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

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

Your guests will never see this six-ingredients appetizer coming. Creamy tahini, spicy chili oil and crunchy sesame seeds offer flavor and crunch to this classic summer starter. Take your pick of honeydew or cantaloupe.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, no cook, <30 minutes

Sure, you could spike these tropical sippers with rum, vodka or tequila—but mocktails are all the rage, and everyone can get in on the punch bowl if it's booze-free. Use fresh-squeezed lime juice instead of bottled; it makes all the difference.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why We Love It: no cook, make ahead, vegan

Shaving the cucumbers makes for a more sophisticated presentation than slicing them. Simply use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to create ribbons. Prep this beauty a day or two ahead of the barbecue to save yourself time the day of.

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

This flavorful handheld is quickly rising in the ranks as our favorite burger of all time. It's lighter than a traditional beef patty, so it’s basically the perfect warm-weather dinner that won't bog you down. Eat it with salad, chips, fries…or all three.

• 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. Make the pasta salad ahead to save time, but add the bacon right before serving so it doesn't go soggy in the fridge.

• 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. Add hot sauce or pickled red onions for extra zing. Pass the ribs, please.

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

Sweet watermelon and tangy feta cheese are the new caprese. 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.

• 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.

• 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. It's also pretty flexible; you can substitute burrata or bocconcini for ricotta, or pepperoni or crumbled sausage for salami. We'll take extra artichoke hearts on ours, please.

• 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 the timeless combo of tomato, fresh mozz and basil.

• 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.

• 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. You won't need much help cleaning the plate, considering it has all the essentials, from queso sauce to sour cream to fresh cilantro.

• 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 alongside freshly grilled corn on the cob, you'll consider yourself a convert, promise.

• 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, which we'd make a second batch of just for snacking).

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

This copycat rocket pop, made from 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.

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

Hellooooo, refreshment. There's no antidote for a sweltering summer's day like hydrating cukes, mango and watermelon. You’re going to fall hard for the zingy soy-ginger dressing spiked with garlic, lime and serrano pepper.

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

This summer side (which calls on Dijon mustard and Greek yogurt instead of mayo) comes together in a flash and can be made up to four hours in advance. Serve it with everything from salmon to pulled pork.

• 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. Don't be surprised when they disappear in 30 seconds flat.

• 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.)

• 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. Be sure not to overcook the cauliflower, or else it'll turn to mush once dressed.

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

Sweet, savory and refreshing, this is the official salad of the summer season in our book. Make the oniony basil dressing ahead to save time (or an extra batch to drizzle on salads, sandwiches, soups or roasted veggies).

• 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 will fit in at any party or picnic. Even the kids can help you prep this one.

• 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. Top your bowl with sour cream for a dose of tang.

• 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 from nothing but twice-frozen watermelon. Top each bowl with a drizzle of cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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

Instead of boiling your farmers market corn haul and dousing them with butter and salt, give the cobs a flavor upgrade by drizzling them with smoky sriracha sauce. Thank us later.

• 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—the appliance will help you cook lots of meaty mains without turning your kitchen into a sauna. Let your Crockpot do the heavy lifting, then pile these sammies high with tangy coleslaw.

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

Start your celebration with this party appetizer that's loaded with pine nuts, pesto, sweet peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro and feta cheese. Serve with toasted pita points, pita chips and raw veggies.

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

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

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

We prepare these bites with fresh ingredients, sauté them in a pan and coat the batch in a sticky glaze that's equal parts tangy, sweet and spicy. Place them alongside toothpicks and napkins so your guests can serve themselves.

• 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, which are lightly caffeinated with green tea, can be upgraded with drizzled white chocolate, coconut flakes or freeze-dried strawberries.

• 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. As long as there's ketchup on their plates, your kids won't mind the substitute.

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

You could make sandwiches the traditional way...or you could roll all the ingredients into a tortilla and slice it into rolls for a more photo-worthy presentation. Bonus points for serving them with pepperoncini and prosecco.

• 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. It's even more delicious when topped with vanilla ice cream...but you knew that already.

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

There are few party dips as universally beloved as spinach dip. In case you thought it couldn't get any tastier, this recipe bakes it into a loaf of bread for good measure. Bring on the Parmesan, mozz, sharp cheddar and cream cheese.

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

Low-maintenance meals are our love language. Just pop these Cajun butter-drenched skewers on the grill, lay some newspaper down on the patio table and let your guests dig in.

• 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 mojo pork.) Get your kids to help you assemble these delicious bites, then warm them in the oven before serving.

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

We have a secret: These crispy wings are baked from start to finish, so you won't need to brave a pot of spitting oil to make them. Not to mention, they're seasoned to perfection. Pass the ranch.

• 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, especially because the tomatoes are paired with creamy ricotta and pesto vinaigrette.

• 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.

• 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, plus any picky kids at the party will gobble the quesadillas up without a fuss.

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

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.

• 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 as much as beef. They're packed with fresh dill, minced scallions and Old Bay.

• 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 crave year-round. Feel free to prepare it indoors on a grill pan if you don't want to fire up the barbecue.

• 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. The cupcakes' filling is nothing but strawberries and brown sugar.

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

These bite-sized handhelds are always invited to the party. No one needs to know you used store-bought rotisserie chicken and bottled Buffalo sauce to make them.

• 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 to impress. This light-as-air treat is best served with plenty of fresh berries and whipped cream.

• 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 or as an unexpected appetizer. (And in case you need help, this is the easiest way to slice and dice a pineapple.)

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

One barbecue 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, OK?

• 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. Might we suggest finishing them with spicy or garlicky compound butter?

• 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 and spicy aioli. Pair them with pickled veggies, dressed greens, sliced avocado or rice noodles.

• 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. The easy chocolaty coating offers the optimal dose of crunch to every bite.

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

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.

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

Finish 4th of July dinner with the quintessential American dessert. The mini portions are just the right amount after a big meal, and the mason jar packaging is a lot cuter than a standard pie dish.

• 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.

• 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 mixing your own to save time—we won't tell.

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

All the tangy, creamy flavor you crave—minus gloppy mayo. We lean on Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and rice vinegar instead for these make-ahead stuffed peppers.

• 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? (A sprinkle of cotija cheese may help sway any fussy eaters at the table.)

• 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 cooking the steaks and chops.

• 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.

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

This recipe couldn't get more summery if it tried. Picture golden fritters of corn and scallions beneath slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, peaches and basil. Char the produce on a grill pan if you're feeling ambitious.

• 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. The key to its silky-smooth consistency is shredding your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.

• 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 the bars' pretty blushed hue, you ask? Fresh raspberry purée. Wash 'em down with...well, you know.

• 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 (here, it's tangy from the addition of crème fraîche). Pair the berries and cream with shortbread, sablés, pound cake or nothing at all.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes (plus chilling)
• Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

This unique, eight-ingredient pie is essentially foolproof, since it sets to perfection in the fridge. It's equal parts sweet, sour and salty, thanks to a lemon-condensed milk filling and a saltine cracker crust.

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

Nothing against s'mores, but there are plenty of desserts that you can make over a fire if you have a roll of aluminum foil. Here, the stone fruit is sprinkled with lemon-vanilla sugar for nuanced flavor before it's roasted.