33 4th of July Recipes for the Smoker or Grill

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Looking for some fun and easy 4th of July recipes for the grill or smoker? Below are some of my favorite recipes for this summer holiday! These are all tried and true family and crowd favorites.

4th of July is most definitely one of my favorite holidays to celebrate with family and friends, and every year we go BIG. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or heading to a potluck, these are some winning recipes.

Cocktails

Every summer party needs a signature cocktail!

A watermelon cocktail on a table outside
4 from 2 votes

Watermelon Cocktail (with Sparkling Wine)

And easy and delicious Watermelon Cocktail made with fresh watermelon juice and sparkling wine. And it is the most refreshing summer cocktail you'll drink this summer.
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What’s more refreshing than a sparkling watermelon cocktail?

Bourbon Cocktails with Lemon Simple Syrup
5 from 2 votes

Bourbon Cocktail Recipe with Grilled Lemon Simple Syrup

Grilled lemons infused into a simple syrup and mixed with bourbon and bitters. A great summer cocktail.
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Toasting glasses with mimosas
4.91 from 10 votes

Mimosa Bar Recipe Ideas

Recipe for a classic mimosa part plus variations on the fruits and decor ideas.
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Blackberry Aperol Spritz Cocktail
4.73 from 11 votes

Blackberry Aperol Spritz

A twist on a classic Aperol Spritz inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Blackberry Aperol Spritz Cocktail, made with blackberry simple syrup. 
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4.41 from 15 votes

Smoked Bloody Mary Recipe with Smoked Bacon

Recipe for homemade Smoked Bloody Marys with Smoked Bacon. Smoke tomatoes and bacon and blend into the ultimate brunch drink for smoked food lovers.
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rhubarb fizz cocktail
4.63 from 8 votes

Rhubarb Lemon Fizz Cocktail

Rhubarb Lemon Fizz is a fun, festive, and refreshing summer cocktail containing 4 simple ingredients (and can also be made alcohol-free)
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Meat + Main Entrees

Now onto the main events…and before we dive into these, did you gear up? Hands down a good thermometer is needed for most of these. Grab your Thermoworks MK4 Thermapen before the holiday weekend!

4.43 from 80 votes

Easy 3-2-1 Ribs Recipe

Recipe for competition style smoked pork ribs, and an explanation of the “3-2-1 Method” of smoking ribs.
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Ribs are a necessity for any 4th of July Recipe roundup, and these are the ultimate smoked ribs with a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about ribs. These are tried and true and a crowd favorite! Find the 3 2 1 Ribs Recipe here

4.10 from 11 votes

Asian Smoked Pork Ribs Recipe

Savory and Sweet flavors inspired by Chinese Five Spice and a Thai glaze.
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Change things up with your rib game with these amazing beauties? These are filled with non-traditional flavors for smoked pork ribs, but they are out of this world. Savory, spicy, sweet, finger licking ribs. Yes yes yes!!! Smoked Pork Ribs with Asian Spice Rub

4.80 from 5 votes

How To Grill The Perfect Chicken

How to make perfect Grilled Chicken every time, with any cut of chicken. This fool proof method will get you great flavor, crispy skin, and juicy texture for the best chicken ever. 
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Who doesn’t love Grilled Chicken? This guide will show you everything you need to know to perfect your chicken game. No more dry overcooked chicken for you! Recipe for Perfect Grilled Chicken here

Red Wine Marinated Smoked Tri Tip with Chimichurri Sauce
4.36 from 78 votes

Smoked Tri Tip

A simple recipe for the best Smoked Tri Tip. Easy, quick, and delicious. Learn how to make the perfect Smoked Tri Tip, with wine pairing ideas for this flavorful cut of beef.
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This is a staple around these parts. It often shows up weekly on our dinner table, so why not a staple 4th of July recipe? Easy, delicious, and fool-proof. It’s a huge crowd-pleaser too! Smoked Tri Tip recipe

Smoked brisket sliced on butcher paper with pickled vegetables.
4.58 from 103 votes

The Ultimate Smoked Brisket Recipe

Recipe for a whole packer Smoked Beef Brisket. The best steps for perfectly juicy and tender brisket.  
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If your goal is to GO BIG this holiday weekend, meaning you intend to spend 12-14 hours tending to your smoker, drinking cheap beer to kill the time, instagramming your process, and impressing your friends with your efforts, then Smoked Brisket is for you. This recipe has been visited by millions, for good reason. Smoked Brisket recipe

Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
4.52 from 133 votes

Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends are super tender, juicy bites full of smoky flavor. Smoke these for three hours, braise in a BBQ sauce mix, and then finish uncovered for the perfect meat candy.
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These morsels of BBQ heaven have an incredible cult following. Our video for these magical bites of happiness has over 22 million views and counting. Get on board for the BBQ recipe of the decade. Pork Belly Burnt Ends recipe

pulled pork on a sheet pan with sauce
4.42 from 131 votes

Smoked Pork Butt Recipe

How to Smoke Pork Butt (Pork Shoulder) for the most tender and flavorful Smoked Pulled Pork.
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Every summer party needs some of this ultimate pulled pork. It’s perfect for a crowd. These are fantastic on it’s own or as a pulled pork slider! Smoked Pork Butt recipe

A grilled smashed burger
4.50 from 6 votes

Grilled Smash Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Horseradish Sauce

Classic take on the fast food smash burger grilled outside on a griddle and finished with cheese, caramelized onions, and special sauce.
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Keeping it classic with burgers and dogs at your summer gathering? These Grilled Smash Burgers with Caramelized Onions are absolutely incredible. Grilled Smash Burgers recipe

4 Chili Dogs on a sheet pan
4.67 from 3 votes

Chili Dog Recipe

Savory ground beef chili with an American Wagyu hot dog topped with diced sweet onions and sharp cheddar cheese.
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If you’re grilling burgers you’ve gotta have some dogs too! These chili dogs are pretty darn addictive (just a fair warming)! Chili Dogs with Sweet Onions recipe

Grilled Cowboy Ribeye Steak
5 from 4 votes

Cowboy Ribeye Steak Recipe

This recipe for Cowboy Steaks with a Coffee Ancho Chili Dry Rub will wow your guests! Using the reverse sear method for the perfect thick cut ribeye steaks!
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Go BIG with these mouthwatering steaks. They may look intimidating, but there super easy to grill up. Cowboy Ribeye Steak recipe

Grilled Marinated Chicken Kebabs
4.50 from 2 votes

Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Citrus Marinade

Grilled Chicken Kebabs with a Citrus marinade. A simple and flavorful chicken dish.
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These Grilled Chicken Kabobs start with an easy citrus marinade and then grilled hot and fast. Full of incredible flavor! Recipe for Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Slices of Grilled Pork Loin on a platter with roasted potatoes
5 from 3 votes

Grilled Pork Loin with Blackberry, Caramelized Shallots, and Red Wine Glaze

A tender and delicious pork loin roasted on the grill and finished with a sweet and savory berry and wine glaze.
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Pork loin is tender and delicious, especially with some fresh summer berries and red wine drizzled all over for good measure. Perfect for an elegant 4th of July recipe. Recipe for Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Bourbon Sauce

close up of grilled salmon
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Salmon

Grilled Salmon recipe and tips and tricks for how to grill the perfect, juicy, and tender salmon every time! No marinade required!



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The secret to perfect salmon is simple. Buy fresh, good quality fish, and don’t overcook it. That’s it. Recipe for Perfect Grilled Salmon

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail served with a Spicy Sriracha Cocktail Sauce
5 from 3 votes

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with Sriracha Cocktail Sauce

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail features a Spicy Sriracha Cocktail Sauce that is easily adaptable. Perfect for cookouts, parties, and holidays!
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Grilled Shrimp Cocktail features a Spicy Sriracha Cocktail Sauce that is easily adaptable. Perfect for cookouts, tailgating, parties, and holidays! Grilled Shrimp Cocktail recipe


Side Dishes

Want some appetizers, sauces, or side dishes? Any good outside party needs some of our favorite 4th of July recipe side dishes.

Grilled Corn on the cob with herb butter.
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe with Compound Butter

This easy recipe is a great option and a summer staple as a side dish. Grilling the corn in the husk is a great way to get moist corn and a blackened husk for the perfect summer corn recipe.
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BBQ Baked Beans in a cast iron pan
4.50 from 16 votes

Smoked BBQ Baked Beans

Easy barbecued baked beans that are comforting, slightly sweet, mildly smoky, rich, meaty, and totally indulgent.
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Easy No Mayo Coleslaw

A super simple mayo free coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, sliced carrots and onions, salt and pepper, cumin and apple cider vinegar. Easy and delicious, with no mayo.
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Smoked Tri Tip Macaroni and Cheese, Cooked on the Grill
5 from 2 votes

Smoked Tri Tip Mac and Cheese Recipe

Smoked Tri Tip Mac and Cheese is made with perfectly smoked and tender tri tip, mixed with an ultra creamy cheese sauce and cooked on the grill.
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Watermelon Salad
5 from 1 vote

Watermelon Salad with Basil and White Balsamic Vinegar

A simple, delicious, and savory watermelon salad tossed with basil and white balsamic vinegar.
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Skillet Cornbread Cooked on the Grill
4.75 from 8 votes

Skillet Cornbread Recipe on the Grill

Grilled Cornbread in a cast iron skillet with green chilies and cinnamon topped with smoked honey drizzle.
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close up of black bean salad
4.41 from 49 votes

Black Bean Salad Recipe With Lime and Pepper Dressing

The perfect BBQ side dish that can double as a relish and topping for a variety of dishes.
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Bowl of Easy Homemade Blender Salsa
4.87 from 15 votes

My Mama’s Basic Blender Salsa Recipe

An easy basic homemade salsa made in the blender. This is a family recipe that has been around for decades and is made in less than 5 minutes.
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red wine bbq sauce
4.80 from 20 votes

Pinot Noir BBQ Sauce Recipe

A savory and balanced homemade BBQ sauce featuring wine and dried spices. Use a fruity wine like Pinot Noir for this unique BBQ sauce recipe.
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Sausage Queso Bean dip in a cast iron pan
5 from 3 votes

Sausage Queso Chipotle Bean Dip Recipe

A jazzed up Queso Bean Dip featuring ground sausage, green chilies, smoky chipotle pinto beans, and real shredded cheese. Smoky Chipotle Bean and Sausage Queso dip is a fantastic dip for summer cookouts, tailgating, or even camping.
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Desserts

Smoked Strawberry Shortcake
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Strawberry Shortcake

Smoked Strawberry Shortcake is a twist on a summertime classic that starts with biscuits, layered with Smoked Strawberry Jam, fresh strawberries, and topped with homemade whipped cream.
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Smoked strawberries make for a great twist on this summer classic. This is an over-the-top delicious dessert that you and your friends are going to go crazy for! Recipe for Smoked Strawberry Shortcake

Grilled Strawberry Sundaes
5 from 2 votes

Grilled Strawberry Sundaes with Melted Chocolate Peanut Butter Sacue

Strawberry Sundae made with grilled strawberries and a melted chocolate peanut butter sauce. Grilling strawberries is super easy to do, and adds incredible flavor to your sundae. Dairy free and gluten free.
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This post was originally published in July, 2016, and updated in June 2021 with more 4th of July recipe ideas for the smoker or grill.



mary cressler headshot

Vindulge

About Mary


I'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, founder of Vindulge, and author of Fire + Wine cookbook. Thanks for stopping by!

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6 Comments

  1. Everything looks amazing! My sweetheart had a smoked pepper-bacon Bloody Mary the other day and loved it – I need to learn how to make them pronto!

  2. It says a lot about my day that I zoned in on that bottle of wine in the ribs photo! Ha! For the BBQs we’re going to I’m making a potato salad, but one made with red wine vinaigrette and roasted red peppers. I’m not a fan of the mayo-type potato salads!

    Happy 4th, Mary!!!

  3. Oooo all the ribs!! There’s something so primal about seeing the pile of bones, be it pork or chicken, you have left after a good bbq and making sure (at least if I’m at home) making sure I get every little shred of meat. More realistically, with vegetarian F the main thing we put on fire is vegetables, especially summer corn. I love the idea of trying pound cake though!

  4. I want ALLLLL of this! Especially the different ribs. I could eat a whole rack of ribs on my own in one sitting and these all look crazy delicious! We’re going to a friend’s house and our contribution will be a summery 4th-inspired salad of some sort but I don’t know what yet. Happy 4th of July to you!

    1. Summer salad sounds fantastic, and a nice addition to balance out any heavy meats! That’s something we have very very (very) little of here on the blog. We need to remedy that asap. Perhaps I’ll be inspired by something I see this weekend! Happy 4th of July to you too 🙂