The 4th of July is the Super Bowl of backyard cookouts. Whether you're feeding 10 people or 50, the pressure is on to get the food right and nobody wants to be stuck at the grill all day missing the fun. Here's how to put together a spread that covers all the bases, from the grill to the snack table, with a little help from LaBonne's.
Start with the grill, and keep it simple
You really can't go wrong with the classics, and this is the one day of the year when no one needs to be impressed with anything fancy. Burgers and dogs. That's it.
Our store-made 5lb Box of 85% Lean Frozen Hamburger Patties (on Super Hot Deal this week) are a go-to for a reason. Made right here in our stores, consistent, and easy to cook for a crowd without the prep work. Stock up early because these go fast leading up to the holiday.
For franks, we carry Hummel Brothers, also on Super Hot Deal, a Connecticut staple that's been around nearly 100 years and is as local as it gets. Choose between their Skinless or Natural Casing style depending on your crowd's preference (natural casing fans know the snap you're looking for). Either way, you're serving something with a real story behind it, made right here in New Haven.
Round it out with full racks of baby back ribs for the people at the party who want something a little more substantial, and you've got a grill lineup that covers everyone.
Build the burger station
Once the patties are handled, the spread around them matters just as much. Hellmann's Mayo is on hot deal this week and is a cookout essential, whether it's going straight on a burger, into a pasta salad, or as the base for a quick dipping sauce. Pick up a few jars. Boar's Head American Cheese is also on hot deal and is the only call for a classic cheeseburger, it melts right, it tastes right, and your guests will notice the quality.
Keep everyone hydrated
It's July in Connecticut. Poland Spring 24-packs are on hot deal and should be at the top of your list. Grab a few cases, keep them in a cooler with ice, and you're all set.
Don't forget dessert
Turkey Hill Ice Cream is on hot deal this week and is the easiest crowd-pleaser in the store. Pick up a few flavors, set out some cones or bowls near the end of the meal, and let people serve themselves. It's low effort, high reward, exactly what a holiday dessert should be.
Side dishes that travel well
A great backyard spread needs more than protein. Our deli is a secret weapon here. LaBonne's signature deli salads: potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, pasta salads, are all made fresh in-house and are built for exactly this kind of event. They hold up well in a cooler, serve a crowd without any extra work on your end, and taste like something someone actually made from scratch. Because someone did.
Let us do the heavy lifting with catering
If your guest list is bigger or you want to go beyond the grill, LaBonne's Catering has been feeding Connecticut gatherings for decades. From appetizer and cold cut platters to chicken dishes, sides, salad bowls, and giant grinders, we can put together a full spread so you can actually enjoy your own party. Our catering calendar fills up quickly around the holidays, so if you're interested, call the store location nearest to you as soon as possible to reserve your spot.
For a full look at what we offer and some inspiration for your setup, check out our catering guide here, and browse the full catering menu at labonnes.com/catering.
A quick checklist before you shop
Super Hot Deals this week: LaBonne's Store-Made 5lb Box Frozen Burger Patties, Hummel Brothers Franks (Skinless & Natural Casing)
Hot Deals this week: Full Racks of Baby Back Ribs, Poland Spring 24-Packs, Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Hellmann's Mayo, Boar's Head American Cheese
Stop in, stock up, and have a great 4th. From our family to yours, happy Independence Day. 🇺🇸
