Secret Ingredient

The Best Party Food to Serve at an Outdoor Event

Party food

4th of July is the highlight of summer! From the beach to the backyard, food to fireworks, it’s a day of celebration, excitement and outdoor time. While gatherings are always better in the sunshine, there are important factors to consider when planning your party food meals and platters.

The type of menu you’d traditionally serve at a party might not hold up in the hot, humid Pennsylvania sun. Or, they might not be appealing on a 90-degree day. Cheese platters and chocolate desserts are prone to melting. Fried foods tend to get soggy. And salty snacks will dehydrate your guests.

Instead, we recommend you go for seasonal ingredients and light dishes to keep your guests satisfied and energized all day long! Need some inspiration? We’re already planning our 4th of July catering menus, so have a look at our outdoor party food favorites…

Before the Meal

Most 4th of July parties begin in the afternoon, so there’s no need for formal appetizers. Offer just a few nibbles for your guests to enjoy. We love:

  • Heirloom Tomato Slices with Balsamic Drizzle and Fresh Basil
    (if you can keep this dish out of the sun, add mozzarella cheese)
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Melon
  • Backyard Salsa & Chips
    (use ingredients from your garden if available)
  • Summer Rolls with Tamari-Lime Dipping Sauce

The Main Event

Pick 1-2 main dishes to keep it simple. For a summer party, we suggest bone-in grilled chicken or baby-back ribs. The bone will keep the meat nice and moist. Plus, you can eat these meats with your hands if you’re busy engaging in backyard activities.

If you want to serve seafood or fish, like Bourbon-Glazed Salmon, be sure to enjoy it immediately after cooking to avoid spoilage. Refer to our Easy Grill Recipes for more outdoor cooking ideas. 

On the Side

In the warmer months, we don’t use a lot of mayonnaise. Instead, we create potato salad using olive oil and red wine or apple cider vinegar. It doesn’t weigh you down and it’s less prone to rancidity. Quinoa veggie salads, leafy greens and raw veggies are simple and hydrating.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with juicy slices of watermelon or strawberries and blueberries for a festive treat.

Place Your 4th of July Party Order Now

4th of July is fast approaching and we only have a few catering spots left for the big celebration. Call or email us today to discuss our ultimate party food options. We offer personalized menus for outdoor events and summer occasions. 610-688-2942