25 Popular 4th of July Recipes

Fourth of July Recipes – The 4th of July is a special day for family BBQs, spending time together, eating, and watching fireworks. Whether your family is celebrating at home or partying at the beach or park, these mouthwatering recipes will make it unforgettable.

Recipes that work for a family cookout on the 4th of July

I love cooking out with family and close friends, and, of course, I love steak. Cookouts are a time to bust out ALL the soul food with loved ones, right?! However, a good selection of beef and chicken will make everyone on the guest list happy. While kids guzzle the lemonade, adults can enjoy refreshing summer cocktails, like my favorite tropical drink, piña colada.

My collection of favorite 4th of July recipes will have you celebrating red, white, and blue without breaking a sweat. Celebrating Independence Day should be fun, not stressful.

Content…

4th of July BBQ Recipe Ideas
  1.  Jamaican Jerk Chicken
  2. Country-Style Ribs
  3. Smoked Hot Dogs
  4. Corn Dogs
  5. Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast
  6. Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich
  7. Baby Back Ribs
  8. BBQ Bacon Burgers
  9. Tomahawk Steak
  10. Steak Kabobs
  11. Chicken Sandwich
4th of July Sides
  12. Baked Mac & Cheese
  13. Caribbean Coleslaw
  14. Southern Baked Beans
  15. Franks and Beans
  16. Ranch Potato Salad
  17. Carrot Raisin Salad
4th of July Drinks
  18. Pina Colada
  19. Lemonade
  20. Southern Sweet Tea
Perfect Cookout Desserts
  21. American Flag Cake
  22. 4th of July Cupcakes
  23. Strawberry Pound Cake
  24. Lemon Bars
  25. Fruit Tart

4th of July BBQ Recipe Ideas

Besides the usual hamburgers and hotdogs, these recipes are perfect for your 4th of July recipes list.

6 pieces of insanely delicious jerk chicken on a plate

1. Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Spicy hot grilled chicken with a tropical flair will set off flavor fireworks in your mouth. Marinate the chicken the night before with this super-easy marinade for a mouthwatering 4th of July recipe.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken
This well-seasoned grilled chicken with Jamaican jerk marinade has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Amazingly tender, moist, and juicy chicken bursting with savory flavors on every bite. You’ll want to make this all year round!
Check out this recipe
6 pieces of insanely delicious jerk chicken on a plate
Country Style Ribs served in a pan topped with herbs

2. Country-Style Ribs

Slow-roasted ribs are the bomb! They’re so quick to throw together. It takes time to slow roast anything, of course, but that’s not an issue because it just about takes care of itself once it’s in the oven.

Country Style Pork Ribs
Fall-apart tender country-style ribs are slowly cooked in the oven, oozing with flavor and aroma using only six simple ingredients. Rich, tender, economical, and so easy to make!
Check out this recipe
A baking dish full of country style ribs ready for your next cookout
Smoked hotdogs from Feed the Grill

3. Smoked Hot Dogs

Take your classic cookout hot dog over the top in the smoker. Then, slather them with tangy mustard, sweet relish, ketchup, and onions. You’ll love the smoky flavor of a true classic!

Smoked Hot Dogs – feedthegrill.com
Smoked hot dogs have a delectable smoky flavor, a must-have for any barbecue or gathering where you want the ultimate comfort food!
Check out this recipe
Smoked Hot Dogs - feedthegrill.com
Kid-friendly corn dogs for a classic 4th of July recipe

4. Corn Dogs

No grill? No problem! Make happy campers with these easy, nostalgic corn dogs on a stick for a family picnic.

Corn Dogs
Homemade Corn Dogs – easy and party favorite snack made with hotdogs dipped in a batter and fried to perfection.
Check out this recipe
25 Popular 4th of July Recipes
Grilled Chicken on White Plate for a healthy 4th of July

5. Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

Not everyone is a beef-lover like me. I don’t understand, but I get it. So here’s a healthy and tasty alternative grilled recipe perfect for your family BBQ.

Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast
Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast – incredibly moist, juicy and outrageously delicious grilled chicken breasts soaked overnight in an easy, no-fuss, flavor-packed chicken marinade. This is going to become your go-to marinade for all your summer grilling recipes!
Check out this recipe
25 Popular 4th of July Recipes
Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich for a family picnic on the Fourth of July

6. Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich

The first time I tried this incredible sandwich in New Orleans, I was hooked. Crispy shrimp stacked on a deliciously fresh French roll and smothered in a drool-worthy remoulade sauce is so easy to make yourself.

Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich
Crispy, crunchy shrimp piled mile-high on a buttered, toasted French roll. Stuff that with crunchy cabbage, fresh tomatoes, and a lip-smacking homemade remoulade sauce for a crazy delicious lunch!
Check out this recipe
Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich for a family picnic on the Fourth of July
Baby back ribs recipe perfect for a classic cookout idea

7. Baby Back Ribs

Smokey, juicy, bad to the bones baby back ribs – what’s not to love? With just 4 simple ingredients, including homemade BBQ sauce, everyone’ll be licking their fingers for these outrageously delicious ribs. That’s how good it is! 

Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Smokey, juicy, tender, and bad-to-the-bone Baby Back Ribs packed with a boatload of flavors fall off the bone and straight in your mouth. The delicious spice rub gives it an incredible flavor, and then the homemade BBQ sauce doubles the fun. Just plain finger-licking good!
Check out this recipe
Baby back ribs recipe perfect for a classic cookout idea
Feed the Grill BBQ bacon burger perfect for family cookouts

8. Bacon Burger

Juicy ground beef is deliciously seasoned, slathered with tangy BBQ sauce, and grilled to perfection. Top your burger with crispy bacon and all your favorite fixings, then pile it on a toasted bun for pure joy!

Grilled BBQ Bacon Burgers – feedthegrill.com
BBQ Bacon Burgers are juicy ground beef deliciously seasoned with herbs and spices, slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, and grilled to perfection.
Check out this recipe
Grilled BBQ Bacon Burgers - feedthegrill.com
Tomahawk Steak with Veggies for an elegant dinner

9. Tomahawk Steak

Also known as a cowboy steak, this bone-in ribeye steak is ideal for a special occasion BBQ. It’s French-trimmed for elegance, but I’m sure the cowboys who enjoyed this steak didn’t care about that.

Tomahawk Steak
A Tomahawk Steak is a beauty to behold that you’ll definitely not forget soon, especially after seeing the price tag. This gorgeous primal cut of beef still attached to the rib bone is reminiscent of Neanderthal days and a mouthwatering addition to your recipe collection.
Check out this recipe
Tomahawk Steak with Veggies for an elegant dinner
Steak Kabobs served in a plate

10. Steak Kabobs

Chunks of spicy skewered beef with sweet peppers and onions on the grill are so addictive. The mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors work on any cut of meat for pure versatility.

Steak Kabobs
An easy grilled steak kabob recipe that’s simply marinated in garlic, cumin, allspice, nutmeg and pepper flakes for that bold flavor with extra heat. It is then skewered and grilled, evenly cooked to perfection.
Check out this recipe
Soul-satisfying steak kabobs on a bed of lettuce
Insanely delicious chicken sandwich with tartar sauce on a white plate

11. Chicken Sandwich

The 4th of July isn’t just for grilling meat but also for burgers and sandwiches. And this chicken sandwich is a guaranteed hit for kids and adults.

Everything in this sandwich, from a perfectly toasted bun to the tender, juicy chicken, screams good food on a sunny day. Feel free to customize the veggie fillings to suit your liking!

Crispy Chicken Sandwich
The first bite of this crispy chicken sandwich is so unforgettable the sensation could last for days. Succulent Southern-fried chicken sandwiched on perfectly toasted buns are pure heaven. Who would have thought chicken, bread, sauce, and toppings could be so soul-satisfying?
Check out this recipe
Insanely delicious chicken sandwich with tartar sauce on a white plate

4th of July Sides

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with evaporated milk

12. Baked Mac & Cheese

Forget that boxed stuff from the store (oops, sorry). You can’t beat fresh ingredients and real cheese. Plus, my baked version is so simple it will give you more time for what you really want: time with your family.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is super creamy, cheesy, soulful baked mac and cheese filled with great Southern flavors topped with crispy bread crumb. You will never break open a box again!
Check out this recipe
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with evaporated milk
Caribbean Coleslaw perfect for a family cookout on Memorial Day or the Fourth of July

13. Caribbean Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a must-have at any BBQ, and even more so on the 4th of July. I love the tropical twist the mango gives in this mayo-free recipe. No wonder it’s among the top recipes on the blog during this time of the year.

Caribbean Coleslaw
Mayo-free coleslaw that's light, fruity, sweet, and refreshingly good! A perfect no-cook side dish for this summer. Or add your favorite protein and carb for a complete meal for a tasty option to switch up your flavors.
Check out this recipe
Caribbean Coleslaw perfect for a family cookout on Memorial Day or the Fourth of July
Southern Baked Beans with Bacon in a Skillet Being Spooned Out

14. Southern Baked Beans

No BBQ or cookout is complete without baked beans. The bacon’s smokiness and sweetness from molasses deliver the classic flavor. But don’t feel guilty if you need to use canned beans to save time.

Southern Baked Beans with Bacon
Southern Baked Beans – Easy to make and packed with smokey- rich and creamy vs. sweet and tangy flavors topped with crispy bacon. That’s definitely a complement to any dish you side it with! Plus it’s so good you can even eat it on its own! A great addition to your summer cookout!
Check out this recipe
Southern Baked Beans with Bacon in a Skillet Being Spooned Out
Serving up a scoop of frank and beans for a kid-approved meal

15. Franks and Beans

Sweet and savory homemade franks and beans add a fun twist to the traditional baked bean recipe. Make all the kids (and adults, too) happy with this goodness!

Frank and Beans Recipe
Sweet and savory homemade franks and beans are a fun dinner the whole family will love. I dare you to resist seconds!
Check out this recipe
Serving up a scoop of frank and beans for a kid-approved meal
Ranch Potato Salad with chicken and bacon

16. Ranch Potato Salad

Another traditional 4th of July recipe is potato salad. The creaminess of ranch dressing, the salty smokiness of bacon, and my homemade Creole seasoning’s spiciness make it irresistible.

Ranch Potato Salad
Simply irresistible Cheesy Ranch Potato Salad loaded with bacon and creole seasoning. A healthy and satisfying side to match any dish. With extremely rich and creamy ranch dressing covering the fork-tender potatoes. Refreshing and enticing comfort food you can eat any time of the day!
Check out this recipe
Ranch Potato Salad with chicken and bacon
Carrot Raisin Salad in a White Bowl

17. Carrot Raisin Salad

The first time I tried carrot salad, it was a novelty. The carrots’ crispness and the raisins’ sweetness turn this summer salad into a flavor party. And it’s healthy, too. Just don’t tell the kids.😉

Carrot Raisin Salad
A unique pairing of carrots and raisins, overflowing with vitamins and nutrients turned into a healthy side dish and dessert in one. The perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and just the right amount of tanginess makes it unusually addicting and gratifying. An easy classic favorite you can make in less than 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Carrot Raisin Salad in a White Bowl

4th of July Drinks

Piña Colada for a refreshing adult drink

18. Piña Colada

Fresh pineapple, cream of coconut, and rum over ice is a refreshingly tropical summer celebration. Perfect for any cookout, special occasion, or I-just-need-something-special drink. Feel free to leave the rum out for a kid-friendly version.

Pina Colada
A classic summer drink that will take you to the tropics in every sip. Made with fresh pineapples, cream of coconut, rum, and some ice. A wonderful refreshing and delicious summer cocktail! Perfect for every celebration or romantic weekend date night.
Check out this recipe
pina colada on a hurricane glass
How to Make Lemonade for your next 4th of July picnic

19. Lemonade

This refreshing drink has to be the most popular drink for picnics and BBQs. The cool thing about this recipe is adding other fruit flavors for a refreshing strawberry, mango, or pineapple lemonade. And I have all three of them for you to choose from.

Southern Sweet Tea in pitcher

20. Southern Sweet Tea

Southerners are proud of their tea, and they should be. It’s more of an art than a science. So do yourself a favor and get good-quality tea bags. You’ll thank yourself while sipping your ice-cold sweet tea.

Southern Sweet Tea
This refreshing Southern sweet tea is a thirst-quencher drink with only 5 ingredients and pretty customizable based on your preference—a perfect beverage for entertaining or simply “me time” at home.
Check out this recipe
Southern Sweet Tea in pitcher

Perfect Cookout Desserts

Flag Cake in baking pan ready for you 4th of July

21. American Flag Cake

What better dessert to celebrate the 4th of July than this stunningly beautiful patriotic dessert! Irresistibly soft and moist cake topped with creamy vanilla frosting, fresh blueberries, and strawberries. A sweet, vibrant, and refreshing treat to enjoy this festive celebration.

American Flag Cake
Celebrate the 4th of July with this stunningly beautiful patriotic dessert for a dinner centerpiece. An irresistibly soft and moist vanilla cake topped with creamy vanilla frosting, fresh blueberries, and strawberries.
Check out this recipe
Flag Cake in baking pan ready for you 4th of July
4th of July cupcakes ready to start the party

22. 4th of July Cupcakes

Make gorgeous and delicious memories on Independence Day with these festive cupcakes! Tender, moist cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting in bright red, white, and blue hues deliver a decadent 4th of July snack or dessert!

4th of July Cupcakes
Make beautiful memories with your loved ones on Independence Day with these festive, vibrant, and delicious cupcakes! Tender, moist cupcakes topped with tangy cream cheese frosting in bright red, white, and blue hues will make an unforgettable 4th of July dessert!
Makes about 12 cupcakes
Check out this recipe
4th of July cupcakes deliver a festive treat for your holiday cookout
Strawberry Pound Cake Ready to Serve

23. Strawberry Pound Cake

Pound cake is versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. So add this melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness with summer strawberries for an award-winning dessert that will have your guests fighting over who gets the last piece. Add blueberries and homemade whipped cream on top for a classic 4th of July recipe.

Strawberry Pound Cake
Refreshing summer flavors are accented in a dense, rich, and moist Strawberry Pound Cake. This quick and easy dessert is sure to be a winner at any family dinner, and the sweet glaze creates the perfect finish that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Check out this recipe
Strawberry Pound Cake
Decadent lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar ready to please

24. Lemon Bars

The sweet and sour deliciousness of lemon in a convenient bar boasts a crumbly buttery biscuit base that balances the lemon. Don’t tell anyone, but finger foods save on plates and clean up afterward.

Easy Lemon Bars
This deliciousness is a classic summer treat for good reason. The buttery shortbread crust and gooey lemon filling scream happiness in every bite. All those bright, citrusy flavors are like sunshine for the soul.
Check out this recipe
Lemon Bars in a Plate and ready to go with you on a picnic
Fruit Tart with a slice served on the Fourth of July or any other holiday

25. Fruit Tart

Nothing celebrates summer and liberty like a fresh fruit tart. You can choose red (strawberries or raspberries) and blue (blueberries) fruits, and then the white cream filling will give you your red, white, and blue for the perfect 4th of July recipe.

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