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 going in the right direction.

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.

4th of July Grilling Trends

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

Grilling 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 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.

Grilling 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.

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 made an appearance in some of our popular searches.

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

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.

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: desert.

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 to the mix. 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!

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