The Fourth of July holiday is a favorite time for friends and family to get together and enjoy the outdoors and good food. For Southern bakers, a Fourth of July cookout is the perfect time to use seasonal fruits to produce delicious pies and cobblers or easy-to-transport sheet cakes. For guys and gals who like to grill, we have some finger-licking rib recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds. For most, however, it’s the delicious bounty of Fourth of July side dishes—not what is on the grill—that makes a paper plate feel like fine china. A BBQ is just not complete without classics such as potato salad, baked beans, tomato salad and creamed corn. Check out this lineup of fresh, seasonal, Fourth of July side dishes.
Rum Baked Beans
Recipe: Rum Baked Beans
Baked beans belong at a Fourth of July cookout like hotdogs belong at the ballpark. These Rum Baked Beans are loaded with bacon and four types of beans – some might mistake it for the main course.
Garden Potato Salad
Recipe: Garden Potato Salad
New potatoes are simply baby spring potatoes with delicate thin skins. The red-skinned potatoes, along with the vibrant green peas and herbs, creates a colorful summer side dish.
Tee's Corn Pudding
Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding
One of our most requested recipes for a summer outdoor event, this classic recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture without the hassle.
Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad
Recipe: Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad
If you like salt on your watermelon, you will love this salad. Who knew tomatoes and watermelons play so well together? When Chef Bill Smith at Crook’s Corner Café and Bar in Chapel Hill, NC put this salad on his menu, it was an instant hit.
Creamed Corn
Recipe: Creamed Corn
This dish is a staple at cookouts and BBQ’s around the South. For an added wow factor, top the creamed corn with a sprinkling of chopped fried bacon.
Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
Recipe: Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
As much as you love tomatoes in BLT’s during the summer, try a pound of the juicy red delights in this refreshing salad, perfect for an outdoor gathering.
Grandma Gwen's Beans
Recipe: Grandma Gwen's Beans
This top-rated reader favorite won our 2012 ‘Cue Awards for Best Baked Beans. One bite and you will understand why.
Zucchini-Potato Casserole
Recipe: Zucchini-Potato Casserole
The French word for this beautiful dish of layered vegetables is tian. Packed with ingredients such as garden fresh onions, tomatoes and zucchini, we call it sheer summer goodness.
Three-Cheese Pasta Bake
Recipe: Three-Cheese Pasta Bake
This delicious variation on traditional macaroni and cheese is easy to prepare and perfect for both weeknight family dinners and weekend entertaining.
Classic Succotash
Recipe: Classic Succotash
Packed with some of summer’s best produce, including onion, corn, and lima beans, this traditional Southern side makes the perfect potluck dish.
Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole
Recipe: Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole
Yellow squash and zucchini are quite prolific in the South. This recipe, a popular choice for cookouts and outdoor parties, makes delicious use of summer’s bounty.
Strawberry-Tomato Salad
Recipe: Strawberry-Tomato Salad
Look for mini multicolored tomatoes at the supermarket. Toss them with fresh herbs and strawberries for a surprising side to serve with grilled meat or fish.
Street Corn Salad
Recipe: Street Corn Salad
This quick and easy Street Corn Salad comes together in a short 20 minutes. Combine the ingredients with a dash of olive oil and sprinkle with cheese and you have a delicious summer side or dip. Now that's summer siding made simple!
Two-Cheese Squash Casserole
Recipe: Two-Cheese Squash Casserole
This cheesy summertime favorite calls for yellow squash, but feel free to sub in some zucchini for a added splash of color.
Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
Recipe: Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
This recipe reminds you of the potato salad your grandmother served at family reunions. With an ingredient list that includes hard-boiled eggs, sweet salad pickles, mayonnaise and jalapenos peppers, we guarantee your guests will be back for seconds.
Baked Smokin’ Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe: Baked Smokin’ Macaroni and Cheese
Believe it or not, this reader favorite is made with reduced-fat and fat-free products. Light on the butter and cheese, this outdoor party classic will still melt in your mouth.
Big Daddy’s Grilled Blue Cheese and Bacon Potato Salad
Recipe: Big Daddy’s Grilled Blue Cheese and Bacon Potato Salad
Every good cook south of the Mason Dixon line has a special recipe for potato salad. Give this one, with grilled potatoes and crumbled blue cheese, a try, and you might just add it to your list of favorites.
