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    Home » Blog » Party Time

    55 Delicious 4th of July Potluck Recipes

    Published: Jun 20, 2023 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    The photo collage shows several recipes for a 4th of July potluck.

    All the 4th of July potluck recipes you need to throw the perfect backyard cookout for the holiday. Easy main dishes, side dishes that travel well, and red, white, and blue desserts to finish the party with a bang!

    A potluck table is filled with 4th of July party recipes including fresh corn on the cob, watermelon, and potato salad.

    For this year's July 4th cookout, plan ahead and get all the best potluck recipes for bringing to the bash or setting out as the host.

    These easy recipes are a great way to fill up your menu plan for the best summer party ever.

    The perfect 4th of July menu will include savory grilled meats like classic hamburgers and hotdogs with a buffet table loaded with travel-friendly side dishes like potato salad, macaroni salad, and corn on the cob.

    End the party with a bang with easy and delicious red, white, and blue desserts everyone will love.

    Jump to:
    • Best Burgers
    • Classic Hot Dogs
    • More Main Dishes Ideas
    • Barbecue Sauce
    • Condiments that Travel Well
    • Slow Cooker Potluck Recipes
    • Vegetarian Options
    • Pasta Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Fresh Fruit Platters
    • Red, White, and Blue Desserts
    • Party Beverages
    • More Summer Meal Planning
    • 💬 Comments

    Best Burgers

    Of all the easy grilling recipes out there, a classic American hamburger is such a traditional part of most 4th of July cookouts.

    For this year's backyard barbecue, why not set out a Build Your Own Burger Bar with a few unique toppings?

    Start with offering BOTH traditional ground beef burgers but add in chicken burgers or turkey burgers as a lighter option.

    • A bacon cheddar burger has layers of fresh tomato and fresh basil and sits next to a serving of potato chips.
      Candied Bacon and Basil Cheeseburgers
    • A platter of candied bacon with pepper is ready to serve.
      Peppered Bacon
    • A super easy homemade buffalo sauce sits in a mason jar with a spoon.
      Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce
    • A mason jar filled with homemade blue cheese dressing sits in front of a bowl full of lettuce.
      Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese Dressing

    Then set out the following burger toppings:

    • Classic orange cheddar cheese
    • White cheddar cheese slices
    • Red onion slices
    • Dill pickles
    • Lettuce leaves
    • Tomato slices
    • Peppered bacon
    • Ketchup & Mustard
    • Buffalo sauce for an easy buffalo burger or buffalo chicken burger
    • Greek yogurt blue cheese dressing for an easy "black and bleu" burger

    Classic Hot Dogs

    A grilled hot dog is one of the easiest 4th of July recipes and always a huge hit with the kids.

    For a unique and easy variation, try making a batch of my thick ground beef chili for easy chili dogs with shredded cheese and chopped red onion.

    Or, make a batch of my roasted peppers and pineapple but then chop them up finely. Offer it as a tropical hot dog relish.

    • A white soup bowl filled with thick ground beef chili topped with shredded cheese and sliced green onions. There's a spoon and a pile of potato chips on the side.
      Ground Beef Chili Bowls
    • A serving bowl of roasted pineapple and pepper chunks sits in front of a roasting pan with spatula.
      Roasted Peppers and Pineapple

    More Main Dishes Ideas

    A blue and white plate has a grilled brat with potato chips and a green salad. A bowl of fresh watermelon is in the background.

    If hamburgers and hot dogs aren't floating your boat this year and you'd prefer to try something a little different for your 4th of July party main dish, there are so many delicious new ideas you could serve.

    Potluck Sandwiches:

    • Pulled Pork: Works great as a sandwich or a barbecue plate
    • Italian Beef Sandwiches
    • Chimichurri Steak Sandwiches

    Easy Meaty Mains:

    • Grilled Meatball Skewers: Make kabobs of all veggies and all fruits separately
    • Cajun Blackened Chicken Thighs
    • Rum Glazed Pork Tenderloin: Goes really well with my grilled peaches
    • Bourbon Chicken
    • Grilled Tilapia
    • A barbecue pulled pork sandwich is on a plate next to potato chips.
      Pulled Pork in the Oven or Slow Cooker
    • A blue plate holds a serving of rice with chunks of steak drizzled with fresh green chimichurri sauce. Fresh tomatoes are sliced in the back.
      Grilled Chimichurri Steak
    • Italian beef sandwich has toasted bread, melted provolone cheese, and pepper relish on top of the shredded beef.
      Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches
    • A platter of 4 meatball skewers with teriyaki glaze. A plate of grilled vegetables and fresh pineapple are in the back.
      Easy Grilled Meatball Skewers
    • The white plate has two baked chicken thighs that have been seasoned with blackening spice.
      Cajun Blackened Chicken Thighs {Air Fryer or Oven}
    • Several slices of pork tene
      Rum Glazed Pork Tenderloin
    • The grilled tilapia is on a dinner plate with a dollop of dill aoli, red rice, and a cob of corn.
      Seasoned Grilled Tilapia
    • A bowl of rice is topped with shredded bourbon chicken from the crockpot.
      Saucy Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

    Barbecue Sauce

    The key to a super delicious backyard cookout is all in the barbecue sauce. Homemade versions featuring apple cider vinegar and brown sugar are perfect for basting saucy ribs but work for a wide variety of easy main dishes:

    • Baked Chicken Breasts
    • Broiled Chicken Tenderloins
    • Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
    • Pulled Pork
    • A mason jar filled with barbecue sauce has a spoon and is in front of a dish of shredded pork.
      Light and Sweet BBQ Sauce

    Condiments that Travel Well

    Need something super easy but very impressive to bring to your potluck party? Offer to make a homemade relish or dipping sauce. These easy recipes add so much flavor to the main dish and are a thoughtful addition to the menu.

    My small batch chow chow relish is excellent on most grilled meats while the carrot apple salad is best for pairing with spicy barbecue.

    My spicy sauce for sandwiches would elevate any burger or hot dog and even tastes great as a potato chip dip.

    Delight the kiddies with a batch of my copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce with baked french fries or even baked chicken nuggets.

    • The chow chow has been spooned over a baked chicken breast. Green beans and a couscous side dish are in the background.
      Chow Chow Relish {No Canning Required}
    • Colorful shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and green onions are mixed in a bowl.
      Carrot Apple Salad
    • A mason jar of homemade spicy sauce in front of sliced bread.
      Spicy Sauce for Sandwiches
    • A platter of chicken nuggets has a cup of copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce for dunking.
      Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce

    Slow Cooker Potluck Recipes

    A Crock Pot is a potluck party essential. I often have more than one simmering away on the buffet table.

    You can use it to keep a main dish warm for the whole party:

    • A slowcooker sits on a wooden cutting board. There's a ladle and a plate full of sandwich buns sitting next to it.
      17 Crock Pot Sandwiches
    • A Crockpot is filled with shredded bbq chicken thighs and bbq sauce.
      BBQ Crockpot Chicken Thighs
    • Shredded chicken meat on a taco shell has a tomato based sauce.
      Crockpot Chicken Tacos
    • The white serving bowl is filled with sweet and sour meatballs in a rich glaze.
      Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the Crockpot

    But the slowcooker is also a perfect place to keep warm side dishes ready to go.

    My cheesey cornflake potatoes is always a popular side dish but you could even make slow cooker sweet potatoes for a BBQ stuffed potato bar with pulled pork or shredded chicken.

    • The funeral potatoes recipe has been baked and a spoon has scooped out a serving from the baker.
      Cheesy Cornflake Potatoes {Oven or Crock Pot}
    • A slow cooker pot has several sweet potatoes in it ready to bake.
      Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

    Vegetarian Options

    It's always a good idea to plan for a few meatless main dishes for your vegetarian friends and guests.

    With a few smart choices, these vegetarian recipes can also work as extra side dishes for everyone at the table.

    My warm couscous salad can also be served at room temperature and is loaded with veggies and fresh oranges.

    Everyone loves my easy make ahead mac and cheese but my fresh tomato pasta toss can be served at room temperature.

    They might take a little more prep work, but you'll be everyone's favorite person if you show up with a batch of fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese.

    • A white bowl filled with couscous salad. Oranges and bell peppers are peeking out of the mix.
      Warm Couscous Salad with Oranges
    • A serving of fried green tomatoes has a bowl of pimento cheese for topping.
      Southern Fried Green Tomatoes {Oven or Air Fryer}
    • A white bowl is filled with thin spaghetti and fresh cherry tomatoes and arugula. Parmesan is sprinkled over the top.
      Fresh Tomato Pasta Toss
    • A blue baking dish filled with mac and cheese with bread crumb topping. A serving spoon has removed a portion to show the creamy elbow noodles.
      Make Ahead Mac and Cheese

    Pasta Salad Recipes

    Creamy pasta salads are always perfect for a potluck party.

    The most traditional option would be my delicious southern macaroni salad but for a Mediterranean spin you could bring my lemon orzo salad with fresh tomatoes.

    My chicken pasta salad with grapes is the perfect potluck pasta salad because it makes a big batch and tastes even better the next day.

    My creamy farfalle primavera pasta dish is usually served warm but if you use an Italian dressing instead of the lemon cream sauce, it would make a perfect pasta salad for the summer heat.

    • A white bowl is filled with classic macaroni salad that has onions, red pepper, and celery peeking out of the dressing.
      Southern Macaroni Salad
    • A white bowl is filled with the lemon orzo pasta salad. Tomatoes and dill are sprinkled throughout.
      Lemon Orzo Salad with Tomatoes & Dill
    • A serving of grape and chicken pasta salad is on a plate with a fork.
      Chicken Pasta Salad with Grapes
    • A white bowl is filled with farfalle pasta and fresh vegetables.
      Creamy Farfalle Primavera

    Side Dishes

    If you're in charge of bringing a side dish, there is so much room to play with your dish to pass.

    Bring a seasonal charcuterie board filled with fresh blueberries and strawberries for the red, white, and blue party theme.

    If you plan to bring a bag of potato chips, take the time to also bring a delicious potato chip dip like my fresh dill dip made with sour cream. It only takes 5 minutes to stir together but will show you put in the effort to make it totally delicious.

    • Classic Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad can be tricky in the heat, my potato salad is made with a vinegar dressing and might be a better idea.
    • Sweet Tomatoes and Fresh Basil: You could bring my easy marinated tomatoes or a tomato caprese salad.
    • Taco Dip: Loaded with veggies and cheese, served with tortilla chips, this spicy taco dip is always a huge hit at a party.
    • Sweet Corn: Corn on the cob is so easy, you could keep it warm in a slowcooker. If you prefer an easier dish to travel with, try my 5-minute Mexican street corn casserole.
    • Refried Beans: Especially smart if you plan to have a Mexican food potluck.
    • Hard-Boiled Eggs: As an easy snack or for chopping to add to a green salad, make a batch of hard boiled eggs to add to the table.

    Want even more ideas? These easy 4th of July appetizers also all work great as simple potluck party side dishes.

    • A photo collage shows a 4th of July party next to photos of easy appetizers to serve.
      30 Easy 4th of July Appetizers

    Fresh Fruit Platters

    One of the most popular items I've ever brought to a potluck party is a huge tray of fresh watermelon that had been cut into easy finger strips.

    Pretty fruit kabobs take more time to assemble, but are an impressive presentation. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them to keep cut fruits from turning brown as they sit on the table.

    Add a sweet cream cheese fruit dip or try my Chicken Salad Chick grape salad recipe. The brown sugar and cream cheese dressing pairs so well with the fresh grapes and crispy pecans.

    • A ruffled bowl of pina colada dip has shredded coconut on top and is surrounded by fresh strawberries, pineapple, and gingersnap cookies.
      Creamy Piña Colada Fruit Dip
    • A big blue bowl is filled with a creamy grape salad with cream cheese, covered in brown sugar and pecans.
      Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad {Copycat Recipe}

    Red, White, and Blue Desserts

    From an easy ice cream sundae bar to a stunning American flag cake, 4th of July desserts are all about the red, white, and blue.

    All American Apple Pie: my apple slab pie is an easy make ahead dessert you could serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

    Festive Cupcakes: Make a batch of your favorite flavor box mix cupcakes, top them with cream cheese frosting and a red, white, and blue sprinkles

    4th of July Sugar Cookies: These easy 4th of July sugar cookies have easy red, white, and blue designs perfect for beginners.

    Need even more potluck party desserts? Check out this full list of 35 easy desserts for the 4th of July:

    • A photo collage shows several easy desserts to make for the 4th of July party.
      35 Easy Desserts for the 4th of July

    Party Beverages

    On a hot summer day it is crucial to make sure your guests stay hydrated. Have plenty of water and a cooler full of sodas available for everyone to enjoy.

    You could also make homemade lemonade in a couple easy flavors to add to a beverage station off to the side.

    Add fresh basil and fresh mint for pretty garnishes.

    • A glass of strawberry lemonade has a fresh sprig of mint on the top for garnish and sits next to several slices of fresh lemon.
      Easy Strawberry Lemonade Recipe for Kids
    • A glass of rosemary peach lemonade has lots of ice and a green striped straw. There's a fresh peach wedge on the glass for garnish. A pitcher of lemonade sits in the background.
      Rosemary Peach Lemonade
    • Two glasses of orange mojito mocktails sit on a platter with fresh mint. A bowl of limes sits in the background.
      Blood Orange Mojito Mocktails

    More Summer Meal Planning

    Looking for more easy summertime recipes? Don't miss these other great ideas:

    • The photo collage shows a Crock Pot next to 3 photos of easy recipes.
      15 Easy Summer Crockpot Recipes
    • A photo collage shows a table set with ground beef taco fillings and tortilla shells on a pan next to alternative taco tuesday recipes ideas.
      30 Taco Tuesday Recipes for a Family Fiesta
    • A wicker picnic basket with white flowers and a bottle of water with fresh fruit sits on a picnic blanket outside.
      What to Pack for a Picnic: 45 Easy Recipes
    • A photo collage shows some of the easy shrimp recipes for dinner including a shrimp po'boy, shrimp rice bowl, and shrimp tacos.
      35 Easy Shrimp Recipes for Busy Nights
    The photo collage shows several recipes for a 4th of July potluck.

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      40 Breakfast Ideas for a Crowd
    • A German woman in traditional dress holds two steins of beer next to 3 photos of traditional German foods including sauerbraten, pretzels, and roasted sausages.
      20 Oktoberfest Food Ideas
    • The photo collage shows 4 Rosh Hashanah recipes including apricot chicken, apple bars, wild rice pilaf, and acorn squash with pomegranate seeds.
      30 Rosh Hashanah Recipes for a Happy New Year
    • A red mug that says "Merry Christmas" has marshmallows on top and a sparkler. A pinecone rests in front.
      Christmas Ideas for Families

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    Hi, I'm Tiffany!
    I believe a great family recipe is one that makes everyone at the table happy, not just the kids. I'm the author of two bestselling cookbooks for kids that are chock full of recipes everyone in your family will love. I'm also the hostess of the best online book club for women.

    More about me →

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