4th of July Menu Ideas

No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake

No-bake cheesecake is a blank canvas for the berry stars and stripes here. This version folds together cream cheese, mascarpone, and whipped cream for a rich, fluffy filling. "A sweet, cooling, and refreshing dessert for the 4th," says user Braedie.

Blue Cheese Burgers

Keep the patriotic theme going on the grill with these blue cheese burgers. The cheese is added right to the patty, along with Worcestershire and chives, so it forms little melty pockets in the burger.

• 15 Best Finger Foods for 4th of July

Best Ever Cowboy Caviar

Think of this summer classic, also called Texas caviar, as salsa meets three-bean salad. Serve with tortilla chips for scooping or as a side for burgers and hot dogs. "We couldn't get enough of it," says cook LinnieS.

Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote)

Corn on the cob goes from forgettable side to one of the stars of your 4th of July plate. This recipe is inspired by the popular Mexican street snack, with mayo, crumbly cotija cheese, and fresh lime.

Grill Master Chicken Wings

Five stars and over 600 reviews make this recipe the one to beat. It's a game day staple but also perfect for a cookout crowd. After marinating overnight, the wings are grilled and tossed in a buffalo-style sauce.

Baked Fresh Cherry Pie

Celebrate our first president, George Washington, on July 4th by making his favorite dessert! Fresh cherries are used in the pie filling here. "Absolutely the best cherry pie I have ever made," says reviewer Fabricgal.

• Easy 4th of July Desserts for a Patriotic Picnic

Red Potato Salad

This classic side is the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, tangy, and herby. We love the addition of chopped hard-cooked eggs too. It gets even better when made a few hours ahead and refrigerated.

• See more Potato Salad Recipes.

Easy Broccoli Slaw Salad

For a side to round out the meat and starchy sides on your 4th of July table, look no further than this colorful broccoli slaw. It gets extra crunch from crushed ramen noodles and a little sweetness from golden raisins.

• See more 4th of July Side Dish Recipes.

Prize Winning Baby Back Ribs

If your 4th of July is all about barbecue, these grilled ribs are sure to wow your crowd. They start with a simple spice rub, then finish with bottled barbecue sauce. "It more than lives up to its five-star rating," says reviewer Lorna.

French Onion Dip from Scratch

Expect this cool and creamy onion dip to be the first thing gone at your cookout, long before the main meal is served. Keep it cold by nestling a small bowl in a tray of ice and refilling as needed.

Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs

How cute are these patriotic deviled eggs? They taste even better than they look, with a horseradish- and paprika-flavored filling. If you don't have a piping bag or tip, fill a resealable bag and snip off one corner.

• How to Make Deviled Eggs

Eaton's Easy Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is effortless in the slow cooker — a great make-ahead option if you don't have a grill or it's already occupied during your cookout. "Won't be looking for any other recipes for pulled pork," says reviewer mags.

• 15 Best Side Dishes for Pulled Pork

All American Trifle

An English dessert goes all American with this cool, creamy, fruity trifle. Strawberries, blueberries, a whipped white chocolate cream filling, and cubed pound cake make up the red, white, and blue layers.

• See more Fourth of July Desserts.

Refreshing Watermelon Salad

Juicy, refreshing watermelon is a must on the 4th of July, and not just as big wedges. Cubed watermelon goes so well with salty feta and crunchy cucumber in this simple salad. This recipe also makes enough for a big crowd.

• 10 Gorgeous Watermelon Drinks to Bust Your Thirst All Summer

Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

This pasta salad takes its inspiration from an Italian antipasto platter, with pepperoni, provolone, and a red wine vinaigrette. Rotini is the perfect shape for holding the chopped veggies and olives.

• See more Fourth of July Recipes.