33+ Amazing 4th of July Side Dishes

If you’re planning a patriotic bash, you’ll need some delicious 4th of July side dishes to make it the ultimate cookout. From classics like potato salad, macaroni salad and baked beans to new favorites like corn dog muffins and spicy mac and cheese, there are some real stars in this list of 33+ recipes. 

Collage of four images showing side dishes with the text the best 4th of july side dishes

The summer’s biggest party is around the corner: Independence Day. And that means only one thing: great food like hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, barbecued meats and more.

With a menu like that, you’ll need the best July 4 side dishes to support them. But these stars (and stripes) might just steal the show of this July party.

We’ve gathered our tips for pulling together the BEST Fourth of July menu for a crowd and all the different variations of things that we can serve. These are the PERFECT summer side dish recipes, so feel free to use them for any summertime gathering.

The list below include Fourth of July side dishes that are more traditional, as well as twists on the classics. It goes without saying that they’re all perfect for July 4th. 

We’re highlighting dishes that feature summer vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers, sweet corn and more. We’ve also got some of the best side dishes highlighting fresh fruit, like fresh strawberries, peaches, watermelon slices and more. 

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    We’ve broken down these easy 4th of July recipes by category to help you decide what might be the best things to serve to your people. These delicious side dishes allllll pair beautifully with classic main dishes, be they barbecue, burgers or something else, so feel free to mix and match based on your personal preferences.

    Don’t miss these amazing July 4th red white and blue appetizers to start the party and these BBQ sides to pair with pulled pork sandwiches.

    Close up of creamy potato salad in a bowl with a spoon

    How many side dishes to serve?


    Three to four side dishes is a good place to start, especially if you have a small crowd of 4-8 people. A variety of side dishes allows everyone to get a taste of everything and lets the picky ones have a selection to choose from. 

    Add an extra side dish for every additional four people, up to five dishes. From there, you’ll just want to scale up your production of each offering to serve a bunch of people for a festive Fourth of July BBQ.

    So how do you choose what to make for your group? I like to have a little bit of everything for different tastes and dietary requirements! 

    For me, that usually means one item will be without cheese, one will be vegetarian (or vegan) and one will be without gluten. See the section below for ideas for side dishes for special diets. 

    Summer sides can also usually be on the hearty side (I’m looking at you broccoli salad and caprese salad) so it’s a good idea to make one of the side dishes a salad or veggie dish. 

    Follow up a great meal with these delicious July 4th desserts or 4th of July Cocktail Recipes to enjoy while you watch the fireworks. 

    Two bowls of baked beans on a white tabletop with a blue striped towel

    Tools to make side dishes 

    The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.

    You might need a few things to make your side dishes. It’s a good idea to stock up on these items: 

    Easy Entertaining Tips

    When you’re hosting people for a July 4th gathering or attending a shindig and bringing some food along, here are a few tips and tricks:

    • Label the foods with little signs like these so that guests know what’s in each dish.
    • Keep warm dishes warm in a mini slow cooker.
    • Get out extra tongs and serving spoons in case one falls into a dish, like the gooey mac and cheese or the classic macaroni salad.
    • Use compostable plates, napkins and cutlery for easy and earth-friendly clean-up. 
    • If you’re asked to bring something to a potluck, choose a dish that doesn’t have to be served warm. (Summer salads with a creamy dressing are a perfect side dish served cold.) Bring your own cooler because the host might not have fridge space (or ask ahead of time). 
    A wooden spoon holds a scoop of macaroni and cheese with green chiles

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a traditional 4th of July menu?

    On the July 4th holiday, it is common to enjoy a main course of grilled burgers, hot dogs or barbecued meats. Traditional side dishes are fresh corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, crunchy salads (like broccoli salad, pasta salad, summer corn salad, etc.), smoky beans and macaroni & cheese. 

    What to serve as sides at a cookout?

    There are so many delicious BBQ side dishes you can serve. Serve a variety of options for your party, such as macaroni & cheese, baked beans, baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, fruit salad and cornbread. 

    What to serve with hot dogs on the 4th of July?

    If you are serving hot dogs on July 4, you have a lot of options for side dishes. Consider a cold side such as pasta salad or potato salad, then a hot side or two, such as baked beans or mac and cheese. For a healthy side, serve corn-on-the-cob or grilled veggies. And don’t forget the condiments — relish, onions, mustard, ketchup and chili could all be on the menu too!

    Ready to see some of the BEST side dishes for 4th of July?!

    33+ Amazing 4th of July Side Dishes

    If you’re planning a patriotic bash, you’ll need some delicious 4th of July side dishes to make it the ultimate cookout. From classics like potato salad and baked beans to new favorites like corn dog muffins and spicy mac & cheese, there are some real stars in this list of 33+ recipes. 

    Salad Side Dishes

    Summer Vegetables

    Cold Sides

    Fruit Sides

    Hot Sides

    Breads

    A woman with dark curly hair wearing a black tank top in front of a white wall

    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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    2 Comments

      1. Thanks so much, Trish! It took a looooooong time to pull this post together, but it’s so helpful and actually helped so much with our 4th! I hope you had a lovely holiday, too!

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