4th of July Foods & Recipes: 40 Ideas for a Patriotic Feast

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate with family, friends, and, of course, food. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, attending a potluck, or enjoying a picnic, having a variety of delicious patriotic dishes is essential. 

To help you get started with festive holiday planning, here are 40 recipes from classic BBQ to festive desserts to make your Independence Day celebration unforgettable.

4th of July Foods with Recipes

Here are our favorite healthy and festive food ideas for the 4th of July, you will love. With tasty appetizers, BBQ, sides, and desserts, everyone will find something they love.

Appetizers

1. Deviled Eggs
   This classic appetizer is just hard-boiled eggs halved and filled with a creamy, tangy yolk-mayo-mustard mixture. Check out our deviled egg Fourth of July recipe that includes our favorite Chomps beef jerky for flavor.
   
   

2. Beet Hummus
   Our beet hummus recipe is a tasty spin on the classic garbanzo bean dip. This Fourth of July Party food fits perfectly into any red, white, and blue-themed party.
    
   

3. Red, White, and Blue Snack Board
   Create a red, white, and blue-themed snack board to match the festivities. Yogurt-covered pretzels, strawberries, blueberries, Original Beef Chomps, and Sea Salt Chomps make a Fourth of July food appetizer that matches the theme. 
   
   

4. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
   With only 5 ingredients, this healthy buffalo chicken dip created by sports dietitian and recipe creator Sarah Alsig is an easy-to-prepare high-protein crowd-pleaser.
   
   

5. Whole 30 Jalapeno Poppers
   These jalapeno poppers will add a spicy kick to any party. Made with non-dairy cream cheese and Chomps Jalapeno Beef Sticks, these 4th of July food ideas are loaded with flavor and Whole 30 compliant.
   
   

6. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Our stuffed mushroom caps are another one of our favorite 4th of July recipes. They’re filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
   
   

7. Mango Cilantro Salsa
   Registered dietitian Macy Diulus created this delicious mango cilantro salsa. It’s one of our favorite food ideas for 4th of July and  tastes great with some tortilla chips on the side.
   
   

8. Mini Pizza Bagels
   Our mini pizza bagels are a fun way to let your guests express their taste preferences. Put out mini bagels and a variety of toppings, including sliced Chomps, and let people create their own 4th of July meal.
   
   

9. Soft Pretzel and Dip Board
   This twist on a classic charcuterie board includes a variety of party snacks with dips. It is the perfect Fourth of July food and a hearty addition to any summer BBQ.
   
   

10. Caprese Skewers
    Caprese skewers are simple to make and fit perfectly with a red, white, and blue theme. Just skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

BBQ Foods

11. Classic Cheeseburgers
    A cheeseburger is one of the most popular 4th of July foods. Start with beef patties and top with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
    
    

12. Hot Dogs with Creative Toppings
    Grilled hot dogs just might be the best 4th of July food to prepare for your next BBQ. But don’t be afraid to get creative by adding a variety of toppings like sauerkraut, relish, onions, and mustard.
    
    

13. Mediterranean Style Grilled Tofu
    If you have vegetarians attending the event, this easy Mediterranean-style grilled tofu recipe by dietitian Melissa Altman-Traub uses tahini and orange juice. It’s just the thing if you're not sure what Fourth of July meal ideas to serve for vegetarian guests. 
    

14. Grilled Beef Kabobs
    These grilled beef kabobs pair our Italian Beef Chomps with a variety of veggies for a unique spin on BBQ.
    
    

15. Stuffed Mango and Quinoa Grilled Avocados
    Grilled avocados can be unique food ideas for 4th of July. Our stuffed mango and quinoa recipe is stuffed with a mix of quinoa, mango, and Chomps for a unique flavor combination.
    
    

16. Beer Can Chicken
    A can of beer is truly one of the secrets to the juiciest grilled chicken. Check out this recipe by Simply Recipes to learn how to make this Fourth of July food idea.
    
    

17. Sheetpan Nachos
    These sheetpan nachos can be made in the oven or on the grill. Our taco-seasoned Chomps meat sticks would add a flavor twist.
    
    

18. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
    These grilled shrimp skewers by Feel Good Foodie are marinated in garlic and herbs, then grilled until tender.
    
    

19. BBQ Pork Sandwiches
    While this isn’t a grilled recipe, these BBQ sandwiches by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe use a slow cooker to create a delicious flavor that is then shredded and mixed with barbecue sauce, served on buns.
    
    

20. Portobello Mushroom Burgers
    If you are looking for a Fourth of July food that’s an alternative to the standard burger, these portobello mushroom burgers by Love and Lemons fit the hearty flavor profile while keeping it meat-free.
    
    

Need more BBQ food ideas for 4th of July? Check out our list of Keto BBQ ideas and tips on how to grill. If you want to enjoy the flavor of BBQ without all the cooking, check out our Smoky BBQ Chomps.

Side Dishes

21. Summer Succotash
    This summer succotash by chef and dietitian Julie Andrews is made with grilled corn, lima beans, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs tossed in olive oil, and fresh lime juice. It’s the best 4th of July side dish for all of your warm-weather BBQs!
    
    

22. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
    Our watermelon, feta, and mint salad is the perfect combination of salty and sweet, using one of summer’s classic fruits in a creative way. 
    
    

23. Five Bean Salad
    This 5-Bean Salad by dietitian Anne Danahy is the ultimate super-simple cookout side dish that everyone loves. This Fourth of July food idea takes less than 5 minutes to make with high-fiber canned beans and tastes even better when made in advance. 
    
    

24. Italian Pasta Salad
    Pasta salad is another expected Fourth of July food idea for most BBQs. This Italian pasta salad recipe uses our Italian-Style Beef Chomps to add a classic Italian flavor of oregano, basil, garlic, and onion. 
    
    

25. Honey Butter Skillet Corn
    This Fourth of July food is a sweet and savory side dish that's quick to prepare. Use fresh or frozen corn kernels and sauté in a buttery honey glaze, making it a delightful side dish to grilled meats.
    
    

26. Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
    These potatoes are seasoned to perfection, then cooked in the air fryer. As far as food ideas for 4th of July go, this is a healthier way to create a potato that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
    
    

27. Healthy Potato Salad
    Potato salad is a classic Fourth of July food item, but traditional recipes can pack a lot of fat and calories. This potato salad recipe, created by dietitian Tawnie Graham, uses fresh veggies and Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
    
    

28. Grilled Corn on the Cob
    Among food ideas for 4th of July, corn on the cob is a classic side dish for any summer BBQ. Grilling the corn brings out even more sweetness.
    
    

29. Sweet Potato Salad
    Here’s a twist on a BBQ favorite from dietitian Jeanette Kimszal that swaps white potatoes for sweet and adds some spice with cilantro, cumin, and chili powder.
    
    

30. Holiday Themed Charcuterie
    A charcuterie board can serve as a side dish. Check out our ideas for how to make a themed board that fits perfectly into the 4th of July atmosphere. 
    
    

Desserts and Drinks

31. Strawberry Sprinkles
    This is a fun and patriotic dessert that’s also healthy, created by dietitian Julia Stevens. This Fourth of July food is simply strawberries dipped in low-fat cream cheese and topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles!
    
    

32. Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
    These raspberry oatmeal bars truly are irresistible. Created by registered dietitian Anne Danahy, these food ideas for 4th of July are a delicious blend of whole raspberries and raspberry jam topped with a crunchy oat and nut crumble topping.
    
    

33. Summer Raspberry Cake
    This is a fabulous recipe created by chef and dietitian Julie Andrews. This Fourth of July food is an uber-moist lemony sponge cake made with ricotta, almond flour, and cornmeal with fresh raspberries mixed in. 
    
    

34. Whole Wheat Thin Mints
    Who doesn’t love the classic flavor of Thin Mints? Dietitian Macy Diulus created her own healthier version made with whole wheat flour and dark chocolate.
    
    

35. Mixed Berry Icebox Cake
    If you are looking for a no-bake Fourth of July food, this icebox cake loaded with strawberries and blueberries is the perfect patriotic-themed dessert. 
    
    

36. Firework Celebration Cookies
    Keep your cookies on theme this year with this recipe for firework-shaped cookies by Sally’s Baking Addiction. 
    
    

37. Raspberry Blood Orange Bourbon Cocktail
    This refreshing cocktail (that could also be a mocktail) combines coconut water, raspberries, and blood orange juice for a red colored festive beverage.  
    
    

38. Frozen Watermelon Mint Mocktail
    Beat the summer heat and enjoy this refreshing watermelon beverage, using the summer’s favorite fruit. You could also turn it into a cocktail by adding tequila or vodka to it.
    
    

39. Mason Jar Jalapeno Margaritas
    These mason jar jalapeno margaritas are a refreshing cucumber-infused drink with a spicy kick.
    
    

40. Patriotic Lemonade
    If you are looking for a fun drink for all ages, this patriotic lemonade is sweetened with simple syrup and loaded with fresh fruit for a colorful, fun drink. 
    
    

Feast on These Yummy 4th of July Foods!

Embrace the joy of a fun and festive 4th of July food by trying these recipes for your upcoming celebration. Whether you're grilling in the backyard, attending a potluck, or enjoying a picnic, these dishes are sure to make your holiday even more enjoyable.  

If you need more food ideas for 4th of July, we also have a “What to Bring to a Party” round-up and a list of healthy party snacks to choose from. Our Chomps meat sticks are always a great addition to any summer party. Check out our best sellers to find your favorites.