85 Fourth of July Potluck Recipes for a Crowd

All-American Pie

With apples, cherries and blueberries, this patriotic slab pie even tastes American. If the day doesn’t call for stars and stripes, feel free to use any shaped cookie cutters you like for this Fourth of July recipe for a crowd. —James Schend, Culinary Deputy Editor, Taste of Home

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Make a big splash at your holiday party with a patriotic, 4th of July charcuterie board.

Barbecued Beef Brisket

A guest at the RV park and marina my husband and I used to run gave me this flavorful barbecue brisket recipe. It’s become the star of countless meal gatherings, from potlucks to holiday dinners. Husband Ed and our five grown children look forward to it as much as our Christmas turkey. —Bettye Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad

I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia

Forget the stress this holiday. Try these 4th of July recipes that are easy to make.

Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers

This is one of the most fantastic, flavorful burgers I’ve ever made. Ranch is a favorite in dips and dressings, and believe me, it doesn’t disappoint in these burgers, either! —Kari Shifflett, Lake Mills, Iowa

Red, White and Blue Summer Salad

Caprese and fresh fruit always remind me of summer. In this salad, I combine traditional Caprese flavors with summer blueberries and peaches. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed Fourth of July recipe for a crowd. —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California

Keep your menu quick and simple with these easy Fourth of July recipes.

Kalua Pork

Planning Fourth of July recipes for a crowd? This Kalua pork is the perfect main dish for your get-together. It will feed a crowd, it’s easy to prepare, and everyone loves it. Cleanup is a breeze, too! A Hawaiian friend shared this recipe with me while I was stationed in Pearl Harbor several years ago. —Becky Friedman, Hammond, Louisiana

Confetti Macaroni Salad

The bits of bright red and green in this easy macaroni salad remind me of fun confetti. The inspiration for the dish came from a recipe I found in a church cookbook when I was a young writer responsible for a newspaper’s food section. —Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois

If you like classic Independence Day recipes, you’ll love these vintage July Fourth recipes.

Banana Split Cake Bars

Summer isn’t summer without a banana split or two! These fun bars make a delicious Fourth of July dessert for a crowd. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming

Smoked Deviled Eggs

For a Fourth of July recipe for a crowd, grilling these smoked deviled eggs gives them a distinctive taste that will have everyone talking. —Catherine Woods, Lexington, Missouri

Discover more of our best Fourth of July appetizers.

Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

Slab pie is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sloppy Joe Dogs

There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all. —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

Here’s how to host the most spectacular Fourth of July party!

Apple Tartlets

Good-for-you things come in small packages when you make a batch of these tiny apple tartlets. Sweet and cinnamony, these mouthwatering tarts are a delightful addition to a dessert table or snack tray. —Mary Kelley, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Discover more of our best summer side dishes.

Mini Corn Dogs

For fun flavor and a crowd-pleasing Fourth of July recipe, try this mini corn dog snack made with cornmeal dough. Serve a tangy dipping sauce. —Geralyn Harrington, Floral Park, New York

Obsessed with these patriotic recipes? Discover our Fourth of July meal plan and enjoy your favorites all week.

Macaroni Coleslaw

My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota

Burger Sliders with Secret Sauce

These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a hit! I love that they are “fast food” without our having to go to a restaurant. This Fourth of July recipe will feed a crowd! The meat can also be made ahead of time in preparation for your gathering. —April Lee Wiencek, Chicago, Illinois

Emily's Honey Lime Coleslaw

Here’s a refreshing take on slaw with a honey-lime vinaigrette rather than the traditional mayo. It’s a great take-along for all those summer picnics. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Watermelon-Lime Cooler

When temps heat up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Fourth of July Ice Cream Cake

This eye-catching dessert is actually easy to prepare and keeps well in the freezer for days. It’s nice to be able to serve cake and ice cream in one slice. —Anne Scholovich, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Juicy Watermelon Salad

This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful Fourth of July recipe for a crowd. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan

Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

If you’re tight on time, you can use store-bought cookies, but I highly recommend making these oatmeal chocolate cookies from scratch. The dessert sandwiches are pure fun. Sometimes I decorate the sides of the sandwiches with colorful jimmies, too. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Drooling over these ice cream sammies? Here are our best red, white and blue desserts.

Corn on the Cob in the Oven

My mother has been making this oven-roasted corn on the cob recipe for years. Every time I make it for company they rave and can’t believe how easy it is! —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama

Southwestern Backyard Burgers

Whether you’re in the stadium parking lot or on your patio, these Fourth of July burgers for a crowd are great on the grill. Sometimes I make six patties rather than eight because I like my burgers bigger and better! —Robert Hodges, San Diego, California

Patriotic Ice Cream Cupcakes

These 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

Potluck Taco Salad

I found this recipe in an old school cookbook, and I've taken it to many potlucks since then. The layers look so pretty in a glass bowl. —Sandy Fynaardt, New Sharon, Iowa

Red, White and Blue Dessert

I changed a recipe I found and ended up with this rich, fresh-tasting dessert. Decorated to resemble a flag, it’s a perfect recipe for Fourth of July to feed a crowd. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Ranch Mushrooms

I got this ranch mushrooms recipe from my sister-in-law, and it has become a family favorite. The mushrooms don’t last long once people know I’ve made them. —Jackie McGee, Byron, Minnesota

Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken

I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Watermelon Feta Flag Salad

Our 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

Orange Blossom Mint Refresher

I came up with this crowd-pleasing Fourth of July recipe because I’m not a fan of regular iced tea. This tea has the perfect combination of freshness and sweetness. The orange blossom water gives it a distinctive flavor. People often request the recipe after just one sip. —Juliana Gauss, Centennial, Colorado

Two-Berry Fluff Salad

This fluffy salad is a welcome treat on warm Texas afternoons. Because there's a blueberry orchard near our home, we often pick up berries to use in this recipe and others. When blueberries and strawberries aren't in season, you can substitute frozen berries with equally good results. —Karen Wenzel, Conroe, Texas

Smoked Brisket

This smoked brisket recipe always feeds a crowd on the Fourth of July—it really melts in your mouth! —Jodi Abel, La Jolla, California

Strawberries & Cream Torte

This festive strawberries and cream summer treat is one of my mom's favorites. It wows guests every time yet is simple to make. —Cathy Branciaroli, Wilmington, Delaware

Bomb Pop Cookies

The sound of the ice cream truck has even my husband running out to the curb with money in hand. Our neighborhood has a big potluck on the Fourth of July, so I decided to make cookies that resemble Bomb Pops. These were a big hit! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Fourth of July Bean Casserole

The 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

Zucchini Panzanella Salad

I learned how to make panzanella from my friend’s grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It’s also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden’s bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri

Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle

Looking for Fourth of July recipes to feed a crowd? This luscious trifle tastes best if made the day before serving. Keep additional berries on hand for decoration. —Kaia McShane, Munster, Indiana

Bluebarb Pie

If you're a fan of strawberry-rhubarb pie, you'll want to try this twist on the classic. Here, blueberries provide the sweet counterpoint to the tart rhubarb, with mouthwatering results. —Steve Gyuro, Franklin, Wisconsin

Savory Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Our family’s holiday dinners include a giant antipasto, and my mom’s anchovy stuffed peppers are always the star dish. There isn’t a holiday that we don’t make them in her honor. Serve warm or cold with a nice loaf of Italian bread and a glass of wine. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey

Grilled Corn in the Husk

If you’re new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It’s especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Red, White & Blueberry Poke Cake

A sweet treat in the summer, this patriotic poke cake with dazzling red and blue stripes is a fun one to make with the kids. —Elisabeth Schulz, Blossvale, New York

Peachy-Keen Halloumi Fritters

Use up the season’s juicy, sun-ripened peaches in this corn fritter recipe filled with gooey Halloumi cheese and sweet onions. These fritters are decadent and slightly sweet, and homegrown herbs add a fresh taste. The addition of prosciutto makes this Fourth of July recipe for a crowd feel fancy with little effort. —Chainey Kuykendall, Richmond, Virginia

Banh Mi Skewers

I love banh mi sandwiches but wanted to make them a little easier to serve for a party. These skewers are a really fun twist! For easier prep on the day of the party, make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Elote Corn

Elote, otherwise known as Mexican street corn, is grilled, covered in mayo, and then sprinkled with chili powder, Cotija and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice is the perfect finishing touch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad

A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy Fourth of July recipe fit for a crowd. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

Pork Chops with Glaze

Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for a Fourth of July recipe for a crowd. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia

Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad

My black-eyed pea salad reminds me of a Southern cooking class my husband and I took while visiting Savannah, Georgia. People go nuts for it at picnics and potlucks. —Danielle Lee, Charleston, South Carolina

Triple Berry No-Bake Cheesecake

I've made many cheesecakes and enjoy them all, but they're usually time-consuming. When I first tried this recipe, my husband said it was better than the baked ones, and that was a big plus for me! —Joyce Mummau, Baltimore, Maryland

Best Deviled Eggs

Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

Roasted Veggie Quesadillas

This veggie quesadilla recipe gets its unique flavor from a special blend of roasted vegetables. They’ll be a popular finger food for a crowd at any Fourth of July gathering.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Thomas Jefferson’s Vanilla Ice Cream

The third U.S. president is credited with jotting down the first American recipe for this treat. No vanilla bean on hand? Substitute 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for the vanilla bean. Just stir the extract into the cream mixture after the ice-water bath. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

Easy Puppy Chow

This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there’s less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd on the Fourth of July. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Patriotic Potatoes with Mustard Sauce

Show your true spirit with a bowl of red, white and blue potatoes dressed with bacon and sour cream. They’re tops in my hit parade of patriotic dishes. —Julie Murphy, Peachtree City, Georgia

Patriotic Pops

My kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas

Chilean Beef and Olive Empanadas

Lorain is known as the International City, because people came from all over the world to work. During the summer, the city hosts a festival to celebrate the diverse community. One year, I got to help my Chilean friend’s mom prepare these for the festival. They bring back happy memories! —Kristyne Mcdougle, Lorain, Ohio

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks

When Mom makes grilled chicken thighs and drumsticks, this is the way we like it prepared. It’s juicy, has great barbecue flavor and makes a big batch, so it’s perfect for a Fourth of July recipe for a crowd. —Brenda Beachy, Belvidere, Tennessee

Chewy Soft Pretzels

These homemade pretzels never last long around our house. My kids love to make them…and eat them! I serve them to company with a variety of dips, such as pizza sauce, ranch dressing, spinach dip or hot mustard. —Elvira Martens, Aldergrove, British Columbia

Hot Corn Dip

A flavorful hot mixture of vegetables and cheese, this dip is great to share at a party. I assemble it in the morning and serve it later. —Pam Gauld, Watkinsville, Georgia

Caprese Pasta Salad

This easy Caprese pasta salad is always a favorite, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it’s chilled for a few hours. —Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan

Patriotic Pizzas

Here's a pie-in-the-sky-idea—fruit pizzas you decorate like a high-flyin' flag! You can decorate it with stripes for the U.S. or with a maple leaf for Canada. Both designs consist of tangy fruit and smooth cream cheese over a tender crust. Since each version is simple to make, you can quickly create either one for a summer picnic or patriotic party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Slow-Cooked Corn on the Cob

I like to eat corn all year long, so I came up with this recipe. It’s my favorite side to serve when I make sloppy joes. You can use a butter substitute for a skinny version of this corn. —Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, California

Simmered Smoked Links

No one can resist the sweet and spicy glaze on these bite-sized sausages. They’re effortless
to prepare, and they make a perfect Fourth of July recipe for a crowd. Serve them on frilled toothpicks to make them extra fancy.

Cola Cake with Strawberries & Cream

We Southerners have been eating cola cake for decades. This easy version has strawberries too. Chill it in the fridge for a dreamy summer dessert. —Peggy Walpert, Fort Worth, Texas

Sour Cream Potato Salad

Italian dressing and horseradish make this creamy potato salad different from most, plus those ingredients really add some zip! It’s perfect for a Fourth of July recipe for a crowd.

Beefy Chili Dogs

For years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Southwestern Pasta Salad

I created this southwestern pasta salad for a friend who owns a catering business. I was told it was a hit at her events and it’s now among the most-requested dishes. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries

These luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia

Slow-Cooker BBQ Baked Beans

I was under a doctor’s orders to reduce the amount of sodium I was eating, but I just couldn’t part with some of my favorite foods. After many experiments, I came up with this Fourth of July recipe for a crowd—and now everyone’s happy! —Sherrel Hendrix, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Italian Sausage Sandwiches

When my wife and I have friends over, we love to serve these sandwiches. This is a convenient Fourth of July recipe for a crowd since it can be prepared the day before and reheated.
-Mike Yaeger, Brookings, South Dakota

Layered Garden Bean Salad

For easy entertaining, cover and refrigerate the salad a few hours before guests arrive so you don't have to bother with last-minute assembly. Turn it into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna. —Melissa Wharton, Cincinnati, Ohio

Strawberry Tomato Salsa

Here’s a sweet and tangy salsa that's miles away from the spicy version people expect. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips for scooping, or make it part of the main event and spoon it over chicken or pork. —Amy Hinkle, Topeka, Kansas

Tex-Mex Potato Salad

I created this Tex-Mex potato salad for one of my cooking classes, and it was a hit. It’s perfect for a cookout or potluck. The secret ingredient is pickled jalapenos—they add so much interest and flavor! Add a can of black beans for more protein. —Dianna Ackerley, Cibolo, Texas

Red and Blue Berry Lemonade Slush

This delightfully sweet-tart beverage showcases fresh raspberries and blueberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Veggie Bean Burgers

Even though the preparation for this meal seems time-consuming on a busy night, it's so worth it. The recipe will leave you with plenty of leftovers so you won't have to do any cooking the next night. These also beat the veggie burgers from the freezer section. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Berries & Cream Torte

It's so easy to see why this fruity dessert always impresses dinner guests. I sometimes substitute the berries with sliced bananas.—Tina Sawchuk, Ardmore, Alberta

Rhubarb Berry Upside-Down Cake

I had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-down cake. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin

BBQ Brats

In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin

Summer Orzo Salad

I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing Fourth of July recipe for a crowd. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Red, White & Blue Potato Salad

Tossing 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

Fresh Corn & Avocado Dip

I alter my sister's recipe by adding a finely chopped jalapeno pepper for a little heat. This tasty dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario

All-American Sheet Cake

My sweet and tangy sheet cake piled with fresh whipped cream and juicy fruit is so good, you might just want to eat it for breakfast. Whip it up for an easy Fourth of July recipe for a crowd. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Sweet Ginger Ribs

People ask what’s in the marinade of my glazed sweet ginger ribs with ginger, garlic and peach preserves. Now you know! Psst: It works on steaks and chicken, too. —Grace McKeone, Schenectady, New York

Blackberry Cobbler Recipe

Alabama has some tasty fresh blackberries. Decades ago, my mama was heading out to pick blackberries to make a cobbler, but she ended up going to the hospital to have me instead. This is her mama’s blackberry cobbler recipe. The blackberries start on top, but then end up tucked under a golden brown crust after it’s baked. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama

Try our blueberry cobbler, too!

Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken

Marinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey. Next, check out our collection of the best 4th of July BBQ recipes.