The Fourth of July is the essence of summer and a time for food and fun. Whether you’re having a cookout, pool party or a beach picnic this is a holiday best celebrated outside with family, friends and a delicious spread of food. From grilled favorites to festive side dishes, desserts and drinks I’ve gathered over 75 recipes fto make your Fourth of July celebration the best one yet.
The Casual Foodist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links the Casual Foodist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
Grill / BBQ Main Dishes
Smoked Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are quite easy to make at home and are even better when made with your smoker. Crispy, smoky and delicious on their own or glazed in your favorite sauce this simple recipe for Smoked Chicken Wings will make some of the best wings you've ever had.
Check out this recipe
Grilled Skirt Steak with Avocado Lime Crema
Grilled Skirt Steak with Avocado Lime Crema is an easy and healthy steak dinner that is ready in under 20 minutes. Discover the best grilled skirt steak recipe your family will love.
Check out this recipe
Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
Smoking a whole chicken is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare a whole chicken. This recipe for Smoked Spatchcock Chicken is perfect for everything from your next backyard cookout to a gameday get together.
Check out this recipe
Smoked Tri Tip
Tri tip is a delicious cut of beef that's tender, flavorful and perfect for your your backyard barbecue. Discover the best recipe for smoked tri tip.
Check out this recipe
Whiskey BBQ Glazed Burgers with Cajun Potato Wedges
Whiskey BBQ Glazed Burgers with Cajun Potato Wedges bring together juicy, flavorful burgers topped with a smoky-sweet whiskey BBQ glaze and crispy, seasoned potato wedges.
Check out this recipe
Juicy Grilled St. Louis Ribs with Coffee Molasses BBQ Sauce
Get ready to fire up the grill with these mouthwatering Grilled St. Louis Ribs. Complete with a homemade BBQ sauce, they’re perfect for your next cookout.
Check out this recipe
Truffle Burger with Brie and Mushrooms
A truffle burger with brie and mushrooms is THE gourmet burger you need. The flavors of truffle, brie and mushrooms are top notch!
Check out this recipe
Easy Smoked Burgers
When warmer weather comes calling, you need to whip up a batch of these super easy smoked burgers, piled high with your favorite toppings! This recipe
Check out this recipe
Greek Lamb Burgers with Creamy Feta Mint Sauce
Lamb burgers are great alternative to beef and so easy to make. This easy recipe will show you how to make delicious Greek Lamb Burgers with Creamy Feta Mint Sauce at home.
Check out this recipe
Grilled Beer Brats
Grilling brats is the epitome of summer! This beer brats recipe is exactly what you need to serve at your next backyard BBQ or cookout. Simply double or triple the recipe for a large group!
Check out this recipe
How to Grill Flank Steak Tender (3 Ways)
Find out how to grill flank steak tender and for how long. Also, get our flank steak marinade for making it extra flavorful!
Check out this recipe
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs (Skewers)
This Spicy Thai Grilled Shrimp is succulent, tender, and mouthwatering. It takes only 10 minutes; great for weeknight dinner and weekend parties.
Check out this recipe
Quick and Easy Carne Asada with Guasacaca Sauce
Quick and easy, 30-minute Carne Asada! Drizzled with creamy and tangy Venezuelan Guasacaca. A delicious dish perfect for a summer night.
Check out this recipe
Tender Smoked Tomahawk Pork Chops with Habanero Glaze
Add some flare to your summer BBQ by smoking mouthwatering tomahawk pork chops. A tender and juicy cut of pork, when finished with a fast and hot reverse sear, your guests and family will be
Check out this recipe
Grilled Bison Burgers
Switch up your normal burger with Bison. Grilled bison burgers have an amazing flavor and are packed with protein. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper,
Check out this recipe
Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade
Sweet Chili Chicken has garlic, fresh ginger, soy, and sweet chili sauce. This easy chicken marinade is great for grilling or baking.
Check out this recipe
Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)
Pinchos de Pollo are perfectly marinated grilled chicken skewers that are a hugely popular Puerto Rican street food.
Check out this recipe
Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are a favorite in our household. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues.
Check out this recipe
Juicy Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe with Vegetables
It’s time to make the best chicken kabobs recipe with the juiciest and tastiest chicken meat with bright vegetables in a flavorful marinade!
Check out this recipe
Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette.
These Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette are simple to prepare, come together quickly, and are SO flavorful. It’s a twist on the classic
Check out this recipe
BBQ Party Ribs | Learning To Smoke
Party ribs are sliced individually, seasoned and smoked. Then they are wrapped with sauce like burnt ends. They cook faster this way, too!
Check out this recipe
Greek Chicken Skewers
Greek chicken skewers have tender pieces of chicken marinated in a flavorful yogurt marinade. Parts of this recipe can be made ahead of time for an easy weeknight dinner. Greek chicken skewers have tender pieces
Check out this recipe
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Perfectly tender chicken is always a winning option and you can’t go wrong with this simple, eight ingredient grilled chicken recipe. This chicken and pineapple recipe offers such wonderful tropical flavors, as well as blending the sweet, tangy and savoury elements for a mouthwatering result.
Check out this recipe
Side Dishes
Creamy Mustard Dill Potato Salad with Capers
Perfect for cookouts and potlucks my Creamy Mustard Dill Potato Salad is the best side dish for summer. With mayonaise, mustard, fresh dill and capers this is the best recipe for homemade posto salad.
Check out this recipe
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta
Healthy and flavorful this Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta is also incredibly easy to make. Discover the best recipe for making Greek cucumber tomato salad, a delicious summer salad recipe.
Check out this recipe
Easy Mediterranean White Bean Salad
Mediterranean White Bean Salad comes together in minutes and is healthy, filling and tasty. Discover the best recipe for Easy Mediterranean White Bean Salad.
Check out this recipe
Southwestern Black Bean Salad with Avocado
Southwestern Black Bean Salad with Avocado comes together in minutes and is healthy, versatile and delicious. Discover the best recipe for Southwestern Black Bean Salad with Avocado.
Check out this recipe
Flaky Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
Buttery, cheesy and spicy these Flaky Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits are sure to please. Discover the best recipe for jalapeno cheddar biscuits from scratch.
Check out this recipe
Corn and grilled zucchini salad
Easy grilled zucchini salad with charred corn, feta cheese and peppery arugula is a delicious, gluten free and vegetarian summer salad.
Check out this recipe
Simple Kale White Bean Salad – We All Eat Together
This Kale White Bean Salad is packed with colorful vegetables and hearty white beans, then dressed in a charred green onion vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
BBQ Bacon Baked Beans
BBQ Bacon Baked Beans are barbecue baked beans that are hearty enough to be the main dish. These meaty baked beans make a great side or main.
Check out this recipe
Charro Beans (Cowboy Style Pinto Beans) – Instant Pot and Stovetop Methods
Charro Beans, or Cowboy Style Pinto Beans, are a great side dish for any Mexican or southwestern feast. Discover the best vegetarian recipe for charro beans, either using your Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Check out this recipe
Watermelon Feta Basil Salad with Blueberry Balsamic
This Watermelon Feta Basil Salad with blueberry balsamic is an easy, refreshing salad for summer parties. Bonus: it takes only 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue Salad
Truthfully a holiday party salad with American flag colors doesn’t get much easier than this Red White and Blue Salad made with fruit!
Check out this recipe
Southwest Pasta Salad With Chipotle Dressing – Dancing Through the Rain
This Southwest Pasta Salad With Chipotle Dressing is the perfect side dish for your next summer BBQ! With bacon and cheese, it’ll be a hit!
Check out this recipe
Appetizers
Crispy Zucchini Corn Fritters
Crispy, light and loaded with fresh vegetables these zucchini corn fritters are perfect as an appetizer or light dinner. Discover the best recipe for making zucchini corn fritters at home.
Check out this recipe
Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart with Pesto Ricotta
Ready in under 30 minutes this Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart with Pesto Ricotta is the perfect summer appetizer. Discover the best recipe for an easy and delicious zucchini puff pastry tart.
Check out this recipe
Easy Homemade Pimento Cheese
Creamy and savory with a hint of spice pimento cheese is a delicious appetizer that's a southern classic. With a few ingredients this is the best recipe for homemade pimento cheese that's incredibly easy to make..
Check out this recipe
Loaded Chorizo Queso Dip
Filled with chorizo, jalapeno peppers and cilantro this next level queso is perfect for game day and every day. My Loaded Chorizo Queso Dip is easy to make and and sure to be a hit at your next party.
Check out this recipe
Grilled Corn And Avocado Salad With Feta Cheese
Grilled Corn And Avocado Salad With Feta Cheese is the perfect side dish for summer! With bright flavors and textures, this will be a huge hit with the entire family.
Check out this recipe
Cabbage Carrot Apple Slaw (Red Cabbage Salad Recipe)
Want an easy go-to salad that is perfect with any main dish? Cabbage carrot apple slaw with creamy dressing, it takes less than 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Loaded Southwestern BBQ Pasta Salad
Loaded Southwestern BBQ Pasta Salad an easy make ahead pasta salad that’s loaded with flavor, veggies, and fun!
Check out this recipe
Caprese Pasta Salad
An Easy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe that is perfect as a side dish! This cold mozzarella pasta salad with tomatoes and basil is so delicious!
Check out this recipe
Easy Green Olive Dip
This Easy Green Olive Dip uses cream cheese and olives to create an umami-forward dip that’s perfect paired with crackers and fresh veggies.
Check out this recipe
Sauces
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Tangy and bright, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a mustard based sauce that takes just 10 minutes to make with ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is easy to make and sure to bring a punch of flavor to your next cookout.
Check out this recipe
Coffee BBQ Sauce
Sweet, smoky, earthy and nutty coffee barbecue sauce is sure to elevate your next backyard cookout. Learn the recipe for making the best homemade coffee bbq sauce.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce
Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce is delicious, versatile and comes together in just minutes. Discover the best recipe for dill yogurt sauce.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Tomato and Green Onion Salsa
Make homemade salsa from scratch! This roasted tomato and green onion salsa is super easy and perfect as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.
Check out this recipe
Guajillo Chile Sauce (Traditional and Instant Pot Methods)
This Guajillo Chile Sauce is a great way to add smoky flavor to your favorite Mexican and southwestern recipes. Discover this easy recipe (with an option to use the Instant Pot) for guajillo sauce to add flavor to tacos, enchiladas, beans, chili, salsas and more.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Poblano Salsa
Make homemade roast poblano salsa from scratch! This roasted poblano salsa, or salsa ranchera) is super easy and perfect as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.
Check out this recipe
Desserts
Strawberry Crisp with Almond Streusel
My strawberry crisp with almond struesel is one of the best strawberry desserts for summer. This easy strawberry crisp features lightly sweet berries with a crispy oat topping that is a delicious dessert you're sure to love.
Check out this recipe
Easy Strawberry Mousse
Fresh strawberries are always a treat and one of my favorite ways to highlight these delicious berries is in a creamy strawberry mousse. With your blender doing most of the work this is a five star dessert that is deceptively easy to make. Luscious and light my Easy Strawberry Mousse is a delicious no bake dessert that takes just minutes to prepare and you can easily make ahead of time.
Check out this recipe
Peach Clafoutis
A classic French dessert the clafoutis consists of a golden, eggy custard baked with sweet summer fruit. This recipe for Peach Clafoutis is easy, delicious and the perfect end to any meal.
Check out this recipe
Fresh Blueberry Ice Cream
With a vibrant color and the sweetest in season berries blueberry ice cream may be the tastiest way to cool off on a hot summer day. Discover the best recipe for homemade Fresh Blueberry Ice Cream.
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles
Show your colors this summer with these healthy patriotic Red White and Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles! Make some this Memorial Day or 4th of July!
Check out this recipe
Peach Crisp with Pecan Streusel
With fresh peaches and a crispy pecan topping this easy peach crisp is a delicious summer dessert. Learn how to make the best recipe for peach crisp with pecan streusel.
Check out this recipe
4th of July Cupcakes | Easy Patriotic Desserts | Confetti & Bliss
These 4th of July cupcakes are spectacular! And they’re super easy to make. Celebrate America’s birthday with these patriotic desserts.
Check out this recipe
Texas Sheet Cake Recipe with Pecans – The Foodie Affair
Texas Sheet Cake: a fudgy chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate frosting. Perfect for special occasions or as a self-indulgent treat.
Check out this recipe
Patriotic Meringue Cookies | Easy Recipe! | Confetti & Bliss
Patriotic meringue cookies are super easy to make. They’re festive, whimsical and fun! Elevate your celebration with these special 4th of July desserts!
Check out this recipe
No Bake Strawberry Pretzel Pie
This No Bake Strawberry Pretzel Pie is salty pretzel crust filled with a cream cheese strawberry filling, and topped with whipped cream, pretzels, and fresh berries.
Check out this recipe
Red White & Blue Marble Cake
Perfect 4th of July dessert recipe! This red, white, and blue marble cake is a moist vanilla bundt cake with colored swirls throughout.
Check out this recipe
Strawberry Blondies
Simple to make and filled with fresh berries Strawberry Blondies are a delicious twist on a classic dessert. Discover the best recipe for making strawberry blondies at home.
Check out this recipe
Patriotic 4th of July Fruit Skewers – Healthy Kids Recipes
These 4th of July fruit skewers feature the freshest fruits trimmed into stars to reflect the American flag. So patriotic, fun and easy!
Check out this recipe
Rustic Strawberry Galette
With a homemade all butter crust and fresh berries this simple strawberry galette is an easy dessert that's sure to please. Discover the best recipe for making this delicious French strawberry galette, a delicious dessert for spring and summer.
Check out this recipe
Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad – The Cookin Chicks
Get ready for fireworks of flavor with our mouthwatering Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad. Perfect for any potluck or celebration!
Check out this recipe
4th of July Blondies – Be Well Table
4th of July Blondies Be Well Table Desserts –
Check out this recipe
Drinks
Watermelon Agua Fresca
A favorite drink throughout Mexico Watermelon Agua Fresca ( or Agua de Sandia) is a simple combination of fresh fruit, water and sugar that is delicious and easy to make. Discover the best recipe for traditional Watermelon Agua Fresca.
Check out this recipe
Easy Strawberry Mojito
Learn how to make a refreshing and delicious strawberry mojito, the perfect cocktail for warm summer days. This easy recipe includes fresh strawberries, mint, lime, and rum for a twist on the classic mojito.
Check out this recipe
Limoncello Spritz – Refreshing Italian Lemon Cocktail
Citrusy and bubbly this Limoncello Spritz will transport you to the coast of Italy! Discover this easy recipe for a refreshing Italian lemon cocktail.
Check out this recipe
Texas Ranch Water – A Refreshing Tequila Cocktail
Citrusy and bubbly this Texas Ranch Water is a great tequila cocktail for summer. Discover this easy recipe for Texas Ranch Water.
Check out this recipe
Pineapple Coconut Margarita
With sweet pineapple and creamy coconut the pineapple coconut margarita a tropical twist on the classic margarita. Discover the best recipe for making a pineapple coconut margarita at home.
Check out this recipe
Pineapple Agua Fresca (Agua de Piña)
A favorite drink throughout Mexico Pineapple Agua Fresca is a simple combination of fresh fruit, water and sugar that is delicious and easy to make. Discover the best recipe for traditional Pineapple Agua Fresca.
Check out this recipe
Kentucky Buck Cocktail
Made with fresh strawberry, bourbon and ginger beer the Kentucky Buck is a delicious cocktail that's a modern cocktail. Discover how to make an authentic Kentucky Buck Cocktail at home.
Check out this recipe
Frozen Red, White & Blue Drink (For Kids OR Adults!)
This fun drink is a beautiful, red, white and blue cocktail or mocktail to serve guests this weekend! The slushy red, white and blue layers offer different flavors as they take a sip of America’s most festive drink!
Check out this recipe
Fresh Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Recipe
Full of fresh blueberries and bright lemon juice, this blueberry lavender lemonade recipe is the ideal mix of sweet and tart and perfect for summer.
Check out this recipe
Spicy Grapefruit Ranch Water (Tequila Cocktail) – Little Black Skillet
This grapefruit ranch water recipe will be your go-to for the summer. Jalapeños make it spicy, and Topo Chico gives it a refreshing fizz.
Check out this recipe
Red, White, and Blue Slushies – The Cookin Chicks
Cool off with a festive twist by trying these Red, White, and Blue Slushies that are sure to be a hit at any summer gathering!
Check out this recipe
CC says
Thank you for putting this together! Makes my 4th of July menu planning so much easier!