Try these easy 4th of July recipes for your party, from the most popular traditional meals for a crowd, to desserts, appetizers, and other fun food and cocktail ideas, you'll have the best menu!
With these easy 4th of July recipes, you'll have the best party on the block! Celebrate the red white and blue and enjoy eating outside whether it's a barbecue, potluck or picnic.
Whether you're looking for festive 4th of July dessert recipes, dips and appetizers to feed a crowd, traditional meals, unique grilling ideas, or all the fun side dishes, there's something here to make a menu full of food that will be the envy of all your friends!
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4th of July dessert recipes
We're starting with desserts, because when the 4th of July rolls around, those seem to be the recipe ideas that are the most fun, who knew? (Of course you knew...all the cool kids start with dessert!)
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
What's more all-American on the 4th of July than an apple dessert recipe? This caramel apple upside down cake flips out of the pan perfectly every time, I promise!
No Bake Mango Cheesecake
A cool and creamy dessert is what you need for a backyard 4th of July party, and this no bake mango cheesecake fits the bill. Easy to blend in the food processor so it's super smooth.
Blueberry Galette
You'll have the blue part of the red, white and blue covered with this easy blueberry galette recipe with that ooey-gooey filling everyone loves.
Mixed Berry Cake
Could a 4th of July dessert recipe be more festive and fun? Strawberries and blueberries get jammy on top of a lemony cake made with yogurt in the batter. Nothing better!
Apple Crisp
Who doesn't love apple crisp? No one, that's who. This crumbly topping is made with oats and just the right amount of sugar for crispy, crunchy happiness.
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookies are always a hit when it comes to 4th of July desserts, and our gluten-free friends can enjoy this. I'll tell you a secret—they're so good that no one will be able to tell the difference.
Strawberry Galette
This strawberry galette has a jammy filling that will make you swoon. The pie crust is no fuss and easy to work with, and it bakes in 30 minutes.
Plum Upside Down Cake
Stone fruit is one of the best things about summer, so let's caramelize them on top of a cake! Spread butter and brown sugar on the bottom of a cast iron pan and the fruit caramelizes while it bakes, no make-ahead caramel nail biting here.
Peach Crumble
This peach crumble has to be one of the simplest desserts ever, just mix softened butter with sugar and spices, crumble over sliced fruit and you're done!
Dark Chocolate Brownies
Brownies for dessert are always a fun recipe on the 4th of July! Melted chocolate is the secret to the fudgy texture of these beauties.
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are made with almond flour and LOADED with peanut butter. Almond flour can take more heat, so they don't scorch on the bottom the way "regular" peanut butter cookies do.
Apple Galette
You know what they say about hot dogs and apple pie on the fourth of July. Well this isn't pie, it's way easier! The flaky crust will blow your mind!
4th of July appetizers
It's not a 4th of July party without appetizers, and these recipe ideas have got you covered with all the dips and nibbles to keep guests entertained until the main event.
Dill Pickle Dip
Everyone loves pickles so let's put them in a creamy dip. You can literally make this in 5 minutes!
Elote Dip
Take all the flavors of Mexican street corn and put them in a bowl! Cold and creamy, made with mayo and sour cream, and just the right amount of fresh lime juice.
Avocado Crema
Take your 4th of July appetizers to the next level with this avocado crema recipe. You won't be able to stop dipping your chips!
Blistered Shishito Peppers
Blistered shishito peppers have a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilling. This is an unexpected appetizer recipe that will change the way you think about how to start 4th of July meals!
Mango Avocado Salsa
Why have the same old salsa as a 4th of July appetizer when you can have mango avocado salsa? Sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice!
Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is one of the tastiest ideas for 4th of July appetizer recipes, but it can also be a topping for all those burgers and hot dogs! Double duty!
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
This creamy roasted red pepper dip is made with store-bought peppers in the jar and zipped in the food processor. It's completely effortless and very flavorful!
Tomatillo Salsa
Impress all of your friends with a made from scratch salsa with fresh Mexican flavors. You may never want store-bought salsa again!
Salad recipes
Some say that the salad is the lowliest assignment of all 4th of July food recipes. Why not change their mind with some of these fun and unique ideas!
Zucchini Salad
This easy zucchini salad recipe combines a tangy lemon-caper vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and pecorino romano cheese to bring a taste of Italy to your backyard.
Nectarine & Tomato Salad
What a combo! Sweet nectarines and ripe tomatoes release their juices to create the tastiest dressing, and the fresh herbs take the flavors over the top!
Garbanzo Bean Salad
Bring the flavors of Greece and the Mediterranean to the 4th of July bash with this Garbanzo bean salad. Lemony vinaigrette and crumbled feta will make everyone come running!
Sweet Corn Salad
This sweet corn salad takes a favorite 4th of July food to another level. No need to cook the corn, just cut it right off the cob and toss in a lime dressing.
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Strawberry Arugula Salad
If you're looking for recipe ideas for strawberries that aren't dessert, I've got the best one right here. Use basil and mint like lettuce, and let those strawberry juices run all over everything!
Green Bean Salad
Lightly blanched green beens, blistered peppers, capers and garlic all combine with loads of herbs for a flavor bomb of a salad. It will surely win a prize for one of the best 4th of July recipes ever!
Snap Pea Salad
Slice sugar snap peas on a bias so those sweet little peas inside come spilling out. Add crunchy radishes and lemon yogurt and it's like summer on a plate!
Grilling and Mains for 4th of July Meals
Although grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook your food on the 4th of July, there are loads of other choices! Let's keep it summer, keep it quick, and keep it easy!
Low Country Boil
My family loves a low country boil when we go to the beach in the summer. It's quick, it feeds a crowd, and you just throw it all on the table and eat with your hands—no dishes!!
Beer Brats
What's better for a cookout than beer brats? Simmer the brats in beer right on the grill, then transfer them to the grates for the perfect sear. No grill? You can also make these on the stovetop!
Grilled Lemongrass Short Ribs
Marinate flanken cut short ribs in a spicy lemongrass-chili paste, then they cook FAST on the grill! It's an unexpected 4th of July meal that will please everyone!
Tequila Lime Shrimp
No need to stand over a hot grill! These shrimp cook in just a few minutes in a tequila butter (you heard me) to make a satisfying summer dinner.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce
Celebrate America the South American way, with a spicy, vinegary chimichurri sauce over grilled pork tenderloin. This recipe is of my favorite easy 4th of July meals!
Baja Shrimp Tacos
Everyone loves tacos all the time, so why not on the fourth of July? These Baja shirmp tacos cook fast, and you can set up a toppings bar so everyone gets exactly what they want!
Mussels in White Wine
Mussels are so easy to cook at home and they are exponentially cheaper if you do so! White wine and shallots make an excellent broth, you'll want some bread to sop it all up!
Grilled Turkey Burgers
Burgers are one of the most popular 4th of July foods, and this turkey burgers recipe will not disappoint. They stay moist and delicious from cooked onions and garlic mixed into the patties.
Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches
Vegetarian or not, your party guests will love these open-faced grilled eggplant sandwiches, topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and basil, and a balsamic glaze.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Let the slow cooker do the work! Coat pork shoulder in a flavorful rub, then slow cook overnight. Perfect for sandwiches or serve on its own. How's that for an idea for 4th of July recipes?
Grilled Steak Sandwich
Flank steak cooks fast on the grill, then turn it into Italian-inspired sandwiches with grilled radicchio, roasted red peppers, and balsamic vinegar.
4th of July Side Dish Recipes
These side dishes for the 4th of July showcase the best summer produce in easy recipes so your party prep is a breeze.
Corn Succotash
Succotash is always a crowd pleaser on a 4th of July menu, making the most of the best summer vegetables. It cooks in minutes, and you can swap out veggies and herbs according to what you have on hand.
Mango Slaw
Change up that same old 4th of July side dish recipe with this fun mango slaw! Sweet mango, crunchy cabbage, and a mix of lime, fresh ginger, honey and herbs take the flavors over the top!
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Just 6 ingredients, and the creamiest cucumber salad you've ever had! It's the perfect thing to cool you down on a hot summer day.
Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese
Roast beets in the oven, then toss them in an orange vinaigrette while still warm so they soak up all that flavor. Top with goat cheese and herbs and it will be the prettiest side dish on the 4th of July table!
Sautéed Beet Greens
Don't throw out those beet greens! Cook them up quickly for a vegan and vegetarian side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecue.
Dill Potato Salad
Is it even the 4th of July if you don't have potato salad on the menu? This one is super creamy and only has 5 ingredients! Easy peasy!
4th of July Drink Recipes
Ideas abound for cocktails on the 4th of July, and these recipes let you explore beyond the typical choices. Have fun with the drinks, it's summer!
Mango Margarita
Let's cool down with a frozen drink! Using frozen mango means these stay cold without a lot of ice so you get the full mango flavor you love!
Mezcal Negroni
Take your favorite cocktail (well, MY favorite anyway) and swap the gin for mezcal to complement the smoky flavor of your 4th of July grilling.
Campari and Soda
A Campari and soda is the perfect 4th of July cocktail recipe because it's low in alcohol and perfect for all-day sipping at a barbecue.
Dirty Shirley Temple Cocktails
Your fave childhood "cocktail" is all grown up and the perfect color to celebrate the holiday. Just add vodka or your favorite clear liquor and enjoy the giggles and nostalgia.
Negroni Sbagliato
Who says you can't enjoy some bubbles in your cocktail on the 4th of July? Add prosecco instead of the gin to a Negroni and you're good to go.
Mezcal Margaritas
Everyone loves a margarita on a hot summer day, but give them a smoky twist by using mezcal instead of tequila.
Old Cuban Cocktail
There's nothing like an Old Cuban to refresh you when the temperatures rise. The perfect balance of rum, sparkling wine, lime juice and fresh mint!
Rosita Cocktail
A rosita cocktail expands on a Negroni variation, using tequila instead of gin AND adding dry vermouth on top of the sweet. It's well balanced and a yummy summer sipper!
Strawberry Basil Cocktail
Make a strawberry-basil simple syrup, then add sparkling wine and you've got a beautiful party cocktail recipe to salute the 4th of July!
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