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If you’re hosting a 4th of July BBQ, we have you covered for all the best 4th of July recipes – main dishes, sides, desserts, and drinks!

A collage of 4th of July recipes.

We Love a Cookout!

We love hosting a backyard party to celebrate America on the 4th of July, with lots of water activities to cool us down!

We prefer to provide the main dish when we host, and love it when guests bring sides and desserts. When we are guests, we bring dishes that are easy to transport, serve without much fuss, and will feed 12-15 people, like our Macaroni Salad or Homemade Potato Salad.

Stick to a classic recipe like Ranch Burgers on the grill or make some finger-licking barbecue Baby Back Ribs. With a wide range of main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the 4th of July celebration.


Our Top Ten 4th of July Recipes

1 Pulled Pork Recipe

Pulled Pork Recipe
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

This deliciously easy pulled pork recipe is made in the slow cooker and takes just minutes to prep making it a go-to dinner idea!
4.98 from 47 votes
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2 Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken
Total Time: 1 day 21 minutes

Recipe Video

Grilled Huli Huli chicken is juicy, smoky, and glazed with a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-style marinade! Serve it alone or on rice or noodles.
5 from 75 votes
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3 Best Hamburger Recipe

Best Hamburger Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This is the BEST Hamburger recipe for grilling up a juicy American classic. You'll have a perfect burger every time!
5 from 37 votes

4 Steak Marinade

Steak Marinade
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Our all-time favorite steak marinade requires only four ingredients and makes mouth-watering steak that tastes amazing!
4.97 from 82 votes
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5 How to Make Baby Back Ribs

How to Make Baby Back Ribs
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Recipe Video

Learn how to cook baby back ribs! Slathered in both a dry rub and sauce for a flavor explosion, they are tender and utterly delicious.
5 from 20 votes
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6 Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe
Total Time: 1 day 20 minutes
Marinated Teriyaki Chicken Burgers are quick, easy and full of sweet, tangy flavor! Grilled pineapple make these burgers perfection.
5 from 20 votes
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7 Crock Pot Hot Dogs

Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Total Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
Hot dogs in the crock pot is the easiest way to feed the masses and keep your hot dogs warm and juicy for hours.
5 from 40 votes
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8 Kalua Pork Recipe

Kalua Pork Recipe
Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Our 3-ingredient homemade Kalua pork recipe is tender, smoky, and slow-cooked to Hawaiian-style perfection!
5 from 81 votes
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9 Steak Kabobs

Steak Kabobs
Total Time: 8 hours 27 minutes

Recipe Video

Easily grill up perfectly tender and flavorful steak kabobs packed with your favorite veggies all summer long!
5 from 7 votes
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10 Ranch Burger Recipe

Ranch Burger Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
These are the BEST homemade hamburgers!! This cheesy Ranch Burger is complete with the most delicious secret sauce!
4.96 from 48 votes
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More 4th of July Recipes

11 Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe

Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Pork ribs cooked in Dr. Pepper, grilled to perfection, and smothered in BBQ Sauce. These Dr. Pepper ribs are fall off the bone delicious!
4.91 from 31 votes
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12 Hawaiian Haystacks

Hawaiian Haystacks
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Totally customizable Hawaiian haystacks are a pile of fluffy rice stacked with chicken, gravy, and all your favorite toppings!
5 from 16 votes
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13 Carnitas Recipe

Carnitas Recipe
Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

This carnitas recipe takes minutes to prep and is great in tacos, bean burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and more!
5 from 8 votes
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14 Chicken Kabobs

Chicken Kabobs
Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
Mouth-watering chicken kabobs are loaded with veggies for the ultimate sweet and savory grilled summer dish.
5 from 10 votes
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15 Best Chicken Marinade

Best Chicken Marinade
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

This best chicken marinade is the perfect way to flavor chicken before grilling or cooking. It makes the meat juicy, tender, and so good!
5 from 15 votes
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16 Fajita Recipe

Fajita Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Make those sizzling restaurant fajitas at home! It may seem intimidating, but this fajita recipe couldn't get any easier.
5 from 17 votes
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17 Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Loaded with juicy grilled pineapple, red onion and crisp lettuce, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken sandwich is perfect for summer entertaining!
5 from 6 votes
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18 Carne Asada Recipe

Carne Asada Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Make an authentic carne asada recipe right at home! Easily create perfect Mexican-flavored meat to add to tacos, burritos, and more.
5 from 11 votes
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19 Cilantro Lime Chicken

Cilantro Lime Chicken
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

Cilantro lime chicken is marinated with fresh lime and herbs, bursting with zesty flavor for an easy weeknight meal.
5 from 16 votes
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20 Crock Pot Ribs

Crock Pot Ribs
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Juicy BBQ crock pot ribs are fall off the bone delicious with minimal work. Great for a small family, big family, or cooking for a crowd!
5 from 19 votes
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21 Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Our Cafe Rio sweet pork recipe tastes just like the restaurant version. With quick prep and sweet and savory flavor, it's a favorite copycat!
5 from 25 votes
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22 Turkey Burger Recipe

Turkey Burger Recipe
Total Time: 13 minutes

Recipe Video

This lean & juicy turkey burger recipe is packed with flavor but light on calories. They are a perfectly delicious addition to your next BBQ!
5 from 18 votes
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23 Burgers in the Oven

Burgers in the Oven
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Bake burgers in the oven for a quick-prep, easy grilling alternative that is just as juicy and packed with flavor!
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24 Country Style Pork Ribs Recipe

Country Style Pork Ribs Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Recipe Video

Tender + delicious country style pork ribs are finger-licking good! They are perfect for a BBQ, or any night of the week.
5 from 16 votes
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25 Flat Iron Steak Recipe

Flat Iron Steak Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
This flat iron steak recipe is marinated and grilled for a sweet and savory flavor explosion and a perfectly tender steak. 
5 from 1 vote
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26 Steak Taco Recipe

Steak Taco Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

This steak taco recipe is marinated to perfection and bursting with fresh flavor! They're quick and easy for a perfect weeknight dinner.
5 from 10 votes
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27 Carne Asada Street Tacos

Carne Asada Street Tacos
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Recipe Video

Carne asada street tacos are juicy grilled steak loaded in tortillas with all of your favorite toppings – customizable and delicious!
5 from 6 votes
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28 How to Boil Hot Dogs

How to Boil Hot Dogs
Total Time: 5 minutes
Learn how to boil hot dogs for the fastest and easiest way to cook for a crowd or for your family dinner. You will love it!
5 from 17 votes
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29 Chicken Souvlaki Recipe

Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Total Time: 41 minutes
Chicken Souvlaki is a savory kabob infused with Greek flavors. With marinated chicken, onions, and peppers, it's hearty and delicious.
5 from 12 votes
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30 Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe

Cafe Rio Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken – a simple and delicious chicken recipe that is perfect for salads, burritos, quesadillas and tacos!
5 from 114 votes
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31 How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe

How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

Boiling corn on the cob is a cinch! You will love this juicy corn on the cob to put on the side of any summer meal.
5 from 10 votes
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32 Corn Salad

Corn Salad
Total Time: 12 minutes

Recipe Video

This vibrant corn salad is veggie-packed, lightly dressed for a fresh taste, and ready to brighten your plate in under 15 minutes!
4.99 from 87 votes
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33 Fruit Salad Recipe

Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This fruit salad recipe includes an array of colorful and healthy fruits, making it a delicious side dish for any meal.
5 from 52 votes
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34 Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy pasta salad with Italian dressing takes minutes to make. It's a classic side dish, perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any night of the week!
5 from 253 votes
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35 Baked Beans Recipe

Baked Beans Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy Homemade Baked Beans is a must-have at all of our BBQ's. Everyone who tries it agrees it's the best baked beans recipe!
4.98 from 41 votes
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36 Easy Coleslaw Recipe

Easy Coleslaw Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

This quick and Easy Coleslaw makes the perfect side dish for any picnic or BBQ. It takes just minutes to put this classic coleslaw recipe together, and it can easily be customized with the spices and flavors you love most.
5 from 26 votes
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37 How to Cut a Watermelon

How to Cut a Watermelon
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Is there anything better than a ripe juicy watermelon? Learn How to Cut a Watermelon into cubes, sticks, and triangles with our top tips!
5 from 25 votes
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38 Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Simple broccoli salad recipe delivers a hearty and satisfying crunch with a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients smothered in a creamy dressing.
4.98 from 82 votes
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39 Best Potato Salad Recipe

Best Potato Salad Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

Our family's famous best potato salad recipe is a simple, flavor-packed, and highly requested side dish, perfect for any party!
5 from 33 votes
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40 Fruit Kabobs

Fruit Kabobs
Total Time: 30 minutes
Our quick and colorful fruit kabobs are easy to customize, creating a healthy and delicious appetizer or side – perfect for every occasion!
5 from 15 votes
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41 Macaroni Salad With Ham Recipe

Macaroni Salad With Ham Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

A favorite for generations, our kid-approved macaroni salad with ham is a potluck winner made in only 20 minutes!
4.98 from 111 votes
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42 Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus
Total Time: 8 minutes
Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of parmesan cheese, grilled asparagus brings a touch of freshness to any dinner.
5 from 10 votes
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43 Pretzel Salad

Pretzel Salad
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Classic pretzel salad is the ultimate combination of sweet and salty – a chilled layered jello treat that's always a hit!
5 from 21 votes
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44 Homemade Salsa

Homemade Salsa
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Our homemade salsa recipe is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for chips, tacos, and all your favorite Mexican dishes!
5 from 114 votes
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45 How to Grill Corn on the Cob

How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Total Time: 17 minutes

Recipe Video

Unlock the secret to unbelievably delicious grilled corn with our super simple guide on how to grill corn on the cob!
5 from 7 votes
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46 4th of July Poke Cake Recipe

4th of July Poke Cake Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Cool, light, and refreshing 4th of July Poke Cake is great for summer holidays! It's sure to be a tasty hit.
5 from 32 votes
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47 Dirt Cake Recipe

Dirt Cake Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

This deliciously addictive dirt cake recipe preps in minutes for a cool, creamy, family-favorite treat perfect for Oreo lovers!
4.99 from 179 votes
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48 Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This easy strawberry shortcake takes just 20 minutes and 4 ingredients for a fresh, sweet treat everyone will love!
5 from 97 votes
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49 Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Fruit pizza is an all-time favorite that starts with a sugar cookie crust and is completely customizable with your favorite fruit.
5 from 22 votes
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50 Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Recipe Video

Fresh and creamy homemade vanilla ice cream is a simple four-ingredient dessert that is incredibly delicious!
5 from 19 votes
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51 Red White and Blue Cake

Red White and Blue Cake
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Make a spectacular red white and blue cake that's beautifully festive, delicious, and incredibly easy to put together!
5 from 16 votes
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52 4th of July Rice Krispies Treats

4th of July Rice Krispies Treats
Total Time: 10 minutes
Delicious, simple and quick 4th of July Rice Krispie Treats are always a hit, and are festive for any patriotic occasion.
5 from 16 votes
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53 Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Oreo Ice Cream Cake makes for the perfect no-bake dessert during warm summer months. Best of all, it only takes 5 simple ingredients!
5 from 250 votes
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54 American Flag Cake

American Flag Cake
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Recipe Video

Festive fruit-topped American Flag cake is a simple, light, and refreshing way to celebrate any patriotic holiday!
5 from 11 votes
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55 Triple Berry Pie

Triple Berry Pie
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Recipe Video

This easy-to-make fresh and fruity berry pie has a crumb topping for a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed all year round!
4.92 from 75 votes
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56 4th of July Cookies

4th of July Cookies
Total Time: 17 minutes
Chewy 4th of July cookies are studded with M&Ms to add a simple festive flair to your holiday celebrations!
5 from 16 votes
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57 Dessert Parfait Recipe

Dessert Parfait Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
A Dessert Parfait is a creamy combination of a delicious fluffy pudding and fresh fruit. They are simply heavenly!
5 from 18 votes
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58 Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Recipe

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Oreo studded Ice Cream Sandwich Cake is cool, creamy, and refreshingly delicious. It is perfect for hot summer days!!
5 from 68 votes
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59 Fruit Tart Recipe

Fruit Tart Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

This sweet, buttery Fruit Tart is perfect for spring and summer parties, holidays, or get-togethers. It's simple, yet beautiful!
5 from 27 votes
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60 Cherry Pie

Cherry Pie
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Classic cherry pie is simple and elegant, but it tastes amazing. With fresh berries and a flaky crust, it's perfect for any occasion!
5 from 16 votes
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61 Easy Peach Cobbler

Easy Peach Cobbler
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

This easy peach cobbler recipe takes 5 minutes to prep and is buttery and delicious. It is our FAVORITE peach dessert!
4.99 from 977 votes
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62 Blueberry Pie Recipe

Blueberry Pie Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Recipe Video

Fresh homemade blueberry pie is sweet, tart, and bursting with juicy berries. It's a favorite summer treat!
5 from 6 votes
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63 4th of July Punch Recipe

4th of July Punch Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
This layered Patriotic drink is pure magic! It's not difficult to make, all it takes is Hawaiian Punch, blue Gatorade, and sprite zero.
4.43 from 7 votes
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64 Ocean Water Recipe

Ocean Water Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Fizzy coconut Ocean Water is easy and refreshing! This copycat Sonic drink is perfect for parties or a hot, summer day.
4.94 from 46 votes
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65 Pink Punch Recipe

Pink Punch Recipe
Total Time: 3 minutes

Recipe Video

This incredibly easy, 3-ingredient vibrant pink punch is a fruity and delicious all-time favorite that you can whip up in minutes!
4.99 from 311 votes
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66 Watermelon Juice Recipe

Watermelon Juice Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes

Recipe Video

Delicious and refreshing watermelon juice is a favorite drink in the summertime! It takes minutes to make and is perfect for fruit lovers.
4.95 from 35 votes
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67 Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe

Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Delicious recipe for Sonic’s Cherry Limeade – tastes just like it! Ingredients include 7-Up, cherries, a lime, and maraschino syrup!
5 from 77 votes
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68 Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

Refreshing homemade lemonade is made with a simple syrup for the perfect sweet-to-tart ratio. It is perfect for warm summer days, or any day!
5 from 28 votes
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69 Shirley Temple Recipe

Shirley Temple Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
Our classic Shirley Temple recipe is a favorite non-alcoholic drink – sweet and vibrant red, perfect for any party and any age!
5 from 12 votes
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70 Homemade Root Beer

Homemade Root Beer
Total Time: 20 minutes
This do-it-yourself homemade root beer has the perfect touch of fizz and amazing flavor. It's party perfect!
5 from 3 votes
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71 Best Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Best Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
This best strawberry lemonade is a perfectly balanced blend of sweet strawberries and tart lemons guaranteed to brighten your day!
5 from 5 votes
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About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 Comments

  1. Sue says:

    Love the patriotic poke cake. It’s chilled and perfect for a hot July day.

  2. Shar says:

    I personally love the kalua pork recipe in this list! We’ve been having it yearly for our 4th of July celebration. And I’m excited to try the other recipes on the list.

  3. Olivia says:

    Great recipes for the 4th! Such a variety for the best tried and true recipes. You will enjoy them all!

  4. Sharina says:

    I will never run out of recipes with this list! Thanks Kristyn for these 4th of July recipes, such a big help!

  5. Olivia says:

    What a great list of recipes! Can’t wait to make some of these for my 4th of July party, thank you!!