What to Bring to the July 4th Cookout: Fun and Fresh Food Ideas!

Ah, the Fourth of July! A day filled with fireworks, friends, and fabulous food. Whether you’re hosting or attending a July 4th cookout, bringing the right dish can make you the star of the show. If you’re wondering what to bring to the July 4th cookout, look no further. We’ve got you covered with fun, fresh, and tasty ideas, including some delicious vegetarian options. Plus, all the ingredients can be sourced from your local farmers market, ensuring everything is as fresh and flavorful as possible.

Nothing says summer like grilled corn on the cob. This easy and delightful dish is a staple at any cookout. Simply pick up some fresh corn from the farmers market, grill it to perfection, and slather it with herb butter made from locally sourced herbs. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and sensational.

Fresh corn on the cob

Butter

Fresh herbs (like parsley, cilantro, and chives)

Salt and pepper

Goat cheese

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.
  3. Mix softened butter with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread the herb butter over the hot corn and sprinkle some goat cheese. They are ready to go!
July 4th food

2. Greek Potato Salad with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese

Switch things up with this Greek-inspired potato salad. It’s fresh, tangy, and perfect for a summer cookout.

New potatoes or small red potatoes

Cherry tomatoes

Red onion

Kalamata olives

Feta cheese

Fresh parsley

Olive oil

Red wine vinegar

Lemon juice

Garlic

Oregano

Salt and pepper

  1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and let cool.
  2. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the red onion thinly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
  5. Crumble feta cheese over the top.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Greek potato salad

Veggie skewers are perfect for the grill and a fantastic vegetarian option. They’re easy to make and fun to eat!

Zucchini

Cherry tomatoes

Bell peppers

Red onion

Mushrooms

Olive oil

Fresh herbs (like thyme and rosemary)

Salt and pepper

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Thread the vegetables onto skewers.
  4. Brush with olive oil and season with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
  5. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
What to make at the July 4th cookout? Veggie skewers

A fresh fruit platter is not only refreshing but also adds a sweet touch to the cookout. Pair it with a honey yogurt dip for an extra treat.

Seasonal fruits (like strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and peaches)

Plain Greek yogurt

Honey

Fresh mint leaves

  1. Wash and slice the fruits.
  2. Arrange them on a large platter.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with honey to taste.
  4. Garnish the dip with fresh mint leaves.
  5. Serve the fruit platter with the honey yogurt dip on the side.
July 4th fruit platter

5. Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers are a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for a summer cookout. They’re easy to make and look fantastic on the table.

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh mozzarella balls

Fresh basil leaves

Balsamic glaze

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

  1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small skewers.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve immediately.
Caprese salad recipe

6. Homemade Lemonade

Quench everyone’s thirst with some refreshing homemade lemonade. It’s the perfect drink to cool down on a hot summer day.

Fresh lemons

Water

Sugar or honey

Fresh mint (optional)

  1. Juice the lemons to make about 1 cup of lemon juice.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, 4 cups of water, and sugar or honey to taste.
  3. Stir well until the sugar or honey is dissolved.
  4. Add fresh mint for an extra refreshing touch.
  5. Serve over ice.
Fresh lemonade with mint

7. Grilled Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Herbs

Juicy grilled chicken thighs are a classic cookout favorite. Marinated with garlic and fresh herbs, they’re full of flavor and sure to be a hit.

Chicken thighs

Garlic cloves

Fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and parsley)

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Salt and pepper

  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
  5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before you serve.
Grilled chicken with herbs and garlic

8. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Pulled pork sliders are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for a cookout. Use locally sourced pork for the best flavor.

Pork shoulder

BBQ sauce

Slider buns

Coleslaw (optional)

Pickles (optional)

Pimento Cheese (optional but you should)

  1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
  2. Slow-cook the pork shoulder until it’s tender and easy to pull apart (about 8 hours on low in a slow cooker).
  3. Shred the pork and mix with BBQ sauce.
  4. If desired, serve on slider buns with coleslaw, pickles, and pimento cheese.
Yummy pulled pork sliders

Now you know exactly what to bring to the July 4th cookout! These fun and fresh food ideas are sure to impress your friends and family. Remember, sourcing your ingredients from local farmers markets not only supports your community but also ensures you’re getting the freshest, most flavorful produce available. So, grab your shopping list, head to the market, and get ready to enjoy a fantastic Fourth of July cookout!

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