Sides are the secret stars of any Fourth of July meal, adding pops of color, crunch, and flavor that perfectly complement everything from massive grilled steaks to plant-based burgers. Honestly, sometimes my favorite kind of celebration is all about the sides—a spread so good you barely miss the main dish. Whether you’re grilling these sides fresh or making them ahead to serve chilled or at room temp, these recipes hold up beautifully, making them perfect for a sunny summer day of eating, chatting, and fireworks.

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1. Asparagus With Lemon-Pepper Marinade From Bryant Terry

Will you be grilling this 4th of July? Then let your main dish scoot over a bit to make room for some sides, like this vegan asparagus wonder where the marinade becomes the sauce.

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No matter how you’re spending your Fourth of July—whether it’s a backyard BBQ, beach day, or an all-day picnic—there are a few essentials you’ll want close at hand: sunscreen (because sun safety is non-negotiable), plenty of delicious snacks, and most importantly, refreshing drinks. Staying hydrated is key, but why settle for plain water when you can elevate your summer sipping game?

We’ve curated 28 of the best recipes for refreshing Fourth of July drinks. From bright, citrusy mocktails perfect for the whole family to spirited cocktails that bring the party vibes, these recipes are designed to be easy, delicious, and ideal for sipping over ice as the day heats up—and into the evening fireworks.

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One of my favorite ways to celebrate the Fourth of July is with a fully loaded dessert table. When I was younger, I’d make a beeline for the blueberry pie my mom always picked up from our favorite Florida bakery—served with at least two scoops of vanilla ice cream, of course.

These days, I’m still a blueberry pie loyalist, but I’ve added a few more crowd-pleasers to the mix: think icebox cakes layered with whipped cream, no-churn ice creams, and cookies that taste just as good as they look. Whether you're baking ahead or want something you can whip up in under an hour, there’s a sweet option here for everyone.

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The 4th of July is right around the corner—and if you're planning a backyard barbecue, beach picnic, or just looking for a reason to fire up the grill, we’ve got you covered with recipes for every kind of celebration.

This roundup of 70 festive dishes covers all the bases: juicy burgers, vegetarian BBQ recipes, classic potato salad, red-white-and-blue desserts, and even a few big-batch cocktail recipes to keep the drinks flowing. Whether you're looking for a patriotic cake, no-fuss grilling recipes, or something a little unexpected (spiralized hot dogs, anyone?), you’ll find the makings of a very good holiday menu right here.

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Welcome to Sunday Reset, where we share how we’re unwinding and what we have planned for the week ahead. This time, New Jersey–based cook and creator Peter Beckwermert (@petey_cooks) makes the case for a taco-filled Fourth of July.

Tradition says the Fourth of July is to be spent grilling and enjoying one (or five) adult beverages near a large body of water. For the most part, my celebration is no different, except for what comes off the grill. Please don’t take this as slander against the classic burgers-and-dogs menu (I assure you, I love both). But can we agree that, as far as Fourth of July fare goes, that duo has been done? If you ask me, three flavor-packed tacos is the new “burger and a dog.”

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