The Fourth Of July Recipes Our Food Editors Make Every Year
More like fed, white, and blue.
Sure, I love watching the fireworks on the 4th of July, but what I really love is a reason to have a top-notch summer cookout spent with family and friends. Here at Delish, we love to switch it up every year with some new additions (red, white, and blue tiramisu is our must-make of 2025!), but there are a handful of recipes that have to make an appearance at our family BBQs year after year. From mains to sides to desserts, these favorites are notorious around the office as 4th of July favorites.
These recipes became such a hit when they were served that they had no choice but to become 4th of July staples—families insisted. Every year, someone is guaranteed to come back raving about one of these recipes, so if you need some inspo for your holiday spread this year, then these food editor-approved picks are the perfect place to start.
Flag Cake
If your 4th of July party doesn’t end with a red, white, and blue dessert, then you’re doing it wrong! This cake is about as patriotic as it gets, but is easy enough to allow you maximum time outside the kitchen, soaking up the best bits of summer. With a simple frosting, boxed cake mix, and sweet fresh fruit, this cake is as easy to make as it is to devour.
Get the Flag Cake recipe.
S'mores Bars
These gooey bars pack all the classic s’mores flavors—graham crackers, Hershey’s chocolate, and Marshmallow Fluff—into a shareable treat. No campfire needed!
Get the S’mores Bars recipe.
Corn On The Cob
The pinnacle of a simple but reliable summer side, corn on the cob is a BBQ must. While we love to break out the grill for sweet corn, boiling corn on the cob is quick, easy, and perfect for all seasons. All it requires is a large pot, lots of salt, and a close eye.
Get the Corn On The Cob recipe.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is the ultimate side dish blank canvas. You get to pick the noodle shape, mix-ins, and dressing, so it’s not surprising that we have over 50 different recipes for it. This time around, pasta salad gets a Mediterranean twist, giving an upgrade to the classic summer side.
Get the Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe.
Red, White & Blue Tiramisu
There’s no shortage of fun and creative 4th of July desserts, but in our book, tiramisu wins in almost any dessert battle. This version is packed with fruit, creating a festive layered sweet treat that will steal the spotlight from the fireworks.
Get the Red, White & Blue Tiramisu recipe.
July 4th Ice Cream Cake
This festive ice cream cake is more impressive than any fireworks display you’ll see this year! Vanilla ice cream dotted with red, white, and blue sprinkles is sandwiched between two layers of soft and fluffy vanilla cake, and the whole thing is topped with whipped cream frosting (like the patriotic ice cream sundae of your dreams). Ice cream cake, we salute you!
Get the July 4th Ice Cream Cake recipe.
Watermelon Feta Salad
The MVP of summer fruit, sweet and juicy watermelon is perfectly refreshing all on its own. But, by simply adding cucumbers, mint, red onion, and tangy feta with a very simple vinaigrette (just olive oil + red wine vinegar), you've got yourself a mean summer salad that pairs with any BBQ main.
Get the Watermelon Feta Salad recipe.
Hawaiian Mac Salad
Hawaiian macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, iconic comfort food that was MADE for summer cookouts. Classic macaroni salad is great and all, but this extra-creamy recipe is really something special.
Get the Hawaiian Mac Salad recipe.
Berries & Cream Charcuterie Board
The only thing better than fresh, sweet berries is piling them on angel food cake and shortbread cookies with sweet ricotta or whipped cream. This DIY "starcuterie" board is the ideal sweet treat to round out your 4th of July spread.
Campfire Hot Dog Skewers
Skip the chicken skewers or basic hot dogs in a bun—if you're looking for the most creative grilled recipe or a way to get the kids excited, then turn to these hot dog skewers. In this recipe, we layer cut-up hot dogs, bell peppers, pineapple, and onions on skewers before basting with BBQ sauce and grilling until charred.
Get the Campfire Hot Dog Skewers recipe.
Rocket Jell-O Shots
While the fireworks are popping, you should be popping off with these rocket Jell-O shots. With festive layers of Jell-O, these vodka-infused shots are the best way to keep your party guests satisfied this July 4th.
Get the Rocket Jell-O Shots recipe.
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