Ina Garten's make-ahead Fourth of July menu
Ina Garten | Barefoot Contessa
The make-ahead Fourth of July menu
But first, some big news in the New York Times this weekend...
Jun 23, 2026
I’m thrilled to announce that I’m working with Vox Media on a new podcast project! The show is coming to audio and video platforms this fall. While I can’t say much more right now, you can read how this all came together in a fabulous article by Sapna Maheshwari in the New York Times business section.
Stay tuned for more news later this summer!
📸 Lila Barth for the New York Times
Ask Ina:
“I want to make one of your classic Fourth of July menus for my party this year. Do you have a menu where some of the recipes can be made ahead, and if so, how far ahead?”
The Fourth of July is a great time to have the kind of party that I love: a relaxed atmosphere and food that is familiar and delicious.
I always like to use recipes that let me prepare parts of the meal in advance, and then I’ll have guests help with the rest. Below is a great menu that really lets you focus on your company, which is what a party is all about!
Smashed Hamburgers with Caramelized Onions
Three Days before the party, I buy the ingredients and make the caramelized onions. On July 3rd, I prepare the salads, bake the cake, and mix and form the hamburger patties.
All that’s left to do on July 4th is set a buffet table, make the cake frosting, and assemble the cake! I ask my friends to help cook the burgers when they come over, and I make sure everyone always has a cold beer or lemonade (store-bought is fine!).
Your friends will feel involved in the celebration, and no one has to panic about entertaining!
Always check the seasonings on salads you make ahead, because salt and pepper lose their flavor over time.
📸 Maura McEvoy
This Week’s Favorites:
- I’m re-watching Unforgotten, a British series with Nicola Walker. As Ann Patchett says, if you haven’t watched it, it’s new to you!
- There are deep pink roses and white viburnum blooming at the same time over an arch in my garden. The colors play so well together with the green leaves.
- Jeffrey and I went over to my friends Jennie and Peter Wallace’s house for dinner this weekend. Peter is a fabulous home chef, and it’s so nice when someone else cooks!!