70+ Best 4th of July Recipes for Your Barbecue or Cookout
Happy birthday, America!
If you live anywhere in America, the 4th of July is synonymous with grilling out, watching fireworks and adding plenty of red white and blue decorations for your Independence Day party. While the fireworks and partying are up to you, we're here to help with the menu. We've got all the classic faves, from burgers and ribs to baked beans and cole slaw, as well as a few innovative recipes, from star-shaped cookies to a firecracker sangria, to a cherry fruit salad that can't be beat. So plan out your recipes and get shopping! The big day will be here before you know it.
Root Beer Baked Beans
Baked beans are a must-have side at your cookout. This version gets a little extra sweetness from everyone's favorite old-fashioned soda.
Puff Pastry Star Cookies
With just two main ingredients, puff pastry and jam, these simple cookies couldn't be easier to make—and they're perfect for celebrating July 4th.
Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint
Coleslaw makes a great salad, holding up as it does to the high summer heat. We love to give this one a little extra crunch with salty peanuts.
Get the recipe for Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint.
Firecracker Sangria
This patriotic party punch is like a celebration in a glass!
Caprese Pasta Salad
Want a pasta salad that's sure to please? You can't go wrong with fresh cherry tomatoes, loads of basil, and creamy mozarella.
Toffee-Almond S’mores
Stoke up the fire (or turn on the grill) before the fireworks, and heat up this classic campfire dessert. To make it extra good, we've got a serious chocolate bar upgrade for you.
Toasted Seed Coleslaw
Is it even a barbecue without coleslaw? Instead of an overly greasy, mayonnaise-coated store-bought variety, try this simple recipe, which gets a big burst of flavor from toasted seeds.
Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs
BBQ ribs are the perfect backyard cookout celebration food: They're delicious, simple, and they'll easily feed a crowd!
Grill Corn Three Ways
Corn on the cob hot off the grill is a guaranteed summer delight. But when dressed up, this sweet roasted veggie tastes even better.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Red Pepper Jelly Glaze.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Mexican "Street Style" Topping.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.
Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese
These super simple pantry upgrades will have folks begging for the recipe.
Strawberry-Cabernet Barbecue Sauce
Want to make July 4 feel extra special? This homemade barbecue sauce takes just 1/2 hour to make, and the combo of fresh berries and wine give it a flavor that'll knock the socks off the bottled stuff. We love it on chicken, pork, and anywhere else you'd add a good sauce.
Smoky Grilled Dry-Rub Pork Chops
These spicy-sweet chops get lots of flavor from being grilled, and pair perfectly with a fresh summer peach relish.
Sausage Pinwheels with Marinated Peppers and Grilled Broccolini
These impressive sausages are a breeze to grill, and easily feed a crowd. Pair them with greens and peppers for a full meal.
Get the recipe for Sausage Pinwheels with Marinated Peppers and Grilled Broccolini.
Summer Kebabs
There's a reason kebabs are such a hit. Who doesn't love bite-sized bits of perfectly seasoned, well-grilled food on a stick? Here, we've got four different pairings of kebabs that will grill well together, from steak and onion to tofu and cherry tomato.
Get the recipe for Shrimp, Pepper, and Chorizo Kebabs.
Get the recipe for Tofu, Tomato, and Zucchini Kebabs.
Watercress and Strawberry Salad
Don't forget the salad! Sweet berries pair with peppery watercress for an irresistible combo.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
This hearty hands-off barbecue side dish practically makes itself.
Spatchcock Chicken with Piri Piri Sauce
What to really up the wow-factor this Fourth of July? This spicy bird is a surefire centerpiece hit.
Spicy Beef Burgers with Jalapeños, Cheddar, and Crispy Pepperoni
Is it even a cookout if there aren't burgers on the grill? This spicy version will cause fireworks of its own.
Cherry, Mint, and Pistachio Salad
Maybe George Washington chopped down that cherry tree because he was trying to get enough fruit to make this delicious salad. That's how we like to think of it, anyway.
Turkey Burgers with Blue Cheese–Celery Slaw
Cooking for folks that are avoiding red meat? This Buffalo-sauce-flavored burger is a beef-free crowd-pleaser.
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