Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Need to bring a dish fit for an old-fashioned 4th of July menu? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Discover more of our favorite 4th of July desserts.
Simple Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
This pork chop marinade is so simple that I use it on all kinds of meat. For a more robust flavor, let the meat marinate in the refrigerator overnight. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West VirginiaEasy Baked Beans
My family enjoys this easy baked beans recipe with cornbread, but it also rounds out any old-fashioned 4th of July menu. Canned pork and beans make meal prep quick. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, KansasIf you’re hosting the holiday at your place this year, check out our 4th of July recipes for a crowd.
Holidays & Celebrations Recipe Contest
We’re not just talking Christmas! If your spread is decked out for every holiday or special occasion on the calendar, we’d love a sample. Your green velvet layer cake for St. Patrick’s Day sounds like it would spare you a pinch. We can’t think of a more impressive Easter centerpiece than your stuffed Hasselback-style ham or a more delicious Halloween hors d’oeuvre than your pumpkin-shaped pull-apart bread. Oh, and it’s bottoms up as soon as your red, white and blue Bomb Pop shots appear each Independence Day. So show us how you celebrate with your favorite themed recipe, and you could win $500.
Grilled Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks
When Mom makes grilled chicken thighs and drumsticks, this is the way we like it prepared. It’s juicy, has great barbecue flavor and makes a big batch, so it’s perfect for a summer picnic, family reunions and to complete an old-fashioned 4th of July menu. —Brenda Beachy, Belvidere, TennesseeKeep Independence Day simple this year with these 4th of July recipes that are super easy to make.
Summer Macaroni Salad
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this summer pasta salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, MarylandDiscover more of our best 4th of July appetizers.
Key Lime Cream Pie
I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It’s so cool and refreshing—perfect for any old-fashioned 4th of July menu. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, with everyone asking for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, FloridaIf you’re looking for easier desserts this year, check out these easy 4th of July desserts.
Overnight Slaw
Think of slaw as a side for all seasons—but especially summer—and for all entrees. Fix this recipe ahead, and don’t forget to use your food processor for even easier prep. —Nancy Brown, Janesville, WisconsinKansas City-Style Ribs
Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, WisconsinSmoked Deviled Eggs
Give all those leftover Easter eggs a flavor upgrade. Grilling these smoked deviled eggs gives them a distinctive taste that will have everyone talking. —Catherine Woods, Lexington, MissouriTriple Berry No-Bake Cheesecake
I've made many cheesecakes and enjoy them all, but they're usually time-consuming. When I first tried this recipe, my husband said it was better than the baked ones, and that was a big plus for me! —Joyce Mummau, Baltimore, MarylandThree-Bean Salad for 3
We make this 3 bean salad all summer long! It’s a delicious side dish for an old-fashioned 4th of July menu. —Barbara Wiggins, Lexington, North CarolinaGrilled Corn in Husks
If you're new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It's especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New JerseyJuicy Cherry Pie
Lucky you! Tart, or sour, cherry season is in the heart of summer. When planning your old-fashioned 4th of July menu, choose fresh tart cherries that are bright in color, shiny and plump. They should feel relatively firm when pressed lightly. —Karen Berner, New Canaan, ConnecticutDiscover more of our best 4th of July cookies.