60 Delicious 4th of July Recipes to Make for an Epic Summer Cookout
The Fourth of July practically demands delicious grilled foods, red-white-and-blue desserts and a cold cocktail in hand. But don't stress, because we have all the recipes you need to throw a mouthwatering Independence Day party, even if it's just you and the kids this year. From classic all-American dishes, like coleslaw and burgers, to more inventive ideas, like cauliflower "potato" salad and grilled watermelon skewers, we've rounded up the very best entrees, sides and desserts to whip up before the fireworks begin. Here, the 60 best 4th of July recipes—because, after all, isn’t every holiday just an excuse to eat excessively?
RELATED: 50 4th of July Appetizers for the Ultimate Summer Celebration
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2. BLT Pasta Salad
This barbecue side combines all the crunchy, savory, creamy ingredients of the classic sandwich—minus the bread.
3. Avocado Potato Salad
Sayonara, mayo. We're using Greek yogurt to make this side dish super creamy and tangy. Pass the ribs, please.
4. Grilled Watermelon-Feta Skewers
Sweet watermelon and tangy feta cheese are the new tomato and mozzarella. Rather than just chopping up the ingredients and tossing them with dressing, these skewers come together on the grill and make the perfect grab-and-go summer appetizer.
5. Mini Strawberry Ice-Cream Pies
Crumbly graham cracker crust, warm roasted strawberries, a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sold yet? Good. Sprinkle on some blueberries for a patriotic finishing touch.
7. Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
This flavorful handheld is quickly rising up 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.
8. Sparkling Red, White and Blue Sangria
Brandy and sparkling white wine make this 4th of July cocktail an easy win. Tip: For the garnish, use a cookie cutter to punch apple slices into stars.
9. Mexican Street Corn Dip
Whip up a batch, grab a bag of tortilla chips and invite some friends over. (Not that you'll need much help cleaning the plate.)
10. Crispy Grilled Chicken
You only *think* chicken breast is boring. Once you taste these charred ones with fresh corn on the cob, you won't believe they were cooked entirely on the grill.
11. Berry, Feta and Spinach Salad
The most festive summer salad we ever did see. Our favorite part is the sweet, creamy strawberry-poppy seed dressing.
12. Berry-Coconut Rocket Pops
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.
RELATED: 42 Summer Ice Pop Recipes That Are Super Easy to Make at Home
13. Cucumber, Basil and Watermelon Salad
Hellooooo, refreshment. You’re going to fall hard for the zingy soy-ginger dressing spiked with garlic, lime and serrano pepper.
14. Light and Tangy Coleslaw
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.
15. Baked Mac-and-Cheese Bites
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.
16. Baby Back Ribs with Balsamic-Peach BBQ Sauce
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.)
17. Cauliflower ‘Potato’ Salad
Forget the mayo and all that starch. Choose this lighter spin on classic potato salad, made with Greek yogurt and our favorite cruciferous veggie instead.
18. Greek Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Sweet, savory and refreshing. Consider this your official salad of the summer.
19. Avocado Deviled Eggs
And you thought Easter was the only holiday occasion that called for eggs. These creamy bites fit in everywhere. Let the kids help out with this one, too.
20. Chilled Cucumber Salad
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.
21. One-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet
In the summer, we try to chill as much as possible. Luckily, this sweet fits right into our schedule, since it’s made of nothing but twice-frozen watermelon.
22. Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli
Instead of boiling the corn and dousing it with butter and salt, give these guys a flavor upgrade by drizzling them with a smoky sriracha sauce.
23. Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
We hope you didn’t put away your slow cooker for summer. Let your Crock-Pot do the work, then pile these guys high with tangy coleslaw.
24. 8-Layer Hummus Dip
Start your celebration with this crowd-pleasing appetizer loaded up with pine nuts, pesto, sweet peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro and feta cheese.
25. Greek Lemon Orzo Salad
So fresh. So Greek. Serve it by itself or alongside your favorite protein dish. (Might we suggest grilled lemon chicken skewers with tzatziki?)
26. Spicy Glazed Meatballs
We prepare the balls with fresh ingredients, sauté them in a pan and coat the batch in our very own tangy glaze.
27. Pink Drink Popsicles
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.
28. Cauliflower ‘Tater’ Tots
When you need a break from all those potatoes, opt for these cuties that are crispy, satisfying and perfect for dipping.
29. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches
Not your average deli sandwiches. (Bonus points for serving them with pepperoncini and prosecco.)
30. Blueberry Crumble Pie
An all-American dessert recipe, only instead of a traditional crust, we use a streusel-like topping to spice things up.
31. Spinach Dip-Stuffed French Bread
Party dip, you’ve been replaced. Bring on the Parmesan, mozz, sharp cheddar and cream cheese.
32. Shrimp Boil Skewers with Corn, Sausage and Potatoes
We love low-maintenance meals. Just pop these skewers on the grill, lay some newspaper down on the picnic table and let your guests dig in.
33. Cuban Sliders
The classic ham-and-cheese sandwich has never been easier to prepare for a crowd. Get your kids to help you assemble these delicious bites, then warm them in the oven before serving.
34. Roasted Buffalo Chicken Wings
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.
35. Rainbow Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta
Why limit yourself to red, white and blue this holiday? These colors are sure to please any crowd.
36. Grilled Flank Steak with Lemon-Herb Sauce
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. And just think of that marinating time as a built-in cocktail hour for the cook.
37. Baked Chicken Quesadillas
When we think of comfort food, our mind goes straight to these guys. They're warm, crispy and oh so cheesy.
38. The Ultimate Party Sub
A dressed-up, extra-large sandwich is the easiest way to feed a hungry crowd. 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.
39. Salmon Burgers
Want to add a bit of sophistication to your summer cookout? Try these tender, flavorful burgers that won't weigh you down like beef.
40. Charred Corn and Rosemary Grilled Pizza
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 with a grill pan if you don't want to fire up the barbecue.
RELATED: How to Make Pizza on the Grill in 5 Minutes or Less
41. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Why choose between your two favorite desserts? This easy recipe gives you the best of both worlds. You’re welcome.
42. 15-Minute Buffalo Chicken Sliders
A bite-sized American classic. (No one needs to know it’s rotisserie chicken and store-bought Buffalo sauce.)
43. Angel Food Cake with Mixed Berries
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.
RELATED: The 50 Most Delicious, Spectacular Ice Cream Cake Recipes
44. Cheater’s Prosciutto Hawaiian Pizza
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...)
45. Slow-Cooker Baked Beans
One summer essential, coming right up. A pound of navy beans turns soft, savory and sweet after six hours in the Crock-Pot. Don’t be shy with the brown sugar.
46. Whole Roasted Carrots
Forget boiling carrots until they're bland and soft. From now on, roasting them is the only method you’ll ever need.
47. Thai Turkey Burgers
Switch up the classic burger with cheese for this Thai-inspired patty topped with crunchy cabbage-carrot slaw.
48. Mint Chocolate Chip Yogurt Ice Pops
Mint chocolate chip ice cream lovers, rejoice. This lighter DIY version is the perfect sweet treat on a hot summer day.
49. Champagne Doughnuts
The mother of all holiday desserts, these babies are baked in the oven—not fried. If that doesn't call for a celebration, we don't know what does.
50. Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
Finish dinner with a classic American dessert. The individual portions are just the right amount, and the mason jar packaging is a lot cuter than a standard pie dish.
51. Rodney Scott’s Honey-Butter Fish
Take your pick of trout, catfish, red snapper or branzino. Regardless of the fish you choose, it's going to taste *ridic* covered in sweet-and-spicy rib rub and homemade honey butter.
52. Everything Chicken Wings
Three ingredients + one hour = a crowd-pleasing app everyone at the cookout can get behind. Feel free to use store-bought everything bagel seasoning instead of making your own.
53. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers
All the tangy, creamy flavor you crave—minus the heavy mayo. Here, we lean on Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and rice vinegar instead.
54. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
Sweet summer corn. Buttery avocado. Tender black beans. Allllll the fresh lime juice and cilantro. Need we say more?
56. Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
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.
57. Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes
This dish couldn't get any summerier if we tried. Picture golden fritters of corn and diced scallion beneath slices of fresh mozzarella, summer tomatoes and basil.
58. Rodney Scott’s Pimento Cheese
For the uninitiated, your first taste of pimento cheese will absolutely blow your mind. Don't say we didn't warn you.
59. Pink Lemonade Bars
Summer's official drink in dessert form. The secret to their pretty pink hue, you ask? Fresh raspberry purée.
60. Strawberries and Crème
When in doubt, you can't go wrong with fresh summer produce and whipped cream. Pair it with shortbread or pound cake.
RELATED: 32 of the Best 4th of July Side Dishes to Serve
For even more great recipes, check out our first cookbook, Only the Good Stuff.