The Ultimate 4th of July Recipes: BBQ, Sides & Desserts
If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a neighborhood cookout, or feeding a crowd before the fireworks start, these 4th of July recipes are guaranteed to make the day delicious.
From juicy burgers and smoky BBQ favorites to creamy pasta salads, irresistible dips, and patriotic desserts, this list has everything you need for the ultimate summer menu.
Main Dishes (Grilling + BBQ Favorites)
No 4th of July menu is complete without something sizzling on the grill. These BBQ favorites are smoky, juicy, and made for summer cookouts, backyard parties, and feeding hungry crowds.
Smash Burgers
Crispy edges, juicy centers, melty cheese, these smash burgers taste just like your favorite diner burger, only better at home.
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Tender, flavorful chicken thighs with perfectly smoky skin and juicy meat every single time.
Smoked Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with smoky BBQ flavor that always steal the show.
Hot Dogs
The ultimate easy cookout classic with all the topping ideas you need.
Smoked Brisket
Slow-smoked brisket with rich smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Grilled Chicken Breast
Perfectly juicy grilled chicken breasts that never turn out dry.
Grilled Flank Steak
Quick, flavorful, and perfect for slicing thin and serving to a crowd.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Tender shredded pork piled high on buns with BBQ sauce and crunchy slaw.
Best Cheeseburger
Classic juicy cheeseburgers loaded with flavor and perfect for summer grilling.
Garlic Butter Steak
Simple seared steak finished with garlic butter for the easiest crowd-pleasing dinner.
BBQ Chicken
Sticky, smoky, sweet BBQ chicken that’s always a summer favorite.
Smoked Tri Tip
Tender, smoky tri tip with a flavorful crust and juicy center.
BBQ Side Dishes
The sides might honestly be the best part of a summer BBQ. These easy pasta salads, veggie sides, and classic cookout favorites pair perfectly with anything fresh off the grill.
Greek Pasta Salad
Fresh veggies, feta, pasta, and a tangy dressing make this a summer staple.
Italian Pasta Salad
Loaded with salami, cheese, veggies, and zesty Italian dressing.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese tortellini tossed with fresh veggies and a flavorful dressing.
Macaroni Salad
Creamy, nostalgic, and exactly what every cookout table needs.
Mexican Street Corn Elote
Creamy, cheesy, smoky grilled corn loaded with bold flavor.
Cowboy Caviar
A fresh bean, corn, and avocado dip that doubles as a side salad.
Broccoli Salad
Crunchy broccoli tossed with bacon, cheese, and creamy dressing.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
All the flavors of elote in easy scoopable salad form.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Sweet strawberries, spinach, crunchy toppings, and homemade dressing.
Baked Mac & Cheese
Creamy, cheesy comfort food with a golden crispy topping.
Potato Salad
Classic creamy potato salad made for backyard BBQs.
Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans that pair perfectly with grilled meats.
Coleslaw
Fresh, crunchy slaw with the perfect creamy dressing.
Deviled Eggs
Classic creamy deviled eggs that disappear fast at every gathering.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Fresh watermelon, salty feta, and herbs make the perfect summer side.
Appetizers + Party Foods
These easy appetizers are perfect for snacking while the grill heats up or feeding a crowd during fireworks and backyard games.
Chili Con Queso Dip
Creamy cheesy dip loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavor.
Mexican Street Corn Dip
All the flavors of elote in a hot cheesy dip everyone devours.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Creamy, cheesy, classic party dip served hot and bubbly.
Jalapeño Poppers
Cream cheese-filled jalapeños with the perfect balance of heat.
Queso Fundido Chorizo Dip
Melty cheese dip with chorizo that’s impossible to stop eating.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Creamy, spicy, cheesy dip that’s always the first appetizer gone.
Guacamole
Fresh homemade guacamole with bright lime flavor and creamy avocado.
Smoked Cheez-Its
Ridiculously addictive smoky snack mix favorite.
Chips and Salsa
Fresh salsa and salty chips are always a winning combo.
French Dip Sliders
Easy mini sandwiches perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Patriotic Desserts
Red, white, and blue desserts are basically required for the 4th of July, and these festive treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Red, White & Blue Poke Cake
Soft cake loaded with patriotic colors and creamy topping.
Flag Cake
The classic patriotic dessert centerpiece for every 4th of July party.
Strawberry Shortcake
Fresh berries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender homemade shortcake.
Red, White & Blue Mini Cheesecakes
Creamy mini cheesecakes with festive patriotic colors.
Fruit Pizza
Soft sugar cookie crust topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit.
S’mores Bars
Everything you love about campfire s’mores in easy dessert bar form.
Red, White & Blue Funfetti Dip
Easy sweet dessert dip loaded with sprinkles and cake batter flavor.
Brownie Batter Dip
Rich chocolate dip perfect for fruit, cookies, and pretzels.
Red, White & Blue Red Velvet Cookies
Soft red velvet cookies loaded with m&m’s and perfect for patriotic celebrations.
If there’s one thing we know about 4th of July parties, it’s that everyone gathers around the food. Whether you’re firing up the grill, bringing a side dish to share, or making a patriotic dessert, these recipes are cover all the bases. Pick a few favorites, grab some sparklers, and enjoy one of the very best weekends of summer!
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Smash Burgers
Nothing says summer quite like a good burger! This time we are teaching you how to make a perfect smash burger and there's one secret that is life-changing.
Course Top 10 Delicious Easy Hamburger Recipes
Keyword burger, burgers, cheeseburger
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 489kcal
Author Carrian Cheney
- 1 Pound Ground Beef Blend 60% ground chuck and 40% ground brisket or ground sirloin
- 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Butter unsalted, softened
- 4 Potato Burger Buns
- Salt and Pepper
- American Cheese
- Burger Sauce
- Lettuce
- Pickles
- White Onion chopped
Form ¼ pound beef into loose 2" balls. Set aside in the freezer on a plate.
1 Pound Ground Beef Blend
Brush a 12-inch cast iron skillet with oil and set it over medium heat until shimmering.
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
Add the butter to the pan and place the buns, cut side down on the hot skillet. Cook just until the buns are nicely toasted and set the buns aside.
2 Tablespoons Butter, 4 Potato Burger Buns
Remove the meat from the freezer and season with salt and pepper. Place in a preheat, slightly oiled cast iron skillet and press down firmly and evenly to flatten the meat. Generously season the other side of the patty with salt & pepper.
Salt and Pepper
Cook until caramelization begins, about 1 minute. Flip and add the cheese.
American Cheese
Place a large lid over the burgers the last 30 seconds to melt the cheese. If you want the burgers more done wait a minute before adding the cheese.
Spread your burger sauce and lettuce over the bottom bun. Top with 1-2 patties and pickles and onion before enjoying.
Burger Sauce, Lettuce, Pickles, White Onion
Serving: 1burger | Calories: 489kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 4mg