There is something special about gathering family and friends around the table on the Fourth of July. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, spending the day at the lake, or enjoying fireworks after dinner, a simple menu filled with fresh summer flavors lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time making memories.

This year’s menu is one of my favorites because it’s easy to prepare, colorful, and celebrates the best of summer.

On the Menu

• American Flag Charcuterie Board
• Herb-Crusted Grilled Steak
• Grilled Corn on the Cob (Cooked in the Husk)
• Red, White & Blue Berry Spinach Salad
• Patriotic White Sangria

American Flag Charcuterie Board

No Fourth of July gathering is complete without a festive appetizer, and this patriotic charcuterie board is as beautiful as it is easy to assemble. Fresh watermelon, creamy white cheese, and juicy blueberries come together to create an American flag that’s sure to be the centerpiece of your appetizer table. Best of all, there’s no cooking required!

Ingredients

• 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 ounces white cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or feta, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 pints fresh blueberries
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Toothpicks or appetizer picks for serving

Directions

1. Begin with a large rectangular serving tray or wooden charcuterie board.
2. Arrange the blueberries in the upper left corner to create the “stars” section of the American flag.
3. Starting beside the blueberries, alternate rows of watermelon cubes and white cheese cubes to create the red and white stripes.
4. Continue the pattern across the board until you’ve filled the entire tray.
5. Garnish with fresh mint around the edges for a pop of color, if desired.
6. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Hosting Tip: Assemble the board no more than an hour before guests arrive to keep the watermelon fresh and the cheese at its best. Serve with appetizer picks so guests can easily grab a bite while mingling.

Herb-Crusted Grilled Steak

No Fourth of July cookout feels complete without a perfectly grilled steak. This simple herb crust combines fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil to create a flavorful, savory crust while letting the rich flavor of the steak shine.

If you’re looking for even more grilling inspiration, be sure to check out my previous post, 3 Recipes for a Perfectly Grilled Steak, where I share additional seasoning blends, grilling techniques, and tips for achieving a juicy, restaurant-quality steak every time.

Ingredients

• 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (1–1½ inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30–45 minutes before grilling.
2. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Rub the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the steaks and let them rest for 15–20 minutes while the grill preheats.
5. Heat the grill to medium-high (450–500°F). Grill the steaks for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness.
6. Transfer the steaks to a platter, top with a pat of butter if desired, and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tip: For the juiciest steak, use an instant-read thermometer. Aim for 130–135°F for medium-rare and always let the meat rest before slicing.

Grilled Corn on the Cob (In the Husk)

One of the easiest ways to cook corn is to leave the husks on while grilling. The husks naturally steam the kernels, keeping them sweet, tender, and incredibly juicy.

Ingredients

• Fresh ears of corn (husks intact)
• Butter
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, or chili lime seasoning

Directions

1. Soak the corn (husks on) in cold water for 20–30 minutes.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Place the corn directly on the grill.
4. Grill for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until the husks are lightly charred.
5. Carefully peel back the husks and silk.
6. Brush generously with butter and season with salt and pepper.
7. Optional: Roast the corn with the husks on in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes!

Tip: The smoky flavor paired with sweet summer corn is hard to beat.

Red, White & Blue Berry Spinach Salad

This colorful salad is always one of the first dishes to disappear. Fresh berries, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a bright raspberry vinaigrette make it both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients

• 6 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, halved
• ½ cup raspberries
• ½ cup blueberries
• ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
• ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• Raspberry vinaigrette

Directions

1. Add the spinach, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, red onion, goat cheese, and pecans to a large serving bowl.
2. Gently toss to combine.
3. Drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette just before serving.
4. Toss lightly and enjoy.

The sweet berries paired with tangy goat cheese make this salad taste like summer in every bite.

Patriotic White Sangria

Light, fruity, and refreshing, this sangria is perfect for sipping while watching the fireworks.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle chilled white wine
• 1 bottle chilled ginger ale
• ½ cup chilled triple sec
• 2 cups frozen pineapple juice
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Chill all ingredients before preparing.
2. Pour the pineapple juice into a gallon-size freezer bag and freeze until partially slushy.
3. Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters.
4. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, ginger ale, and triple sec.
5. Stir in the pineapple slush.
6. Gently add the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve over ice and garnish each glass with extra fresh berries.

Happy Fourth of July!

Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood cookout or enjoying dinner with family, this menu is simple enough to prepare without spending the entire day cooking. Fresh ingredients, seasonal berries, and classic summer favorites make every bite feel like a celebration.

Wishing you a wonderful Independence Day filled with good food, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Happy Fourth of July!