60 Easy 4th of July Recipes and Menu Ideas

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

1. Caprese Salad with Grilled Zucchini

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

This dish is bursting with summer flavors (and it doesn’t look too shabby, either). Load up on zucchini at the farmers market to spice up this tomato classic.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

2. BLT Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

This barbecue side combines all the crunchy, savory, creamy ingredients of the classic sandwich—minus the bread.

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Gimme Some Oven

3. Avocado Potato Salad

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser

Sayonara, mayo. We're using Greek yogurt to make this side dish super creamy and tangy. Pass the ribs, please.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

4. Grilled Watermelon-Feta Skewers

Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly

Sweet watermelon and tangy feta cheese are the new tomato and mozzarella. Rather than just chopping the ingredients and tossing them in dressing, these skewers come together on the grill and make the perfect grab-and-go summer appetizer.

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Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell

5. Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

Crumbly graham cracker crust, warm roasted strawberries, a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sold yet? Sprinkle on some blueberries for a patriotic finishing touch.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

6. Salami, Artichoke and Ricotta Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, high protein

A few classic Italian flavors come together for one simple yet satisfying pasta salad. We'll take extra artichoke hearts, please.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

7. Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly

This flavorful handheld is quickly rising in the ranks as our favorite burger of all time. It’s lighter and more flavorful than a traditional beef patty, so it’s basically the perfect warm-weather dinner. Eat it with salad, chips, fries…or all three.

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Gimme Some Oven

8. Sparkling Red, White and Blue Sangria

Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes

Brandy and sparkling white wine make this 4th of July cocktail an easy win. For the garnish, use a cookie cutter to punch apple slices into stars.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

9. Mexican Street Corn Dip

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy

Whip up a batch of dip, grab a bag of tortilla chips and invite some friends over. (Not that you'll need much help cleaning the plate.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

10. Crispy Grilled Chicken

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, beginner-friendly

You only *think* chicken breast is boring. Once you taste these charred ones with fresh corn on the cob, you'll consider yourself a convert.

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Carlsbad Cravings

11. Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian

The most festive summer salad we ever did see. Our favorite part is the sweet, creamy strawberry-poppy seed dressing (and the caramelized pistachios).

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

12. Berry-Coconut Rocket Pops

Time Commitment: 3 hours (includes freezing time)
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, dairy free

This chic rocket pop, made with berries and creamy coconut milk, is a treat both kids and grown-ups will love. Despite it not containing any artificial dyes, it tastes like straight nostalgia.

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Foodie Crush

13. Cucumber, Basil and Watermelon Salad

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, no cook, crowd-pleaser

Hellooooo, refreshment. You’re going to fall hard for the zingy soy-ginger dressing spiked with garlic, lime and serrano pepper.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14. Light and Tangy Coleslaw

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients

This summer side comes together in a flash and can be made up to four hours in advance. Serve it with everything from salmon to pulled pork.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

15. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

In less than an hour, you can have 48 of these delightful little bites on the table, baked with two kinds of gooey cheddar cheese.

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Damn Delicious

16. Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

Time Commitment: 3 hours
Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy

Behold, the ultimate barbecue main. Slice these babies up and serve them alongside the remaining sauce. (You’re going to need extra napkins for this one.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

17. Cauliflower ‘Potato’ Salad

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, make ahead

Forget the mayo and starchy spuds. Choose this lighter spin on classic potato salad, made with Greek yogurt and our favorite cruciferous veggie instead.

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Half Baked Harvest

18. Greek Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian

Sweet, savory and refreshing. Consider this the official salad of the summer season.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

19. Avocado Deviled Eggs

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

And you thought Easter was the only holiday occasion that called for eggs. These creamy bites fit in at any party or picnic. Even the kids can help you prep this one.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

20. Chilled Cucumber Salad

Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
Why We Love It: no cook, vegan, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

A healthy and refreshing dish to add to your 4th of July spread. All you have to do is slice some cukes, season them and let them marinate in the fridge for a little. Easy peasy.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

21. One-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet

Time Commitment: 4 hours (includes chilling time)
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, crowd-pleaser, dairy free

In the summer, we try to chill as much as possible. Luckily, this treat fits right into our schedule, since it’s made of nothing but twice-frozen watermelon.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

22. Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

Instead of boiling the corn and dousing it with butter and salt, give the cobs a flavor upgrade by drizzling them with smoky sriracha sauce.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

23. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Time Commitment: 7 hours and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, crowd-pleaser, slow cooker recipe

We hope you didn’t put away your slow cooker for summer. Let your Crockpot do all the work, then pile these sammies high with tangy coleslaw.

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Oh Sweet Basil

24. 8-Layer Hummus Dip

Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

Start your celebration with this party appetizer loaded up with pine nuts, pesto, sweet peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro and feta cheese.

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Recipe Tin Eats

25. Greek Lemon Orzo Salad

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

So fresh, so Greek. Serve it solo or alongside your favorite protein. (Might we suggest grilled lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki?)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

26. Spicy Glazed Meatballs

Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein

We prepare these bites with fresh ingredients, sauté them in a pan and coat the batch in our very own tangy glaze.

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The Pig & Quill

27. Pink Drink Popsicles

Time Commitment: 25 minutes (plus freezing time)
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly

Inspired by the most Insta-worthy drink you can order at Starbucks. These pops can be upgraded with drizzled white chocolate, coconut flakes or strawberries.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

28. Cauliflower ‘Tater’ Tots

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

When you need a break from all those potatoes, opt for these cuties that are crispy, satisfying and just right for dipping.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

29. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

Not your average deli sandwiches. (Bonus points for serving them with pepperoncini and prosecco.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

30. Blueberry Crumble Pie

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser

An all-American dessert recipe, only instead of a traditional crust, we use a streusel-like topping to mix things up.

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Carlsbad Cravings

31. Spinach Dip-Stuffed French Bread

Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly

Party dip, you’ve been replaced. Bring on the Parmesan, mozz, sharp cheddar and cream cheese.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

32. Shrimp Boil Skewers with Corn, Sausage and Potatoes

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy

We love low-maintenance meals. Just pop these skewers on the grill, lay some newspaper down on the patio table and let your guests dig in.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

33. Cuban Sliders

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly

The ham-and-cheese sandwich has never been easier to prepare for a crowd. (Bonus points for zhuzhing them up with traditional pernil.) Get your kids to help you assemble these delicious bites, then warm them in the oven before serving.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

34. Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

We have a secret: These wings are baked from start to finish, so not a drop of hot oil is needed. Not to mention, they’re seasoned to perfection. Pass the ranch.

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Photo: Jon Cospito/Styling: Heath Goldman

35. Rainbow Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, <30 minutes

Why limit yourself to red, white and blue this holiday? These colors are sure to please any crowd.

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Photo: Eric Moran/Styling: Erin McDowell

36. Grilled Flank Steak with Lemon-Herb Sauce

Time Commitment: 2 hours
Why We Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy

For big, bold flavor, we marinate our steak before it goes onto the grill, then serve it with a fresh herb sauce for an extra boost. Just think of the marinating time as a built-in cocktail hour for the cook.

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The Modern Proper

37. Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, high protein

When we think of comfort food, our mind goes straight to these guys. They're warm, crispy and oh so cheesy.

get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

38. The Ultimate Party Sub

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser

A dressed-up, extra-large sandwich is the easiest way to feed the hungry masses. So for your 4th of July gathering, serve the massive sub with a few sides (potato salad, veggie chips and pickles should do the trick) and you’ll be sure to get the party started.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

39. Salmon Burgers

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: pescatarian, high protein, beginner-friendly

Want to add a bit of sophistication to your summer cookout? Try these tender, flavorful burgers that won't weigh you down like beef.

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Foodie Crush

40. Charred Corn and Rosemary Grilled Pizza

Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy

A taste of summer in every bite. Charring the corn gives the whole pie a smoky flavor you'll love. Feel free to prep it indoors on a grill pan if you don't want to fire up the barbecue.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

41. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Why choose between your two favorite desserts? This easy recipe gives you the best of both worlds. You’re welcome.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

42. 15-Minute Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, no cook

A bite-sized American classic. (No one needs to know it’s rotisserie chicken and store-bought Buffalo sauce.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

43. Angel Food Cake with Mixed Berries

Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Not every cake needs multiple layers and heaps of buttercream frosting. This light-as-air treat is best served with plenty of fresh berries and whipped cream.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

44. Cheater’s Prosciutto Hawaiian Pizza

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

Present this bright, grilled flatbread as an alternative to burgers and hot dogs. (This is the easiest way to slice and dice a pineapple, BTW...)

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Photo: Eric Moran/Styling: Erin McDowell

45. Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Time Commitment: 6 hours and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, slow cooker recipe

One summer essential, coming right up. A pound of navy beans turns soft, savory and sweet after six hours in the Crockpot. Don’t be shy with the brown sugar.

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Erin McDowell

46. Whole Roasted Carrots

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, vegan, <10 ingredients

Forget boiling carrots until they're bland and mushy. From now on, roasting them with fresh herbs is the only method you’ll ever need.

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Feasting at Home

47. Thai Turkey Burgers

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

Switch up your usual cheeseburger for this Thai-inspired patty topped with crunchy cabbage-carrot slaw.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

48. Mint Chocolate Chip Yogurt Ice Pops

Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes (includes freezing time)
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly

Mint chocolate chip ice cream lovers, rejoice. This lighter DIY version is the ultimate sweet treat on a hot summer day.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

49. Champagne Doughnuts

Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, one bowl

The mother of all holiday desserts, these doughnuts are baked in the oven—not fried—and spiked with bubbly. If that doesn't call for a celebration, we don't know what does.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

50. Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy

Finish dinner with the quintessential American dessert. The mini portions are just the right amount, and the mason jar packaging is a lot cuter than a standard pie dish.

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Jerrelle Guy/Rodney Scott's World of BBQ

51. Rodney Scott’s Honey-Butter Fish

Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, pescatarian, high protein, special occasion-worthy

Take your pick of trout, catfish, red snapper or branzino. Regardless of the fish you choose, it's going to taste divine covered in sweet-and-spicy rib rub and homemade honey butter.

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MELLISSA SEVIGNY/SQUEAKY CLEAN KETO

52. Everything Chicken Wings

Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, keto, low carb, crowd-pleaser

Three ingredients + one hour = a crowd-pleasing app everyone at the cookout can get behind. Use store-bought everything bagel seasoning instead of making your own to save time.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

53. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, make ahead, high protein, crowd-pleaser

All the tangy, creamy flavor you crave—minus the heavy mayo. Here, we lean on Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and rice vinegar instead.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

54. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, one bowl, make ahead, <30 minutes

Sweet summer corn. Buttery avocado. Tender black beans. Allllll the fresh lime juice and cilantro. Need we say more?

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Esteban Castillo/Chicano Eats

55. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce)

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, one pan, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

BRB, diving head-first into a pool of garlicky lemon butter. Put a tray of these on the table for everyone to nosh on while you finish up the steaks and chops.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

56. Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy

Talk about a stunning centerpiece. One look at those drool-worthy char marks on the peaches and halloumi cheese, and your guests will gush over your grilling skills.

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Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell

57. Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly

This recipe couldn't get more summery if we tried. Picture golden fritters of corn and scallions beneath slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.

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Jerrelle Guy/Rodney Scott's World of BBQ

58. Rodney Scott’s Pimento Cheese

Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, no cook, crowd-pleaser, one bowl

For the uninitiated, your first taste of pimento cheese will absolutely blow your mind. Don't say we didn't warn you.

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Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen

59. Pink Lemonade Bars

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

Behold: summer's official drink in dessert form. The secret to their pretty pink hue, you ask? Fresh raspberry purée.

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60. Strawberries and Crème

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with fresh summer produce and whipped cream. Pair it with shortbread or pound cake.

Get the recipe

For even more great recipes, check out our first cookbook, Only the Good Stuff.

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60 Delicious 4th of July Recipes to Make for an Epic Summer Cookout

1. Caprese Salad with Grilled Zucchini

2. BLT Pasta Salad

3. Avocado Potato Salad

4. Grilled Watermelon-Feta Skewers

5. Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies

6. Salami, Artichoke and Ricotta Pasta Salad

7. Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

8. Sparkling Red, White and Blue Sangria

9. Mexican Street Corn Dip

10. Crispy Grilled Chicken

11. Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad

12. Berry-Coconut Rocket Pops

13. Cucumber, Basil and Watermelon Salad

14. Light and Tangy Coleslaw

15. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites

16. Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce

17. Cauliflower ‘Potato’ Salad

18. Greek Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

19. Avocado Deviled Eggs

20. Chilled Cucumber Salad

21. One-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet

22. Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli

23. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

24. 8-Layer Hummus Dip

25. Greek Lemon Orzo Salad

26. Spicy Glazed Meatballs

27. Pink Drink Popsicles

28. Cauliflower ‘Tater’ Tots

29. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches

30. Blueberry Crumble Pie

31. Spinach Dip-Stuffed French Bread

32. Shrimp Boil Skewers with Corn, Sausage and Potatoes

33. Cuban Sliders

34. Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

35. Rainbow Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

36. Grilled Flank Steak with Lemon-Herb Sauce

37. Baked Chicken Quesadillas

38. The Ultimate Party Sub

39. Salmon Burgers

40. Charred Corn and Rosemary Grilled Pizza

41. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

42. 15-Minute Buffalo Chicken Sliders

43. Angel Food Cake with Mixed Berries

44. Cheater’s Prosciutto Hawaiian Pizza

45. Slow Cooker Baked Beans

46. Whole Roasted Carrots

47. Thai Turkey Burgers

48. Mint Chocolate Chip Yogurt Ice Pops

49. Champagne Doughnuts

50. Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

51. Rodney Scott’s Honey-Butter Fish

52. Everything Chicken Wings

53. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

54. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad

55. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce)

56. Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing

57. Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes

58. Rodney Scott’s Pimento Cheese

59. Pink Lemonade Bars

60. Strawberries and Crème

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