When the 4th of July rolls around, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll be invited somewhere — potentially at the last minute as plans come together. Or maybe you’ll be the one inviting people over the night before the barbecue!
Either way, you might not have a ton of time to prepare something to bring with you—but that’s where these recipes help.
Most of them are pretty quick—or at least easy and hands off, like the Banana Sheet Cake. Some of them you can make ahead if you have at least a little bit of forewarning, such as the Pasta and Bean Picnic Salad, the Gazpacho, and the Swiss Chard Tzatziki.
My advice? Whatever you do, make some fresh lemonade! People often forget about what people at their party will be drinking, and if it’s especially hot, folks will be especially grateful.
