A Classic July 4th Backyard Barbecue Menu

There’s perhaps nothing more all-American than a good old-fashioned summer backyard barbecue. And since many of us are skipping this year’s summer vacation and spending the holiday at home, why not throw a top-notch classic barbecue with those you hold near and dear?!

For the most traditional backyard barbecue menu, stick to the standards like ribs, slaw, potato salad, and baked beans. And don’t forget a totally Southern dessert like a peach cobbler. Here are the recipes you need to pull off this most patriotic of parties.

A Classic July 4th Backyard Barbecue Menu

FOR STARTERS

Watermelon Spritzer

To welcome your guests, offer them something tasty and refreshing to drink. This watermelon spritzer, which comes from the kitchen of Anne Wolfe Postic, is fruity, bubbly and packs a slight adult beverage punch. Make a batch of them to have at the ready, and no one’s palate will go dry. Find the recipe HERE.

Start the festivities off with a light and refreshing watermelon spritzer. Find the recipe HERE. Image: Anne Wolfe Postic

Caprese Skewers

Want an easy and perfect start to your soiree? Have a platter of these easy Caprese skewers available for snacking. This recipe, shared with us by Dora Sarris Cothren, co-owner of Theadora Abbeyluxe in Homewood, AL, will put your garden tomatoes and basil to good use while curbing appetites until the main event is ready. Find this quick and easy recipe HERE.

These easy Caprese skewers come to us via Dora Sarris Cothren. Find the recipe HERE. Image: bevcooks.com

THE MAIN EVENT

Fall-Off-the-Bone Ribs

Now for the main event: RIBS! There are plenty of ways to cook a slab of ribs, but this fall-off-the-bone recipe, which comes to us from Jamie Tarence of FamilySavvy.com, is a slam dunk. And the best part? They cook in the oven, leaving the grill open for some additional options (burgers & dogs, anyone?) if you so desire. Find this tasty recipe HERE.

These ribs are SO good! Find the recipe HERE. Image: FamilySavvy.com

French Potato Salad

Next up? Potato salad, aka an essential barbecue side dish. This French potato salad recipe continues to be a crowd favorite, so we’re bringing it back to enjoy again this year. It’s bright and tangy and is topped with fresh herbs and an easy-to-make, garlic mustard vinaigrette — the perfect accompaniment to a yummy meal on a warm summer day. Find the recipe HERE.

You won’t ever make classic potato salad again once you taste this French potato salad. Find the recipe HERE.

Andy Marshall’s Baked Beans

What barbecue is complete without baked beans? This special baked beans recipe hails from the recipe box of Andy Marshall, owner of the famous Puckett’s family of restaurants, with locations throughout Tennessee. With a handful of key ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have an amazing side for your meal. Find this recipe HERE.

Baked beans recipe for a backyard barbecue

These baked beans will have you hooked! Find the recipe HERE.

RELATED: 18 Easy July 4th Recipes

Easy & Spicy Slaw

Rounding out your classic barbecue menu is this coleslaw quick and easy slaw recipe. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, and the flavor packs a delightful punch. Go ahead and make extra — you’ll want to eat on it for days! Find this recipe HERE.

This spicy slaw recipe is SO easy! Find the recipe HERE.

AND FOR DESSERT …

Peach Cobbler

Every great cookout deserves a stellar dessert! So go ahead and grab some fresh peaches to create this simple yet delicious peach cobbler. Serve it cold, or offer it warm out of the oven and topped with vanilla ice cream. Your guests will be in heaven! Find the recipe HERE.