What says independence more than firing up the grill, overestimating how many sides you need, and enjoying a pyrotechnic show in the skies above?
To find out what Americans are really cooking for the Fourth of July, researchers at Time2Play analyzed Google search trends for over 100 different foods in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
Here’s what each state is most likely putting on the table.
Potato Salad
States: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oregon, West Virginia
Who would’ve thought that the humble, loyal side dish would beat out carnivore heavyweights like brisket and burgers? But here we are — potato salad is the undisputed winner of Fourth of July foods, topping the charts in 10 states. Whether it’s mayo-based and sweet in the Midwest, tangy with vinegar in the South, or full of dill and red onion on the West Coast, every family swears theirs is the right way to make.
Baked Beans
States: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio
Apparently, the Fourth of July is a big day for sides, and baked beans—runner-up in eight states — are yet another classic that refuses to be ignored. Most searched in the Midwest and Northeast, the usual recipe is simple: beans, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, onion, and bacon. In New England, they swap the bacon for salt pork and lean heavy on the molasses.
Deviled Eggs
States: Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Pennsylvania
Deviled eggs may be a retro potluck recipe, but they’re still a Fourth of July favorite in five states. The recipe is simple—hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayo, mustard, a splash of vinegar, and topped with paprika.
Macaroni Salad
States: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont
Yet another side dish making a strong Fourth of July showing, macaroni salad is the most googled recipe for the holiday in five states. It’s a cold pasta salad tossed with mayo, mustard, celery, onion, and sometimes sweet pickles or shredded carrot.
Smoked Brisket
States: Georgia, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming
Finally, the main event. After all the cold salads and baked sides, smoked brisket shows up like the headliner it is. It was the most searched Fourth of July recipe in five states, including — obviously — Texas, where it’s one of the states most popular barbecue dishes.
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Grilled Corn
States: Alabama, Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, Wisconsin
Here is a Fourth of July side that actually hits the grill. Grilled corn was the most searched recipe in five states, holding its own next to brisket. Some opt for a classic smothered with butter and seasoning, while others dress it up in a street-style manner with mayo, cheese, and lime.
Red, White & Blue Fruit Pizza
States: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota
Pizza, but make it patriotic. This dessert was the most searched Fourth of July recipe in four states, and it’s basically a sugar cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and a very on-theme lineup of strawberries, blueberries, and sometimes bananas.
Smoked Ribs
States: Idaho, Montana, Nevada
Smoked ribs on the Fourth of July just makes sense — so it’s a bit of a mystery that only three states got the memo. Maybe everyone else didn’t want to deal with the mess. But in Idaho, Montana, and Nevada, they went all in: dry rubs, long smokes, sticky sauce, and a pile of bones by the end.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip
States: Florida, South Carolina, Virginia
Buffalo chicken dip isn’t your typical Fourth of July fare, but it still came out on top in three states. Usually made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and ranch or blue cheese, it’s hot, cheesy, and great for scooping.
Coleslaw
States: Idaho, New York
Idaho and New York are the only two states still loyal to this not-so-exiting, but dependable classic — shredded cabbage, mayo or vinegar-based dressing, maybe some carrot if you’re feeling wild.
Roasted Potatoes
States: Maine, Washington
Roasted potatoes made the list in just two states, but they came in hot — literally. While most Fourth of July sides aim to cool you down, Maine and Washington went for crispy, oven-roasted spuds.
Fried Chicken
State: Mississippi
Well, what in the Benjamin Franklin? Fried chicken — arguably the most American food known to man — only topped the list in one state: Mississippi. Somehow overlooked everywhere else, but down South, they know better.
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