Best 4th of July Recipes

From Chris at Carne Diem–These bottle rocket shrimp are seasoned with flavorful Cajun seasoning before being wrapped in bacon, grilled, and finished with a spicy buffalo sauce. They make for a great appetizer for your 4th of July celebration.

This Cowboy Caviar comes from Lisa at Parsley and Parm. This fresh (and healthy!) mix of fruit, beans, vegetables, herbs with a vinegary-sweet dressing made with hot honey disappears fast at parties and barbecues.

A classic spread for your favorite crackers, this Savory Southern Deviled Ham should be on your list of Fourth of July snacks. Make it in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

Matt from Ole Blue Dog says Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are an easy appetizer full of cheese and chorizo wrapped in crispy bacon goodness! A quick side dish that can go on the smoker or the grill and done in about 45 minutes!

This luscious, spreadable salmon dip is delicious on pita chips and crackers, pairing beautifully with an icy cold beverage.

This healthy, light Black Bean Dip has a bit of heat from jalapeño peppers and a tangy punch from the fresh lime. Serve it with tortilla chips and watch it disappear. This is one of the most popular recipes on the blog — and for good reason — everyone LOVES IT.

Everyone loves avocados and chips, right? This Chunky Guacamole is tossed in lime juice with a bit of hot sauce for a tangy dip you can’t get enough of.

This creamy, lush avocado salsa has roasted garlic and pan-seared tomatillos with a spicy kick from jalapenos. A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors. Great as a dip with tortilla chips.

Black Olive Tapenade is a punchy olive spread that's delicious on whole grain crackers. It is even better if you spread a bit of cream cheese on the cracker first.

This healthy eggplant dip is creamy and garlicky. Just add the flesh of a whole grilled eggplant to a food processor with tahini, garlic and lemon juice and pulse until smooth. You'll love this with crunchy pita chips or fresh, warm pita bread.

This pimento cheese recipe is a party favorite. You can spread this on crackers, or dip carrot sticks and celery for a slightly healthier 4th of July snack.

Assemble your favorite fresh and dried fruits, assorted nuts with sliced cured salami and sausages and several types of soft and hard cheeses for the ultimate charcuterie board for 4th of July.

Southern Deviled Eggs with a crispy slice of country ham, paprika and chives are an irresistible 4th of July snack. They won't last on the buffet.

These conch fritters are made for parties and celebrations with big chunks of meaty conch and crispy, golden edges. Your guests will devour them.

These 3-ingredient crescent roll appetizers are always a hit. Made with herbed cream cheese, bacon and a roll of Pillsbury Crescent Roll Dough, these cheesy 4th of July snacks are better than the fireworks show.

Homemade hummus is creamy, smooth and delicious with crispy pita chips. We like to swirl an herby basil cilantro oil into the mix for an unexpected fresh flavor.

Use any type of smoked whitefish to make this zippy, fresh fish dip. It's a summertime staple that everyone loves.

This Red, White, and Blue Sangria has to be one of your 4th of July drink offerings. It has tons of patriotic-colored (and shaped) fruit soaked in brandy and wine and finished with a bit of fizz. This is my cocktail interpretation of the American Flag. Cheers!

Think of this grapefruit ranch water as a homemade seltzer for adults. Tart grapefruit juice and lime juice, mixed with tequila and topped off with Topo Chico and spicy jalapeños. Thanks to Ashley from Little Black Skillet for sharing her recipe.

These festive jello-shots are the quintessential 4th of July "cocktail" screaming red, white and blue. Thanks to Gavin and Karen from A Couple In The Kitchen for sharing.

This watermelon water is a classic Mexican and Latin American refresher. It's great over ice and just slightly sweet. It's healthier than a soda and if you want to spike your agua fresca with rum, tequila or vodka, we won't resist.

This Fresh Cherry Mojito from Leah and Jay at The Gastronom Blog are sharing this summer cocktail made with fresh cherries, lime and mint with white rum and club soda. aServe it in a red white and blue glass for a patriotic flair.

My blogging buddy, Lisa from Delicious Table, makes a patriotic white wine sangria perfect for 4th of July festivities.

If you think limeade is good, wait until you try this guava limeade. It's tangy, sweet and tropical. This is a non-alcoholic 4th of July mocktail that both kids and adults will love.

This cocktail turns 3 simple ingredients: vodka, blue curaçao and lemonade into a cocktail that you want to dive into! Thanks to Leah and Jay from The Gastronom Blog for sharing this frosty recipe.

Pineapple mojitos are light, refreshing rum and pineapple cocktails with freshly muddled fruit and mint. They are perfect for 4th of July afternoons and evenings on the patio.

Meg from Ninnescahmade shared a lovely peach sipper you'll love. It's refreshing and really delicious.

The bright pink blush of these hibiscus margaritas is inviting, but the refreshing flavor will keep you sipping. Make them by the glass or pitcher for a party.

The bold pantone-hue of this Prickly Pear Margarita is sure to impress and delight your 4th of July guests. It's brighter than the fireworks display!

Spicy cucumber margaritas are light, fresh and herbal. Made with tequila, simple syrup, fresh cucumber juice, a squeeze of lime, and lightly crushed jalapenos for a spicy kick. A chili lime rim is a tasty reason for another sip.

For guaranteed brain-freeze, make a batch of frozen mango daiquiris. This spirited blender drink is the ultimate 4th of July cocktail, and your guests will clamor for it.

This sophisticated gin and prosecco cocktail uses fresh cucumber and cantaloupe juice for a delicate flavor with a boozy kick.

If whiskey is more your speed, this smoky bourbon and peach sour is the drink for you. This cocktail is the summer version of a whisky sour made with the juice of sugar-macerated peaches.

Melissa from A Grateful Meal says there are no fussy ingredients or special syrups to prep in advance, which makes this cocktail easy to whip up at the drop of a hat.

Cara Cara Margaritas is another light and refreshing 4th of July drink, with freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice, tequila, Cointreau and a bit of sparkling water to give it fizz – this will cool you off under a sweltering summer sun.

Why settle for plain lemonade when you can dress it up with the blushingly sweet-tart flavor of rhubarb? Perfect for kids and adults alike with no artificial anything.

Pineapple is simultaneously sweet and tangy, and those flavors shine in a margarita. Add a bit of Reposado tequila, rim the glass with a chili lime rim, and you've got the makings of a good time.

No, it's not just another hot dog. This {world-famous} Chili Hot Dogs Recipe is my husband's all-time FAVORITE. When he makes them, you can't even see the dog or the bun for the toppings he loads onto them. I'll leave it up to you to build your own.

Make a delicious fall apart tender pulled pork for your party guests that will keep them coming back for more. This recipe from Matt at Ole Blue Dog is legit!

You've come to the right place if you like tender, sticky ribs. This recipe from Umamiology is slow-smoked and slathered in sauce.

Craving seafood? These classic Mahi Mahi sandwiches are legit and super-easy to make. Better with a smear of homemade tartar sauce!

Grilled Beer Brats are a thing of beauty - and these tasty sausages from my friend, Seanna at Seanna's Kitchen are the BEST! We love them piled with sauerkraut and deli mustard.

More eat-with-your-hands 4th of July Summer BBQ Ideas: Sriracha Avocado Turkey Burgers anyone? These juicy, meaty burgers are oozing with cheese and a special sriracha aioli that takes these sandwiches to the next level.

Smoked Pork Butt is a process cooked low and slow on your pellet smoker or gas grill using wood chips. It's worth it. This giant cut feeds a crowd with the best pulled pork sandwiches you've ever tried.

This tequila, lime-marinated pork tenderloin is grilled to a perfect medium. You'll love it with a fresh fruit salsa.

Hickory smoked pork spareribs are always a 4th of July BBQ favorite. Cooked low and slow to get the perfect bark and pink smoke ring. These pork ribs are perfect for a crowd.

This is the ultimate burger recipe for the 4th of July. It's a large ground beef patty topped with melty cheese, bacon-wrapped onion rings and house-made pickles. Don't forget the drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Use your favorite chicken parts or a whole cut-up chicken for this BBQ chicken recipe. It's easy to make with a gas or charcoal grill. Use homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce for moist, juicy chicken that's finger licking good.

My friend Lisa from Delicious Table has an epic cheeseburger recipe you'll want to get your hands on. Check it out!

From Karina at The Kitchen Bucket List, this American flag board with mini burgers (sliders) and hot dogs are a fun, tasty and easily assembled representation of the flag.!

This gorgeous Grilled Ribeye recipe comes from Seanna's Kitchen, It requires minimal prep and only 9½ minutes of grilling time.

You don't have to worry about dry chicken with these burgers. Use my fool-proof technique for moist, juicy chicken burgers you'll love.

Want a good vegetarian option? These Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers are juicy, flavorful and so satisfying. Top with grilled red onions, sweet roasted peppers and a tangy garlic aioli. This is perfection.

It's not a holiday without Beer Can Chicken. This legit bird uses a simple spiced BBQ rub to season the meat. Use a 3 to 4-pound bird for this smoked chicken recipe.

This is a quick and easy recipe that starts with a bourbon brown sugar marinade. The simple blend seasons the beef and a quick cook on a hot grill gives it a kiss of char that makes it the perfect steak for the 4th of July.

Dan and Scott over at Platter Talk know what dreams are made of–this Traeger smoked beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon is one of them.

The simple dry rub adds a ton of flavor to bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. If you're looking for a foolproof recipe, this is it.

This savory Red White and Blue potato salad from Ashley at Little Black Skillet is a gorgeous medley of red-skinned, white-skinned, and purple potatoes is tossed with blue cheese dressing, sour cream, herbs and bacon.

Alida from Simply Delicious Food says this grilled corn salad with fresh tomatoes and basil is the perfect, easy side dish and is a great way to use fresh summer corn.

Cowboy Baked Beans are loaded with browned hamburger meat and crispy applewood-smoked bacon. Lisa from Delicious Table shared her recipe.

Bacon and Egg Potato Salad is smoky and tangy — and SO MUCH BETTER THAN STORE-BOUGHT. Sorry, was I yelling? The key is a bit of vinegar on the hot potatoes. Trust me, it’s other-worldly.

This fresh summer salad is red, white, blue and green! Summer Glow Salad with Blueberries and Cherries from Tricia at Rhubarbarians is a welcome, healthy dish for your 4th of July celebration.

Coleslaw is a must for 4th of July and this classic coleslaw recipe from my friend, Seanna at Seanna’s Kitchen is a winner on pulled pork sandwiches or as a side dish for your burgers and hot dogs.

No mayo on this pasta salad! Instead this Antipasto Pasta Salad is dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Pops of briny kalamata olives and pepperoncini peppers add even more flavor. Folks can’t resist this one.

This kidney bean salad recipe from Debra Klein is loaded with bold flavors, contrasting textures, and vibrant colors….and it comes together in just 15 minutes.

No cooking required for this tasty squash and zucchini "zoodle" salad. Toss with a simple pesto vinaigrette and toasted almonds for a healthy, delicious summer side dish.

This Summer Corn and Tomato Salad from my friend, Sarah at Champagne Tastes is the perfect light, healthy side dish for your 4th of July celebrations!

For the ultimate refreshing 4th of July side dish, try this watermelon, cucuber and feta salad. It's a balanced combo of sweet and juicy, crunchy, creamy and salty.

This Greek potato salad is tossed in a light lemon olive oil dressing that almost ‘pickles’ the slivers of tangy red onion, capers and handfuls of fresh fragrant herbs. Thanks to Helen at Scrummy Lane for sharing her recipe.

These tangy Baked Beans from Scratch are made with canned beans (no soaking required) and ready-made barbecue sauce. Honestly, I could eat the whole dish myself, but the family wants me to share. Hmph.

Pearl Couscous Salad with zucchini, cranberries and pine nuts are dressed with a zingy citrus dressing. Thanks to Dawn at Girl Heart Food for sharing her gorgeous recipe.

Grilled Chipotle Lime Corn doesn’t last long at our family gatherings and I’m betting it won’t last at yours, either. Remove the silk from the corn cobs, but leave the husks intact (I’ll show you how) then season the corn with a chipotle lime butter and grill them next to your burgers, chicken and the like.

Loaded with your favorite grilled veggies, this orzo salad can be served warm, at room temperature or chilled. It's a delicious pasta salad for the 4th of July and goes great with grilled and smoked meats.

Jaclyn from Crayons & Cravings challenges you to level up your cookout game with this scrumptious Red Skinned Potato Salad! Perfectly tender red potatoes are tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing and chilled to perfection, creating a side dish that’s absolutely irresistible.

This light, healthy green bean salad has steamed mini Dutch potatoes, grape tomatoes and pearls of mozzarella cheese in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It's a delicious 4th of July side dish with grilled or smoked meats.

If you've got fresh corn on the cob, make this tasty salad. It's got bites of sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado and corn off the cob in a tangy, lively dressing. Goes great with ribs, chicken and beef.

My blogger buddy, Traci (The Kitchen Girl has a loaded baked potato salad that's so good, it's always the first thing to disappear.

This tasty rice salad can be made and served chilled or at room temperature. When assembling the recipe, be sure to use leftover cold rice; otherwise, it will soak up too much dressing and become mushy.

Homemade creamed corn is heads and tails above the canned variety and this recipe contains no fillers, food starches or sugars. It's just pure sweet corn, onions and a touch of cream, butter and seasonings.

This patriotic ice cream cake has the bonus of being a make-ahead dessert with a jaw-dropping color scheme inside. Thanks to Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen for sharing her recipe, guaranteed to delight your guests, this

This Heavenly Mixed Berry Galette uses juicy, ripe summer berries and folds them into a flaky crust for the ultimate in summer comfort food. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla for a very red-white and blue finish to your holiday meal.

It wouldn’t be the 4th of July without apple pie. My friend, Seanna, who blogs at Seanna’s Kitchen has a recipe for delicious (and portable) apple pie bars. Trust me, you want them.

From All That Jas comes a no-bake cheesecake with red and blue jello, perfect for patriotic holiday celebrations.

Alex from Little Healthy Bites says these simple yet festive fruit skewers are easy to make with cut-out watermelon stars for a patriotic presentation.

This Easy Blueberry Crisp from Greg at My Wife Can Cook is finished with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a heavenly patriotic dessert.

From Marlynn at Urban Bliss Life come these red, white, and blue chocolate-covered 4th of July Oreos. They are fun and festive, easy to make, and a yummy way to celebrate!

Here's a healthy twist for dessert with a mix of watermelon, dragon fruit and blueberries. Easy to make and the simple dressing lightly macerates the fruit.

Add something sweet to your 4th of July celebration with these healthier, gluten-free, paleo-friendly Red White Blue Mini Cakes. This recipe comes from Neli at Delicious Meets Healthy, and they are perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day or any other patriotic occasion.

You know it isn’t summer without an Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. This one with a lattice crust lets the oozy-ripe berries peek through, giving diners a glimpse of what’s to come.

From Hilda at Fit To Serve Group, comes this delicious keto poke cake shaped like a flag. It makes the perfect Patriotic keto dessert for a 4th of July or Memorial Day BBQ.

I just don’t have enough good things to say about this Blueberry Swirl Key Lime Ice Cream. It’s tangy, sweet, luscious and happens to be my daughter’s summer favorite. You might need a double batch… I’m just sayin’…

Want a red, white, and blue dessert idea? These creative "Watermelon Cakes" are the perfect combination of bite-sized watermelon, whipped cream and a blueberry on top.

This simple fruit-filled cake is lightly sweet, moist and tender. It's delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt and because there's no frosting or decorating, it can easily sit out at room temperature without food safety concerns.

Everybody loves parfaits, right? These tasty mixed berry desserts with sponge cake and chantilly cream evoke holiday spirit in individual 4th of July desserts.

This Red, White, and Blue Fruit Pizza is an ideal patriotic dessert, suitable for all occasions! With a Pillsbury sugar cookie dough crust, delightful cream cheese frosting, and a medley of fresh fruit toppings, indulge in the ultimate sweet treat anytime! Thanks to Kristin at The Cookin Chicks for sharing her recipe.

My ultimate patriotic dessert is Blueberry Pie with Blueberry Pie Filling, made from fresh or frozen fruit. That luscious fruit filling and flaky (ok, it’s store-bought — don’t judge) crust. Does it get any better? By the way — I don’t trust people who can cut a piece of pie, and it looks perfect. It should ooze and flow. That’s how you know it’s the real deal.

This red, white, and blue fruit salad from Julia at Appetizer Addiction requires only a little chopping and assembly.

Ok, this one isn't a red, white and blue dessert, but this Toasted Marshmallow and Oreo Milk Shake is the ultimate American-style dessert. Thanks to Carmy for sharing her over-the-top recipe from Carmy.

These creamy blueberry popsicles are made with Greek yogurt and fresh or frozen fruit. It's a simple dessert that everyone will love.