4th of July party food ideas for a big backyard: a 60-guest menu with prices

For 4th of July party food ideas for a big backyard, build around grill-style food without the grill: Boneless Wings, pulled pork sliders, potato salad, baked beans and watermelon. For 60 guests that is $920 from Upper Crust trays, about $15.33 a guest before tax. Pick it up in Yorkville or ask for a quoted delivery, and you spend the holiday with your guests, not at the stove.

The menu for 60, with the math

Starters:

• 1 tray Boneless Wings, $69, 60 pieces: $69
• 2 trays Fresh Vegetable Crudités, $59 each, serves 25 to 30: $118

Mains:

• 3 trays BBQ Pulled Pork, $95 each, serves 20: $285
• 3 trays Slider Sandwich Buns, $12 each, 24 count: $36

Sides:

• 3 trays Potato Salad, $49 each: $147
• 3 trays BBQ Baked Beans, $49 each: $147

Something sweet and cold:

• 2 trays Watermelon Wedge Platter, $59 each, 40 to 45 pieces: $118

Starters are $187, mains $321, sides $294 and watermelon $118, which comes to $920. With 9.25% sales tax it is $1,005.10. The wings give each guest one piece to start. If you want a bigger snack course, Chicken Drummettes are $100 for 120 pieces.

Add-ons for an outdoor party

• Three hot dishes (wings, pork, beans) in chafing dishes: 3 x $17 = $51. The set is yours to keep. A stainless steel version is $20 each and returned after the event.
• Plates, napkins and silverware: $1.50 a person, $90 for 60.
• Tongs and serving spoons: $1 each.
• Iced Tea, Punch or Lemonade: $89 for 50 servings, cups included. For 60 guests, order two. Soft Drinks and Bottled Water are $2.49 each.

We do not serve alcohol or sell decorations, so bring your own flags and coolers.

Keeping a summer party safe

Potato salad and the watermelon should stay out of direct sun. Put one tray out at a time and keep the rest in the cooler or the fridge. Hot trays go in chafing dishes. This is a planning note, not a health code.

A simpler version

Skipping the starters and watermelon, the pork, buns and two sides alone are $321 + $294 = $615 for 60, about $10.25 a guest. Dessert is optional but popular: Brownies are $59 for 35, and Assorted Home Baked Cookies are $45 for 40.

For a smaller crowd, our menus for 40 and 100 are in party food for birthdays and picnics. If you want to compare different meats, bbq catering explains what we make and what we do not.

How to order

Standard orders need three days' notice, and a holiday weekend is a good reason to call early. Browse drop-off catering or use the quote form. Call (630) 553-9533.

Questions

How much food do I need for a 4th of July party?

One tray of each main and side per 20 guests is our plan, with a starter and a cold fruit.

Do you cater hot dogs and burgers?

No. Our backyard menu is pulled pork, brisket, Italian beef and sandwich platters.

Can you stay and serve?

Yes, with staff. Servers are $35 an hour with a 4-hour minimum, and staffed events need 14 days' notice.