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, after Memorial Day, and every year we go BIG. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or heading to a potluck, these are some winning recipes.
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.
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!
7
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.
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
8
Asian Smoked Pork Ribs Recipe
Savory and Sweet flavors inspired by Chinese Five Spice and a Thai glaze.
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
9
How To Grill 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.
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
10
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.
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
11
The Ultimate Smoked Brisket Recipe
Recipe for a whole packer Smoked Brisket. The best steps for perfectly juicy and tender brisket every time on any smoker.
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
12
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.
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
13
Smoked Pork Butt Recipe
How to Smoke Pork Butt (Pork Shoulder) for the most tender and flavorful Smoked Pulled Pork.
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
14
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.
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
15
Chili Dog Recipe
Savory ground beef chili with an American Wagyu hot dog topped with diced sweet onions and sharp cheddar cheese.
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
16
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!
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
18
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.
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.
21
Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe with Compound Butter
This Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe with Compound Butter is a classic summer 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
32
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 🙂
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!
Oh yeah you do! They rock!!! 😉
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!!!
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!
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!
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 🙂