"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. Naturally, 4th of July recipes are in order to fuel all these happy moments.
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. Just like the 50 states represented across the countless flags you’ll see waving this summer, we’ve rounded up 50 family-friendly 4th of July recipes below!
4th of July Drinks
1. Agua de Melon
Raise your glasses to summer with these bright and enticing cantaloupe-based refreshers for a truly thirst-quenching beverage.
2. 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.
3. 7UP Cherry Almond Sparkler
This recipe takes a Shirley Temple to a whole new level. Using fresh cherries, a squeeze of lime juice, and a splash of almond extract, it’s something sweet, tart, and summery to sip on. If you’re trying to limit sugar, you can swap in sparkling water instead.
4. 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.
5. 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!
4th of July Appetizers
6. Tomato Basil Bruschetta with Balsamic Drizzle
Summer is synonymous with vine-ripened seasonal tomatoes and fresh basil—celebrate them properly with this tasty bruschetta recipe.
7. Easy Mango Salsa
Take salsa to the tropical side with this easy-peasy recipe that combines juicy mango, fresh cilantro, garlic, onion, and a sprinkle of chopped jalapeño for a playful kick.
8. 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.
9. PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Make mouths absolutely water with these totally on-point lettuce wraps. Not only do they do a fab job mimicking the beloved PF Chang’s version, but the crisp and refreshing lettuce part definitely speaks to summer vibes.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Vegan “Charcuterie” Board
Share a summer “charcuterie” board that everyone can dig into—loaded with vibrant fruits and veggies, hummus, vegan cheeses, candied nuts and more, you might even forget the fact that meats are traditionally included.
4th of July Side Dishes
14. Carne Asada Fries
If you want to serve a stunning batch of fries this Independence Day, opt for this recipe’s fireworks of flavor that includes immaculately seasoned carne asada and a whole host of yummy toppings.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. Grilled Summer Cobb Salad
We love a modern twist on a classic Cobb salad and this recipe does just that with grilled lettuce—seriously!
22. 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.
23. 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!
24. 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.
25. 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 Main Dishes
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. Blackened Zucchini Tacos
Zucchini is in season, and these tacos are a stellar way to make them shine. Filled with fragrant spices and black beans as well, they’re a hearty and plant-based summertime meal that won’t disappoint.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza
When you take two things that make many a mouth happy—like a just-grilled pizza and BBQ chicken—and put them together, you can usually expect an extra enthusiastic response and a request for seconds.
33. No-Bake Summer Vegetable Lasagna
Classic lasagna may seem too dense for those hot summer days, but when it’s remixed into a light lasagna with in-season veggies like this one is, chances are it will be a welcomed Italian-style dish.
34. 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!
35. Tex Mex Hot Dogs
Jazz up classic July 4th hot dogs with this Tex Mex version that features guacamole, charred jalapeños, and corn relish.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.
4th of July Desserts
39. Dessert Kebabs
You’re sure to see lots of savory kebabs making the rounds at your summer cookouts, but what about dessert-inspired ones? Layered with brownies, marshmallows, strawberries, and blueberries, you can’t go wrong with these.
40. 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!
41. 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.
42. Patriotic Palmier Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are a July 4th cookout’s best friend, and this recipe’s use of buttery cookies complements the ice cream part with just the right crunch.
43. 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.
44. 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.
45. 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!
46. Tricolor 4th of July Brownies
Who’s going to say no to moist and fudgy brownie bites that have been generously garnished with creamy (and festive!) vanilla frosting?
47. 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.
48. 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.
49. Mini Cheesecake Bites
For a twist on traditional cheesecake bites, try topping palmier cookies with a homemade cheesecake batter and ripe summer berries.
50. 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.
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.
Katherine Ballesta-Rosen, Editorial Intern
Besides being an avid reader and writer since girlhood, Katherine decided to kick her literacy-laden background up a notch by receiving her Master’s in teaching, and went on to teach English Language Arts to high schoolers for several years. As an intern at The Everymom, Katherine writes about topics such as maternal wellness, sex and relationships, and more.