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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    52 Easy 4th of July Recipes to Try This Year

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 2, 2025, updated July 2, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    4th of July is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a fun celebration filled with delicious food. From classic barbecue dishes to refreshing summer salads and festive desserts, there are plenty of easy recipes to make your holiday memorable. Here are 52 simple ideas that will help you create a fantastic spread for your Independence Day festivities.

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw is a quick and easy side dish that you can whip up in under 15 minutes. It pairs perfectly with steak, barbecue, or anything buffalo-flavored. With its rich blue cheese flavor and balanced seasoning, this coleslaw is sure to become a go-to favorite at your gatherings.

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    Chicken Tikka Kebab

    Chicken Tikka Kebab
    Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This dish is full of flavor and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It features chicken pieces that are soaked in yogurt, lime juice, and a mix of spices, then skewered and grilled until they're just right. Perfect for a summer BBQ, this recipe brings a tasty twist to your gathering.

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    Grilled Skirt Steak with Watermelon Salsa

    Grilled Skirt Steak with Watermelon Salsa
    Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This dish is all about summer, bringing together vibrant colors and fresh flavors. It's perfect for a Fourth of July BBQ, adding a festive touch to your gathering. With its easy preparation, it fits right in for those warm days when you want to enjoy good food with friends and family.

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    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer baked potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that everyone will love. They come out tender and flavorful on the inside, with a nice crispy skin on the outside. With just three simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy nights. You can enjoy them as they are or load them up with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

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    Strawberry Filled Cupcakes

    A strawberry filled cupcake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These summer cupcakes are a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. They’re simple to whip up using vanilla cupcakes, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, and you can have them ready in less than an hour. Perfect for adding a sweet touch to your Fourth of July BBQ, these treats are sure to please a crowd.

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    2-Minute BBQ Sauce

    A spoonful of barbecue sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This BBQ sauce is quick and simple, coming together with just five ingredients in only two minutes. It has a nice balance of spice and sweetness from honey, delivering great flavor without any cooking involved. It's ideal for slathering on burgers or using as a dip for chicken tenders.

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    Easy Apple Crisp

    Apple crisp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dessert comes together in just 35 minutes with easy preparation. It features tart green apples covered in cinnamon sugar, topped with a crumbly mixture that includes a touch of shredded coconut. It's great on its own or can be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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    Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese Pasta Salad

    Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    This creamy blue cheese pasta salad combines fresh vegetables with a rich roasted garlic and miso dressing. Even if blue cheese isn't your favorite, you can leave it out and still enjoy the delicious umami from the miso. It's a great side dish that adds a tasty twist to any meal.

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    Jerk Chicken

    Jerk Chicken Recipe
    Photo Credit: Foreign Fork.

    Jerk Chicken is a flavorful Jamaican dish featuring grilled chicken that’s packed with a spicy and smoky taste. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a bit of island flavor at their barbecue. This dish brings a vibrant twist to your summer gatherings.

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    Blue Cheese Sauce

    Blue cheese sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This blue cheese sauce is quick and easy to whip up in just 5 minutes using only 6 ingredients. It's packed with rich blue cheese flavor, making it a great addition to salads, meats, and anything with a Buffalo twist. Perfect for adding a creamy touch to your favorite dishes.

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    Loaded Potato Skins

    Air fryer potato skins.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer potato skins are simple to make and come together in just 10 minutes. With a mix of garlic and Worcestershire sauce, plus plenty of sharp, gooey cheese, every bite is packed with flavor. They’re a great choice for an appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

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    Caprese Garlic Bread

    Caprese Garlic Bread
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Caprese Garlic Bread is a great starter for any gathering. With just a few easy ingredients, you can whip it up in about 10 minutes. It's a delicious way to kick off your meal and will surely please your guests.

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    Greek Chicken Souvlaki

    Chicken souvlaki.
    Photo credit: Recipes from Europe.

    Chicken Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish that's easy to enjoy. It features fresh chicken that's marinated in a mix of oil and spices, then grilled on skewers until it's just right. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings and adds a tasty twist to any BBQ.

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    Grilled Vegetable Platter with Lemon-Feta Sauce

    A plate full of grilled veggies with two dip sauces.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    A big platter of grilled vegetables and dip is perfect for summer gatherings. It’s simple to prepare in advance, allowing you to enjoy the time with your guests. Everyone will appreciate the fresh flavors and variety on the table.

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    Summer Berry Gino

    Berry gino.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This berry bake is a simple dessert packed with bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, all topped off with white chocolate. It's a great choice for any dinner party, and you can prepare it in advance to save time. Enjoy a sweet treat that everyone will love.

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    Ranch Coleslaw

    Ranch coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This ranch coleslaw is quick to whip up in just 15 minutes, perfect for your next barbecue. Using store-bought mayonnaise and ranch dressing, it’s super easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a great side dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Mexican Chicken Marinade

    Air fryer chicken legs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This lively marinade adds a burst of flavor to your meal. With its mix of bold spices and zesty citrus, it turns plain chicken into a tender and exciting dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, this marinade brings a festive touch to your barbecue.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Roasted Potatoes

    MExican. potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Crispy Mexican Potatoes are a great addition to your Fourth of July BBQ. With a blend of Mexican spices and a refreshing touch of lime and cilantro, these potatoes bring a nice kick to your meal. They pair perfectly with a cool sauce or sour cream, making them a tasty side dish. You can easily prepare them in the oven or air fryer, so they fit right into your summer cooking plans.

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    S'Mores Casserole

    Smores casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    S'mores Casserole brings the classic camping dessert right to your kitchen. It's easy to prepare in a baking dish, so you don't need a campfire to enjoy this treat. This dish is great for gatherings, allowing you to serve a crowd with minimal effort. Just grab some graham crackers or digestive biscuits and your favorite milk chocolate, and you're all set!

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    Pasta Salad Skewers

    Pasta Salad Skewers
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Pasta Salad Skewers bring together all the flavors you love in a pasta salad, making them a fun choice for an appetizer or side dish. They’re simple to prepare in advance and perfect for serving a group, as they don’t require any utensils. These skewers are a great way to enjoy a classic dish in a new and convenient form.

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    Potato Wedges

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air-fried potato wedges are quick and easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. With a simple sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, these wedges come out crispy and delicious. They offer a healthier option for your meals, making them a great choice for any occasion.

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    Lemon Meringue Cake

    Lemon Meringue Cake.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Lemon meringue pie is a favorite for many, and this cake version brings all that bright, tangy flavor in a new form. It's just as delightful and perfect for summer gatherings. With its light and fluffy meringue topping, this cake is sure to be a hit at any barbecue.

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    Texas Toast

    Air fryer texas toast.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlicky Texas Toast is a quick and easy addition to any meal. It's crispy, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor, making it a perfect side dish or appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time. This is a great choice for gatherings or casual dinners.

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    4th of July Brownie Cupcakes

    4th of July Brownie Cupcakes.
    Photo credit: Spatula Desserts.

    These 4th of July Brownies are a fun way to celebrate Independence Day. With their rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Topped with a festive red, white, and blue frosting, these brownies are perfect for both kids and adults alike.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Pasta Salad

    BBQ Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    This pasta salad is a great addition to any BBQ. It features elbow noodles mixed with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and fresh scallions, all topped off with chewy BBQ tofu crumbles and a creamy dressing. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

    Arugula salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salad combines sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, making it a great side dish for any meal. It goes especially well with grilled salmon or steak, adding a refreshing touch to your plate. Perfect for summer gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and complements a variety of proteins.

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    Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

    Air fryer hasselback potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes are a quick and easy take on the traditional Swedish side dish, ready in just 30 minutes. Topped with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that you'll want to make again and again. Plus, there's a handy tip included to help you slice the potatoes just right.

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    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

    Baby potatoes in a bowl.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These crispy little potatoes are a great side dish for any meaty meal. Packed with flavor from the seasoning, they remind you of the traditional Canarian dish known as "Papas Arrugadas." They're easy to prepare and add a nice touch to your barbecue spread.

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    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad is a great choice for summer gatherings. It's a healthy and easy dish that you can whip up in no time, making it ideal for BBQs. With its fresh flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at any outdoor celebration.

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    Homemade Cornbread

    Air fryer cornbread.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This air fryer recipe is quick and easy, using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s perfect for a Fourth of July BBQ, allowing you to whip up something delicious in no time. Enjoy the freedom of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Steak Wraps with Blue Cheese Dressing

    Bacon Steak Wraps with Blue Cheese Dressing.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    These wraps feature tender chuck steak paired with a creamy blue cheese dressing, creating a filling and satisfying meal. They're perfect for a summer barbecue, offering a great combination of flavors that everyone will enjoy. With their hearty ingredients, these wraps are sure to be a hit at your Fourth of July gathering.

    Get the recipe

    Marinated Grilled Steaks

    The Best Marinated Grilled Steaks
    Photo Credit: Maple + Mango.

    This steak recipe is simple to prepare and results in juicy, flavorful steaks that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for a summer barbecue, it brings a great taste to your grill. Whether you're hosting friends or just having a family meal, these steaks are sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Indian Chicken Marinade

    Indian Chicken Marinade
    Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This Indian Chicken Marinade brings out incredible flavors in the chicken, making it juicy and tender. It's simple to prepare, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for summer barbecues, this marinade will elevate your chicken dishes and impress your guests.

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    Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

    Sweet potato wedges.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer sweet potatoes are quick and easy, taking only 15 minutes to cook. With a sprinkle of cinnamon and salt, they pair well with fish and chicken, but they're also tasty enough to enjoy on their own. This dish is a great addition to any meal.

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    Grilled Hanger Steak

    Grilled Hanger Steak
    Photo Credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Grilled hanger steak topped with Charmoula sauce is full of flavor and perfect for any summer gathering. It tastes amazing whether it's served hot off the grill or at room temperature. This dish is a great choice for your Fourth of July BBQ, bringing a delicious twist to your celebration.

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    Halloumi Portobello Burgers

    A portobello halloumi burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi Burgers are packed with flavor and topped with creamy mashed avocado, a juicy portobello mushroom, crumbled chèvre cheese, peppery arugula, and sweet caramelized onions. They’re simple to prepare and are sure to impress your guests. Perfect for a summer BBQ, these burgers bring a delicious twist to your grilling menu.

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    Chipotle Ranch

    Chipotle ranch.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This ranch dressing brings a smoky and spicy kick that goes perfectly with any barbecue dish. It's a flavorful addition that enhances grilled meats and veggies alike. Whether you're serving burgers, hot dogs, or grilled corn, this ranch will elevate your Fourth of July BBQ.

    Get the recipe

    Cheetos Cream Cheese Ball

    FLAMIN’ HOT CHEETOS CREAM CHEESE BALL.
    Photo credit: Boulder Locavore.

    This spicy cheese ball is a great appetizer for any gathering. It's simple to prepare and always a hit at parties. With its bold flavors, it adds a fun touch to your snack table.

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    French Potato Salad

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy homemade potato salad is a great addition to your Fourth of July BBQ. It’s made without mayo, eggs, or any dairy, using a creamy Dijon mustard dressing instead. This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a perfect choice for everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

    Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers
    Photo Credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    This Independence Day, bring some exciting flavors to your BBQ with these grilled chicken skewers. Marinated in a mix of ginger, garlic, coconut cream, and soy sauce, they pack a punch. A sweet coconut cream glaze adds a nice touch, and they come with a simple peanut sauce for dipping. It's a flavorful dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings.

    Get the recipe

    Blueberry Flatbread with Goat Cheese

    Blueberry Flatbread with Goat Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This blueberry flatbread is topped with apricot jam, creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, and fresh mint. It's a great option for a vegetarian appetizer or even a light dessert. The combination of flavors is refreshing and satisfying, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Lemon Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is quick and easy to whip up using just a few healthy ingredients. Combining olive oil, lemon, and basil gives the chicken a juicy and tender texture packed with flavor. It's great for grilling, but also works well if you prefer to pan-sear it.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Fries

    Air Fryer Steak Fries.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Steak Fries are a great side dish that you can whip up in just 25 minutes. They’re simple to prepare and require only a few steps. These fries come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect addition to any meal.

    Get the recipe

    No Bake Cookies

    No bake cookies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    No-bake cookies are quick and easy to whip up, taking only about 15 minutes of actual prep time. With simple ingredients, these treats are packed with rich chocolate, coconut, and a touch of salt. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is a bright and fresh dish featuring orzo pasta, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It's a simple salad that comes together quickly, making it a great choice for picnics or gatherings. This salad is perfect for summer barbecues, adding a burst of flavor to your meal.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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