get smoky with a camping cookout, go beyond beef with a meatless menu, get sweet with all-fruit-everything buffet, keep it simple with a super easy menu, get cheesy with a cheese-lover's menu, or embrace the island life with a Hawaiian menu. Whatever you choose, it'll be delicious!
Camping Cookout | Appetizer: Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
The outdoor equivalent of a one-pan dish, foil packets make for the easiest campfire cooking—and arguably the most delicious, as evidenced by these hearty nachos. Whip up a few batches at the campsite grill and expect instantly empty packs.
Camping Cookout | Main: Grilled Sausages
Gather 'round the bonfire, grilled meats in hand. Opt for sweet or spicy Italian sausages, then finish off with your go-to toppings.
Camping Cookout | Side: Tossed Salad With Green Goddess Dressing
Gotta eat your greens! No grill is needed to mix this simple summer salad loaded with veggies and fresh herbs.
Camping Cookout | Side: Cast-Iron Beans
We're spilling the beans—this recipe takes just 30 minutes, meaning you'll have more time to spare with your well-fed crew. Just don't forget to pack the skillet.
Camping Cookout | Dessert: S'mores Three Ways
You had to see this one coming—it's a camping must, especially after a long day of hiking. Revamp the classic graham cracker recipe with tasty additions like chocolate cookies, peanut butter, and strawberries.
Fruit Lovers | Appetizer: Watermelon Cups With Cranberry Mascarpone
Kick off your celebration on a sweet note with juicy watermelon bites, made even more mouthwatering by the cranberry mascarpone filling.
Get the recipe at Cravings of a Lunatic.
Fruit Lovers | Main: Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Healthy, filling, and oh-so-easy to cook, this raspberry-infused spin on standard salmon will have party guests begging for your recipe.
Get the recipe at The Real Food Dietitians.
Fruit Lovers | Side: Cranberry and Blueberry Salad
Send everyone's sweet cravings into overdrive with this summer side salad, which features a blueberry balsamic dressing as an added fruity enhancement.
Get the recipe at Peas and Crayons.
Fruit Lovers | Side: Watermelon Skewers With Prosciutto
Who needs a 4th of July charcuterie board when you can stick your meats, cheeses, and watermelon on skewers?
Get the recipe at Recipes From a Pantry.
Fruit Lovers | Dessert: Peach Popsicles
There's no better way to top off the cookout buffet than with a refreshing homemade popsicle.
Get the recipe at Oh So Delicioso.
Easy | Appetizer: Chicken Bruschetta Sliders
Build excitement for the main course with these bite-size delights, which you can make in the blink of an eye using rotisserie chicken.
Get the recipe at Life Made Sweeter.
Easy | Main: Prosciutto Pesto Hot Dog
While the dogs do their time on the grill, you can quickly whip up the fried prosciutto and pesto toppings. Add mozzarella slices and artichoke hearts for the finishing touches, and prepare to hear lots of "this is the best thing I've ever tasted."
Get the recipe at Country Cleaver.
Easy | Side: Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Pressed for time? This crowd-pleasing, corn-infused dish comes together with only five minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time.
Get the recipe at Easy Family Recipes.
Easy | Side: Bow Tie Pasta Salad
It's not a 4th of July cookout until the pasta salad gets passed around, and this rendition makes for a lighter alternative to most mayo-infused recipes. You can also sub in your favorite noodles.
Get the recipe at Julie Blanner.
Easy | Dessert: No-Bake Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
For added convenience, go the no-bake route with your dessert contribution. This frozen cookie dough creation easily rivals store-bought versions.
Get the recipe at The Recipe Rebel.
Cheese Lovers | Appetizer: Ranch Bacon Mac and Cheese Cups
Both kids and adults will devour this cheesy bite-size appetizer.
Get the recipe at The Recipe Critic.
Cheese Lovers | Main: One-Pan Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken
An easy, 20-minute entrée is ideal when you're serving four other courses.
Get the recipe at The Chunky Chef.
Cheese Lovers | Side: Cheesy Broccoli Bake
You won't have trouble getting the kids to eat their vegetables with this classic side.
Get the recipe at Emily Bites.
Cheese Lovers | Side: Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
Serve this rolled up grilled cheese sandwiches with a shot of tomato soup.
Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.
Cheese Lovers | Dessert: Vanilla Cream Cheese Custard
Pipe this custard dessert into chilled glasses for a stunning presentation.
Get the recipe at A Family Feast.
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