Ah, the 4th of July! I really love this time of year. There’s so much to look forward to; the parades, barbecues, fireworks, and lots of fun! I once had a beer salesman tell me that the 4th of July is typically the highest volume weekend for case sales. America likes to party, I guess!

One thing that’s a given, whether you’re hosting or not, is the need to prepare food for a barbecue or get-together. Anytime you have people potentially judging your food, it can be pretty stressful. I put together this list of sides, mains, and desserts that are PERFECT for your 4th of July get together! All of them are relatively easy, and guaranteed to be a hit! 

Let’s start with the sides, shall we? All good barbecues have awesome sides. 

Secret Ingredient Baked Beans: You will never believe the secret ingredient! It’s All-American, and so are these beans! Sweet, smoky, spicy and so good. 

Secret Ingredient Baked Beans a 11

Cauliflower and Broccoli Picnic Salad: This is the quintessential cold salad. Sunflower seeds, bacon and golden raisins add a sweet and salty crunch! Cauliflower and Broccoli Picnic Salad 5

Bacon and Jalapeno Wrapped Corn: Grilling it up? Throw these babies on! You could even let guests dress their own ears with their preferred toppings! FUN! Jalapeno Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob

Glazed Wrapped Green Bean Bundles: These make a great appetizer or side. To switch it up, toss them in the glaze and throw them on the grill for 15 minutes.Glazed Green Bean Bundles 12

And move on to the mains….

Flank Steak with Caramelized Onion Sauce: Just having a small group over? Wow them with this simple, elegant (and affordable) dish! For the record, the sauce would be excellent on a burger, too!

Grilled Flank Steak with Caramalized Onion Sauce 7

Rob’s Famous BBQ Shrimp: For those without a grill, this shrimp is exactly what you need to do. They are literally the best food item I’ve eaten, ever. EVER.Robs Famous Barbecued Shrimp 6

And wrap it up with dessert!

White Chocolate Patriotic Puppy Chow: Red, white and blue, enough said!Patriotic White Chocolate Puppy Chow 7

Blackberry Crumble Dump Cake: This remains one of my most popular recipes on the site. It is so easy to put together, just 5 ingredients and non mixing! Who has time to make a pie, anyways?Blackberry Crumble Dump Cake 5

Wedding Cake Cookies: These are a delightful combination of vanilla and almond, and are made using a cake mix. So easy. How fun would they be with red and blue sprinkles? Easy Wedding Cake Cookies 9

I hope that you have a fun and happy 4th of July with friends and family! I’ll see you next week!

9 Amazing Recipes Perfect for the 4th of