Easy 4th of July Recipes for an old-fashioned holiday gathering. These are my tried and true favorites for summer cookouts and get togethers including appetizers, main dishes, sides, desserts and drinks! There's something to please everyone!
We always host a big 4th of July celebration and it's a guaranteed good time with delicious food, swimming, playing horse shoes and an epic fireworks show. I look forward to it all year long!
How to Host the Best 4th of July Party:
- Plan the menu in advance. Prepare the side dishes, condiments and desserts a day in advance.
- Plan to have drinks for both kids and adults.
- Don't go overboard with the decorations. Simple mason jars filled with sunflowers and patriotic pinwheels will add a festive vibe without breaking the bank.
- Don't be afraid to let your guests pitch in with their favorite potluck dish, bags of ice, paper plates, napkins or drinks.
- Have guests bring extra lawn chairs so everyone has a comfortable seat for the fireworks show.
These are my tried and true recipes that are perfect for any size get together with some make ahead recipes too.
Easy 4th of July Recipes
Make these easy appetizers, main dishes, sides, desserts and drinks for your next 4th of July Cookout or any summer get together!
EASY 4TH OF JULY APPETIZERS
The classic spinach dip that everyone loves! I make this for every holiday and get together. It's cool and creamy and full of delicious flavors. Serve it with veggies, crackers or chips.
Is it still a party without deviled eggs? I would say no. Deviled eggs are easy to make ahead and this simple recipe is a real crowd pleaser.
My great aunt Carolyn's famous salsa! It's the very best salsa that I've ever tried. It's one of those things that once you bring it out, it's instantly gone. A tried and true family favorite.
Take your appetizer game to the next level with these delicious jalapeno poppers! Stuffed with smoked brisket and bacon, it is impossible to go wrong here.
EASY 4TH OF JULY MAIN DISHES
Smoked chicken is one of my favorites to feed a crowd. A simple brine makes all the difference in creating a tender and juicy chicken. It's so simple to smoke chicken on your backyard grill and it's always a hit with the whole family.
Jumbo shrimp are deep fried to crispy perfection. Made with a buttermilk and Old Bay seasoned flour for the most delicious fried shrimp you'll ever try!
This chicken gets rave reviews every single time. A simple Coca-Cola glaze can be made ahead of time and chicken tenders grill up super fast. Great for any cookout!
Tender and delicious smoky ribs with a tasty dry rub. Great for any summer cookout.
With our tried and true method, you can make the best smoked brisket right in your own backyard. It turns out flavorful, tender and juicy and takes very little effort!
Sweet and spicy ribs are always a crowd favorite. With this method the ribs are sliced before grilling. A flavorful dry rub and tasty homemade sauce make them a tried and true winner.
BEST 4th OF JULY BURGERS
Epic burgers are a must have for summer cookouts. This simple ground beef burger is barbecued and topped with crispy onion strings. It's so good y'all!
Imagine a barbecue burger topped with delicious Frito Chili Pie! What could be better? This epic burger is a guaranteed hit with the crowd.
Bacon Mozzarella Burgers are an epic burger for next cookout or perfect as a quick and easy weeknight dinner on the grill. This tasty burger has loads of cheese mixed right in and is no ordinary hamburger!
Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect dinner for busy weeknights or great for weekend cookouts and get togethers with friends. No one can resist these mini grilled cheeseburgers that are served up on homemade rolls and topped with the most amazing burger sauce!
These burgers are made with ground beef brisket for an epic backyard grilled burger. The flavor and texture is beyond delicious. A must- try for burger fanatics.
Our delicious mustard barbecue sauce is blended into the ground beef for a unique and delicious burger like you've never tried. Topped with crispy onions strings and your favorite toppings.
The ultimate grilled burger! Seasoned with our signature rub and coated in homemade barbecue sauce. We take this burger to the next level of deliciousness by topping it with bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers! it doesn't get any better than this!
EASY 4TH OF JULY HOT DOGS AND BRATS
A delicious hot dog bar with grilled hot dogs and sausages. Classic toppings like mustard and relish along with some creative ideas like pineapple and candied jalapenos.
The best hot dogs ever topped with homemade coleslaw and crispy bacon. A favorite for hot dog fans.
Delicious grilled hot dogs topped with a flavorful and delicious homemade chili. An irresistible classic that everyone loves.
Beer brats grilled to perfection, topped with mushrooms, onions and bacon.
EASY 4th OF JULY SIDE DISHES
Potato salad is always a hit for barbecues and cookouts. This version is made with red potatoes and dressed with a simple and delicious creamy dill dressing. It goes great with burgers, hot dogs, ribs and everything on the grill.
The classic potato casserole dish that goes with every meal. A potluck favorite and a guaranteed hit for summer cookouts. Made completely from scratch with no can soups.
Our favorite for every family get together. This pasta salad has a sweet creamy dressing and is loaded with crisp vegetables and plenty of cheese.
Classic coleslaw is a must- have for barbecues and summer cookouts.
A quick and easy version of the classic elotes. Made in a skillet and can even be made with frozen corn. This is one of my most requested recipes and always a hit!
Cool and crisp cucumbers with red onions in a sweet and tangy dressing. A fantastic make ahead side dish that is a classic for summer!
Sweet corn on the cob cooked in a foil packet with a delicious garlic butter on the grill. Quick, easy and delicious!!
Creamy homemade mac and cheese with crispy bacon gets smoky and delicious on the grill. This grown up mac and cheese is always a hit.
Foil packet corn with a delicious ranch flavored butter that is grilled and then topped with crispy bacon.
BEST 4TH OF JULY DESSERTS
A fun red, white and blue dessert perfect for celebrating summer! Light and fluffy angel food cake layered with no bake cheesecake, strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream! Served up in individual portions perfect for cookouts.
My grandma's strawberry pie for a crowd. This is my #1 favorite summer dessert and one of my most requested dessert recipes. Easy to make ahead and always delicious.
The classic peach cobbler that tastes just like grandmas! Top it with vanilla ice cream for an epic dessert. Can be made with fresh, canned or frozen peaches.
This rich and buttery pound cake is a delightful addition to any summer picnic or barbecue. Serve it up with whipped cream and berries for a patriotic presentation,
Easier than apple pie and just as delicious with a crispy oat and brown sugar topping. Great served with vanilla ice cream.
A viral dessert recipe that is so simple to make. Bite sized apple pie desserts with a cinnamon and sugar coating. Made easily in the air fryer or oven.
Homemade banana pudding from scratch served up in individual servings for a delectable summertime dessert.
Just for the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup fans. This rich and delicious dessert can be made ahead of time and only takes about 10 minutes!
BEST DRINKS FOR 4TH OF JULY
3 layers of delicious daiquiris! Strawberry daiquiri, lime daiquiri and blue coconut daiquiri for the most patriotic cocktail, ever!
My classic strawberry daiquiri that is so simple to make. Bursting with strawberry flavor.
The favorite party punch for any occasion. Just a few ingredients and so easy to make.
Cool and refreshing for with summer peach flavor. Simple to make and easy to sip!
My all- time favorite large batch cocktail for parties. Sweet and tangy pineapple and orange flavors for a refreshing summer drink.
Sweet and fruity pineapple mixed with moscato wine for a crowd favorite. Make this by the pitcher for an easy party drink.
My favorite 3 ingredient punch that the kids and adults love. Made with Hawaiian fruit punch.
The easiest red, white and blue drink for kids and adults! Freeze watermelon balls for ice cubes and garnish with blueberries for a patriotic beverage that everyone will love!
Pineapple lemonade is so refreshing and delicious. One of my most popular party recipes and it's so simple to make with just 3 ingredients. Great for everyone!
A frozen summer drink inspired by the Chik-Fil-A classic frozen lemonade. A favorite for kids and adults.
Gina Ceraso
Fantastic collection! You have inspired me!