Nothing says summer like a 4th of July party. Whether you fire up the grill for a backyard BBQ, have everyone over for a potluck, or just relax with some patriotic cocktails, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day. If you’re planning your 4th of July menu, we’ve got plenty of ideas for easy 4th of July appetizers, festive desserts, summer drinks, and kid-friendly favorites. These 4th of July recipes are perfect whether you’re hosting the whole crew or just making something special for the family.
No matter what your other 4th of July activities are, you can find recipes that work for your day. If you want to pack a picnic lunch for the parade, we’ve got plenty of dip recipes that travel well. If you’re lounging by the pool, we’ve got grill recipes that mean you can keep the party going without running back and forth to the kitchen. If you can’t stand the idea of turning on the oven in July, check out some of our recipes that come together in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, or opt for a big summer salad.
If you want to keep the summertime fun going even after the 4th, check out our roundups of family summer activities, outdoor furniture that makes your backyard party central, funny memes about summer and summer Instagram captions.
Con Poulos
1
Stone Fruit and Berry Galette
This star-spangled galette is almost too pretty to eat. It brings together some of the summer’s best produce, all atop a flaky crust and topped with a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Stone Fruit and Berry Galette recipe.
Jonny Valiant
2
Hot Dogs with Pickle and Parsley Relish
For the non-hamburger lovers, grill up hot dogs or brats and top them off with a homemade parsley relish for an extra tang of flavor.
Get the Hot Dogs with Pickle and Parsley Relish recipe.
Clinton Kelly
3
Boozy Snow Cones
Get in the spirit of the 4th of July with red, white, and blue boozy snow cones. Achieve shaved ice with a snow cone machine or by adding ice to a blender.
Get the Boozy Snow Cones recipe.
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Photo credit: Steve Giralt; Food stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich; Prop stylist: Paige Hicks
4
Fresh Corn and Chickpea Salad
This hearty salad won’t wilt, even on the hottest summer day. It’s made with corn, chickpeas, and cucumber, making it vegan-friendly.
Get the Fresh Corn and Chickpea Salad recipe.
Con Poulos
5
Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn
A sweet and savory glaze made with apricot jam, lime juice, and red pepper flakes is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any 4th of July BBQ this year.
Get the Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn recipe.
PHOTO CREDIT: KAT TEUTSCH; PROP STYLIST: MEGAN HEDGPETH
6
Red-White-and-Blue Berry Pizza
At a 4th of July party, there is no such thing as too much red, white, and blue. Make a delicious fruit “pizza” with cream and berries for a light dessert.
Get the Red-White-and-Blue Berry Pizza recipe.
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Mike Garten
7
3-in-1 Agua Fresca
This refreshing Mexican drink is the perfect way to cool off. It can be made with watermelon, honeydew, or pineapple, plus sugar and lime juice.
Get the 3-in-1 Agua Fresca recipe.
Christopher Testani; Food styling by Maggie Ruggiero; Prop styling by Megan Hedgpeth
8
Texas Brisket Burger
In this recipe, smoky brisket burgers are topped with a hearty scoop of potato salad for the ultimate summer dish. The recipe as written yields eight burgers, but you can adjust as needed.
Get the Texas Brisket Burger recipe.
Lucy Schaeffer
9
Lentil Hummus
This creamy homemade hummus is way better than anything you’ll get at the store. You’ll need lentils, tahini, and lemons to make it.
Get the Lentil Hummus recipe.
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con poulos
10
Summer Melon Slushies
For fun, cool refreshments, make a flight of melon slushies. They are perfect kid-friendly drinks that can be aged up with a shot of vodka or tequila for the 21+ crowd.
Get the Summer Melon Slushies recipe.
Mike Garten
11
Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
It’s hard to decide what the best part of this dessert is. Is it the buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust? The tart, sweet pie filling? The homemade whipped cream? Better try another one to be sure.
Get the Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies recipe.
Mike Garten
12
Fresh and Fiery Watermelon Salad
This summer salad brings together juicy watermelon, spicy serrano pepper, and refreshing mint for a dish that’s sure to delight. You could also easily prep this one ahead of time.
Get the Fresh and Fiery Watermelon Salad recipe.
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Anna Williams: Food styling by Vivian Lui; Prop styling by Pamela Duncan Silver
13
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki
Fire up the grill for these simple grilled chicken skewers. They’re simple, and it’s always easy to throw a few more on the grill if you have unexpected guests.
Get the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki recipe.
Charles Schiller
14
Classic All-American Bacon Cheeseburgers
It doesn’t get more American than a hamburger topped with bacon and cheese. It’s basically a pre-requisite for any July of 4th celebration.
Get the Classic All-American Bacon Cheeseburgers recipe.
Gabriel Rodriguez
15
Grilled Green Bean Salad
This simple, crunchy salad is great at any summer BBQ. It brings together grilled green beans, creamy white beans, and a flavorful lemon dressing.
Get the Grilled Green Bean Salad recipe.
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Cedric Angeles
16
Fresh Berry Lemonade
Take standard lemonade up a notch with the addition of fresh berries. It looks and tastes great!
Get the Fresh Berry Lemonade recipe.
Alison Miksch
17
Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
While “red, white, and blue” is used loosely here, this mixed potato salad is a fun way to add more color to the table.
Get the Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad recipe.
grandriver//Getty Images
18
Oven-Baked Beans
Invest time in your sides by making homemade baked beans. Make them as sweet or tangy as you’d like with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar.
Get the Oven-Baked Beans recipe.
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Gabriel Rodriguez
19
Speculaas S’mores With Strawberries and White Chocolate
Channel those late summer nights by the bonfire with a fancier version of the beloved s’more. This recipe calls for strawberries, white chocolate, and homemade graham crackers.
Get the Speculaas S’mores With Strawberries and White Chocolate recipe.
VeselovaElena//Getty Images
20
Favorite Layered Party Dip
For a booze-filled holiday like the 4th of July, chips and dip are a must-have snack to munch on throughout the day.
Get the Favorite Layered Party Dip recipe.
Kana Okada
21
Slow Cooker Pulled-Pork Sandwiches
Want delicious barbecue flavor but don’t own a grill? Opt for slow-cooked pulled pork that can be made in a crockpot.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled-Pork Sandwiches recipe.
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con poulos
22
Skillet Mac and Cheese
While the grill is in use, pull out your cast iron skillet and make a baked mac and cheese. This recipe is especially great for dining with kids.
Get the Skillet Mac and Cheese recipe.
Rimma_Bondarenko//Getty Images
23
Rhubarb Lemonade
Rhubarb is an underutilized vegetable that grows wildly in all 50 states. Give it its moment to shine by adding it to lemonade for a natural pink hue.
Get the Rhubarb Lemonade recipe.
con poulos
24
Peach Caprese Salad
A staple of summer is the addition of fruit to your salad. Jazz up a traditional caprese salad with peaches that reach peak ripeness in summer.
Get the Peach Caprese Salad recipe.
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Brian Hagiwara//Getty Images
25
Good Old-Fashioned Apple Pie
Though apple pie didn’t originate in the U.S., it has certainly been adopted as so. Apple pie has become an essential American dessert, often topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, slice of American cheese, or bathed in a bowl of milk.
Get the Good Old-Fashioned Apple Pie recipe.
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly
26
Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs
No barbecue is complete without hot dogs, and these Chicago-style ones are made with chicken rather than beef.
Get the Chicago-Style Chicken Dogs recipe.
Ryan Dausche
27
Po Boy Style Shrimp Burgers With Cajun Spiced Tots
Everyone goes wild for tots, so try adding a fun spin to your backyard cookout or party by replacing traditional tots or fries with this spicy recipe paired with shrimp burgers.
Get the Po Boy Style Shrimp Burgers With Cajun Spiced Tots recipe.
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Con Poulos
28
Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter
Jazz up classic corn on the cob with fresh, summery parsley butter.
Get the Corn on the Cob with Parsley Butter recipe.
Mike Garten
29
Hawaiian Pork Pull-Apart Rolls
Use one package of Hawaiian rolls to make pork and pineapple sandwiches that guests can easily pull apart.
Get the Hawaiian Pork Pull-Apart Rolls recipe.
kat teusch
30
Tomatillo Salsa
You need only three ingredients to make this tasty green salsa: dried chiles, tangy tomatillos, and cilantro. Oh, and stock up on chips!
Get the Tomatillo Salsa recipe.
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Ryan Dausche
31
Smoky Chicken With Charred Corn Salad
This corn salad is bright, vibrant, and pairs great with chipotle chili chicken.
Get the Smoky Chicken With Charred Corn Salad recipe.
Mike Garten
32
Patriotic Vanilla Sheet Cake
If you really want to impress your guests, make this sheet cake. Add some red, white, and blue icing as well as festive sprinkles to make it extra patriotic!
Get the Patriotic Vanilla Sheet Cake recipe.
Con Poulos
33
Grilled Reuben Dogs
You can make this grilled entrée with beef, turkey, or chicken dogs, depending on your dietary preferences.
Get the Grilled Reuben Dogs recipe.
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Photo Credit: Alexandra Rowley; Food Stylist: Vivian Lui; Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason
34
Ricotta Dip
This ricotta dip is super easy to make. Just put the ingredients together and serve!
Get the Ricotta Dip recipe.
Gabriel Rodriguez
35
Spring Chopped Salad With Cider Vinaigrette
A fresh chopped salad is a healthy, festive addition to any menu in the spring or summer. Radishes add an additional pop of color and flavor!
Get the Spring Chopped Salad With Cider Vinaigrette recipe.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS COURT; FOOD STYLIST: JUSTIN POOLE; PROP STYLIST: LUCY TWEED
36
Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings
Fire up the grill and get cookin’ with these tasty, finger-licking wings.
Get the Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings recipe.
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Photo credit: Alexandra Rowley; Food stylist: Vivian Lui; Prop stylist: Matthew Gleason
37
Green Bean Salad
This green bean salad contains rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and hot sauce for an explosion of flavor.
Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Kate Mathis
38
Cold Spiced Chicken
You’ll be able to taste the different spices added to the chicken once it’s cold, so wait a couple of minutes after cooking before you dive in.
Get the Cold Spiced Chicken recipe.
Alison Miksch
39
BBQ Ribs with Mopping Sauce
Forget store-bought BBQ sauce. You can make your own with apricot, honey, soy sauce, and mustard.
Get the BBQ Ribs with Mopping Sauce recipe.
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Photo credit: Alexandra Rowley; Food stylist: Vivian Lui; Prop stylist: Matthew Gleason
40
Tomatoes With Green Goddess Dressing
This homemade green goddess dressing takes only 20 minutes to prepare.
Get the Tomatoes With Green Goddess Dressing recipe.
Photo credit: Alexandra Rowley; Food stylist: Vivian Lui; Prop stylist: Matthew Gleason
41
Quick Queso
No matter what you’re making for your 4th of July barbecue, this queso dip will make it better. It can go on top of burgers, tacos, tots, or anything else you’re serving.
Get the Quick Queso recipe.
Kate Mathis
42
Berry Sangria
Rosé is a summer drink staple, so add it to this berry mix to make a refreshing drink.
Get the Berry Sangria recipe.
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Mike Garten
43
Smoky Beef Tacos
Let your guests prep their own beef tacos by setting up a taco bar display. This would leave you hands-free to sip on a cooler.
Get the Smoky Beef Tacos recipe.
Photo credit: Steve Giralt; Food stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich; Prop stylist: Paige Hicks
44
Marinated Tomato Pasta Salad
Lean into the salad side of this dish for an appetizer or the pasta aspect for a side dish. It’s versatile!
Get the Marinated Tomato Pasta Salad recipe.
Kate Mathis
45
Mason Jar Citrus Coolers
This recipe is perfect for guests who don’t drink alcohol. It’s fresh, fruity, and cool — just what you need on a hot July day.
Get the Mason Jar Citrus Coolers recipe.
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46
Rhubarb Twists with Rhubarb Compote
You can bake these rhubarb twists in the oven for 50 minutes, the same amount of time it’ll take you to grill hot dogs and hamburgers.
Get the Rhubarb Twists with Rhubarb Compote recipe.
MIKE GARTEN
47
Apple and Pear Tart
When you think of all things American, apple pie comes to mind. Step up your apple pie game with this low-cost apple and pear tart.
Get the Apple and Pear Tart recipe.
Lauren Volvo
48
Fizzy Orange Float
If you like root-beer floats, you’ll love this fizzy orange float that is even more refreshing and summery.
Get the Fizzy Orange Float recipe.
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Kate Mathis
49
Ham and Pickle Baguette
This baguette gets better with time, so let it sit for at least 10 minutes before letting your guests take their first bite.
Get the Ham and Pickle Baguette recipe.
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY
50
Roasted Broccoli–Artichoke Dip
At 25 calories per 1/4 cup, this is the perfect light dip to serve before your hearty main course.
Get the Roasted Broccoli-Artichoke Dip recipe.
Mike Garten
51
Derby Pie Brownies
Calling all adults! These derby pie brownies have a hint of bourbon for a special treat.
Get the Derby Pie Brownies recipe.
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Mike Garten
52
Peach Melba Ice Pops
You can make these peach melba ice pops up to one week ahead of your barbecue, so there’s less stress the day of the big event.
Get the Peach Melba Ice Pops recipe.
Lauren Volvo
53
Creamy Frozen Raspberry Mousse
This homemade mousse takes only five minutes to make and will keep you cool all day long.
Get the Creamy Frozen Raspberry Mousse recipe.
CON POULOS
54
Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumbles
Kids and adults alike will love these individual crumbles, especially with a big scoop of ice cream on top.
Get the Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumbles recipe.
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Jonny Valiant
55
Guacamole
Get the party started with this easy summertime dip that’s main ingredient is a healthy, creamy delight.
Get the Guacamole recipe.
CON POULOS
56
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Eating sloppy Joes can be, well, just that: sloppy. When miniaturized, these buns are a lot easier to handle.
Get the Sloppy Joe Sliders recipe.
Cedric Angeles
57
Strawberry Tamales
Strawberries and corn are both classic summer foods that you’re gonna want at your 4th of July party.
Get the Strawberry Tamales recipe.
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Con Poulos
58
Corn Pups
Did someone say summer? Serve up these carnival-style treats and transport guests back to summer days at the state fair.
Get the Corn Pups recipe.
Con Poulos
59
Tomato & Watermelon Salad
For an absolutely juicy salad, serve up a colorful plate of sliced tomatoes and watermelon.
Get the Tomato & Watermelon Salad recipe.
Jonny Valiant
60
BLT Pasta Salad
Sure, you can enjoy a BLT between two slices of toasted bread. But when you combine the dynamic trio with short cut pasta? Game changer.
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
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Con Poulos; Food styling by Anne Disrude; Prop styling by Paige Hicks
61
Creamy Blue Cheese Slaw
It wouldn’t be a cookout if there wasn’t at least one type of slaw present on the picnic table.
Get the Creamy Blue Cheese Slaw recipe.
RYAN DAUSCH
62
Mediterranean Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chicken salad is a year-round classic, but when scooped into these pita pockets, it’s a whole new sandwich experience.
Get the Mediterranean Chicken Salad Sandwiches recipe.
con poulos
63
Greek Turkey Burgers
Not everyone wants to eat red meat between their hamburger buns, so grill up these delicious turkey burgers instead for the heart-health conscious.
Get the Greek Turkey Burgers recipe.
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Mary Ellen Bartley
64
Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad
There’s no better way to unite ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, chopped red onion, and minced garlic than tossed together in a big bowl of fusili pasta.
Get the Tomato-Basil Pasta Salad recipe.
Con Poulos
65
S’mores Ice Cream Pie
If you don’t have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you can prepare this much cooler s’mores pie to savor the ooey gooey goodness of marshmallows.
Get the S’mores Ice Cream Pie recipe.
Alison Miksch
66
Independence Day Sundaes
We all scream for ice cream! The kids will get an absolute kick out of these July-Fourth-themed ice cream sundaes that feature naturally sweet blueberries and raspberries.
Get the Independence Day Sundaes recipe.
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Iain Bagwell; Food styling by Simon Andrews; Prop styling by Philippa Brathwaite
67
Macaroni Salad
The kids will get excited when they see you pull out a box of macaroni noodles for lunch or dinner. Light up their (hopefully not sunburnt) faces with this loaded salad.
Get the Macaroni Salad recipe.
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly
68
Salmon Burgers and Five-Spice Sweet Potato Fries
If you are looking for a pescatarian-friendly dish to add to your July 4th menu, look no further than this salmon burger recipe.
Get the Salmon Burgers and Five-Spice Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
PHOTO CREDIT: ALEXANDRA ROWLEY; FOOD STYLIST: VIVIAN LUI; PROP STYLIST: MATTHEW GLEASON
69
Clinton Burger with Bacon Jam
Get a double dose of bacon in this burger recipe with a topping and sauce encrusted in the patty.
Get the Burger with Bacon Jam recipe.
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Con Poulos
70
Chili Dogs
What could be more American than a delicious chili dog on the 4th of July? Nothing.
Get the Chili Dogs recipe.
