Last-Minute Eats for Fourth of July

Take your Independence Day gathering to the next level with some of these quick and tasty summer treats and cocktails.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

By: Alley Loope

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: ALX Creatives

Photo By: Image courtesy of Mick Telkamp

Photo By: Margaret Houston

©BLACK+DECKER, Chef Spike Mendelsohn

Photo By: STEPHEN MURELLO

Photo By: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Margaret Houston

Photo By: H. Camille Smith

Red, White and Blue Berry Pops

These colorful ice pops layered with raspberry, blueberry and yogurt will serve as the perfect party favors for any patriotic gathering.

Get the recipe: Red, White and Blue Berry Pops for the 4th of July

Tropical Banana Pudding in-a-Jar

Put a tropical twist on everyone's favorite summer dessert. With a few simple layers and some clever presentation, this cute little banana pudding jar will have kids (and adults) wanting more!

Get the recipe: Tropical Banana Pudding in-a-Jar Recipe

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream

There is no better way to cool off during the middle of summer than with some homemade ice cream, so whip up some of this rich and creamy peanut butter dessert to wow your party guests.

Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Recipe

From: Chrissy Barua

Patriotic Panna Cotta Shooters

Panna cotta shooters will surely cool you and your Fourth of July guests off. Give the shooters an American-inspired spin by layering them in red, white and blue.

Get the recipe: Patriotic Panna Cotta Shooters

Tomato Burrata Crostini

Add a little extra color to your party palette with some of these adorable and cheesy heirloom tomato crostinis.

Get the recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Crostinis Recipe

Best Potato Salad

No outdoor party is complete without a bowl of potato salad, so add a spoonful of this delightful dish on the side of your burgers or hot dogs to complete your perfect Fourth of July menu.

Get the recipe: Best Potato Salad

Homemade Sparkling Sangria

This sparkling sangria will make the perfect signature cocktail for any outdoor party! Packed with bright summery flavors, this sangria will have your guests' taste buds singing.

Get the recipe: Sparkling Summer Sangria Recipe

From: Katie Meyers

Grilled Mexican Corn

Spices, lime juice and cotija cheese bring extra Mexican-inspired flavor to this quick and easy classic that will fit right in at any outdoor barbecue.

Get the recipe: Grilled Mexican Corn Recipe

From: Kristin Guy

Clementine Sorbet

Help your guests cool off with this refreshing frozen treat during the heat of the day. Go the extra mile and use the clementine shells as bowls for a truly spectacular presentation.

Get the recipe: Frozen Clementine Sorbet Recipe

From: Sam Henderson

Fourth of July Parfaits

These parfaits are sure to be a hit with the grown-ups and kids alike. Layers of red and blue berries with vanilla pudding add the perfect Fourth of July flare to this quick and simple dish.

Nacho-Stuffed Potato Skins

Nothing says summer barbecue like stuffed potato skins. Top these skins with bacon, beans and guacamole to keep your guests full and happy.

Get the recipe: Nacho-Stuffed Potato Skins

Boozy Root Beer Float

Throw a little twist in this All-American favorite by adding in some coffee liqueur for the perfect creamy cool-down.

Get the recipe: Boozy Root Beer Float Recipe

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Add a dash of blue gel food coloring to classic red velvet cake to show your true American spirit. Top it off with a star-shaped cake piece to really make it a special Fourth of July treat.

Get the recipe: Blue Velvet Cupcake Recipe

Goat Cheese Guacamole

Combine creamy goat cheese with zesty guacamole to create an added refreshing spin on this classic crowd favorite.

Get the recipe: Gameday Goat Cheese Guacamole Recipe

Bourbon Cherry Vanilla Coke Slush

Go back to your childhood with a cocktail that tastes just like a cherry slushy. To make, combine 1-1/2 ounces cherry bourbon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 pitted cherries, 3 ounces Coke and one cup of ice in a blender. Blend until it forms a slushy consistency. Pour in a glass, and garnish with cherries.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Put an additional spin on the fan-favorite cookie cake by adding a layer of peanut butter, caramel and marshmallows to create a rich and fluffy dessert your guests will rave about.

Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

From: Heather Baird

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Throw some fruit on the barbecue for the perfect summer dish that is packed with flavor. Pair yogurt with ricotta cheese for an unexpected heat.

Get the recipe: Grilled Fruit Skewers Recipe

From: Kristin Guy

Hop, Skip and Go Naked Punch

This punch recipe takes the classic lemonade recipe to the next level. The addition of beer and Canadian whiskey will have your guests coming back for more.

Get the recipe: Hop Skip and Go Naked Punch Recipe

Watermelon Cake

Give your guests a refreshing surprise with this "cake" that is actually just fresh watermelon, covered in fluffy whipped cream and topped with sliced almonds and bright fresh fruit.

Get the recipe: Watermelon Cake Recipe

Peach Salsa

Use this summery salsa as a refreshing topping for chicken or seafood, or just serve it with some classic tortilla chips.

Confetti Ice Cream Sandwiches

Nothing says outdoor party like homemade blondie ice cream sandwiches, packed with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Get the recipe: Blondie Confetti Ice Cream Sandwiches

From: Heather Baird

Red White & Blue Sangria

This deliciously festive red, white and blue sangria is the perfect colorful cocktail for any Fourth of July get together. With adorable star-staped fruit, the presentation is almost as satisfying as the taste.

Get the recipe: Red, White and Blue Sangria Recipe

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Bacon Beef Burgers

What's better than a burger with bacon on top? A burger with bacon inside. This twist on the classic cookout favorite calls for half ground beef and half ground bacon to create a flavor that's sure to pack a punch.

Get the recipe: Bacon Beef Burgers Recipe

Mini Tacos

For those guests that desire something beyond the usual barbecue food, assemble these tasty mini tacos that everyone is sure to enjoy. Completing the quick and easy preparation process the night before will relieve some extra stress come the day of the party.

Get the recipe: Ropa Vieja Mini Tacos Recipe

Pom-Berry Bellini

This bright red bellini will add the perfect amount of patriotic flare to any table setting. It can be served both with and without alcohol so kids and parents alike can join the fun.

Get the recipe: Pom-Berry Bellini

Pea-co de Gallo

This healthy twist on classic salsa features field peas and fresh tomatos and is the perfect side dish for any summer party.

Get the recipe: Your New Go-To Pea-co de Gallo Recipe

Pie Pops

There is nothing more American than a bit of homemade pie, so whip up some of these miniature pie pops to give your guests a real Fourth of July treat that everyone is guaranteed to love.

Get the recipe: Pie Pops Recipe

Tropical Margarita

Ditch the store-bought mix and prepare a classic margarita from scratch with some summery, tropical flare.

Get the recipe: Tropical Margarita Recipe

From: H. Camille Smith

Lemon Curd Tart With Berries

Topped with a layer of bright red and blue berries, this lemon tart is the perfect dessert for your holiday party. Light and refreshing, the lemon curd paired with the fluffy layer of whipped cream serves as a perfect summer treat.

Get the recipe: Lemon Curd Tart Recipe

Cardamom Berry Smash

This blackberry and cardamom concoction is the perfect way to add a refreshing kick to any hot summer day. Its purply red hue will serve as the perfect complement to your festive decor.

Get the recipe: 32 Tasty Cocktails For Pro Football Fans

From: Sam Henderson

Lemon Cupcakes

These bright confections are made with Limoncello, a lemon-flavored Italian liqueur, adding an extra tough of citrus flavor. Top it with lemon candy and pair with classic lemonade to give it that perfect summertime feel.

Get the recipe: Lemon Cupcakes Recipe

Last-Minute Eats for Fourth of July

Related To:

Shop This Look

Red, White and Blue Berry Pops

Tropical Banana Pudding in-a-Jar

Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream

Patriotic Panna Cotta Shooters

Tomato Burrata Crostini

Best Potato Salad

Homemade Sparkling Sangria

Grilled Mexican Corn

Clementine Sorbet

Fourth of July Parfaits

Nacho-Stuffed Potato Skins

Boozy Root Beer Float

Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Goat Cheese Guacamole

Bourbon Cherry Vanilla Coke Slush

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Grilled Fruit Skewers

Hop, Skip and Go Naked Punch

Watermelon Cake

Peach Salsa

Confetti Ice Cream Sandwiches

Red White & Blue Sangria

Bacon Beef Burgers

Mini Tacos

Pom-Berry Bellini

Pea-co de Gallo

Pie Pops

Tropical Margarita

Lemon Curd Tart With Berries

Cardamom Berry Smash

Lemon Cupcakes

More from:

Fourth of July

Grilled Mexican Corn Recipe

Bacon Beef Burgers Recipe

Related Pages