I know what I'm bringing to my party this year!
This Is the Most Popular Fourth of July Food in Your State
Updated on Jun. 14, 2023
The Fourth of July is the most American of holidays. You’ll hear fireworks every day of the month, see waves of red, white and blue decor, and desperately try to figure out how you’ll make it to all the barbecues you’ve been invited to. And what the heck am I supposed to bring as my side dish? There are so many choices!
Well, this recent research shows us the most popular Fourth of July food from every state. Let’s dig in.
The Most Popular Fourth of July Food Is…Potato Salad!
The results are based on research done by time2play. The information was analyzed by gathering the Google search volume trends of over 100 different types of food leading up to the Fourth of July. Here are the top five:
- Potato salad (10 states)
- Baked beans (8 states)
- Deviled eggs, macaroni salad, smoked brisket, grilled corn (5 states each)
- Red, white and blue fruit pizza (4 states)
- Smoked ribs (3 states)
Are you surprised? Honestly, I can’t say I am. Potato salad somehow finds its way into every single family get-together. And not just any potato salad, but German potato salad. I could eat an entire bowl of that all by myself.
My state, Illinois, has baked beans as its most popular dish. I can’t say baked beans have ever been a staple at our family parties, but maybe I’m too focused on the potato salad. However, the deviled eggs and grilled corn I can absolutely get behind! Just remember to bring enough butter.
But We Weren’t Expecting This
There will always be a few outliers when it comes to nationwide trends. Only two states, Idaho and New York, claimed coleslaw. Even more interesting, only Mississippi chose fried chicken. You’d think fried chicken, one of the most American dishes known to man, would have been higher up on the list. Who would have thought?
The most interesting of all though has to be the red, white and blue fruit pizza. I didn’t even know that was a thing, let alone popular enough to get four states behind it. Looks like Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota like to keep their Fourth of July desserts colorful, tasty and healthy. Maybe I’ll make some patriotic fruit pizzas myself this year!
Our Favorite Fourth of July Party Recipes
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Red, White & Blue Potato SaladTossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Barbecue ChickenJuicy, saucy barbecue chicken is a highlight of any grilling season. Cut up whole chickens for the best quality pieces, and add a homemade tangy barbecue sauce that's impossible to resist.
Quick Barbecued BeansBarbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Layered Fresh Fruit SaladPeople always pass on compliments when I take this salad to covered-dish suppers. It's nice on a hot day, with a winter meal, or as a dessert! We live on a small farm where my garden gives me lots of possibilities for fresh food. —Page Alexander, Baldwin City, Kansas
Flag CakeGet ready to hear oohs and aahs! This stars-and-stripes cake is sure to light up your Fourth of July party or other patriotic celebration. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Grilled ShrimpThese buttery grilled shrimp are so good you'll want to eat them all summer long! Learn how to grill shrimp as an easy appetizer or topping for salads, grain bowls and more.
Grilled Sweet CornSince we have plenty of fresh sweet corn available in our area, we use this recipe often in summer. Parsley, chili powder and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor. —Connie Lou Hollister, Lake Odessa, Michigan
Creamy Grilled Potato SaladTo avoid turning my oven on in the summer, I grill just about everything—including this creamy grilled potato salad. My friends have dubbed this "The Best Potato Salad You’ll Ever Put in Your Mouth!"—and I love that! —Gayle Robinson, Carrolton, Georgia
Raspberry Lemonade ConcentrateHere's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Honey Chipotle RibsNothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
Grilled Apple Tossed SaladThe grilled apples in this salad combine so well with the blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing. I like to serve it on pink Depression glass dessert plates from my great-grandmother. —Paul Soska, Toledo, Ohio
Patriotic Cookies & Cream CupcakesBring on the red, white and blue with these creative cupcakes, perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day or any favorite occasion. With some delicious and colorful frosting and a careful arrangement, your sweet display will be a patriotic nod to our great American flag. —Rebecca Wetherbee, Marion, Ohio
Flavorful Grilled Pork TenderloinFolks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
Pot of S’moresMom’s easy Dutch oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
Grilled Marinated RibeyesThese juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
Three-Bean Baked BeansI got this recipe from my aunt and made a couple of changes to suit my taste. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
Strawberry Poppy Seed SaladSweet, tangy and bursting with the fresh flavors of summer, this easy strawberry poppy seed salad is a gorgeous, versatile side dish to serve the second warm weather arrives.
Sweet Raspberry TeaYou need only a handful of ingredients to stir together this refreshing spring sipper. Its brilliant color and smile-fetching flavor will make a popular thirst quencher as the weather turns warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Best HamburgerThis is the only hamburger recipe you need! We'll walk you through how to make hamburger patties that grill up to juicy perfection.
Red, White and Blueberry PieThis creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It's as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Firecracker Grilled SalmonLet this sensational firecracker salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Dilly Potato & Egg SaladEveryone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Patriotic Taco SaladWhen my daughter asked to have a patriotic theme for her July birthday party, I made this refreshing dish. If you want to prepare your salad in advance, omit the layer of chips and serve them on the side so they don't get soggy. —Glenda Jarboe, Oroville, California
Pretzel Gelatin DessertThis is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois
Baby Back RibsSlow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Grilled Vegetable PlatterThis recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Patriotic Ice Cream CupcakesThese frosty cupcakes are practically a fireworks display on their own. The little treats feature red velvet cake, blue moon ice cream, a creamy white topping and star-spangled sprinkles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
BratwurstThe trick to creating the crispiest, juiciest bratwurst? Parboil them on the stove and then grill them over medium heat. —April Preisler, Auburn, California
Patriotic Gelatin SaladAlmost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "bang" at our July Fourth meal. It's exciting to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Grilled Lemon ChickenThere’s one word to describe this grilled lemon chicken recipe: "Yum!" It’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, then we just fire up the grill when we get home from church on Sunday. Guests love the citrus flavor! —Heather Erb, Milton, Pennsylvania
Broccoli Grape SaladPeople can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon
Fruit PunchThis pink cooler is deliciously thirst-quenching on a warm day. Seeing its color, folks guess it might be pink lemonade. They're pleasantly surprised to discover the bubbly blend includes cranberry, pineapple, orange and lemon juices. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Grilled Whiskey ChopsNo one can believe that these fabulous chops are ready in half an hour! We love them for weeknights and family gatherings. The dollop of molasses butter on each chop is absolutely delish! —Kelly Melling, Frankton, Indiana
Homemade GuacamoleI always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Sliced Tomato SaladI got this recipe from my grandmother. It's a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana
Crispy Star PopsThese patriotic pops are a hit at our annual Fourth of July get-together. Serve them as an after-picnic dessert. Or slip them into cellophane bags, tie on ribbons and give them as favors. —Colleen Sturma, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jersey-Style Hot DogsI grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Watermelon Feta Flag SaladOur family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
Baby Back Ribs in the OvenMy dad encourage me when I was young to pursue my interest in cooking. As I got older, I experimented more, and there were many successes, including these ribs. —Rick Consoli, Orion, Michigan
Farmers Market Corn SaladI love fresh corn on the cob, especially grilled, so I am always looking for innovative ways to serve it. This recipe takes the corn right off the cob and combines it with fresh basil. —Haras Cindie, Jupiter, Florida
Bacon Macaroni SaladBacon macaroni salad is a simple side packed with crispy bacon, tender pasta and fresh veggies tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing.
Orange LemonadeIt doesn't get more refreshing than a cold glass of orange lemonade. Serve it with fresh mint for an extra pop of color.
Three-Bean SaladWe make this three bean salad all summer long! It's a delicious summer side dish for a small gathering. —Barbara Wiggins, Lexington, North Carolina
Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Chicken WingsI love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
Deli-Style Pasta SaladPasta provides a base for this tongue-tingling make-ahead salad. It has lots of fresh and satisfying ingredients topped with a flavorful dressing. This pasta salad is terrific to serve to company or to take to a potluck. —Joyce McLennan, Algonac, Michigan
Fudgy Patriotic BrowniesA rich chocolate frosting makes these brownies really tasty. I always come home with an empty pan when I take these to potlucks. —Julie Moyer, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Fourth of July Bean CasseroleThe outstanding barbecue taste of these beans makes them a favorite for cookouts all summer and into the fall. It's a popular dish, even with kids. The beef makes it so much better than plain pork and beans. —Donna Fancher, Lawrence, Indiana
Peach Blueberry PieBursting with fruit flavor and a flaky, double crust with a lattice top, this peach blueberry pie is the quintessential pie of summer. In the off season, simply sub in frozen fruit for fresh, and enjoy!
Loaded Baked Potato SaladThis loaded baked potato salad turns everyone's favorite game-day food into an irresistible summer side! Plus, the ingredients can be customized for your crew's liking, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings.
Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork SandwichesI threw some always-available condiments into my slow cooker with a pork roast to create this fantastic pulled pork. It has become a staple sandwich filler for large get-togethers. The flavor of the pork goes well with a cold glass of white wine. —Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois
Fourth of July Party Food FAQ
What Fourth of July party food ideas can I make ahead?
Food ideas for a Fourth of July party that can be made ahead of time are potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw and almost any Fourth of July desserts. You can also prep vegetables, marinades and homemade barbecue sauce recipes ahead of time so they're ready for tomorrow's grill. I also like to mix up mocktail recipes and Fourth of July cocktails ahead of time so they're super easy to serve on the holiday.
What are the best no-cook Fourth of July party recipes?
The best no-cook Fourth of July recipes are coleslaw, Caprese salad recipes, fruit salads, cucumber salads, pinwheels, chicken salads (made with one of the best store-bought rotisserie chickens), cold dip recipes like our herbed feta dip or beer dip, homemade guacamole and chips, focaccia sandwiches, hummus with a crudites platter, a Fourth of July charcuterie board or any no-bake dessert.
What Fourth of July party food ideas will feed a crowd?
Fourth of July potluck ideas to feed a crowd include grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, kabobs and brisket. Round out the sides with large portions of macaroni salad, potato salad, coleslaw, Hawaiian rolls and corn on the cob. For dessert, make a big red, white and blue berry trifle or a whole spread of uniquely American desserts.
