Nothing says “Freedom” like firing up the grill! BBQ is near and dear to the hearts of so many Americans. Looking for a grilling guide for 4th of July?  We’ve got you covered!  Here’s our guide to home cooking, 4th of July style!

Main Event
Let’s start with the meat. For the ultimate 4th of July BBQ, you’ll need to give your guests a few options. Whether you go with classic burgers & dogs, chicken & steak, pulled pork, or tofu & a big platter of grilled veggies, you’re sure to please a crowd! Remember to prep and marinate meat in advance so that when your guests arrive, you can relax and sip one of these delicious watermelon cocktails with them.

Image Source: Food & Wine

Savory Sides

For me, a summer barbecue is not complete without the side salads: potato, pasta, greens. Here are 16 great BBQ sides to give you plenty of ideas for dishes to round out your menu.  One of the easiest side dishes is buttery corn on the cob.  Soak husks in water for 10 minutes before throwing on the grill to avoid burning.

Image Source: Real Simple

Get Saucy
There are about as many varieties of BBQ sauce as there are states in the U.S. Depending on your tastes, you can go sweet, spicy, smokey, tangy and even mustard-y. Check out this clever guide to American Barbecue Sauce Styles to find one that’s right for you.

Image Source: Food Network

Sweet Freedom
Looking for a creative way to bring red, white and blue into your 4th of July menu? Dessert is the way to go! Check out these patriotic dessert ideas.  When in doubt, throw some sweet like peaches or pineapple on the grill for an easy, healthy treat.

Image Source: Mashable

Header Image Source: Backyard Simple