Food & Drink

36 Family-Friendly Recipes to Make for Fourth of July Weekend

written by THE EVERYMOM EDITORS

The Fourth of July is like the pinnacle of summer. The sun is out, it’s usually hot (unless you’re Chicago who sometimes seems to have her seasons confused!), there’s always some sort of family fun somewhere, and the kids are in full no-school bliss.

It can be so much fun to celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a backyard barbecue, watching fireworks, partaking in Fourth of July-themed activities with the kids, and basking in some quality time spent with family and friends. If you’re hosting during the long weekend, we’ve rounded up recipes that are festive and relatively easy to make—plus, the kids will enjoy eating them, too.

From drinks and desserts to appetizers and main dishes, this list includes everything you need to ring in July 4th this year, however you’re celebrating.

Check out 36 family-friendly Fourth of July recipes below!

 

Drinks

 

1. Star Spangled Fruit Infused Water

Keep guests hydrated during the long holiday weekend with this delicious fruit-infused water that includes watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. 

 

2. Easy Homemade Lemonade

Nothing says summer quite like fresh-squeezed lemonade on a hot day. This easy recipe only includes three simple ingredients: water, granulated sugar, and fresh lemons.  

 

3. Spiked Blueberry Lemonade

For an adults-only drink option, this homemade blueberry lemonade is spiked with vodka. It only take 10 minutes to make and serves 6-8 people. Cheers!

 

Appetizers

 

4. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip

The only thing better than enjoying chicken wings at a summer party is instead indulging in chicken wing dip. This version can be easily made in the Crockpot with 10 ingredients. 

4th of july recipes

Source: Foodie Crush

 

5. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

For an easy appetizer, serve this simple and protein-packed Greek yogurt ranch dip with sides of salty potato chips, baby carrots, or fresh celery stalks. 

4th of july recipes

Source: Well Plated

 

6. Cowboy Caviar

A crowd favorite, cowboy caviar—sometimes called Texas caviar—is made with black beans, Black Eyed peas, tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, red onion, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice. 

 

7. Potato Skins

These cheesy potato skins are perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with bacon bits, scallions, and a rich dollop of sour cream. 

4th of july recipes

Source: Well Plated

 

Side Dishes

 

8. Red, White & Blue Watermelon Blueberry Salad

This salad is not only easy to make, but it’s also perfectly patriotic for any Fourth of July party. Make it with fresh watermelon, blueberries, cubes of jicama, and feta cheese crumbles. 

fourth of july recipes

Source: Foodie Crush

 

9. Best Potato Salad Recipe

What’s a Fourth of July cookout without potato salad? This recipe can be made in 45 minutes and is sure to wow any crowd. 

 

10. Spinach Bacon Pasta Salad

A great side dish for a backyard barbecue, pool party, or take-along picnic, this pasta salad screams summer and is an easy make-ahead option. 

 

11. Creamy Greek Pasta Salad

Friends and family will love this Greek pasta salad made with whole wheat pasta, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese. 

 

12. Burger Salad with Dill Pickle Vinaigrette

A summer cookout calls for a burger—but why not put it on a salad instead? Topped with crispy bacon and dill pickle vinaigrette (yes, you read that right), this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. 

 

13. Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

For a more traditional yet oh-so-summery salad, make this spinach strawberry salad with toasted pecans, feta cheese, red onion, and a homemade poppy seed balsamic vinegar dressing. 

4th of july recipes

Source: Well Plated

 

14. Grilled Summer Cobb Salad

We love a modern twist on a classic Cobb salad and this recipe does just that with grilled lettuce—seriously! 

 

15. Red, White & Blue Potato Skewers

This recipe is simple: use a roasting pan to cook yellow, purple (but they look blue!), and red baby potatoes seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, alternate the colors on wooden skewers for an easy-to-serve side dish. 

 

16. Grilled Corn with Spicy Buffalo Butter

Summer and corn on the cob go together like nothing else, so be sure to serve some this Fourth of July weekend. We love this option because it punches up a classic corn on the cob recipe with a spicy Buffalo butter—yum! 

4th of july recipes

Source: Foodie Crush

 

17. The Best Baked Beans Recipe

Another great backyard barbecue dish, this baked beans recipe is truly one of the best because it’s deliciously made with molasses, peppers, onions, and bacon. 

 

18. Homemade Fries

If you’re serving burgers or hot dogs this holiday weekend, pair them with these easy-to-make homemade fries that will come out perfectly crispy in the oven. 

4th of july recipes

Source: Well Plated

 

Main Dishes

 

19. Guacamole Turkey Burger

Add these to your summer grilling menu stat! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these oh-so-good turkey burgers topped with pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese, and a dollop of guacamole. 

 

20. Tropical Hot Dog Bar

Hot dogs are a must-have July 4th dish, but why not mix things up with tropical condiments? With this recipe, your guests will be talking about your hot dog bar that includes spicy kiwi relish, Maui onion slaw, and mango slaw for years to come. 

 

21. Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

For the seafood lovers in your life, these grilled shrimp skewers make for a flavorful and healthy dinner that you’ll want to make again and again this summer. 

fourth of july recipes

Source: Isabel Eats

 

22. Dr. Pepper BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Ribs are a quintessential summer food and this recipe is so cool because it (wait for it) includes a homemade Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce that is not only delicious but helps the ribs truly fall of the bone. 

 

23. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

We love a slow cooker recipe that you can make ahead of time and in mass quantities—and this dish checks both of those boxes. 

 

24. Loaded Juicy Lucy Sheet Pan Sliders

Wow your Fourth of July party guests with Juicy Lucys AKA burgers that have cheese melted right into the patty instead of layering it on top. These can be made in mass, too, because they’re sheet pan sliders!

 

25. Tex Mex Hot Dogs

Jazz up classic July 4th hot dogs with this Tex Mex version that features guacamole, charred jalapeños, and corn relish. 

 

26. Chicken Skewers with Macedonian Taratur Sauce

This tender, flavorful chicken can be easily prepped on the grill and served on skewers for easy eating. Plus, we love it paired with this recipe’s Macedonian yogurt sauce on the side. 

4th of july recipes

Source: Diethood

 

27. BBQ Turkey Burgers with Chipotle Slaw

Another great turkey burger option, but this one is topped with a delightful chipotle coleslaw. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you for this one. 

 

28. Vegan Quinoa Beet Burgers

Not only are these quinoa beet burgers vegan, but they’re also a great gluten-free option to serve guests that may have dietary restrictions. 

 

Desserts

 

29. Flag Cake

Is there anything more perfect for Independence Day than a flag cake?! We think not. This version is easy to make with a simple cream cheese frosting, sliced strawberries, and blueberries. Make it a fun family activity by having your littles help assemble the flag! 

 

30. Fourth of July Sprinkle Cookies

We love a patriotic dessert and this one fits the bill perfectly with festive red, white, and blue sprinkles. Another great option for little hands to help with, too. 

 

31. Red, White & Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles

Wow your guests with these striped popsicles that can be prepped in just 15 minutes and only include three ingredients. 

 

32. Fourth of July Snack Mix

Who doesn’t love a sweet and salty snack combo? Prep this dessert ahead of time and it’s sure to make any Fourth of July party guest smile. 

 

33. Red, White, and Blue Mini Cheesecakes

Though this dessert is a bit more labor-intensive to make, the pay off is well worth it. These mini cheesecakes are not only delicious, but they’re oh-so-cute for a July 4th party! 

 

34. Fireworks Pretzel Snaps

Your kiddos will love these firework pretzel treats because they’re sweet, salty, and crunchy. They’re a great make-ahead dessert or snack to bring to any Fourth of July picnic, pool party, or backyard barbecue. 

 

35. Crockpot Blueberry Cobbler

This baked cobbler can be made in the Crockpot—but that doesn’t mean it sacrifices flavor. Prep it ahead of time in just 20 minutes with a four-hour cook time. 

 

36. July 4th Marble Cake

Another festive flag cake option, this fun recipe is patriotic both inside and out! The recipe can also be easily adjusted to be gluten free. 

Fun and Easy Fourth of July Activities To Do With Kids
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