Who needs fireworks when you have fun food?
Pick your favorites from our list below and start planning your perfect cookout!
One bite into this bacon jam, and they’ll be thanking you before dinner is even served.
Credit:Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Salmagundi
This antipasto meets salad is what summer dinner party dreams are made of.
Throw all three together for a salsa that is sweet, savory, and flavorful.
Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts?
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Yes, c’mon!
Asparagus Ribbon Crostini
For a simple yet seemingly fancy snack, serve these crostinis.
Your guests will be as impressed at the presentation as they are the flavor.
Credit:Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Transport these next time you’re a party guest to be the sure favorite.
It pairs well with tortilla chips, freshly cut peppers, and celery stalks.
Grilled Watermelon
What’s the 4th of July without watermelon?
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Need we say more?!
Classic Deviled Eggs
No summer cookout is complete without this classic side.
This season, try sprinkling paprika on top for added flavor.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
Baked BLT Dip
This creamy dip is everything you love about summer’s best sandwich.
Pair it with crostini and celery for a light bite before the main meal.
Dry-Rubbed Smoked Chicken Wings
Bringing your smoker to the party?
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Try these incredible dry-rubbed chicken wings from our barbecue cookbook, South’s Best Butts.
Party Poppers
This spicy bite-sized snack is always a recipe for success at any summer party.
Deviled Potatoes
We combined two Fourth of July favoritesDeviled eggs and potato saladinto one crowd-pleasing recipe.
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Make them a day before your get-together, and chill until you head out.
When you arrive, they’ll be the right serving temperature.
Take this summer salad on the road with this easy and portable recipe.
Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele
Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip
Give your classic spinach dip a delicious new twist.
The secret to this crowd-pleasing dip is the flavorful addition of sweet Vidalia onions.
Serve with fresh vegetables for a dippable, light appetizer.
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Especially if you’re in a pinch, this egg salad is a quick, delicious fix.
Add some Tex-Mex flair with avocado, cilantro, and spicy chorizo.
Make use of your seasonal tomatoes, and serve open-faced as a filling, yet snackable party appetizer.
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you’re free to even prep them a day in advance, through step three.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Herbed Tomato Tart
This freshtomato piewill look so pretty at your summer party.
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