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Something Easy to Take to a 4th of July Potluck

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Credit: Alison Miksch

The Fourth of July is a holiday that brings friends and family together to enjoy the summer weather and a spread of good food—and everyone has a favorite make-and-take dish to bring along to the party. For guys and gals who like to grill, we have some finger-licking rib recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds. For Southern bakers, a cookout is the perfect time to use seasonal fruits to turn out delightfully melty cobblers or easy-to-transport sheet cakes. For most, however, it's the delicious bounty of Fourth of July side dishes—not only what's on the grill—that makes a paper plate feel like your grandmother's fine china.

Celebrate Independence Day with these easy sides you can make and take. A July Fourth barbecue or cookout is simply not complete without classics such as potato salad, baked beans, tomato salad, and creamed corn. Check out this lineup of fresh, seasonal Fourth of July potluck ideas—they'll have you feeling patriotic in no time.

Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

This recipe is simple and delicious enough on its own—but the real stars of the show are the four topping options. From a bacony ranch drizzle to a basil butter with parmesan, these toppings are so good you'll officially make corn on the cob your forever-favorite cookout side.

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Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Spicy Pepper Jelly Coleslaw

It's no secret that Southerners love their pepper jelly. We took it one step further by dedicating a hot-and-sweet coleslaw recipe to the standout condiment.

Classic Baked Beans

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Baked Beans

A dish of baked beans is a welcome addition to any backyard barbecue, and this recipe is classic and effortless to make and take.

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Mixed Herb-and-Heirloom Tomato Salad

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Mixed Herb-and-Heirloom Tomato Salad

Independence Day is the perfect time to make this effortless yet memorable tomato salad—right in the height of summer, when tomatoes and fresh herbs abound.

Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal

Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal

When it's too hot to break out the deep-fryer, a quick and lighter pan-fry will do the trick. It lets fresh okra really shine.

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese...but make it summery. Use your in-season tomatoes to top off this classic comfort side dish.

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Best Deviled Eggs

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe:Best Deviled Eggs

Sure, we love our good old-fashioned deviled eggs and they are always right for the occasion— especially a potluck.

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

While you'll see plenty of salads that pair tomatoes and watermelon together, we think peaches deserve a little more attention beyond cobbler. This salad tastes like summer.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

These bacon-wrapped bundles make serving a crowd easy, which is the name of the game on the Fourth of July.

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Macaroni Pie

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Macaroni Pie

My, oh my—a macaroni pie?! Mac and cheese that's firm enough to be sliceable, but with an utterly irresistible creaminess that can only be the result of pure magic—we're not sure how, but we made it happen.

Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

Part appetizer, part side dish, 100% party-approved.

Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Spicy Grilled Corn Salad​​​​​​​

Inspired by Mexican-style street corn, this side dish hits all of the tangy, smoky, and ever-so-slightly creamy notes.

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Marinated Watermelon and Tomato Salad

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Marinated Watermelon and Tomato Salad

This isn't your basic watermelon salad. Tomatoes and melon soak up a tangy lime-ginger-mint vinaigrette and are topped with creamy goat cheese.

Okra and Chickpeas in Fresh Tomato Sauce

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe:Okra and Chickpeas in Fresh Tomato Sauce

While this whole dish is a winning combo, it's the okra that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Crispy Potatoes

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick

Recipe: Crispy Potatoes

Two different kinds of potatoes and the foolproof combo of seasonings will see you through this recipe.

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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

It doesn't get more crowd-pleasing than a Caprese.Give this salad a fun new look by using a mix of multicolored cherry tomatoes and small fresh mozzarella balls tossed in a simple vinaigrette.

Stuffed Okra Poppers

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe:Stuffed Okra Poppers

Got fresh okra? Here's how to use it. We updated the original jalapeño popper with crisp, smoky grilled okra.

Permanent Slaw

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Permanent Slaw

Like a cross between a vinegar-based coleslaw and chowchow, this recipe is just the tangy touch to add to any cookout main.

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Oven-Fried Zucchini Sticks

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Oven-Fried Zucchini Sticks

Serve these crispy zucchini fries as a fun and fresher alternative to French fries.

Skillet Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Skillet Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Don't be fooled: There are still pasta noodles in there. It shouldn't come as a surprise that we wouldn't dare replace our pasta with caulifower. Instead, we decided to combine the two.

Grilled Sweet Potato Fries

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Grilled Sweet Potato Fries

We'll be serving up these crowd favorite sweet potato fries all year long.

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Three-Bean Pasta Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Three-Bean Pasta Salad

We combined two potluck classics—pasta salad and three-bean salad—to make one tasty new side dish.

Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

When you don't have the time or energy to grill it, bake it! This recipe is a keeper.

Mac and Cheese with Ham

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Recipe:Mac and Cheese with Ham

Believe it or not, this reader favorite is made on the lighter side. Subtle than most on the butter and cheese, this outdoor party original will still melt in your mouth.

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Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe:Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas

This gorgeous summer pasta salad showcases peak-season tomatoes, fresh herbs, and field peas.

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

Credit: Jen Causey

Recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

As far as we're concerned, this old-school cold salad pairs well at any cookout.

Field Pea, Corn, and Bacon Salad

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Field Pea, Corn, and Bacon Salad

Akin to a time-honored succotash, this recipe can be thrown together in just minutes.

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Tee's Corn Pudding

Credit: Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding

One of our most requested recipes for a summer outdoor event, this classic recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture without the hassle.

Grilled Potato Salad

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Grilled Potato Salad

You'll want to boil the potatoes until they are fork tender and then slice and grill them for this tangy and creamy potato salad.

Quick Pickled Slaw

Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Recipe: Quick Pickled Slaw

Coleslaw is a summer side dish that we can't get enough of. This recipe is best served the day-of for maximum freshness.

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Golden Corn Fritters

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Golden Corn Fritters

These fritters are reminiscent of hush puppies, but are much lighter and richer in flavor.

Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

This corn salad is tangy, smokey, slightly creamy, and packs a punch.

Squash Ribbon Salad

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe:Squash Ribbon Salad

Make a light and bright summer salad with your seasonal bounty.

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Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Spicy Pineapple Slaw

No mayo required for this summertime slaw.

Chicken-and-Shrimp Kebabs with Summer Vegetables and Basil Oil

Credit: Photo: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Recipe: Chicken-and-Shrimp Kebabs with Summer Vegetables and Basil Oil

The summer veggies sure shine on these kebabs, but it's the basil oil that is the true star of the show. You'll definitely want extra for dipping.

Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomatoes Salad

Credit: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomato Salad

Mint adds a pop of fresh flavor to this seasonal side dish.

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Easy Grilled Asparagus

Credit: Jen Causey

Recipe:Easy Grilled Asparagus

Use crispy bacon, herbs, and dijon mustard to spruce up your asparagus this summer.

Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta

Throw some peaches on the grill with your hamburgers and hot dogs. The sweet slices pair perfectly with feta and arugula for a side salad.

Mrs. R's Coleslaw

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Mrs. R's Coleslaw

It's not a barbeque without the crunchy, slightly sweet, tad-bit tangy medley that is coleslaw.

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Tomato-Herb Panzanella

Credit: Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Tomato-Herb Panzanella

This vibrant, shareable dish is the ultimate way to put your summer produce to good use.

Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe:Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad

A light and refreshing pasta salad for any potluck.

Classic Succotash

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Classic Succotash

Packed with some of summer's best produce, including onion, corn, and lima beans, this traditional Southern side makes the perfect potluck dish.

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Creamed Silver Queen Corn

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamed Silver Queen Corn

This dish is a staple at cookouts and barbecues around the South. For an added wow factor, top the creamed corn with a sprinkling of chopped fried bacon.

Potatoes Patio

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Potatoes Patio

It's the creamy, cheesy potato bake that belongs at every barbecue.

Zucchini-Potato Casserole

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Zucchini-Potato Casserole

The French word for this beautiful dish of layered vegetables is tian. Packed with ingredients such as garden fresh onions, tomatoes and zucchini, we call it sheer summer goodness.

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Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra

A match made in heaven— it doesn't get more Southern than pimento cheese and just about anything pickled.

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Yellow squash and zucchini are quite prolific in the South. This recipe, a popular choice for cookouts and outdoor parties, makes delicious use of summer's bounty.

Strawberry-Tomato Salad

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Strawberry-Tomato Salad

Look for mini multicolored tomatoes at the supermarket. Toss them with fresh herbs and strawberries for a surprising side to serve with grilled meat or fish.

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Rum Baked Beans

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Rum Baked Beans

Baked beans belong at a Fourth of July cookout like hotdogs belong at the ballpark. Loaded with bacon and four types of beans, this side is so hearty some might mistake it for the main course.

Street Corn Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Street Corn Salad

This quick and effortless Street Corn Salad comes together in a quick 20 minutes. Combine the ingredients with a dash of olive oil and sprinkle with cheese and you have a delicious summer side or dip. Now that's summer siding made simple!

Big Daddy's Grilled Blue Cheese and Bacon Potato Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Recipe: Big Daddy's Grilled Blue Cheese and Bacon Potato Salad

Every good cook south of the Mason Dixon line has a special recipe for potato salad. Give this one, with grilled potatoes and crumbled blue cheese, a try, and you might just add it to your list of favorites.

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Heirloom Tomato Pie

Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pie

Summertime is practically synonymous with tomato pie, and this recipe will have you making it all season long!

Picnic Egg Salad

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Picnic Egg Salad

No picnic or potluck is complete with one of the most nostalgic spreads— egg salad.

Garden Potato Salad

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Garden Potato Salad

New potatoes are simply baby spring potatoes with delicate, thin skins. The red-skinned potatoes, along with the vibrant green peas and herbs, make for a colorful summer side dish.

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Grandma Gwen's Beans

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: Grandma Gwen's Beans

This top-rated reader favorite won our 2012 'Cue Awards for Best Baked Beans. One bite and you will understand why.

Ham Salad

Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Ham Salad

We are bringing old-fashioned ham salad back to the spotlight with this recipe. It's fit for any occasion: Keep it simple with crackers or dress it up as a tea sandwich.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

The ultimate side dish: Serve them shining on their own, with a dip, or on an iconic Fried Green Tomato BLT.

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Two-Cheese Squash Casserole

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

Recipe: Two-Cheese Squash Casserole

This cheesy summertime favorite calls for yellow squash, but feel free to sub in some zucchini for an added burst of color.

Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

Credit: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

If you like salt on your watermelon, you'll love the flavors of this salad. When Chef Bill Smith at Crook's Corner Café and Bar in Chapel Hill, NC put this dish on his menu, it was an instant hit. Who knew tomatoes and watermelons play so well together?

Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad

This recipe may remind you of the potato salad your grandmother always served at family reunions. With hard-boiled eggs, sweet salad pickles, mayonnaise and jalapeño peppers, we guarantee your guests will be back for seconds.

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Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

Recipe: Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

This delicious variation on traditional macaroni and cheese is easy to prepare and ideal for both weeknight family dinners and weekend entertaining.

Old-School Squash Casserole

Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Old-School Squash Casserole

This is a staple dish that pairs well with just about anything you'll find at a cookout. It takes advantage of summer squash at its peak for a rich and cheesy, yet veggie-heavy dish.

Cajun-Style Potato Salad

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Cajun-Style Potato Salad

We kicked it up a notch with a Louisiana-style spin on traditional potato salad.

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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Cowboy Pasta Salad

With taco-inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, cheese, and ground beef, this side dish might be your new summer family cookout go-to.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Nothing says summer like a bucket of fresh strawberries from a roadside farm stand!

Texas Caviar

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Texas Caviar

This recipe is the quickest way to be everyone's favorite host: 1 bowl, 10 ingredients, 20 minutes.

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Marinated Feta with Cherry Tomatoes

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Marinated Feta with Cherry Tomatoes

You can never have too many seasonal tomato recipes in your back pocket. This one might even earn its spot as your new go-to!

Pineapple-Pepper Slaw

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Pineapple-Pepper Slaw

A little sweet, a little spicy—this slaw is sure to be a potluck star.

Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

This recipe elevates classic cream corn and makes it extra light and fluffy.

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Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Credit: Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Even the vegetable averse will go crazy for these green beans made with bacon, crispy Parm, and plenty of garlic.

Summer Orzo Salad

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Recipe:Summer Orzo Salad

The ideal big-batch summer salad to make ahead for any gathering, this dish is packed with fresh veggies, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and spinach.

BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

This deconstructed version of summer's most beloved sandwich (the BLT) makes for an incredibly satisfying side.

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Chicken Salad Stuffed Tomatoes

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Chicken Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes

These chicken salad-stuffed tomatoes are a triple threat: You can serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main. However you dish them out, they'll certainly hit the spot on a hot summer day.

Deviled Egg-Potato Salad

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Deviled Egg-Potato Salad

You can't go wrong when you combine two of the South's most popular picnic dishes: deviled eggs and potato salad.

Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

As much as we love using up our summer tomatoes in a fat-stacked BLT, we'll leave out a pound of the juicy red delights for this refreshing salad.

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South Carolina Slaw

Credit: Will Dickey

Recipe: South Carolina Slaw

A traditional Carolina slaw uses vinegar, not mayo. This one also pairs up with two types of mustard for a truly tangy slaw option.

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Source: https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/4th-of-july/fourth-of-july-side-dishes

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