4th of July cookouts are always something to get excited about. It has all of our favorite things: the summer, fireworks, family and friends, parades, and of course, an amazing spread of comfort foods. If you’re the one hosting, though, it can easily get you into a panic, especially if you’re stuck and out of ideas. What are you gonna feed everyone? Will they like it? Do you have time? And well, we all know how it is: the more pressured you feel, the harder it is to think.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We listed down some standout 4th of July recipe ideas that will add a burst of flavor and fun to your holiday gathering. Some are fancy, some are familiar, but everything is 100% enjoyable! Now get cookin’ so you can kick off the celebration with a delicious bang!
4th of July recipe ideas to spark your celebration
Kick off the celebration with good company and great food! Here are 4th of July food ideas that everyone will enjoy.
1. Ham & cheese potato salad
This 4th of July party food is a creamy and savory twist on the classic picnic dish. You’ve got the tender potatoes, chunks of flavorful ham, sharp cheddar cheese—all dressed in a tangy sauce. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a perfect side dish for grilled meats, but it can very well be a stand-alone star. This salad is hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to complement the heavier mains. Its familiar flavors and comfort-food vibes will make it a crowd-pleaser, ideal for a sunny 4th of July celebration. Plus, it’s easy to prepare (and you can even do it in advance), allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities!
INGREDIENTS:
- 12 oz Buddig Premium Deli Smoked Ham, sliced into small cubes
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 3/4” cubes
- ¾ lb Sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into small cubes
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
- 10 oz plain yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
DIRECTIONS:
- Fill a medium sized pot with water and add the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Boil for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender enough that you can easily cut them with a fork. Once you’re happy with the potatoes, drain and rinse with cold water and transfer them to a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt, salt, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Whisk until you have a smooth mixture.
- Add the potatoes, ham, cheese, and green onions to the mixture.
- Mix well to make sure the potatoes are evenly coated.
- You can either store the salad in the fridge until serving time or you can serve immediately.
2. Turkey ham-wrapped crostini
Want to go a bit fancy this year? Then have these bite-sized delights as starters. These crostini are easy to assemble, yet they add a touch of gourmet flair to your star-spangled spread. These make for a sophisticated yet simple appetizer that is, at the same time, packed with flavor. They’re perfect for guests to enjoy and nibble on while mingling or waiting for the fireworks to begin.
INGREDIENTS:
- 12 slices Buddig Original Turkey, sliced in half crosswise
- 1 loaf country-style bread
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 ripe cantaloupe, peeled, seeds removed, and diced
- 1 small red onion, minced
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Champagne vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Slice the loaf of bread in half crosswise, then cut each half lengthwise into 1-inch thick slices. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle the top side of each slice with olive oil then dust with salt and pepper. Next, sprinkle them with cheese.
- Pop them into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
- In a bowl, soak onions in vinegar for 5 minutes. Then, add the diced melon and parsley, and season with salt. Give everything a good stir until they’re thoroughly mixed.
- Get your crostinis and wrap each one with a piece of turkey ham.
- Place them on a platter and drizzle with a tablespoon of melon salsa.
- Serve with the remaining salsa on the side.
3. Buffalo chicken sandwich
For those who are on the lookout for 4th of July food ideas with a bit of spice, you’ll like this recipe. This sandwich strikes the perfect balance between spicy and tangy, making it an exciting addition to your holiday spread. It brings a bold and fiery flavor to the table so if you like a little heat, you’d definitely want to include this in your menu.
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
- Spread mayo on each slice of bread.
- On the bottom half of each roll, layer the lettuce, onion, tomato and chicken.
- Drizzle buffalo sauce over top.
4. Ham & cheese macaroni salad
Well, you can’t go wrong with this 4th of July salad. Yeah, we like to call it that because you gotta admit, it’s one of the most popular 4th of July foods. It’s cool, creamy, and perfect for balancing out the richer flavors of grilled and barbecued items on the menu. Everybody loves it because it offers a familiar, comforting (if not nostalgic) flavor, and you just cannot not have this dish at the celebration. Plus, it’s just such a breeze to make and can be prepared ahead of time, so what’s not to love?
INGREDIENTS:
For the salad
- 2 cups Buddig Original Ham, chopped
- 1 block mild or medium cheddar cheese, diced into small cubes
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 12 oz frozen green peas, thawed
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
For the dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
DIRECTIONS:
- In a medium sized pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Drain well when done cooking and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the macaroni and mix well.
- Add in the ham, cheese, onion, and green peas and toss together.
- Set aside for a couple of minutes.
- In a smaller bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, as well as the sugar, and salt and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the mixture over the salad and mix thoroughly.
- Put the salad into the fridge overnight (or at least one hour) to chill and allow the macaroni to fully absorb all the flavors.
5. Pizzadilla
This one makes for great 4th of July picnic food. You know why? Because it’s easy to make and easy to store and transport. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to suit any taste. It’s a creative dish that’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages—including the picky little eaters!
INGREDIENTS:
The toppings
- Buddig Original ham, sliced into 1-inch squares
- Black olives, sliced
- Pepperoni
- Green peppers, thinly sliced
Everything else
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- Dried oregano
- 1 jar pizza or marinara sauce
- Olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl the pan to coat it evenly.
- Place a tortilla on the pan and add a bit of parmesan cheese and mozzarella. You can put as much cheese as you like.
- Sprinkle with a dust of oregano.
- Layer the rest of your toppings over the cheese.
- After about two minutes, check the bottom of the tortilla. If it’s nicely brown and crispy, fold the half over onto the other half.
- Remove from the pan and slice into wedges.
- Serve with pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
6. All-American club sandwich
Nothing could be more American than this 4th of July party food idea: the All-American Club Sandwich. Whether you're gathering with friends for a backyard barbecue or enjoying a picnic in the park, this iconic sandwich is the perfect addition to your Independence Day spread. So fire up the grill and celebrate freedom with every bite of this classic American favorite.
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise and mustard.
- Then, spread mayonnaise over one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer the rest of the ingredients on top of the mayonnaise and then cover it with another slice of bread.
Makes the sparks fly with Buddig lunch meats
Whether you're indulging in classic comfort foods or exploring bold new flavors, complement your 4th of July recipes with Buddig lunch meats. Made with real spices to create naturally delicious flavors, our products are gluten- and MSG-free, so you’re sure you’re serving only the best.
Start prepping by finding Buddig meats at a store near you.
Happy Independence Day, and may your plates be as full as your hearts!