Trending Ideas: What to Bring to the 4th of July Barbecue in Arizona

Are you ready for that July 4th barbecue? Whether you're hosting the party or showing up with side dishes, we've got ideas to help get Arizona's celebration of our nation off to a good start.

We looked at Google Trends to help you sort out some of the most popular barbecue ideas and side dishes for the Fourth of July holiday.

The Most Popular 4th of July Grilling Trends

What are you grilling? What side dishes are you bringing? Here's what's trending in Arizona for our July Fourth barbecue.

Barbecue Basics: Burgers and Hot Dogs

You can't go wrong with these barbecue day staples. You can always prepare the standard toppings and sauces to go with them, like cheese, bacon, mustard, and ketchup. But in Arizona, we kick it up a notch.

Think taco toppings to make this feast extra special. Chop up some jalapeños, add some salsa and beans, and let your guests take these basic barbecue items to the next level.

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Manning the Grill: Steak and Chicken

We're definitely not basic when it comes to these items. We like our beef and poultry to stand out.

Searches for chicken marinade and carne asada recipe begin to trend ahead of the July 4th holiday. Fajitas, pollo asada, and grilled veggies with a southwest flair are all popular parts of the feast.

Be sure to pick up some locally made tortillas, and you'll take your barbecue dishes to the next level.

READ ALSO: Arizona BBQ Guide: 15 Must-Try Summer Favorites

Extras: Salads, Side Dishes, and Veggies

Whether it's potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, or green salad, you need something fresh and crunchy to balance out the meat and main dishes. Salads are also great for vegetarians and vegans, and anyone who wants a lighter option.

What's coming to our Arizona barbecue? Potato salad and coleslaw are always popular, but grilled veggies like cauliflower steaks and zucchini also appeared in some of our top searches.

We like to add that Southwest flair to our sides, too. Mexican rice and Cowboy beans are both simple options that are easy to keep warm in a crockpot.

READ: The Top 25 Most Popular Foods in Arizona

Snacking: Chips and Dips

It seems like everyone has a secret family recipe for salsa and guacamole, and it's reliable and easy to whip up ahead of any barbecue.

You can go for the classic chips and salsa, but maybe it's time to mix things up a little. Hummus, queso, and spinach artichoke dips are all favorites, and easy to prepare.

The Best Part: Independence Day Desserts

Have you noticed that barbecue eating seems to go in waves? While we're waiting for the Grill Master to finish grillin', we're munching on chips. Then we get waves of food from the grill, coupled with some side dishes.

Nothing is better than that third wave that comes later, when everyone's food has settled: dessert.

Just because you know Aunt Margie is bringing her perennial Red, White, and Blue cake, and Cousin Jolene is on it with the ice cream, it doesn't mean there isn't room for more sweet deliciousness.

Consider bringing pies, cakes, cookies, or brownies, or even a refreshing fruit salad. If you're feeling creative like Aunt Margie, make them patriotic themed.

No matter what you bring - even if it's the napkins and plastic forks - have fun and celebrate with your loved ones, and have a terrific Independence Day!