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56 Best Fourth of July Recipes for the Perfect Summer Cookout

Celebrate America's birthday with these patriotic foods!

easy 4th of july recipes your bbq guests will love
mike garten

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Fire up the grill! It's not 4th of July without a backyard BBQ, if you ask us. Whether you're having the whole crew over or celebrating with family, we've got plenty of 4th of July recipes that will make it a party to remember. From 4th of July desserts — red, white and blue cupcakes, anyone? — to refreshing 4th of July cocktails to grilled dishes to appetizers, there's something here for everyone. Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time, so you can spend your afternoon enjoying the sunshine rather than stuck in the kitchen. Plus, many of them are no-bake recipes, because standing over a hot stove in July isn't anyone's idea of fun.

1

Red, White and Blue Granitas

tall glasses of red white blue granitas
Mike Garten

These festive treats are almost too pretty to eat! They're sure to get oohs and ahhs when you bring a tray of these out from the kitchen.

Get the Red, White and Blue Granitas recipe.

RELATED: Refreshing 4th of July Drinks Perfect for Independence Day

2

Lemon Curd Bars

4th of july food lemon curd bars
Mike Garten

These dreamy citrusy desserts are what summer is all about. They need to set for at least six hours, so we'd recommend prepping them the day before.

Get the Lemon Curd Bars recipe.

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3

Spicy Piña Coladas

4th of july recipes spicy pina colada
Mike Garten

Get the party started with these refreshing chile-infused piña coladas. They're the perfect way to cool off and celebrate the 4th of July.

Get the Spicy Piña Coladas recipe.

4

Watermelon Za'atar Salad

watermelon zaatar salad
mike garten

Watermelon is a Fourth of July party must-have. With briny olives, tangy lime juice, fresh mint and a shower of za’atar in the mix, this is the unexpected upgrade to your watermelon game you’ve been searching for.

Get the Watermelon Za'atar Salad recipe.

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5

Green Bean Pasta Salad

green bean pasta salad on a serving platter
Mike Garten

This crowd-pleasing salad brings together crunchy green beans, flavorful Peppadew peppers, fresh mint and parsley, and satisfying pasta. The delicious dressing is made with vinegar, lemon juice, Peppadew pickling liquid, and luscious olive oil — you'll want to put it on everything.

Get the Green Bean Pasta Salad recipe.

RELATED: Our Best Pasta Salad Recipes for Summer

6

Grilled Reuben Dogs

grilled reuben dogs
Con Poulos

Go ahead and pile on the toppings with these New-York-deli-inspired hot dogs. Or swap corned beef for wieners for a completely fresh take.

Get the Grilled Reuben Dogs recipe.

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7

Black Bean Burgers

black bean burgers
mike garten

Veggie burgers don't have to be bland and boring! These black bean burgers boast intense savory depth in each bite — and best of all, can be made in advance, frozen then grilled.

Get the Black Bean Burgers recipe.

8

Grilled Vietnamese-Style Pork Steaks with Cilantro Cucumbers

grilled vietnamese style pork steaks
mike garten

The flavorful marinade here pulls double duty. It's used to marinate the steaks and as a dressing for a refreshing cucumber salad. You'll want to add it to your summer menu ASAP.

Get the Grilled Vietnamese-Style Pork Steaks with Cilantro Cucumbers recipe.

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9

Grilled Fruit Salad with Vanilla Yogurt

fourth of july food grilled fruit salad with vanilla yogurt
Mike Garten

Juicy pineapple and mangos are tossed on the grill for a few minutes, then placed on a big pile of vanilla Greek yogurt and drizzled with honey. It's delicious as-is, but you can also pair the dish with pound cake for an extra-special summer dessert.

Get the Grilled Fruit Salad with Vanilla Yogurt recipe.

10

Crab Rolls

fourth of july food crab rolls
Mike Garten

Nothing says summer like a roll piled high with seafood! This recipe coats crabmeat in a flavorful mayo-mustard mixture that incorporates lemon zest, hot sauce and fresh herbs.

Get the Crab Rolls recipe.

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11

Hugo Spritz

fourth of july food hugo spritz
Mike Garten

These refreshing sippers are best enjoyed poolside, if you ask us. They're made with prosecco, mint, lime and elderflower liqueur.

Get the Hugo Spritz recipe.

RELATED: Summer Cocktails You Can Sip on All Season

12

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

ice cream sandwich cake
mike garten

This recipe is easier than it looks, thanks to store-bought ice cream sandwiches. Swoops of whipped cream and crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top make for a nostalgia-tinged dessert.

Get the Ice Cream Sandwich Cake recipe.

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13

Vegetarian Antipasto Salad

fourth of july foods vegetarian antipasto salad
Mike Garten

This fresh, flavorful salad is the definition of crowd-pleasing. The delicious dressing is made with bright ingredients including lemon juice, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini pickling liquid, mustard, and olive oil. It's a perfect side or even a main dish.

Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.

14

Cheddar-Stuffed Cheeseburgers

fourth of july food cheddar stuffed cheeseburgers
Mike Garten

It's not 4th of July without burgers. Elevate yours by stuffing the patties with cheese, adding bacon, and slathering them with a mayo-ketchup mixture.

Get the Cheddar-Stuffed Cheeseburgers recipe.

RELATED: All of Our Best Burger Recipes to Try

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15

Blackberry-Glazed Ribs

fourth of july food blackberry glazed ribs
Mike Garten

We're already drooling at the thought of these tender ribs coated with blackberry jam, barbecue sauce and lime juice. You'll want to have extra napkins handy!

Get the Blackberry-Glazed Ribs recipe.

16

Grilled Lemon-Lime Corn Salad

grilled lemon lime corn salad
Mike Garten

This flavorful salad made with grilled corn, fresh herbs, lemons and limes is what summer is all about. It's refreshing, crunchy, and perfect for an Independence Day celebration.

Get the Grilled Lemon-Lime Corn Salad recipe.

RELATED: Delicious BBQ Salads for Your Next Summer Outing

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17

Watermelon Pizza

watermelon pizza   labor day recipes
Mike Garten

It's not delivery, it's fruit pizza — and you don't even have to cook anything either.

Get the Watermelon Pizza recipe.

18

Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs

chicago style chicken dogs
DANIELLE DALY

Sweet and spicy pickles and peppers make these grilled dogs a real winner.

Get the Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs recipe.

RELATED: Fun Hot Dog Recipes for Summer Grilling

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19

Cherry Fro-Yo Pops

fourth of july food cherry fro yo pops
Mike Garten

Nothing says summer like these homemade frozen treats. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these red-and-white popsicles made with vanilla Greek yogurt, cherries and gingersnap cookies.

Get the Cherry Fro-Yo Pops recipe.

20

Spicy Margarita

fourth of july foods spicy margarita
Mike Garten

Get the Independence Day party started with a round of spicy margaritas! They're made with homemade sriracha syrup, fresh lime juice and sliced Fresno chilies. This recipe creates one drink, but it's easy to scale up if you're making a whole pitcher.

Get the Spicy Margarita recipe.

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