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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Prep-Ahead Dishes That Will Steal the Show This 4th of July

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 30, 2025, updated June 17, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    This 4th of July, impress your friends and family with 21 delicious prep-ahead dishes that are sure to be the highlight of your celebration. From refreshing salads to hearty mains, these recipes are easy to make in advance, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending all day in the kitchen. Get ready to celebrate with great food that everyone will love!

    Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

    Mini Cherry Cheesecakes.
    Photo credit: Dish 'n' the Kitchen.

    Mini Cherry Cheesecakes are a delightful treat that’s just the right size for an after-dinner dessert. These sweet little bites are simple to prepare in advance and freeze nicely, making them a great option for your 4th of July celebration. Enjoy the creamy cheesecake topped with cherry goodness, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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    S'Mores Casserole

    Smores casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    S'mores Casserole is a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic camping treat right at home. You can whip it up in a baking dish, so there's no need for a campfire, making it great for gatherings. Just grab some graham crackers or digestive biscuits and your favorite milk chocolate, and you're all set for a delicious dessert that everyone will love.

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    Pasta Salad Skewers

    Pasta Salad Skewers
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Pasta Salad Skewers bring together all the flavors of a classic pasta salad in a fun and easy-to-eat format. They’re simple to prepare in advance and perfect for serving at gatherings, making them a great choice for any celebration. With no utensils needed, these skewers are a convenient option for a crowd.

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    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

    The Best Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in less than 40 minutes, with only about 10 minutes of actual cooking time. It combines hot sauce, sour cream, chicken, and blue cheese, creating a spicy treat that buffalo chicken fans will love. This dip is perfect for gatherings and celebrations, bringing a flavorful kick to your table.

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    Ranch Coleslaw

    Ranch coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This ranch coleslaw comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect addition to your next barbecue. Using store-bought mayonnaise and ranch dressing keeps things simple, while still packing in plenty of flavor. It's a great side dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Southern Tomato Pie

    Southern Tomato Pie.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Southern Tomato Pie features a delicious combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, thyme, mayo, and three types of cheese, all nestled in a buttery cracker crust. This dish is a true taste of summer and embodies the flavors of the South. It works well as a main course, a side dish, or even a brunch option.

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    Loaded Cornbread

    Loaded Cornbread.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Loaded Cornbread takes the traditional recipe and adds a delicious twist with cheese, bacon, corn, and other tasty ingredients. This dish is a great side for any meal and is sure to please everyone at your gathering. It's a fun and flavorful addition that brings a little extra to the table.

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    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are a quick and tasty option that can be ready in under 30 minutes. The spicy buffalo chicken pairs perfectly with a zesty blue cheese coleslaw, creating a satisfying meal. This is a great choice for gatherings or casual dinners, bringing a bit of excitement to your table.

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    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a hit with everyone, from kids to food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are full of flavor. They come together in just 20 minutes and are really simple to prepare.

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    Salmon Tartare

    A salmon tartare on green arugula.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoked Salmon Tartare is a fantastic appetizer that you can prepare ahead of time. It's flavorful and has a touch of elegance, thanks to the spicy French Dijon mustard and a splash of rum. Topped with crispy fried capers, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Air Fryer Roast Beef is a simple and delicious option for dinner that the whole family will enjoy. With a flavorful herby crust on the outside and a juicy, tender center, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it only takes 50 minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for a busy day. Slice it thin and it's even better served cold!

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    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoked salmon is a great choice for a quick and easy spread that you can prepare in no time. This creamy mixture is perfect for spreading on crackers or bagels, making it a fantastic addition to your 4th of July celebration. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

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    The BEST Potato Salad

    The BEST Potato Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Classic Potato Salad features Russet potatoes, hard boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing that brings everything together. This dish has been a beloved choice for family gatherings and celebrations for years. It's simple to prepare and perfect for summer barbecues or picnics.

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    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw is a quick and easy side dish that you can whip up in under 15 minutes. It pairs perfectly with steak, barbecue, or any buffalo-flavored meal. With its rich blue cheese flavor and balanced seasoning, this coleslaw is sure to become a go-to favorite at your gatherings.

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    Macaroni Salad

    Macaroni salad.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Macaroni salad is a favorite at gatherings and is loved by many. It's easy to whip up and has a taste that suits a wide range of people. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a creamy homemade dressing, this dish really shines. Perfect for summer get-togethers, it can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient choice. This is a solid option for lunch or any laid-back meal.

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    Loaded Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

    Loaded Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
    Photo credit: Neighbor Food Blog.

    This recipe is a family favorite that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy classic comfort food without spending too much time in the kitchen. Preparing it ahead of time makes it a great option for busy days, especially during celebrations like the 4th of July.

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    Mashed Potato Casserole

    Mashed potato casserole.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This mashed potato casserole is creamy and cheesy, perfect for any gathering. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days. You can easily make it ahead of time, so it's ready when you need it.

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    Summer Berry Gino

    Berry gino.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This berry bake is a simple dessert packed with bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, all topped with white chocolate. It's a great choice for any dinner party and can be prepared in advance. Serving it over vanilla ice cream adds a nice touch for a special treat.

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    Smashed Potatoes

    Smashed potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smashed Potatoes are a great dish to prepare ahead of time for your dinner party. With just a few simple ingredients, they come out crispy and cheesy, making them a real crowd-pleaser. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also adds a tasty touch to your celebration.

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    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. It's loaded with fresh veggies and flavor, making it a satisfying dish. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, and it tastes great whether served warm or cold.

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    French Potato Salad

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This potato salad is a simple and delicious side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Made without mayo, eggs, or dairy, it features a creamy Dijon mustard dressing that gives it a unique flavor. It's a great option for anyone looking for a vegan and gluten-free salad that everyone can enjoy.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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