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!
What’s more refreshing than a sparkling watermelon cocktail?
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Go BIG with these mouthwatering steaks. They may look intimidating, but there super easy to grill up. Cowboy Ribeye Steak recipe
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
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
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 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.
Desserts
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
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.
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Renee @ The Good Hearted Woman says
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!
Mary says
Oh yeah you do! They rock!!! 😉
Catherine says
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!!!
Pech says
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!
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says
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!
Mary says
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 🙂