While we love grilling all summer long, there's one day of the year when you just absolutely have to get outside and celebrate: July Fourth.
Whether you're heading out to a campground or just the back yard, there's just no better way to celebrate America's birthday than by firing up the grill, opening some beer, and putting on some patriotic tunes while gathering with friends.
To help you sort out the menu, we've put together dozens of our favorite recipes, from sauces that'll upgrade your steaks and sausages, to classic sides and appetizers. So brush up on your grilling skills and get ready!
1
Green Chile Pimento Cheese Burgers
Spice up your backyard burgers with some homemade hatch chile pimento cheese!
Get the recipe for Green Chile Pimento Cheese Burgers.
2
Firecracker Sangria
This patriotic party punch is like a celebration in a glass!
Get the recipe for Firecracker Sangria.
3
Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs
BBQ ribs are the perfect backyard cookout celebration food: They're delicious, simple, and they'll easily feed a crowd!
Get the recipe for Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs.
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4
Toasted Seed Coleslaw
Is it even a barbecue without coleslaw? Instead of an overly greasy, mayonnaise-coated store-bought variety, try this simple recipe, which gets a big burst of flavor from toasted seeds.
Get the recipe for Toasted Seed Coleslaw.
5
Red Hots & Spanish Peanuts Snack
Why wait until after dark for fireworks? This spicy snack is hard to stop eating.
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6
Root Beer Baked Beans
Baked beans are a must-have side at your cookout. This version gets a little extra sweetness from everyone's favorite old-fashioned soda.
Get the recipe for Root Beer Baked Beans.
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7
Classic Deviled Eggs
Some might say it's not a celebration unless there's a tray of deviled eggs on the table. Our crowd-pleasing no-fuss recipe has you covered.
Get the recipe for Classic Deviled Eggs.
8
Puff Pastry Star Cookies
With just two main ingredients, puff pastry and jam, these simple cookies couldn't be easier to make—and they're perfect for celebrating July 4th.
Get the recipe for Puff Pastry Star Cookies.
9
Watermelon-Fennel Pico de Gallo
Who says you have to save the watermelon for dessert? This simple makes make an excellent appetizer or snack.
Get the recipe for Watermelon-Fennel Pico de Gallo.
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10
Grilled Ratatouille Pasta Salad
This is not grandma's pasta salad. But maybe it should have been!
Get the recipe for Grilled Ratatouille Pasta Salad.
RELATED: 25+ Easy 4th of July Salads to Complete Your Cookout Menu
11
Blue Bell Ice Cream Bombe
Top this ice cream "bombe" with sparkler candies from Tops Malibu for a dessert fireworks show.
Get the recipe for Blue Bell Ice Cream Bombe.
RELATED: 40+ Easy 4th of July Desserts for All Your Celebrations
12
Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Kebabs with Basil Salt
This quick-cooking snack is a fun and tasty surprise for guests ("You put cheese and watermelon on the grill?") as well as an easy warm-up to make before getting the main dishes onto the grill.
Get the recipe for Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Kebabs with Basil Salt.
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13
Chile-Oregano Chimichurri Sauce
With spicy peppers and a ton of fresh herbs, this sauce is just the thing for dressing up a standard grilled steak—or a burger, or chicken, or sausages...
Get the recipe for Chile-Oregano Chimichurri.
14
Sailor's Warning co*cktail
This fun take on the classic Tequila Sunrise recalls that old adage about sailors being wary of red skies at dawn. And we'd concur: This is definitely a better drink for the evening hours.
Get the recipe for Sailor's Warning co*cktail. RELATED: 40+ Summer Drink co*cktails to Keep the Heat at Bay
15
Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie
This light-as-air dessert, made with a meringue pie shell, is a refreshing way to cap off the cookout, before fireworks!
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie.
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16
Grill Corn Three Ways
Corn on the cob hot off the grill is a guaranteed summer delight. But when dressed up, this sweet roasted veggie tastes even better.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Red Pepper Jelly Glaze.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Mexican "Street Style" Topping.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.
17
Watermelon Amaro Pops
Who doesn't love a cold, boozy treat on a hot day? These easy-to-make pops blend fresh watermelon with a touch of orange liqueur for a decidedly grown-up dessert.
Get the recipe for Watermelon Amaro Pops.
18
Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint
Coleslaw makes a great salad, holding up as it does to the high summer heat. We love to give this one a little extra crunch with salty peanuts.
Get the recipe for Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint.
RELATED: 25+ Easy 4th of July Salads to Complete Your Cookout Menu
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19
Toffee-Almond S’mores
Stoke up the fire (or turn on the grill) before the fireworks, and heat up this classic campfire dessert. To make it extra good, we've got a serious chocolate bar upgrade for you.
Get the recipe for Toffee-Almond S’mores.
20
Spicy Watermelon co*cktail
The jalapeño-infused liquor gives this margarita just enough warmth to keep guests sipping, while the watermelon keeps it refreshing.
Get the recipe for Spicy Watermelon co*cktail.
