Barbecue Favorites for a 4th of July Menu

Monday is the 4th of July, and you know the grocery store will be packed this weekend. Plan ahead so you can start preparing while everyone else is still waiting in line to check out. We've picked out some tempting ideas for your 4th of July menu. Let us know if you try any of them. We'd love to know what you think!

Sliced Tomatoes With Corn

This salad we found on Delish is fast and easy to put together -- just what you need on a day filled with excitement. While it would look prettier individually plated, we think it could work just as well for a gathering if it's presented on a shallow platter with a spatula for serving.

Grilled Chipotle Lime Corn

Take corn on the cob up a few notches with this recipe from Garlic + Zest. As Lisa notes in her post, it's really just a compound butter slathered on the kernels, and the husk keeps all the goodness sealed in while the corn cooks on the grill. Serve with toppings or dig in as-is -- we think it would be fantastic either way.

Baked Beans

What's a 4th of July menu without baked beans? While you can use the canned variety, we think this recipe makes baked beans from scratch look surprisingly simple. Take a cue from the commenters and caramelize the onions. You might never buy canned baked beans again.

Avocado, Black Bean and Corn Salad With Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette

While much of any 4th of July menu revolves around meat, don't forget vegetarian and vegan options. This salad from Averie Cooks is naturally vegan, but it's one that everyone will love. Let this salad sit in the fridge for a few hours so the flavors develop, and add the avocado just before serving.

Perfect Pulled Pork

Speaking of meat, here's one for the carnivores: A classic pulled pork recipe from Kevin & Amanda that their readers have raved about for years. You'll have to start 48 hours in advance, but the results should be worth it. Plus no one will need to wait their turn at the grill -- pile some pork on a bun and enjoy immediately.

Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers

Barbecued chicken is another summer staple, and we love this variation from A Spicy Perspective for a few key reasons. First, skewers make serving and eating simple for both hosts and guests. We also like the idea of alternating chunks of chicken and strips of bacon. Finally, apple butter in the sauce? Genius.

4th of July Slab Pie

This dessert from Dessert Now Dinner Later caught our eye because it's naturally festive, unlike many other 4th of July desserts. It's also great for serving to a group, and won't melt or start to look unappetizing as the afternoon and evening wear on.