15 last-minute 4th of July recipes to wow your guests without the stress

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Did the 4th of July sneaking up on you faster than a shooting star? Fear not, because here are 15 sensational last-minute recipes that are bound to wow your guests and keep the stress levels low.

Peach Crostata

Piece of peach crostata topped with vanilla ice cream.
Peach Crostata. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rustic yet elegant, a peach crostata is a fantastic last-minute dessert for 4th of July. The free-form tart comes together in a flash with store-bought pie crust and canned peaches, but still looks and tastes totally gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Peach Crostata

Steak Kabobs

Steak Kabobs on a grill.
Steak Kabobs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If you’re on a tight schedule, but still want to serve something special for a 4th of July cookout, steak kabobs are a quick, flavorful solution. With tender pieces of steak, colorful veggies, all grilled in minutes, they’re a surefire hit.
Get the Recipe: Steak Kabobs

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with red and blue dyed egg whites.
Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Need a speedy, crowd-pleasing appetizer? Deviled eggs are a classic for a reason! It takes only 5-10 minutes to soak the hard boiled eggs in food coloring, and it makes them look amazing.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Deviled Eggs

Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Closeup of crock pot ham on a plate with peach glaze.
Crock Pot Spiral Ham . Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For a stress-free 4th of July dish that practically cooks itself try this simple and delicious Crock Pot Spiral ham recipe. With minimal prep time you can spend more time with your family while the ham cooks in the background.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Frozen Lemonade Pie

Slice of lemonade pie on a plate with lemonade in the background.
Lemonade Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Frozen Lemonade Pie is the ultimate refreshment to beat the July heat. With just a handful of ingredients, including zesty lemonade concentrate, you can whip up this tangy and frosty delight in no time, making it perfect for those last-minute plans!
Get the Recipe: Lemonade Pie

Broccoli Crunch Salad

A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Broccoli Salad easy make-ahead dish that will save you time and stress on Independence Day. Simply prep it in advance and let the flavors meld together in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Get the RecipeBroccoli Salad

Glazed Air Fryer Carrots

multicolored carrots with a honey glaze one a plate with a green napkin at the side.
Glazed Air Fryer Carrots. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These honey glazed carrots are an easy low effort side dish for 4th of July. These roasted carrots have the perfect texture – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – and are coated in a sweet and sticky honey glaze.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Air Fryer Carrots

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

pulled chicken sandwich topped with coleslaw with pickles on the side.
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The epitome of set-it-and-forget-it! Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken is your ticket to flavor without the stress. Whether piled on buns or served alongside classic American sides, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser this Independence Day!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Cake Mix Donuts

Chocolate cake mix donuts on a cooling rack with chocolate glaze and red, white and blue sprinkles.
Cake Mix Donuts. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When time’s running short, cake mix donuts are an easy and delicious dessert to whip up. Using a box of cake mix means they’re super easy to make. Best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes and can be adorned with glaze or red, white and blue sprinkles for an extra special touch.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Donuts

Green Bean Casserole

Slow cooker with green bean casserole topped with fried onions.
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, why wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy this classic dish? It’s an American classic, so it deserves some 4th of July love.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

No Bake Cheesecake Parfaits

Cheesecake parfaits in shot glasses with blueberries and strawberries for a red white and blue dessert.
Mini Cheesecake Parfaits. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No-bake to the rescue! Cheesecake Parfaits are the dreamy, creamy dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The beauty of these parfaits is that they require zero oven time and you can layer them with blueberries and strawberries for that patriotic flair.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Parfaits

Caprese Salad

caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.
Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Make a classic Caprese salad for a light and refreshing side dish. With its juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze, this dish captures the flavors of Italy in every bite. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad

Air Fryer Asparagus

roasted asparagus topped with parmesan with a lemon wedge in the background.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Asparagus is a classic 4th of July side dish! Cook some up in the air fryer while you grill is full of burgers and hot dogs.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Prep this delicious casserole on Monday night and bake it on Tuesday, the fourth of July for a low effort breakfast or brunch dish. Enjoy a relaxing morning without stressing about breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tacos on the 4th? Absolutely! These Crock Pot Chicken Tacos are here to add some spice to your celebration. Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic. By the time the guests arrive, you’ll have tender, flavor-packed chicken ready for a taco feast.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

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