This is the perfect menu for a July 4th Outdoor Barbecue

From meat to sides to dessert, this is the perfect menu to serve on July 4th or at any summer outdoor barbecue or summer gathering.

Here is one of the best and easiest menus for foods that will feed a crowd~and make them feel all the celebratory barbecue feels (without firing up the grill).  I hope something on the list suits you!! If so, please let me hear from you! Have a safe and happy holiday!!!

Appetizer: Redneck Charcuterie

If there is one appetizer that causes a stir, it is this pimento cheese served “redneck charcuterie” style. It is a fun, novel, and delicious way to keep appetites at bay until lunch or dinner.  Grill already fired up? Throw on the sausage first and finish with barbecue sauce. This will be next-level delicious.

Main dish: Baby Back Ribs and Boston Butt

You won’t believe how easy it is to make these fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. Folks rave over them, and all you need is the oven. These require some prep a day or two ahead, but it is easy~just time your steps accordingly.

This is the easiest and yummiest Boston Butt you’ll ever make without smoke or fire. It takes some prep, but it is easy to make this in “stages” leading up to a holiday meal. All the heat you need is your oven~long, low and slow. Don’t forget to set out your favorite barbecue sauces, buns, and slaw. I like this simple vinegar slaw to put on barbecue pork sandwiches. 

Side dishes:

I absolutely LOVE these Beale Street Baked Beans, because they are spicy and savory. The hamburger meat isn’t overpowering, and it adds flavor. Still, you can leave it out if you prefer. These beans can also be served as an appetizer with Fritos scoops. YUM!!!

For barbecue eaten alone (aka not sandwich style), I like to serve one of two side slaws. If you like piquant and kickin’ flavors, try this blue cheese horseradish slaw. It is loaded with flavor from blue cheese AND horseradish. If you want a simple side slaw that will be a hit with even the pickiest eaters, you can’t go wrong with this crunchy slaw that everyone loves. Make the dressing ahead to save time.

Dessert: Skillet Blackberry Cobbler & Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Nothing beats this skillet blackberry cobbler. It is SO easy and SO yummy! It is my favorite dessert on the planet. The recipe was given to me years ago by Zane’s mom. It uses frozen blackberries but you would never know. 

This cherry cobbler is outstanding, and the red fits into the July 4th color scheme. 

As for making any of the above desserts a la mode, Zane’s dad makes the BEST homemade vanilla ice cream I’ve ever eaten. He makes it every time we go to the lake. It has no eggs (which I like), and it takes an ice cream freezer. The recipe isn’t on the blog, but it is in my new favorite desserts e-book which can be found here. It has my favorite desserts all in one place.

I hope you’ll try some of these favorite recipes for your July 4th outdoor barbecue or family gathering. As always, thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a joyful, blessed and savvy day!