4th of July Recipes That Are Perfect For Hosting

The 4th of July is truly one of my favorite holidays and a time that we have family traditions and make lots of memories. I hold onto so many moments from my childhood where my parents made the 4th extra special for us, and I always try to do the same for our kiddos. We usually spend time by the pool or BBQing with family and friends. As you already know I love hosting and thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite 4th of july recipes.

I always look forward to tons of backyard fun until we end the night with sparklers, s’mores and fireworks. There’s something so nostalgic about this time of year and this holiday. It’s a family favorite, and a time that I see my children light up with the joy of childhood. I have created a few 4th of July boards for you guys on items that are MUST haves for me- you can shop them here! 

When hosting a backyard BBQ or 4th of July gathering, here are a 4th of July recipes and tips that I like to stick to:

1. Prep Early!

I like to also be part of the fun, and if I’m too busy once family has arrived, I don’t get to be as present. I like to prepare food from my favorite 4th of july recipes dinner, snacks even thinks like a basket with all of the ingredients for s’mores ready to go, lemonade and cocktails already mixed up and added to pitchers. Small touches like this make the day of go smoothly.

2. Make Simple, Classic Favorites!

4th of July really is that holiday that shouldn’t be too much of a fuss food wise. Keep it classic with burgers, hot dogs, pasta salads, sliced watermelon, corn on the cop, a few fun desserts and snacks that are easy to enjoy on the go.

3. Incorporate Red, White & Blue!

For desserts have mixed blue and red berries added as garnishes or a mixed berry salad. Jello is a fun way to add color on the dessert table too! For 4th of july recipes appetizers Think caprese skewers with red tomatoes, white mozzarella balls and a drizzle of balsamic, Red and blue cocktails or mocktails are a simple touch. Add color options for 4th of july recipes side dishes. Bring color into plates, napkins, table runners, florals etc. You can incorporate these colors in countless ways.

4. 4th of July recipes (Platters and boards!)

Again, keep it simple. Nothing is more party friendly than snack boards, appetizer trays, platters with fixings for burgers, 4th of july recipes desserts boards and more. This way you can assemble ahead and be ready to go!

5. Stock multiple coolers.

I love having a kid friendly cooler near where they will play and gather with waters, healthy juice options, and fun drinks. Easy for them to grab on the move, you could even put these by a special table with 4th of july recipes for kids. If we are serving up adult beverages, I keep these in a designated area. It’s hot here in Texas, so we are sure to have water in multiple areas to encourage everyone to stay hydrated.

6. Have games, entertainment and music!

Make a playlist in advance, have backyard and pool games set out, have sparklers and fun 4th of July festivities ready to go. This makes for an extra fun BBQ for adults and kiddos alike!

Here’s a great list of our general summer fun favorites here!

Favorite 4th of july recipes for you to save and make for the 4th:

CLICK THIS LINK for an entire list of past 4th of July Favorites, from a Flag Pie to a Red White Blue Trifle bowl! 

Easy American Flag Fruit Tray (4th of July Recipes)

You’ll need:

Strawberries
Yogurt or white chocolate covered pretzels
Blueberries
Bananas (optional- for a second kids’ tray!)
Raspberries (optional- kids’ tray!)
Small serving bowl
Rectangle shaped tray & a smaller tray if you do a kids’ tray

Instructions:

Place blueberries in small bowl then place in the left hand corner of the tray. Make alternating stripes using the red fruit and white pretzels. So easy but looks so festive! Make it for your Fourth of July party and everyone will be so impressed!

Such fun 4th of july recipes healthy and delicious!

Wishing you a beautiful holiday with the ones that you hold dearest! Treasuring these days of summer and wishing that they could last forever!

XO,

Casey Wiegand