53 Fourth of July Recipes for a Fun-Filled Independence Day
The best Fourth of July recipes are easy and fuss-free but still festive: mains on the grill, crunchy slaw, gorgeous produce, and playful desserts. If you haven’t started picking your midsummer holiday recipes just yet, don’t worry. Most of these crowd-pleasing dishes are simple enough to throw together at the last minute. Below you’ll find our go-to ribs, flavorful grilled chicken, vegetarian options, summery sides, appetizers that’ll get the party going while you’re tied to the grill, and more—including retro red-white-and-blue cakes and summer drinks to keep you refreshed. So stock up on charcoal and invite a few more neighbors to stop by; there are plenty of Fourth of July food ideas here to go around.
Looking for sweets? Head this way for our favorite Fourth of July desserts →
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton1/53Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Asparagus With Mustard-Herb Sauce
A sauce of Dijon mustard and fresh parsley brings new life to grilled pork tenderloin. Throw some asparagus on the fire, and this singular Fourth of July recipe becomes the whole meal. However, we do recommend closing out the feast with a crackly hot water peach cobbler.
Photo by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Yekaterina Boystova3/53Baked Salmon With Lemon and Thyme
Just because you don’t have a grill doesn’t mean you can’t get into the summer fun. This fish dish cooks on low heat in the oven (so it won’t heat up your kitchen too much), and it’s just as delicious as any all-American cookout staple. Serve it with a crisp cucumber salad.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton4/53Frozen Watermelon Margarita
Nothing beats standing at the grill, flipping burgers and hot dogs while sipping a frozen watermelon margarita at a family backyard BBQ—except, perhaps, sipping a mango margarita instead.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson5/53Classic Seafood Boil With Lemon-Butter
Photo by Kim Sentner6/53Red, White, and Berry Fourth of July Cake
If you’re feeling extra, and have a bunch of berries on hand, wrap your July Fourth celebration with this red-and-white-striped cake coated in cream cheese frosting. Or take the retro vibes even further with a chocolate flag cake. Want something less obvious? Go for this cheesecake that sports a raspberry starburst, or check out our other Fourth of July desserts.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton7/53Black-Eyed Pea Burgers With Creamy Barbecue Sauce and Chowchow
These creamy black-eyed pea patties can be prepped and frozen weeks in advance so that you always have a veggie burger at the ready. Serve with a doctored-up barbecue sauce and homemade chowchow made with cabbage, green tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert8/53Creamy Coleslaw
Not sure what to serve alongside your chicken kebabs and turkey burgers? This classic slaw is a reader favorite and a go-to BBQ side dish. Every bite is crunchy, cool, and refreshing.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Susan Kim9/53Corn on the Cob
Boil a big pot of corn and then set out softened butter or homemade mayonnaise to slather all over the cobs along with your favorite savory spice mixes for extra flavor.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne10/53Piña Colada
With its winning combination of coconut, pineapple, and rum, this quintessential summer cocktail is creamy, just sweet enough, and utterly refreshing.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Erika Joyce11/53Juiciest Grilled Chicken Breast With Citrus Marinade
