4th of July Side Dish Recipes

With hot dishes bubbling in a pot and veggies on the grill, your 4th of July picnic table won't look empty with all these sides.

Staff Picks

Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Rating: 4.69 stars
55
This recipe makes a wonderful chili sauce for hot dogs. Just place a grilled hot dog in a bun and top with chili, grated Cheddar cheese, and diced onions. Serve immediately. If halving this recipe, cover the pot for half of the two hour simmer.

Alabama-Style White Barbecue Sauce

Rating: 4.66 stars
44
This incredibly easy-to-make Alabama white barbecue sauce was invented in 1925 by Robert 'Big Bob' Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurant, in Decatur. Don't let this mixture's appearance stop you from trying what is a devastatingly delicious marinade, basting sauce, and serving sauce.

Sweet Zucchini Relish

Rating: 4.81 stars
235
My mother's sweet zucchini relish is a family favorite. It's delicious on hamburgers and hot dogs.

Calico Bean Casserole

Rating: 4.58 stars
281
Kidney beans, baked beans and butter beans are combined with ground beef, bacon and onion and baked. It's thick, hearty, and pretty tasty too! This can also be done in a slow cooker.

Barbequed Peaches

Rating: 3.74 stars
17
Take some ripe, juicy peaches, slather them in barbecue sauce, and grill them until just heated through. Your favorite brand or recipe for barbeque sauce should work, especially ones that have a little spicy kick to them.

Yankee Beans

Rating: 3.92 stars
18
This is almost like putting an old Baked Bean recipe on hyperdrive! Superb doesn't even come close to describing the taste. The beans will be good, if you keep them covered and refrigerated, for about 3 days.

Spicy Watermelon

Rating: 4.07 stars
14
This Latino dish makes a refreshing summer snack with a surprising combination of flavors! Children love it.

Best Burger Sauce

Rating: 4.64 stars
93
This tangy sauce has a zip that goes well with a burger or as a fry dip. It is versatile and can be spicy or a kid-friendly sauce.

Microwave Corn on the Cob

Rating: 4.62 stars
429
This is a no-nonsense recipe for corn on the cob. Perfect for when you run out of stove or grill space. I freeze the corn on the cob in plastic bags, and remove a single ear of frozen corn in the cold winter months to have the sweet taste of summer corn throughout the year!

Sauteed Fiddleheads

Rating: 4.52 stars
35
I recently have discovered fiddlehead ferns. I could not find a recipe for them so, I made one up. These are so yummy that I can eat the whole dish in sitting! Great served with fish.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Rating: 4.47 stars
411
This is an easy method for grilling corn on the cob. The corn will be very tasty and tender.

Grilled Corn Salad

Rating: 4.59 stars
107
A yummy and easy side for hot summer days! Goes great with your grilled dishes or just to munch on. This recipe will last several days when covered in an airtight container and refrigerated.
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Inspiration and Ideas

3 Easy Ways to Grill Corn on the Cob

Grilling corn on the cob on the grill gives this sweet summer vegetable a hint of smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with burgers, beans, ribs, salmon, and of course, the great outdoors.

Baked Beans Are Summer's Essential Side

Make perfect baked beans, whether you start from scratch or take a shortcut.

Fresh Corn and Zucchini Saute

Rating: 4.82 stars
255

This is a great way to use two of the season's most bountiful crops. Kernels of corn fresh from the cob and tender zucchini are put to wonderful use in this simple and satisfying summer side dish.