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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!

More Collections: 4th of July Appetizers, 4th of July Desserts, 4th of July Side Dishes

A collage of 4th of July recipes.
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We Love a cookout!

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

I prefer to provide the main dish when I host and love it when guests bring sides and desserts.

Why we love these ideas:

  • We have it all. 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.
  • Grilling tips. The post also provides valuable grilling tips for those hosting a BBQ, ensuring your main dishes are cooked to perfection!
  • For hosting or attending. When I am the guest, I 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.
A ranch burger on a plate with strawberries and grapes on the side.

Tips for hosting a 4th of July BBQ

As always, we suggest making assignments so you don’t have to make EVERYTHING. Most are willing to help out with the food.

  • Grill meats, fruits, and veggies. The char marks add a unique grilled flavor.
  • Utilize the crock pot. You can still get delicious main dishes and side dishes without spending time in an oven-hot kitchen. 
  • Keeping food cool outside. Put the food table in the shade, don’t put everything out at once, put dishes on ice, and keep food covered.
  • Take the party outside and end the night with fireworks. 
Grilling bacon wrapped asparagus skewers on an outdoor grill.

Grilling tips

Whether you want to grill up a delicious piece of meat or add some extra flavor to your fruits and veggies, grilling lets you do both! 

  • Grill size. A larger grill allows you to adjust the temperature on different sections. 
  • Map it out. Create a chart that lays out what item will be grilled in what section, as well as how long each piece of meat or vegetable will need to cook. Don’t overlap the different types of food before or during grilling. 
  • Clean it. Clean the grates and apply a thin layer of oil to help keep food from sticking to the grill grates.
  • Prepping meat. Take the meat out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before grilling.
  • Flipping. Flip it once. By doing so you allow each side to heat up enough to start forming a nice caramelized crust.
  • Sauce. Allow your meat to cook almost completely before coating it with the sauce.
  • Let it rest. Allow meat to rest for a few minutes before cutting.
  • Grilling vegetables and fruit takes a fraction of the time as the meat. Since meat needs to rest once it is done cooking, this is a perfect time to reduce the heat and grill up your veggies. Lay your vegetables across the grates so they don’t fall through, or use a Grilling Basket
  • Safety. Have a box of baking soda on hand in case of a grill fire.

Favorite 4th of July Recipes

Use any of our favorites to plan your Independence Day menu. All are crowd-pleasers that will be a hit for celebrating America’s birthday!

1 Pulled Pork Recipe

Main Course Pulled Pork Recipe
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 46 votes
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2 Huli Huli Chicken

Main Course Huli Huli Chicken
Total Time: 1 day 21 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 75 votes
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3 Best Hamburger Recipe

Main Course Best Hamburger Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 37 votes

4 Steak Marinade

Main Course Steak Marinade
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 82 votes
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5 How to Make Baby Back Ribs

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

Recipe Video

5 from 20 votes
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6 Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe

Main Course Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe
Total Time: 1 day 20 minutes
5 from 20 votes
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7 Hot Dogs in Crock Pot

Main Course Hot Dogs in Crock Pot
Total Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
5 from 40 votes
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8 Kalua Pork Recipe

Main Course Kalua Pork Recipe
Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 81 votes
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9 Steak Kabobs

Main Course Steak Kabobs
Total Time: 8 hours 27 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 7 votes
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10 Ranch Burger Recipe

Main Course Ranch Burger Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.96 from 48 votes
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More Fourth of July Recipes

Stick to a classic recipe like Ranch Burgers on the grill or make some finger-licking barbecue Baby Back Ribs.

11 Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe

Main Course Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
4.91 from 31 votes
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12 Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe

Main Course Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 16 votes
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13 Carnitas Recipe

Main Course Carnitas Recipe
Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 8 votes
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14 Chicken Kabobs

Main Course Chicken Kabobs
Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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15 Sloppy Joe Recipe

Main Course Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 20 votes
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16 Best Chicken Marinade

Main Course Best Chicken Marinade
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 15 votes
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17 Fajita Recipe

Main Course Fajita Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 17 votes
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18 Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Main Course Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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19 Carne Asada Recipe

Main Course Carne Asada Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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20 Cilantro Lime Chicken

Main Course Cilantro Lime Chicken
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 16 votes
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21 Barbecue Meatballs Recipe

Main Course Barbecue Meatballs Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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22 Crock Pot Ribs Recipe

Main Course Crock Pot Ribs Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
5 from 19 votes
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Sides + Salads

Be sure to include plenty of sides to pair with the star of your party. Stick to chips and dips, or try any of our scrumptious recommendations. Seasonal produce like fresh berries and Watermelon salad are always a welcome addition!

23 How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe

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

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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24 Summer Corn Salad Recipe

Salad Summer Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 87 votes
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25 Fruit Salad Recipe

Side Dish Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 52 votes
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26 Pasta Salad Recipe

Side Dish Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 251 votes
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27 Baked Beans Recipe

Side Dish Baked Beans Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 41 votes
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28 Easy Coleslaw Recipe

Side Dish Easy Coleslaw Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 25 votes
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29 How to Cut a Watermelon

Side Dish How to Cut a Watermelon
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 25 votes
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30 Broccoli Salad Recipe

Salad Broccoli Salad Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 82 votes
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31 Jiffy Corn Pudding

Side Dish Jiffy Corn Pudding
Total Time: 1 hour

Recipe Video

5 from 96 votes
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32 Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Salad Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 10 votes
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33 Snickers Salad

Dessert Snickers Salad
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 294 votes
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34 Fruit Kabobs

Side Dish Fruit Kabobs
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 15 votes
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35 Macaroni Salad

Salad, Side Dish Macaroni Salad
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 111 votes
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36 Grilled Asparagus

Side Dish Grilled Asparagus
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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37 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
5 from 8 votes
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38 7 Layer Salad Recipe

Salad, Side Dish 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 20 votes
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39 Pretzel Salad

Dessert Pretzel Salad
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 21 votes
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40 Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 113 votes
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41 Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe

Salad Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

4.96 from 22 votes
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42 Corn on the Cob on the Grill

Side Dish Corn on the Cob on the Grill
Total Time: 17 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 7 votes
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Desserts + Drinks

What celebration would be complete without a few holiday desserts and refreshing drinks as the cherry on top of your festivities?

43 4th of July Poke Cake Recipe

Dessert 4th of July Poke Cake Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
5 from 32 votes
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44 Dirt Cake Recipe

Dessert Dirt Cake Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 179 votes
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45 Cream Puff Cake Recipe

Dessert Cream Puff Cake Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 155 votes
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46 Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Dessert Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 97 votes
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47 Fruit Pizza

Dessert Fruit Pizza
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 22 votes
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48 Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Dessert Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 19 votes
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49 Chocolate Lasagna

Dessert Chocolate Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 7 votes
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50 Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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

Recipe Video

5 from 245 votes
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51 Banana Pudding Cake Recipe

Dessert Banana Pudding Cake Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 90 votes
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52 Triple Berry Pie

Dessert Triple Berry Pie
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Recipe Video

4.94 from 74 votes
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53 Patriotic Poke Cake

Dessert Patriotic Poke Cake
Total Time: 42 minutes

54 Red White and Blue Cake

Dessert Red White and Blue Cake
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
5 from 16 votes
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55 American Flag Cake

Dessert American Flag Cake
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 11 votes
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56 4th of July Rice Krispies Treats

Dessert 4th of July Rice Krispies Treats
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 16 votes
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57 4th of July Cookies

Dessert 4th of July Cookies
Total Time: 17 minutes
5 from 16 votes
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58 Dessert Parfait Recipe

Dessert Dessert Parfait Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
5 from 18 votes
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59 Dessert Kabobs Recipe

Dessert Dessert Kabobs Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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60 Lemon Lasagna Recipe

Dessert Lemon Lasagna Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 161 votes
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61 Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Recipe

Dessert Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Recipe
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
5 from 67 votes
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62 Fruit Tart Recipe

Dessert Fruit Tart Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 27 votes
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63 Cherry Pie Recipe

Dessert Cherry Pie Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
5 from 16 votes
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64 Peach Cobbler

Dessert Peach Cobbler
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 967 votes
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65 No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

slice of strawberry shortcake lasagna on white plate
Dessert No Bake Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
5 from 11 votes

66 Peach Dump Cake Recipe

Dessert Peach Dump Cake Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 493 votes
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67 Angel Food Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Dessert Angel Food Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 16 votes
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68 Lemon Bar Recipe

Dessert Lemon Bar Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 142 votes
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69 Key Lime Pie Bars

Dessert Key Lime Pie Bars
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
5 from 52 votes
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70 Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes Recipe

Dessert Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 52 votes
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71 Cheesecake Cupcakes

Dessert Cheesecake Cupcakes
Total Time: 56 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 55 votes
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72 Blueberry Pie Recipe

Dessert Blueberry Pie Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 6 votes
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73 4th of July Punch Recipe

Drinks 4th of July Punch Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.43 from 7 votes
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74 Ocean Water Recipe

Drinks Ocean Water Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.94 from 46 votes
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75 Pineapple Pink Lemonade Soda Recipe

Drinks Pineapple Pink Lemonade Soda Recipe
Total Time: 3 minutes

Recipe Video

4.99 from 309 votes
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76 Watermelon Juice Recipe

Drinks Watermelon Juice Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes

Recipe Video

4.95 from 35 votes
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77 Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe

Drinks Sonic Cherry Limeade Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 77 votes
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78 Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Drinks Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 28 votes
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79 Shirley Temple Recipe

Drinks Shirley Temple Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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80 Homemade Root Beer

Drinks Homemade Root Beer
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 3 votes
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81 Best Strawberry Lemonade

Drinks Best Strawberry Lemonade
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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A TWist on a Classic Burger

These are the BEST homemade hamburgers!! These cheesy Ranch Burgers are complete with the most delicious secret sauce!

This uncomplicated combination of cheddar cheese and ranch mix will make your burgers taste delicious!

Here is the recipe:

No ratings yet

80+ 4th of July Recipes

By: Lil’ Luna
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!
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

For Burger Patty

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
  • 1 package Hidden Valley ranch mix, or 3 tablespoons

For Secret Sauce

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup relish
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Other Topping Ideas

  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • onion slices
  • pickles
  • avocado
  • bacon

Instructions 

  • To form meat into patties, mix cheese and ranch with hamburger meat, use hands to flatten and shape. Grill to your liking.
  • With a whisk, combine all sauce ingredients and mix well.
  • For a fantastic restaurant-style burger, top with this delicious sauce, and your favorite toppings!

Nutrition

Calories: 725kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 63g, Saturated Fat: 19g, Cholesterol: 127mg, Sodium: 922mg, Potassium: 461mg, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 415IU, Vitamin C: 1.7mg, Calcium: 237mg, Iron: 3.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


Fabulous 4TH Of July Recipes

Your holiday celebration is sure to be a booming success with so many delicious and easy 4th of July recipes to choose from! From main dishes and sides to desserts and drinks, let us know which recipes were a hit at your get-together!

More Collections: Summer Recipes, Memorial Day Recipes, Grilled Dinner Ideas

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Recipe Rating




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!!