40+ Best 4th of July Recipes for BBQ’s and Summer Cookouts

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These 4th of July recipes are everything you need for the ultimate all-American feast! From BBQ mains and side dishes to summer cookout favorites, I’m serving up the best holiday recipes (including Fourth of July desserts!).

July 4th recipes.
Photo: Gayle McLeod

Why You’ll Love These 4th of July Recipes

  • They’re classic cookout favorites with a fresh twist. Think baby back ribs, pulled pork, potato salad, and crowd-favorite appetizers that always get rave reviews.
  • You can make a complete July 4th menu. From appetizers and grilling recipes to BBQ sides, salads, desserts, and drinks, there’s something for every cookout and summer gathering.
  • These recipes are perfect for entertaining. My favorite recipes are simple to prep and great for feeding a crowd. Plus, many can be made ahead so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday, woot!

These 4th of July recipes are everything you need for the ultimate summer cookout. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or gathering with friends and family to watch fireworks, you’ll find crowd-pleasing appetizers, grilled mains, BBQ side dishes, fresh summer salads, patriotic desserts, and refreshing drinks.

Everything is easy to make, so there’s less time spent in the kitchen and more time spent with friends and family. Plus, many are red, white, and blue for a patriotic spread!

I’ll be making my slow-cooker pulled pork, coleslaw, and creamy potato salad to take to the beach to enjoy as we watch the fireworks off the pier. But no matter where you live, these easy July 4th recipes are guaranteed to make your Independence Day celebration delicious.

The Best Cookout Main Dishes

A white plate of turkey burger pattiesA white plate of turkey burger patties

1

A lighter twist on a cookout classic, but just as satisfying. These are juicy, flavorful, and won’t weigh you down. Aka perfect for eating one-handed while holding a sparkler.

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Slow cooker pulled pork recipe.Slow cooker pulled pork recipe.

2

Juicy, smoky, and fall-apart tender, this is the kind of low-effort, high-reward recipe I love for summer gatherings. 

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Baby back ribs recipe.Baby back ribs recipe.

3

Oh boy are these ribs tasty! The secret here is my mom’s signature pineapple rum BBQ sauce that makes these extra flavorful. Plus, they’re made with an oven steam method, then grilled for the final touch. Super easy!

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A white plate with grilled shrimp.A white plate with grilled shrimp.

4

These shrimp skewers always disappear before they hit the table. They come off the grill fast, juicy, and incredibly flavorful.

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Baked hot honey chicken drumsticks on a plate.Baked hot honey chicken drumsticks on a plate.

6

These chicken drumsticks are finger-licking good with a simple hot honey sauce and are made for laid-back backyard feasting.

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Sliced grilled ribeye steaks on a wooden board.Sliced grilled ribeye steaks on a wooden board.

7

I love serving a platter of sliced grilled steak for cookouts. This method is easy, delicious, and completely foolproof for that perfect medium-rare!

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A plate of BBQ chickenA plate of BBQ chicken

8

With my homemade BBQ sauce, this BBQ chicken never gets old and is a must for any 4th of July party.

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Sliced carne asada on a wooden boardSliced carne asada on a wooden board

9

This carne asada marinade is the key here! Slice the meat into thin strips or cubes for tacos, nachos, or for piling high on a plate.

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Crowd-Favorite BBQ Side Dishes

Best chicken salad recipe.Best chicken salad recipe.

10

Creamy, herby, and totally nostalgic, this one’s always in my fridge come summer. It’s delicious straight from the spoon, but can also be turned into mini chicken salad sandwiches.

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A white bowl of creamy coleslaw.A white bowl of creamy coleslaw.

11

It’s not a cookout without a side of coleslaw! This one is crunchy, creamy, and the perfect contrast to smoky meats. For a mayo-free version, you’ll love this tangy vinegar coleslaw.

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Broccoli salad recipe in a bowl.Broccoli salad recipe in a bowl.

12

A sweet and savory combo of broccoli, bacon, and all the best toppings. This salad always surprises people in the best way possible.

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Potato salad with a fork.Potato salad with a fork.

13

This is my mom’s signature dish for holidays throughout the year. It’s perfectly creamy, crunchy, and a salad everyone can’t get enough of.

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Cucumber salad recipe for the best summer salad.Cucumber salad recipe for the best summer salad.

14

I like to think of this salad as a wonderful palate cleanser, especially when paired with grilled meats. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make. If you like a creamier version, this creamy cucumber salad is so delicious!

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A white pot of baked baked beans.A white pot of baked baked beans.

15

These are the kind of beans you scoop up with everything on your plate. They’re sweet, smoky, and rich with flavor. 

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A plate of four grilled corn on the cobsA plate of four grilled corn on the cobs

16

Nothing says summer like charred corn with butter dripping down your fingers. Add lime, cotija cheese, and chili powder to make elote if you’re feeling fancy. And if you have extra, use it to make this summer corn salad!

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Best fruit salad recipe.Best fruit salad recipe.

17

A juicy, colorful bowl of everything that’s in season. I like to add a light honey lime dressing to give the fruits a bit more oomph.

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A bowl of watermelon salad with feta and mintA bowl of watermelon salad with feta and mint

18

Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint are one of my favorite summer combinations. 

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Berry spinach salad recipe.Berry spinach salad recipe.

19

A mix of greens and sweet summer berries with a fresh raspberry vinaigrette. It’s the salad I bring when I want something fresh and beautiful.

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A white bowl of Caesar salad.A white bowl of Caesar salad.

20

A classic salad that pairs with literally anything from the grill. It’s made with crisp romaine, crunchy chickpeas, fresh parmesan, and the best Caesar dressing.

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4th of July Appetizers

Guacamole recipe in a bowl next to tortilla chips.Guacamole recipe in a bowl next to tortilla chips.

21

This guacamole has a permanent spot at every gathering. It’s just that good!

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Cowboy caviar recipe.Cowboy caviar recipe.

22

Everyone’s favorite party dip loaded with beans, chopped veggies, and a bright, tangy dressing that ties it all together.

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A white bowl of cevicheA white bowl of ceviche

23

Nothing compares to ceviche for a refreshing appetizer, perfectly scoopable with tortilla chips. This classic version is bright, citrusy, and full of fresh flavors.

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7 layer dip next to cilantro7 layer dip next to cilantro

24

Layers of beans, guac, salsa, and cheese—what’s not to love? This one vanishes quickly, so I always make a bigger portion.

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A bowl of the best black bean dip recipe.A bowl of the best black bean dip recipe.

25

If you’ve got black bean lovers around, this dip is a must-make. It’s creamy, smoky, and perfect for dipping chips, veggies, or even spoonfuls.

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A white plate of jalapeño poppers.A white plate of jalapeño poppers.

26

For an appetizer that’s savory and cheesy, these poppers never last long. You can also prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven the day of.

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Antipasto skewers appetizer.Antipasto skewers appetizer.

27

This is my favorite way to combine signature Italian antipasto ingredients into a flavorful and fun snack everyone will love. For a simpler version, these caprese skewers are amazing!

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Roasted tomatoes with whipped feta.Roasted tomatoes with whipped feta.

28

Creamy, tangy feta topped with jammy tomatoes—this one feels a little fancy but couldn’t be easier.

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French onion dip recipe.French onion dip recipe.

29

This version is so much better than store-bought with its rich and savory flavors. It’s great served with chips, and even better with grilled veggies.

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Refreshing Summer Drinks

Frozen strawberry margarita cocktails.Frozen strawberry margarita cocktails.

31

I always make this slushy margarita come July 4th! It’s the most refreshing combination of sweet strawberries, fresh lime, and a splash of tequila.

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Two glasses of margarita with limes.Two glasses of margarita with limes.

32

You can’t go wrong with a salty-rimmed classic margarita. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite for a reason.

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Red sangria recipe.Red sangria recipe.

33

If you’re looking to make a pitcher that’ll last throughout the day, sangria is the perfect choice. I love loading mine up with berries, citrus, and a splash of brandy.

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Two glasses of white wine sangria garnished with mint.Two glasses of white wine sangria garnished with mint.

34

For those who prefer white wine to red, serve up this sweet and fruity white sangria. 

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Aperol Spritz in glasses next to orangesAperol Spritz in glasses next to oranges

35

This Italian bubbly classic is my go-to when I want something refreshing and low-effort. It’s perfect for daytime drinking!

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Two glasses of limoncello spritzTwo glasses of limoncello spritz

36

For those who love a lemony spritz, this is the one you’ll want to make. It’s refreshing with sparkling fizz, has hints of sweet and zesty lemon, and only requires three ingredients.

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Two glasses of mojito with mint leaves.Two glasses of mojito with mint leaves.

37

A great rum cocktail that’s quick to make with five simple ingredients and flavored with refreshing, citrusy, minty-fresh goodness.

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Several different flavors of agua fresca.Several different flavors of agua fresca.

38

A non-alcoholic favorite that’s just as festive. Blend up watermelon, cantaloupe, or cucumber for something light, fresh, and kid-friendly.

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Fruity 4th of July Desserts

A bowl of peach crisp with ice cream.A bowl of peach crisp with ice cream.

39

Warm, caramelized, and drizzled with honey or yogurt, this one’s ridiculously easy but feels like a gourmet dessert.

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A baking pan of berry crisp and two servings in bowls.A baking pan of berry crisp and two servings in bowls.

40

This is a must for berry season, and so good with a scoop of vanilla on top.

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Apple crisp in a bowl with ice cream.Apple crisp in a bowl with ice cream.

41

Crisp apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup turn into a much-loved, family-friendly crisp.

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A slice of berry sheet cake on a white plate with fork and dollop of cream.A slice of berry sheet cake on a white plate with fork and dollop of cream.

42

My favorite 4th of July cake! Fluffy vanilla cake topped with my coconut whipped cream and fresh berries, perfect for feeding a crowd and decorating with red, white, and blue.

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Plates of panna cottaPlates of panna cotta

43

I love serving this creamy custard with macerated berries for a no-bake dessert that still feels special.

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More Summer Recipe Roundups

If you make any of these 4th of July recipes, I’d love to hear how they turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.

Recipe roundup originally posted June 2021, but updated to include new 4th of July recipes recently published. Enjoy!

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