These 35 recipes are my favorite for building the perfect cookout menu for the 4th of July. From refreshing beverages to the perfect grilled meats, to iconic desserts, this list of recipes will have you fully prepared for the perfect BBQ party.
Oh my goodness, y'all. The dog days of summer has arrived. I know I say it every time but...this year is going by so fast and the parties are in full swing!
So if you need some inspiration for the best 4th of July side dishes, grilled goodness, and more, I have them for you right here.
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Tips for a Fabulous 4th of July Cookout
Grocery Shop on the Weekdays Ahead of Time
Go grocery shopping on the days no one else will be. The fourth is on a Tuesday this year, so my suggestion is head out the Tuesday-Thursday prior.
I just know Costco, the fireworks shop, and the local grocery stores will be absolutely packed that weekend, then lay ransacked and empty on Monday, July 3rd.
Don't get stuck in there, go early and get what you need before the rush comes through.
Plan Make Ahead Recipes in your Menu
You don't want to be in the kitchen and at the grill through the entire party, right?
Make some or even most of the dishes days before hand, then reheat or serve chilled!
Quite a few dishes and drinks on this list can be made ahead, read their posts to learn more info.
Keep Things Outdoor Friendly
This isn't the time to bring out a glass pitcher for the cocktails or try to serve margaritas and martinis in their respective glasses.
And this isn't the time to let the dang gnats get the food either!
Cover the dishes with mesh cloches to keep the gnats away and buy plastic cups for cocktails that are different from the cups used for regular beverages so no one gets them confused.
Also, paper plates. Did I mention that? Who wants to do dishes after a party?!
Delegate, delegate, delegate!
Don't be the only person making food or putting the whole party together.
Source out another grill (and its grillmaster) to help cook up those ribs or make the brisket and bring it on over the day of.
Those who throw down in the kitchen can bring sides and non-grilling mains.
Have others bring coolers of ice and sodas, appetizers and summery charcuterie boards, games, and paper goods.
Team effort makes for the best cookouts.
Keep the Kids Busy
Don't let the kids go sit in a corner with their phones all bored.
Confiscate those things and have stuff for them to do...and that they have plenty to snack on.
The kids will love having a sprinkler, a blow up kiddie pool and slip and slide, a bubble machine (because what kid doesn't love that?), or some water balloons (these water balloons fill up over a hundred in less than a minute!).
They'll also appreciate a room to nap in, so have a room available that can hold a portable playpen for those babies to sleep in when they exhaust themselves.
And keep your teens entertained by getting them up and doing something together!
Have a dominoes game, giant Jenga (everyone loves this), a cornhole tournament, or family-friendly multiplayer video games like Mario Kart, Kirby, or Super Smash Bros.
Conclusion
What are some tips or tricks you have for the best summer cookouts? Let me know in the comments!
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📖 The Top 35 4th of July Recipes
35 Best 4th of July Cookout Recipes
In the dog days of summer, we are living the life at BBQs, picnics, and cookouts! Whether you are hosting or bringing something to the event, here are 35 of my favorite cookout ready recipes. Happy cooking and baking!
Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes
Keep the crowd refreshed and their glasses full with these delicious drink recipes that everyone from big mama to the babies can enjoy.
My chick-fil-a watermelon mint lemonade copycat recipe is the perfect combination of sweet watermelon and tangy lemons. It's one of my favorite summer drinks!
This 5-minute mango milkshake, or Mango Mastani, with fresh mangoes and royal ingredients such as saffron and rosewater is absolute luxury. It's the perfect fruity drink for hot summer days.
Fresh peach lemonade is a refreshingly sweet and tangy beverage made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade peach syrup.
This pineapple agua fresca recipe is the best way to cool down on the 4th of July. Blend up sweet pineapple with water and sugar, garnish with lime slices, and you have a pitcher of agua de piña perfect for your summertime family gatherings.
This raspberry margarita mocktail is a fruity non-alcoholic spin on the classic margarita that's as beautiful as it is refreshing!
Alcoholic Drinks
For the 21 and up crowd. Drink responsibly and don't mess with any fireworks!
Sparkling Tuscan Lemonade is a fresh and vibrant twist on a classic lemonade with the addition of a really easy lemon simple syrup with fresh thyme and rosemary. Perfect for summer afternoons by the pool or at the cookout!
Put down your margaritas and pick up this spicy Paloma! It's a simple, refreshing drink with a kick of jalapeno peppers and a great option for other tequila-based cocktails. Once you try it, I know this drink will be in regular rotation!
This refreshing Berry Sangria Granita is perfect for a hot summer day. Berries are sweetened and blended with red wine then frozen into an icy treat.
The AMF Drink is as boozy as it is beautiful. Think of it like a Long Island Iced Tea's prettier cousin.
Vodka Watermelon Cocktails are the perfect summer drink, and this recipe is ready for your next party! Tangy lime juice helps balance the sweet summer watermelon for the best flavor you could ask for from a summer cocktail.
These 4th of July Jello Shots are super festive with their red, white, and blue layers. Such a fun twist on the traditional jello shooter, but when you top them with whipped cream they taste like a fun dessert!
Cookout on the Grill
If you needed inspiration for your grill or smoker, we've got it.
This is the best home chef's guide to a perfect brisket on a pellet smoker. I break down everything you need to know to create a delicious brisket with a beautiful smoke ring and absolutely amazing flavor. Impress your friends and family with the juiciest, most tender smoked brisket they'll ever have in their life!
Rib Tips are a juicy, mouthwatering, finger-licking delicacy that every barbecue lover needs to try at least once!
There are few things that a perfectly grilled ribeye steak can't make better. It's what I'm craving all summer long anytime I smell people heating up their grills. It's truly perfection in beef form.
These grilled chicken leg quarters are juicy, tender, and oh so flavorful! Coated in with oil and a simple seasoning mix, grilled until deliciously golden, and then finished off with bbq sauce brushed on top, these grilled chicken legs are a perfect addition to any cookout!
The Santa Maria steak that is a West Coast crowd pleaser, this smoked tri-tip recipe is juicy, flavorful, and is going to be your new backyard barbecue go-to!
This smoked whole chicken is the perfect addition to any backyard barbecue. Seasoned with a blend of spices and smoked over low heat, this chicken is juicy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with your guests.
Summer Seafood
In my house, it's not a summer party without some seafood on the table!
This recipe has everything you need to know for a perfect Chesapeake Bay crab feast even if you've never steamed blue crabs before! Get the napkins and wet wipes, honey...your fingers will be covered in old bay and melted butter!
These plump, juicy and flavourful Chilli Garlic Prawns are quick and easy to make. They are absolutely delicious and never fail to impress.
My family-favorite garlic butter seafood boil is calling your name! Juicy jumbo shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, buttery lobster tails, succulent snow crab legs...and two delicious garlic butter sauces that are to die for. It's our favorite dish to celebrate with!
If you're tired of the same old tacos and want to mix things up, then you have to try this grilled fish taco recipe with homemade mango salsa! The combination of perfectly grilled flaky white fish and sweet 'n' spicy mango salsa is a match made in heaven - the flavors are so bold and vibrant that you'll be craving these tacos all week long.
Summer-Ready Side Dishes
It's not a cookout without the best side dishes! Classics and well-loved family dishes abound.
If you're a fan of bold flavors and spicy heat, you'll love this roasted chili corn salsa recipe. The combination of smoky poblano peppers, sweet corn, and tangy lime juice creates a mouthwatering explosion of taste and texture. Whether you're serving it with chips or topping off your favorite dishes, this easy copycat recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Southern baked macaroni and cheese, also called soul food mac and cheese, is the ultimate cookout side dish! My authentic recipe has five cheeses, is creamy, rich and comforting, and stays true to the cultural classic.
This grilled Indian street corn on the cob will elevate your next backyard barbecue! Charred corn gets a makeover with zesty lime, and bright spices.
With amazing flavor and how easy it is to make, these sweet and savory dr. pepper baked beans are a delicious side dish for any BBQ or tailgating party.
These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer. Garden fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that looks beautiful and tastes even better!
This delicious Bow Tie Pasta Salad is an Italian inspired pasta salad loaded with cherry tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, red onions, salami, parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Everything is tossed in a tangy and delicious homemade Italian vinaigrette.
A chimichurri potato salad has no mayonnaise and no fuss, full of fresh herbs and garlic, a little bit of heat from the red pepper, it's an easy to prepare side dish that is perfectly delicious warm, cool, or at room temperature!
Fireworks-Worthy Desserts
End your 4th of July festivities with fireworks and delicious summertime desserts!
This is one of the best peach cobbler recipes you'll ever find. Made simply and easily using canned peaches and a delicious golden brown crust, it's the perfect soul food ending to any meal.
This Blackberry Ice Cream Pie is the perfect summer dessert. It’s a delicious no-bake dessert made with an almond cookie crust and a no-churn blackberry ice cream. When you’re ready to serve top it with whipped cream and fresh blackberries for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
S'mores brownies are the best dessert mashup of the summer! They are layered with a graham cracker crust, fudgy brownie batter, and topped with a homemade vanilla bean toasted marshmallow; no campfire is needed!
Mixed Berry Shortcakes with Mascarpone Cream is a delightful dessert. A buttery, flaky shortcake with raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries, topped with whipped mascarpone cream.
Celebrate the long weekend with these Patriotic Vanilla Cupcakes! Light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes filled with homemade berry jam that’s made from strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries!
This from-scratch lemon meringue tart has a buttery vanilla shortbread crust, bright and creamy lemon filling, and beautiful Italian meringue. It is perfect for your dessert table at your 4th of July party!
This red, white, and blue layer cake is the ultimate patriotic dessert for the 4th of July or Memorial Day! With 3 different colored cake layers and tons of red, white, and blue sprinkles it's sure to be a winner!
Eden Westbrook is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Sweet Tea and Thyme. A classically trained chef, Eden has inspired home cooks into the kitchen with cultural comfort foods, easy family-friendly eats and sweets, and glorious spreads for date night and entertaining since 2015.
Shelley says
Great roundup, thanks for including me!
Thank you! And thanks for participating Shelley!