Get 15 of the BEST 4th of July Recipes in one place! Delicious and easy to recipes that are perfect for celebrating Independence Day with family and loved ones.

collage of different 4th of July recipes featured in this post.

The 4th of July is a great time to get together with friends and loved ones to celebrate. It is the quintessential summer party that screams fun and relaxation. This 4th of July BBQ menu is easy full of easy make-ahead recipes so you can get out and spend time with your guests.

Be sure to check out these fan-favorite recipes that are perfect for sharing. With a little bit of prep, you can have a truly stress-free and fun celebration with family and friends. So fire up that grill and enjoy our country’s Independence Day!

I’ve got you covered with all of the recipes you’ll need from appetizers to grilling to desserts. And don’t forget the sides! Read on to see how delicious and easy these recipes are.

CARAMELIZED ONION DIP

Keep your appetizers simple for your 4th of July BBQ. I like to serve chips and salsa, veggies and hummus, bean dip, or this delicious Caramelized Onion Dip that you make a day in advance. Slow cooking the onions brings out their sweetness and makes this dip extra special.

Caramelized Onion Dip
This is the ultimate onion dip! Caramelizing the onions gives the dip a smooth and slighly sweet flavor. Great served with chips, veggies, or as a spread.
Check out this recipe
Caramelized onion dip
Bowl of Caramelized Onion Dip with a side of ruffles potato chips.

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CREAM CHEESE BEAN DIP

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this creamy and satisfying bean dip. Make the entire recipe ahead and heat up right before serving. It’s great served with tortilla chips and salsa.

Cream Cheese Bean Dip
An incredibly easy bean dip recipe that is creamy and so delicious! Great with chips or spread on a tortilla. 
Check out this recipe
Cream Cheese Bean Dip in a glass pan with green onions on top.
Dish of cream cheese bean dip with a layer of cheese on top and tortilla chips in the background.

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BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP

Guests will go crazy for this delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip! And the best part is that it is entirely made in the slow cooker. So you can save space and the hassle of turning on an oven.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip is made entirely in your crock pot! Great served with tortilla chips straight out of the slow cooker.
Check out this recipe
slow cooker buffalo chicken dip with raw chicken.
tortilla chip with buffalo chicken dip on it.

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PESTO PASTA SALAD

Just five ingredients to make this delicious and simple Pesto Pasta Salad. This is a great dish to serve at a barbecue because it’s delicious chilled or room temperature. Plus, you can make it a day in advance.

Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad is a simple and delicious Italian pasta salad made with only five ingredients. Using store-bought pesto, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes, you are going to love how flavorful and easy this pasta salad is.
Check out this recipe
pesto pasta salad on a white serving platter is a great side dish for the 4th of July.

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BROCCOLI SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES

This crunchy and easy-to-make broccoli salad is lightened up with tangy greek yogurt. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your 4th of July barbecue feast!

Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Lighten up your Broccoli Cranberry Salad with this recipe! Skip the bacon and sub half of the dressing for greek yogurt. Great recipe for potlucks, barbecues, or dinner!
Check out this recipe
Broccoli Cranberry Salad in a white bowl.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad in a white bowl.

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EASY TRADITIONAL POTATO SALAD

There is nothing more classic than potato salad at a barbecue. This one is an all time favorite and is super easy to make. Plus, you can make it up to a day in advance and it only takes 20 minutes to come together!

Red Potato Salad
Red Potato Salad can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to allow the flavors to develop. Be sure to toss and taste for seasonings before serving.
Check out this recipe
potato salad with red potatoes
overhead view of potato salad.

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PASTA SALAD WITH VEGGIES AND CORN

I love to serve pasta salad at my gatherings. This is a great one to include because it’s totally vegan, and perfect for those meatless guests too. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra veggies you have on hand.

Pasta Salad with Veggies and Corn
Simple and delicious pasta salad is a great side dish for barbecues and brunches. Made with oil and vinegar, this pasta salad is great served cold or at room temperature. 
Check out this recipe
Pasta Salad with Veggies and Corn in a white bowl
Pasta Salad with Veggies and Corn in a white bowl

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SIMPLE GRILLED HAMBURGERS

When it comes to grilling, I am definitely a minimalist. I like to keep things simple and opt for traditional items like hamburgers, hotdogs, and bratwursts. Guests seem to appreciate this as well. Give these simple burgers a try, you’re going to love them.

Grilled Hamburgers
Simple and delicious. The perfect BBQ burger. 
Check out this recipe
4th of July BBQ budget bbq
4th of July BBQ budget bbq

MARINATED GRILLED CHICKEN

Take your grilled chicken to the next level with this delicious recipe that includes a sweet balsamic sauce. Marinate the meat ahead of time to make the day extra easy and tasty!

Marinated Grilled Chicken with Sweet Balsamic Sauce
The most amazing chicken marinade, you can boil the leftover marinade to make a delicious sauce for the chicken. Just be sure to bring the leftover marinade to a boil before eating.
Check out this recipe
Grilled Marinated Chicken with Balsamic sauce on a white plate.
overhead photo of grilled marinated balsamic chicken with parsley on top.

(Get recipe here)

GRILLED CARNE ASADA

Everyone loves carne asada! This recipe has been tested and perfected. It’s the perfect addition to your 4th of July barbecue.

Carne Asada Marinade
Super delicious and tender Carne Asada Marinade recipe that’s perfect for grilling or making Carne Asada Street Tacos! 
Check out this recipe
Carne Asada Marinade recipe.
Sliced meat on a wood cutting board.

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Grilled Chicken Kabob Skewers

Skewers are just plain fun to eat! And these chicken kabobs are extra special with their turmeric and garlic marinade. Guaranteed to be a new favorite with your group!

Grilled Chicken Kabob Skewers with Turmeric Garlic Marinade
An easy recipe for tasty and healthy chicken kabobs. Grilling adds flavor without fat and the turmeric gives it a delicious flavor and color. 
Check out this recipe
Grilled Chicken Kabob Skewers on a plate with couscous in the background.
Grilled Chicken Kabob on a plate with couscous in the background.

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Donut and Fruit Kabobs 

Can’t forget the sweets! I love to serve these simple donut and fruit kabobs at any outdoor gathering. They are super easy to make and eat! Plus, you can get the kids to help put them together.

Donut and Fruit Kabobs
A great and quick appetizer or treat! So simple and delicious. 
Check out this recipe
Donut and Fruit Kabob Skewer
Donut and Fruit Skewers Kabobs are an easy recipe to serve at Baby Showers or Bridal Showers. Great as an after school snack too or kids birthday parties. #donut #fruit #skewer #babyshowerfood #bridalshowerfood #easyrecipe #dessert #appetizer #simpledish #footballfood #afterschoolsnack

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Pull-Apart Vanilla-Wafer Cupcakes

These beautiful and simple cupcakes are made with vanilla wafers. They are super fun to put together and so pretty to display.

Vanilla Wafer Cupcakes
Vanilla Wafer Cupcakes are smaller versions of the classic Southern cake. Made with boxed Nilla wafer cookies, coconut, pecans, and a deliciously simple whipped cream frosting.
Check out this recipe
Vanilla Wafer Cupcakes Recipe
4th of July BBQ Pull-Apart Vanilla-Wafer Cupcakes

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4th of July Cookies with M&M’s

Nothing more fun and festive than these colorful 4th of July cookies! Made with red and blue M&M’s and white chocolate chips, your guests are going to love these tasty treats. Sandwich them between vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.

4th of July Cookies with M&M’s
Make ahead and either bake the day of or freeze in large ziplock bags. Also excellent served sandwiched between a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Recipe adapted from Nestle Tollhouse
Check out this recipe
4th of July cookies
4th of July Cookies on a white plate.

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Tropical White Wine Spritzer

You are going to love how refreshing and simple these white wine spritzers taste! It’s a great way to incorporate summer produce into the mix too. Make a pitcher in advance and at seltzer when ready to serve.

Tropical White Wine Spritzer
This is such a fun make-ahead drink that’s perfect for brunches, barbecues, or casual dinners. Be sure to add the seltzer right before serving. 
Check out this recipe
Tropical White wine spritzer in a glass with pineapple and grapes and a pineapple in the background
Tropical White wine spritzer in a glass with pineapple and grapes and a pineapple in the background

(Get recipe here)

I hope this has inspired you to throw a fun and relaxing 4th of JulyBBQ. The day should be stress-free, so make-ahead and enjoy yourself!

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Just came across these recipes and they look so good! Definitely trying them this next 4th of July… or anytime I want to host a BBQ.