76 Fourth of July Side Dishes for an All-Star Cookout
Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
Recipe: Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
No one will guess that the most beautiful summer salad to hit the potluck only took you 10 minutes to throw together.
Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob
Recipe: Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob
This recipe is simple and delicious enough on its own—but the real stars of the show are the four topping options. From a bacony ranch drizzle to a basil butter with parmesan, these toppings are so good you'll officially make corn on the cob your forever-favorite cookout side.
Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw
Recipe: Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw
It's no secret that Southerners love their pepper jelly. We took it one step further by dedicating a hot-and-sweet coleslaw recipe to the standout condiment.
Classic Baked Beans
Recipe: Baked Beans
A dish of baked beans is a welcome addition to any backyard barbecue, and this recipe is classic and effortless to make and take.
Mixed Herb-and-Heirloom Tomato Salad
Recipe: Mixed Herb-and-Heirloom Tomato Salad
Independence Day is the perfect time to make this effortless yet memorable tomato salad—right in the height of summer, when tomatoes and fresh herbs abound.
Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal
Recipe: Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal
When it's too hot to break out the deep-fryer, a quick and lighter pan-fry will do the trick. It lets fresh okra really shine.
Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe: Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese...but make it summery. Use your in-season tomatoes to top off this classic comfort side dish.
Best Deviled Eggs
Recipe: Best Deviled Eggs
Sure, we love our good old-fashioned deviled eggs and they are always right for the occasion— especially a potluck.
Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
Recipe: Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
While you'll see plenty of salads that pair tomatoes and watermelon together, we think peaches deserve a little more attention beyond cobbler. This salad tastes like summer.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
These bacon-wrapped bundles make serving a crowd easy, which is the name of the game on the Fourth of July.
Macaroni Pie
Recipe: Macaroni Pie
My, oh my—a macaroni pie?! Mac and cheese that's firm enough to be sliceable, but with an utterly irresistible creaminess that can only be the result of pure magic—we're not sure how, but we made it happen.
Queso-Filled Mini Peppers
Recipe: Queso-Filled Mini Peppers
Part appetizer, part side dish, 100% party-approved.
Spicy Grilled Corn Salad
Recipe: Spicy Grilled Corn Salad
This corn salad is tangy, smokey, slightly creamy, and packs a punch.
Marinated Watermelon and Tomato Salad
Recipe: Marinated Watermelon and Tomato Salad
This isn't your basic watermelon salad. Tomatoes and melon soak up a tangy lime-ginger-mint vinaigrette and are topped with creamy goat cheese.
Okra and Chickpeas in Fresh Tomato Sauce
Recipe: Okra and Chickpeas in Fresh Tomato Sauce
While this whole dish is a winning combo, it's the okra that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Crispy Potatoes
Recipe: Crispy Potatoes
Two different kinds of potatoes and the foolproof combo of seasonings will see you through this recipe.
Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
Recipe: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
It doesn't get more crowd-pleasing than a Caprese. Give this salad a fun new look by using a mix of multicolored cherry tomatoes and small fresh mozzarella balls tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
Stuffed Okra Poppers
Recipe: Stuffed Okra Poppers
Got fresh okra? Here's how to use it. We updated the original jalape?o popper with crisp, smoky grilled okra.
Permanent Slaw
Recipe: Permanent Slaw
Like a cross between a vinegar-based coleslaw and chowchow, this recipe is just the tangy touch to add to any cookout main.
Oven-Fried Zucchini Sticks
Recipe: Oven-Fried Zucchini Sticks
Serve these crispy zucchini fries as a fun and fresher alternative to French fries.
Skillet Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Recipe: Skillet Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Don't be fooled: There are still pasta noodles in there. It shouldn't come as a surprise that we wouldn't dare replace our pasta with caulifower. Instead, we decided to combine the two.
Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
Recipe: Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
We'll be serving up these crowd favorite sweet potato fries all year long.
Three-Bean Pasta Salad
Recipe: Three-Bean Pasta Salad
We combined two potluck classics—pasta salad and three-bean salad—to make one tasty new side dish.
Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob
Recipe: Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob
When you don't have the time or energy to grill it, bake it! This recipe is a keeper.
Mac and Cheese with Ham
Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Ham
Believe it or not, this reader favorite is made on the lighter side. Subtle than most on the butter and cheese, this outdoor party original will still melt in your mouth.
Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas
Recipe: Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas
This gorgeous summer pasta salad showcases peak-season tomatoes, fresh herbs, and field peas.
Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham
Recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham
As far as we're concerned, this old-school cold salad pairs well at any cookout.
Field Pea, Corn, and Bacon Salad
Recipe: Field Pea, Corn, and Bacon Salad
Akin to a time-honored succotash, this recipe can be thrown together in just minutes.
Tee's Corn Pudding
Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding
One of our most requested recipes for a summer outdoor event, this classic recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture without the hassle.
Grilled Potato Salad
Recipe: Grilled Potato Salad
You'll want to boil the potatoes until they are fork tender and then slice and grill them for this tangy and creamy potato salad.
Quick Pickled Slaw
Recipe: Quick Pickled Slaw
Coleslaw is a summer side dish that we can't get enough of. This recipe is best served the day-of for maximum freshness.
Golden Corn Fritters
Recipe: Golden Corn Fritters
These fritters are reminiscent of hush puppies, but are much lighter and richer in flavor.
Squash Ribbon Salad
Recipe: Squash Ribbon Salad
Make a light and bright summer salad with your seasonal bounty.
Chicken-and-Shrimp Kebabs with Summer Vegetables and Basil Oil
Recipe: Chicken-and-Shrimp Kebabs with Summer Vegetables and Basil Oil
The summer veggies sure shine on these kebabs, but it's the basil oil that is the true star of the show. You'll definitely want extra for dipping.
Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomatoes Salad
Recipe: Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomato Salad
Mint adds a pop of fresh flavor to this seasonal side dish.
Easy Grilled Asparagus
Recipe: Easy Grilled Asparagus
Use crispy bacon, herbs, and dijon mustard to spruce up your asparagus this summer.
Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta
Recipe: Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta
Throw some peaches on the grill with your hamburgers and hot dogs. The sweet slices pair perfectly with feta and arugula for a side salad.
Mrs. R's Coleslaw
Recipe: Mrs. R's Coleslaw
It's not a barbeque without the crunchy, slightly sweet, tad-bit tangy medley that is coleslaw.
Tomato-Herb Panzanella
Recipe: Tomato-Herb Panzanella
This vibrant, shareable dish is the ultimate way to put your summer produce to good use.
Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad
Recipe: Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad
A light and refreshing pasta salad for any potluck.
Classic Succotash
Recipe: Classic Succotash
Packed with some of summer's best produce, including onion, corn, and lima beans, this traditional Southern side makes the perfect potluck dish.
Creamed Silver Queen Corn
Recipe: Creamed Silver Queen Corn
This dish is a staple at cookouts and barbecues around the South. For an added wow factor, top the creamed corn with a sprinkling of chopped fried bacon.
Potatoes Patio
Recipe: Potatoes Patio
It's the creamy, cheesy potato bake that belongs at every barbecue.
Zucchini-Potato Casserole
Recipe: Zucchini-Potato Casserole
The French word for this beautiful dish of layered vegetables is tian. Packed with ingredients such as garden fresh onions, tomatoes and zucchini, we call it sheer summer goodness.
Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra
Recipe: Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra
A match made in heaven— it doesn't get more Southern than pimento cheese and just about anything pickled.
Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole
Recipe: Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole
Yellow squash and zucchini are quite prolific in the South. This recipe, a popular choice for cookouts and outdoor parties, makes delicious use of summer's bounty.
Strawberry-Tomato Salad
Recipe: Strawberry-Tomato Salad
Look for mini multicolored tomatoes at the supermarket. Toss them with fresh herbs and strawberries for a surprising side to serve with grilled meat or fish.
Rum Baked Beans
Recipe: Rum Baked Beans
Baked beans belong at a Fourth of July cookout like hotdogs belong at the ballpark. Loaded with bacon and four types of beans, this side is so hearty some might mistake it for the main course.
Street Corn Salad
Recipe: Street Corn Salad
This quick and effortless Street Corn Salad comes together in a quick 20 minutes. Combine the ingredients with a dash of olive oil and sprinkle with cheese and you have a delicious summer side or dip. Now that's summer siding made simple!
Big Daddy's Grilled Blue Cheese and Bacon Potato Salad
Recipe: Big Daddy's Grilled Blue Cheese and Bacon Potato Salad
Every good cook south of the Mason Dixon line has a special recipe for potato salad. Give this one, with grilled potatoes and crumbled blue cheese, a try, and you might just add it to your list of favorites.
Heirloom Tomato Pie
Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pie
Summertime is practically synonymous with tomato pie, and this recipe will have you making it all season long!
Picnic Egg Salad
Recipe: Picnic Egg Salad
No picnic or potluck is complete with one of the most nostalgic spreads— egg salad.
Garden Potato Salad
Recipe: Garden Potato Salad
New potatoes are simply baby spring potatoes with delicate, thin skins. The red-skinned potatoes, along with the vibrant green peas and herbs, make for a colorful summer side dish.
Grandma Gwen's Beans
Recipe: Grandma Gwen's Beans
This top-rated reader favorite won our 2012 'Cue Awards for Best Baked Beans. One bite and you will understand why.
Ham Salad
Recipe: Ham Salad
We are bringing old-fashioned ham salad back to the spotlight with this recipe. It's fit for any occasion: Keep it simple with crackers or dress it up as a tea sandwich.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes
The ultimate side dish: Serve them shining on their own, with a dip, or on an iconic Fried Green Tomato BLT.
Two-Cheese Squash Casserole
Recipe: Two-Cheese Squash Casserole
This cheesy summertime favorite calls for yellow squash, but feel free to sub in some zucchini for an added burst of color.
Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad
Recipe: Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad
If you like salt on your watermelon, you'll love the flavors of this salad. When Chef Bill Smith at Crook's Corner Café and Bar in Chapel Hill, NC put this dish on his menu, it was an instant hit. Who knew tomatoes and watermelons play so well together?
Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
Recipe: Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
This recipe may remind you of the potato salad your grandmother always served at family reunions. With hard-boiled eggs, sweet salad pickles, mayonnaise and jalape?o peppers, we guarantee your guests will be back for seconds.
Three-Cheese Pasta Bake
Recipe: Three-Cheese Pasta Bake
This delicious variation on traditional macaroni and cheese is easy to prepare and ideal for both weeknight family dinners and weekend entertaining.
Old-School Squash Casserole
Recipe: Old-School Squash Casserole
This is a staple dish that pairs well with just about anything you'll find at a cookout. It takes advantage of summer squash at its peak for a rich and cheesy, yet veggie-heavy dish.
Cajun-Style Potato Salad
Recipe: Cajun-Style Potato Salad
We kicked it up a notch with a Louisiana-style spin on traditional potato salad.
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Recipe: Cowboy Pasta Salad
With taco-inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, cheese, and ground beef, this side dish might be your new summer family cookout go-to.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Nothing says summer like a bucket of fresh strawberries from a roadside farm stand!
Texas Caviar
Recipe: Texas Caviar
This recipe is the quickest way to be everyone's favorite host: 1 bowl, 10 ingredients, 20 minutes.
Marinated Feta with Cherry Tomatoes
Recipe: Marinated Feta with Cherry Tomatoes
You can never have too many seasonal tomato recipes in your back pocket. This one might even earn its spot as your new go-to!
Pineapple-Pepper Slaw
Recipe: Pineapple-Pepper Slaw
A little sweet, a little spicy—this slaw is sure to be a potluck star.
Whipped-Cream Corn Salad
Recipe: Whipped-Cream Corn Salad
This recipe elevates classic cream corn and makes it extra light and fluffy.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Even the vegetable averse will go crazy for these green beans made with bacon, crispy Parm, and plenty of garlic.
Summer Orzo Salad
Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad
The ideal big-batch summer salad to make ahead for any gathering, this dish is packed with fresh veggies, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and spinach.
BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons
Recipe: BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons
This deconstructed version of summer's most beloved sandwich (the BLT) makes for an incredibly satisfying side.
Chicken Salad Stuffed Tomatoes
Recipe: Chicken Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes
These chicken salad-stuffed tomatoes are a triple threat: You can serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main. However you dish them out, they'll certainly hit the spot on a hot summer day.
Deviled Egg-Potato Salad
Recipe: Deviled Egg-Potato Salad
You can't go wrong when you combine two of the South's most popular picnic dishes: deviled eggs and potato salad.
Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
Recipe: Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
As much as we love using up our summer tomatoes in a fat-stacked BLT, we'll leave out a pound of the juicy red delights for this refreshing salad.
South Carolina Slaw
Recipe: South Carolina Slaw
A traditional Carolina slaw uses vinegar, not mayo. This one also pairs up with two types of mustard for a truly tangy slaw option.
The Fourth of July is a holiday that brings friends and family together to enjoy the summer weather and a spread of good food—and everyone has a favorite make-and-take dish to bring along to the party. For guys and gals who like to grill, we have some finger-licking rib recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds. For Southern bakers, a cookout is the perfect time to use seasonal fruits to turn out delightfully melty cobblers or easy-to-transport sheet cakes. For most, however, it's the delicious bounty of Fourth of July side dishes—not only what's on the grill—that makes a paper plate feel like your grandmother's fine china.
Celebrate Independence Day with these easy sides you can make and take. A July Fourth barbecue or cookout is simply not complete without classics such as potato salad, baked beans, tomato salad, and creamed corn. Check out this lineup of fresh, seasonal Fourth of July potluck ideas—they'll have you feeling patriotic in no time.