Fireworks & flavors: Use AI to plan your 4th of July menu

An image of a barbeque with steaks, salmon, and vegetables on the grill

AI art created via Copilot

Planning a 4th of July celebration? Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a potluck, Microsoft Copilot can help you create a festive, stress-free spread. From 4th of July food ideas to drink pairings and prep timing, Copilot is your AI-powered BBQ planner—ready to help you serve up summer holiday recipes with ease.

An image of a family of four sitting and enjoying a fourth of July fireworks display

Customize your 4th of July food ideas with AI flair

Need gluten-free options for your cousin or vegetarian dishes for your neighbor? Just prompt Copilot with: “Suggest 4th of July menu ideas for 10 people, including vegetarian and kid-friendly options.”

Copilot can generate a full spread—from grilled portobello burgers to classic hot dogs—based on dietary needs, crowd size, or even regional flavors. It’s like having a personal chef who knows your guest list.

Tool tip: Access Copilot in several ways, like on the web, through an app, or integrated into your favorite Microsoft 365 app.

Plan your grocery list in seconds

Once you’ve finalized your Copilot July menu, let AI handle the logistics. Ask Copilot to:

“Create a grocery list for the recipes we selected for the 4th of July BBQ.”

Copilot will generate a categorized list (produce, meats, pantry items, and so on) that you can sync across devices or share with others. No more last-minute dashes to the store for forgotten buns.

Tool tip: Use Microsoft OneNote with Copilot¹ ² for seamless list sharing.

Time your meal prep with AI scheduling

Hosting can mean juggling grill times, oven space, and guests arriving early. Copilot can help you build a prep timeline: “Schedule prep and cook times for a 4th of July BBQ starting at 4 p.m.”

Copilot can factor in marinating, baking, chilling, and even resting time for meats, so everything hits the table hot and on time.

Tool tip: Use Copilot in Outlook Calendar¹ ² ³ to block out prep windows of time and set reminders.

Create a festive drink menu (mocktails included)

Want to impress your guests with themed cocktails and refreshing mocktails? Ask Copilot:

“Suggest 4th of July-themed cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks to pair with grilled food.”

You’ll get ideas like blueberry mojitos, watermelon spritzers, and red-white-and-blue mocktail floats, plus suggestions for garnishes and glassware.

Tool tip: Use Copilot in Microsoft Word¹ ² to create a shareable drink menu or printout for your party.

From pie to popsicles: Easy 4th of July desserts

Round out your celebration with sweet treats that match your menu. Ask Copilot to suggest: “Easy summer desserts that pair well with BBQ and can be made ahead.”

Think apple pie, grilled peaches with honey, or patriotic popsicles. Copilot can even help you adjust recipes for dietary needs or prep time.

Tool tip: Use Copilot in Word or OneNote to generate and format dessert recipe cards you can print or share with guests.

Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie...and Copilot

Some things just belong together on the 4th of July. And now, you can add Microsoft Copilot to that classic lineup. Whether you're firing up the grill, coordinating a potluck, or just trying to keep everything on schedule, Copilot is your AI-powered party planner ready to help you serve up a celebration that’s as special as grandma’s apple pie.

From 4th of July food ideas to drink pairings and prep timing, Copilot takes the guesswork out of planning so you can enjoy more fun, food, and fireworks.

Try Copilot today.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
[1] Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription required; AI features only available to subscription owner and cannot be shared; usage limits apply. Learn more.
[2] App availability varies by device/language. Features vary by platform. Minimum age limits may apply to use of AI features. Details.
[3] Copilot features in Outlook apply to accounts with @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, @live.com, or @msn.com email addresses and are available in Outlook.com, Outlook built into Windows, Outlook on Mac, and iOS and Android apps.