With simple steps and only a handful of ingredients, these easy Fourth of July recipes will have you out of the kitchen and celebrating in no time.
50 Easy Fourth of July Recipes
Updated on Jul. 09, 2024
Nothing says summertime like Fourth of July! These recipes are quick and easy so you can enjoy the fun and stay out of the kitchen.
You can also add some extra fun to the holiday with 4th of July drinks!
From unique and tasty 4th of July salads like peach caprese and summer orzo salad, you will find something for everyone here. If you’re looking for classic summertime dishes, you’ll want to check out this chili dog recipe and these drool-worthy pork chops.
Mom’s Oven-Baked Country-Style Ribs
These country style ribs are ideal for a summer barbecue, potluck or Fourth of July celebration. And the sauce? It’s finger lickin’ good!
1/50
2/50
Watermelon Feta Flag Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
This refreshing watermelon salad is the perfect dish to bring to a July Fourth celebration. Why? It resembles the American flag! Guests won’t want to wait a second to dig in.
For more festive appetizers, you’ll love this Fourth of July charcuterie board.
3/50
Chipotle Chili Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Long live childhood favorites! I created this recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Chili hot dogs are a classic for a reason and this chipotle chili dog recipe is a new fresh and fun take! This is the perfect summertime dish to bring to your Fourth of July barbecue.
4/50
Marinated Pork Kabobs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was originally for lamb, but I adapted it to pork and adjusted the spices. It's always requested when the grill comes out for the season. —Bobbie Jo Miller, Fallon, Nevada
You truly can’t go wrong with kabobs in the summertime. These marinated pork kabobs are juicy, flavorful and everything you could want on a hot summer day.
5/50
Cheese-Stuffed Burgers for Two
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a sandwich that does traditional burgers one better—with a surprise pocket of cheddar! My family really enjoys the melted cheese center. —Janet Wood, Windham, New Hampshire
Here’s a sandwich that does traditional burgers one better—with a surprise pocket of cheddar! My family really enjoys the melted cheese center. It’s ideal for cookouts and potlucks, but prepare for all of them to be gone once your loved ones get their hands on them!
6/50
Dilled Potato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What's a picnic without potato salad? This recipe will add delightful new flavor to yours. The spices make the difference. —Cam Cox, Hemet, California
Potato salad is the perfect dish to start the summer with. The dill, white pepper and garlic elevate a potluck classic.
7/50
Peach Caprese Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During summer, I like to use the fresh ingredients I receive weekly from my local food share, and that's how I created this peach Caprese salad. I use large balls of mozzarella torn into pieces, but you could use smaller mozzarella pearls. —Mounir Echariti, Mendham, New Jersey
This salad is refreshing and juicy—perfect for your Fourth of July get-together. The peaches add a wonderfully sweet flavor that is ideal for summertime.
8/50
Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream Cake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this cool treat because I wanted to find a new use for cream of coconut. The sweet coconut combines beautifully with the tart lemon juice, and the streusel adds a nice crunch. Look for cream of coconut in the cocktail mixer section of your grocery store. —Janet Gill, Canton, Ohio
This lemon ice cream cake is a yummy dessert that everyone will adore. It will be the perfect treat to cool down with while enjoying Fourth of July festivities.
9/50
Apricot Ice Cream Soda
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from my husband’s aunt, who was born in the early 1900s. It's a delightful drink for hot Texas summers. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
This float is such a fun drink to bring to your Fourth of July party. The apricot adds a wonderful sweetness to the drink; it tastes like sunshine in a cup!
10/50
Three-Bean Baked Beans
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my aunt and made a couple of changes to suit my taste. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
This is an easy recipe that won’t take much time to cook up. When it comes to baked beans, this recipe will hit the spot.
11/50
Corn Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
You can never go wrong with corn dogs during the summertime. For your Fourth of July party this year, make sure to whip up these delicious dogs for any and every party. Take your Independence Day celebration to the next level with these fun Fourth of July crafts.
12/50
All-American Banana Split
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
In 1904, the first banana split recipe was made here in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, by David Strickler, an apprentice pharmacist at a local drugstore. We still use his original formula when we make banana splits in our restaurants. —Melissa Blystone, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
This banana split is the ideal summertime dessert. You can’t go wrong with fresh bananas, the three different types of delicious ice cream, and the drool-worthy chocolate syrup.
13/50
Cucumbers with Dill
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sprinkling cucumber slices with salt and letting them stand in a colander draws out excess water so they stay crisp when set on a barbecue buffet. Try this cucumber dill salad alongside any grilled entree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
These cucumbers will help you cool off in the summer heat. The dill makes this dish even more flavorful.
14/50
Peach Cobbler
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this peach cobbler recipe myself with a few tips from my mom and grandma. Because it's so quick and easy, it can be made in minutes to suit any occasion. I've used it as a breakfast fruit dish, a dinner dessert and a light snack. —Martha Betten, North Manchester, Indiana
Peach cobbler is a classic dessert that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is quick and easy, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
15/50
Barbecued Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An impromptu picnic inspired this BBQ chicken salad sandwich. An instant summertime favorite, these dressed-up sandwiches have become a mainstay at our house. —Linda Orme, Battleground, Washington
These sandwiches will be a major crowd-pleaser, especially on the Fourth of July! The barbecue sauce takes these dressed up sandwiches to the next level.
16/50
Caprese Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. —Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah
Caprese salad is always a good idea, but especially in the summertime. This salad is super quick and easy to make, so you’ll be able to go out and enjoy the summer festivities in no time.
17/50
Crispy Fried Onion Rings
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this onion rings recipe as a burger topper to add an extra element to already fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you want to make a delightful kid-friendly snack for the Fourth of July, look no further than these crispy and savory onion rings.
18/50
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
19/50
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple casserole is an easy dinner for both you and the kids. Serve with carrot and celery sticks for a fuss-free feast. You can also stir in some spicy brown mustard if the adults want a bit more zing. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
This sloppy joe recipe will be a hit this year. It’s tasty, satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.
20/50
Grilled Jalapenos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers offer everyone a bit of heat. The jalapeños will make your tastebuds go off like fireworks!
21/50
Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida
If you love the spice from buffalo sauce and tasty deviled eggs, this combination will blow your mind. Bring this dish to a family barbecue or a Fourth of July gathering. It’s sure to be a hit.
22/50
Hot Dog Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were small and I was busy trying to get all those extra things done, I would make this quick hot dish. Kids love it! —JoAnn Gunio, Franklin, North Carolina
This hot dog casserole is an easy way to get your hot dog fix without the buns. It’s also incredibly quick to make and the kids will love it.
23/50
Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad," recalls Kathy Armstrong of Post Falls, Idaho. "I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful, too!"
This salad is healthy, nutritious and truly delicious. The artichokes and addition of lemon make this refreshing and ideal for a Fourth of July cookout.
24/50
Pennsylvania Dutch Coleslaw
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to make this salad on holidays. With all the cabbage that is grown here, this coleslaw recipe is a real natural for us! —Deb Darr, Falls City, Oregon
Coleslaw is a perfect way to cool down after inhaling all those burgers. This version is light and flavorful; a staple for a Fourth of July potluck.
25/50
Beer Can Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be proud to serve this stand-up chicken at any family gathering. Treated with a savory rub and then roasted over a beer can for added moisture, it’s so tasty you’ll want to call dibs on the leftovers! —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
26/50
Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla roll ups, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
These cream cheese pinwheels are fun to make and fun to eat! If you’re looking for a finger food recipe, look no further than this one. It’s absolutely perfect for Fourth of July too.
27/50
Russian Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Russian potato salad recipe comes from my grandmother, who had written it down in Russian before she translated it for me when I was a teen. We made this every Easter, or for any event where family and friends gathered together. —Gala McGaughey, Berryville, Virginia
Nothing screams summer more than potato salad and this recipe won’t disappoint. If you love pickled foods, this one’s for you.
28/50
Barley Corn Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
This easy Fourth of July recipe adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. It’s also an excellent alternative to pasta salad.
29/50
Garden Chickpea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
30/50
Red, White and Blueberry Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It's as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
This pie is a dream come true for July Fourth. It’s as pretty as it is yummy. The berry toppings add a natural sweetness throughout every bite.
31/50
Hawaiian Turkey Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
My Husband and I love to grill, so hamburgers are often on the menu. This recipe uses ground turkey instead of beef. Topped with pineapple slices, the burgers are moist and juicy. —Babette Watterson of Atglen, Pennsylvania
These turkey burgers won’t make you miss beef at all! They’re moist and tender, and the pineapple topping is perfect for summer.
32/50
Garden Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Summertime means an abundance of fresh tomatoes. Put that to good use and make this simple salad that everyone will love.
33/50
Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional “fluff” salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
Everyone will run to get their share of this fluff salad! This salad is creamy, fruity and perfect for your July Fourth plans.
34/50
Favorite Grilled Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my favorite out of all my grilled pork chop recipes. I start preparing this entree the night before I plan to grill it.—Erica Svejda, Janesville, Wisconsin
This recipe is a great option for a Fourth of July gathering. You can’t go wrong grilling these pork chops on a hot summer day.
35/50
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine
Not only does this dish look patriotic for your July Fourth plans, but it’s incredibly addicting! The angel food cake and strawberries make a perfect summertime treat.
36/50
Mini S’mores
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to sink your teeth into s’mores all year long? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome bite.—Stephanie Tewell, Elizabeth, Illinois
Want to sweeten up your table for July Fourth? Here’s the answer! Just combine marshmallow creme, chocolate and graham crackers for an awesome s’mores that everyone of all ages will love.
37/50
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
This macaroni salad isn’t your ordinary salad! The dressing adds a unique sweetness to it. It’s safe to say your guests will keep running back for more.
38/50
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Need to bring a dish to pass on the Fourth of July? This easy recipe will disappear quickly. It’s almost too adorable to taste!
39/50
Slow-Cooker Meatballs
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
What I love about these meatballs is that they can be served as an appetizer right out of the slow cooker, or alongside your favorite pasta. They also make a delicious sandwich. —Jason Romano, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
40/50
Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite will win you over.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi
The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese mixes together perfectly. This is the perfect summer salad that guests won’t be able to get enough of.
41/50
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Lemonade is a summertime staple, but this recipe elevates it to a whole new level. It’s simple, refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
42/50
Crispy Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
This deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids will love that it tastes like KFC!
43/50
Summer Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a recipe that uses up fresh veggies, this orzo salad is perfect for that. It’s a true crowd-pleaser.
44/50
Fizzy Peach Shake
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came about when I was a child living in peach country in Washington. There were fresh peaches everywhere, so my mom and I came up with this beverage. We called it a fizz because there's a bit of bubbling from the ginger ale. This recipe says "summer" to my family and me. Add more ginger ale to make it thinner, or more ice cream to make it thicker. —Teresa Jarnot, Monroe, Washington
Nothing says summer as much as fresh peaches do. Quench your thirst with this fizzy shake—even kids will love it.
45/50
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Belinda J. Gibson, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
This chicken dip is great if you want to whip up something quick that everyone will love. It’s tasty and comforting, with a little bit of heat from the buffalo sauce.
46/50
Mango Avocado Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. —Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio
47/50
Corn ‘n’ Cucumbers Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cucumber corn salad was one of my mother's recipes and I think of her whenever I make it. It's a nice change from a regular cucumber salad. —Jean Moore, Pliny, West Virginia
Love cucumbers? Love corn? Throw ’em together in this cucumber and corn salad. It’s cool and refreshing for summer.
48/50
Buttery Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ready in under 30 minutes, this grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! It pairs well with grilled meats, like burgers and steaks.
49/50
Lemon Curd Tartlets
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 tartlets
From the Recipe Creator:
This has been in my party recipe collection for over 30 years and never fails to satisfy my guests. I can always rely on these fancy treats to please even the fussiest in the crowd. —Jessica Feist, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
50/50
Quick Watermelon Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
On hot days, this sweet combo of watermelon, pineapple and fresh cilantro has everything you want. The flavors blend beautifully, it’s pretty, and it comes together in no time. —Betsy Hanson, Tiverton, Rhode Island
On hot days, this sweet combo of watermelon, pineapple and fresh cilantro has everything you could want in a summer dish. It’s also quick to make, so you can go back to watching the fireworks.
