For those of us living in America, the 4th of July is a great day of celebration. It’s an excuse to reflect on our independence as a nation and all the freedoms we enjoy in this beautiful country.
Parades, carnivals, concerts, and fireworks happen all over the country as people gather to celebrate our great nation’s birth. Many celebrate by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue with friends and family.
If you plan on attending one of these get-togethers, you may be asked to bring something to share with others. Here are some great potluck ideas for your 4th of July barbecue.
(Julia M Cameron/Pexels)
Side Salad
Whether the main dish at the barbeque is hamburgers and hotdogs, ribs, fried chicken, or kabobs, a side salad is an excellent addition to the menu. There are many options for choosing a side salad. Here are a few categories to choose from.
- Pasta– Pasta salads are a favorite at potlucks. Add some fresh tomatoes or cucumbers for a delicious summer taste.
- Fruit– Not much is better on a hot July day than cold, juicy, fresh fruit. Mix melons, berries, and bananas together for a tasty and healthy side dish. You can also add some cool whip, pudding, or a yogurt/honey/lime drizzle to take the flavor up a notch.
- Jello– Jello salads are yummy and refreshing. However, you’ll want to remember that the gelatin will start to melt if it gets too hot. Keep it cool until it’s time to eat, then keep it in the shade.
- Lettuce– A traditional green salad makes a great addition to any meal. It’s simple but versatile, depending on toppings, add-ins, and dressings.
- Potato– It doesn’t get much better than homemade potato salad at a barbecue. Just remember to keep any salad containing mayonnaise cool so it doesn’t go bad.
Sweets
No party, barbecue, or any other get-together, for that matter, is complete without some dessert. Appeal to everyone’s sweet tooth with these great ideas.
- Pie– America’s national dessert is apple pie, so Independence Day is the perfect time to whip up a pie to share with those you love. But don’t limit yourself to apple pie. Pudding pies, cream pies, and icebox pies are perfect for summer.
- Brownies– You can still enjoy chocolate on a hot summer day. Unlike candy bars, brownies aren’t likely to melt in the sun. They’ll just get softer and oozier, which no one will complain about.
- Frozen Treat– Help everyone cool off with a refreshing frozen treat. This could include ice cream cones, popsicles, or ice cream cookie sandwiches. Just remember, frozen treats won’t stay frozen for long in the heat, so plan accordingly.
- S’mores– Fire pits often accompany summer get-togethers, and no fireside is complete without roasting marshmallows and creating s’mores. Bring all the fixings for s’mores, and everyone will be thanking you. Combine chocolate bars with graham crackers, or take a shortcut by buying chocolate-covered graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
- Cookies– Nothing quite compares to cookies, especially chocolate chip; they are the ultimate dessert to bring to a potluck. Not only are they delicious, but one batch can serve a large group. However, as popular as they’ll likely be, we suggest bringing extra.
If you aren’t a baker yourself, want to save your house from added heat, or simply don’t want to worry about taking the time to bake cookies, order some gourmet cookies online. You’ll have cookies shipped to your door, and without any hassle, you’ll have the best-tasting food at the barbecue.
Garden-Fresh
One of the best things about summer is garden-fresh fruits and vegetables. Depending on where you live, you may have some fresh produce ready in your own garden or at your local produce stand.
- Veggies And Dip– Garden fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and peppers, along with some ranch dip, will make a great side dish.
- Sliced Watermelon– Nothing says summer quite like fresh, sliced watermelon. To class it up, top your slices with crumbled feta, a balsamic drizzle, and fresh dill.
- Corn On The Cob– July is still a little early for corn in many parts of the US; however, if it’s available where you are, grab some! This is a classic summer side dish that is loved by all. To jazz it up, consider making a “street corn” bar. Grill your corn in different butters (ranch, Sriracha, herb, and lime). Serve with all the fixings: cotija cheese, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, and crumbled bacon.
All-American Sides
Although we’ve already mentioned apple pie, potato salad, and chocolate chip cookies, the following side dishes are about as American as they come.
- Baked Beans– Homemade baked beans, complete with bacon, are essential to any true American potluck.
- Deviled Eggs– Just like Grandma used to make, deviled eggs are always a hit. However, they do need to be kept cool.
- Macaroni And Cheese– Another American favorite is macaroni and cheese. Kids and adults alike love this classic dish. Elevate the usual with a variety of different cheeses and buttered bread crumbs on top.
Store Bought
If you don’t have time to whip up something at home, bringing pre-packaged store-bought items to your get-together is perfectly acceptable. Here are some quick things you can pick up on the way to the barbecue.
- Chips– Every barbecue needs some chips, so grab a few bags of your favorites to share.
- Drinks– Think sodas, lemonades, water, flavored carbonated water, and adult drinks to quench everyone’s thirst.
- Candy– Licorice and taffy are traditional candies often enjoyed during the 4th of July festivities. Bring some of these for everyone to enjoy while waiting for food to cook or after dinner, as everyone is visiting or enjoying the fireworks.
No matter which side dish you choose to take to your 4th of July barbecue, the most important thing is spending time with those you love as you celebrate the many freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy.