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70+ Best 4th of July Recipes for Your Barbecue or Cookout

Happy birthday, America!

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4th of july spread on a picnic table outside
Becky Luigart-Stayner

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.

1

Root Beer Baked Beans

4th of july root beer baked beans
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Baked beans are a must-have side at your cookout. This version gets a little extra sweetness from everyone's favorite old-fashioned soda.

Get the recipe for Root Beer Baked Beans.

2

Puff Pastry Star Cookies

4th of july puff pastry star cookies
Becky Luigart-Stayner

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.

Get the recipe for Puff Pastry Star Cookies.

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3

Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint

4th of july red cabbage slaw with peanuts, dates, and mint
Becky Luigart-Stayner

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.

4

Firecracker Sangria

4th of july firecracker sangria
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This patriotic party punch is like a celebration in a glass!

Get the recipe for Firecracker Sangria.

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5

Caprese Pasta Salad

4th of july caprese pasta salad
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Want a pasta salad that's sure to please? You can't go wrong with fresh cherry tomatoes, loads of basil, and creamy mozarella.

Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.

6

Toffee-Almond S’mores

4th of july toffee almond s’mores
Becky Luigart-Stayner

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.

Get the recipe for Toffee-Almond S’mores.

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7

Toasted Seed Coleslaw

toasted seed coleslaw
Hector M. Sanchez

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.

Get the recipe for Toasted Seed Coleslaw.

8

Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs

salt and pepper bbq ribs on a tray
Hector M. Sanchez

BBQ ribs are the perfect backyard cookout celebration food: They're delicious, simple, and they'll easily feed a crowd!

Get the recipe for Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs.

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9

Grill Corn Three Ways

grill corn three ways
Hector M. Sanchez

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.

10

Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese

ritzy ranch mac ’n’ cheese
Hector M. Sanchez

These super simple pantry upgrades will have folks begging for the recipe.

Get the recipe for Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese.

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11

Strawberry-Cabernet Barbecue Sauce

strawberry cabernet barbecue sauce
Becky Luigart-Stayner

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.

Get the recipe for Strawberry-Cabernet Barbecue Sauce.

12

Smoky Grilled Dry-Rub Pork Chops

smoky grilled dry rub pork chops with peach salsa
Hector M. Sanchez

These spicy-sweet chops get lots of flavor from being grilled, and pair perfectly with a fresh summer peach relish.

Get the recipe for Smoky Grilled Dry-Rub Pork Chops.

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13

Sausage Pinwheels with Marinated Peppers and Grilled Broccolini

sausage pinwheels with marinated peppers and grilled broccolini
Hector M. Sanchez

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.

14

Summer Kebabs

summer kebabs
Hector M. Sanchez

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.

Get the recipe for Teriyaki Beef-and-Mushroom Kebabs.

Get the recipe for Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs.

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15

Watercress and Strawberry Salad

watercress and strawberry salad
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Don't forget the salad! Sweet berries pair with peppery watercress for an irresistible combo.

Get the recipe for Watercress and Strawberry Salad.

16

Slow Cooker Baked Beans

slow cooker baked beans
Hector M. Sanchez

This hearty hands-off barbecue side dish practically makes itself.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Baked Beans.

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17

Spatchcock Chicken with Piri Piri Sauce

spatchcock chicken with piri piri sauce
Hector M. Sanchez

What to really up the wow-factor this Fourth of July? This spicy bird is a surefire centerpiece hit.

Get the recipe for Spatchcock Chicken with Piri Piri Sauce.

18

Spicy Beef Burgers with Jalapeños, Cheddar, and Crispy Pepperoni

spicy beef burgers with jalapeños, cheddar, and crispy pepperoni
William Dickey

Is it even a cookout if there aren't burgers on the grill? This spicy version will cause fireworks of its own.

Get the recipe for Spicy Beef Burgers.

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19

Cherry, Mint, and Pistachio Salad

five summer salads including grilled corn, cherries, rataouille pasta, blt potato, and grilled green beans
William Dickey

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.

Get the recipe for Cherry, Mint, and Pistachio Salad.

20

Turkey Burgers with Blue Cheese–Celery Slaw

turkey burgers with blue cheese–celery slaw
William Dickey

Cooking for folks that are avoiding red meat? This Buffalo-sauce-flavored burger is a beef-free crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe for Turkey Burgers.

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