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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    55 Flavors of Freedom for Your Fourth of July BBQ

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 28, 2024, updated June 28, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Celebrate Independence Day with this collection of 55 delicious recipes perfect for your backyard barbecue. From juicy burgers to patriotic desserts, you'll find dishes here that please every taste at your Fourth of July gathering. Fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with these festive and flavorful creations.

    Halloumi Portobello Burgers

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

    These Halloumi Burgers are certainly "extra everything" - topped with mashed avocado, a whole portobello mushroom, crumbled chèvre cheese, peppery arugula and sweet caramelized onions. Easy to make and a sure crowd pleaser!

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    Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

    Arugula salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sweet, salty, acidic salad pairs perfectly with any protein, especially a nice piece of salmon or steak.

    Get the recipe

    S'Mores Casserole

    Smores casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This S'mores Casserole is a simple version of everyone’s favorite camping treat. Made in a baking dish so you can make it even without a campfire, and perfect to make for a crowd. Use graham crackers or digestive biscuits, and your favorite milk chocolate!

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Tikka Kebab

    Chicken Tikka Kebab
    Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This is a delicious appetizer or main course packed with flavor. It starts with chicken pieces marinated in yogurt along with lime juice and aromatic spices, then threaded onto skewers and cooked to perfection.

    Get the recipe

    Loaded Potato Skins

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

    With only a handful of ingredients and just 10 minutes of prep, these air fryer potato skins will quickly become a new favorite! Seasoned with garlic and Worcestershire sauce with a taste of sharp, gooey cheese in every bite, these potato skins make the perfect appetizer!

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese Pasta Salad

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

    A simple creamy blue cheese pasta salad made with fresh produce tossed in a creamy roasted garlic and miso blue cheese dressing. If you're not a fan of blue cheese, it can easily be omitted from the dressing and you still getlots of umami flavors from the miso!

    Get the recipe

    Chipotle Ranch

    Chipotle ranch.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoky, spicy and super tasty - this ranch version is great for pairing with anything barbecued.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Halloumi & Peaches

    Grilled halloumi and peaches.
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    Here's a simple summer meal that's fresh, light,  and absolutely delicious! Salty Halloumi cheese turns crispy and melty on the grill, making it a perfect pair for the jammy, sweet charred peaches. A hefty mound of arugula, spicy jalapeños and a sweet and tangy honey lemon vinaigrette bring it all together for an awesome salad that's great for a main course or side.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Apple Crisp

    Apple crisp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    All done in 35 minutes with super simple prep. Made with tart green apples coated in cinnamon sugar, and a crumbly crisp topping with a hint of shredded coconut. Delicious on its own, or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Grab some smoked salmon and whip up this spread in just a few minutes.

    Get the recipe

    French Potato Salad

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Try the best easy, homemade potato salad! Without mayo, eggs or any dairy products it's made creamy the traditional French way with a Dijon mustard dressing - which makes it naturally vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Steak Wraps with Blue Cheese Dressing

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

    These wraps are made with chuck steak and a homemade blue cheese dressing, and they're so hearty, rich and delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Strawberry Filled Cupcakes

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

    These are the ultimate summer cupcakes, and loved by kids and adults alike. Super easy to make with just vanilla cupcakes, fresh strawberries and whipped cream they come together in under 1 hour.

    Get the recipe

    Whipped Feta

    Tyrosalata.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cheesy, creamy and delicious! And all in just 5 minutes with 5 ingredients. This whipped feta cheese (or Tyrosalata in Greek) is made with Greek yogurt, seasoned with garlic and fresh basil and is equally addictive as a dip, sauce or spread.

    Get the recipe

    Marinated Grilled Steaks

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

    This steak recipe is super easy to make and gives you delicious, flavorful, juicy steaks.

    Get the recipe

    Texas Toast

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

    Make garlicky Texas Toast in just a few minutes - crispy, buttery and loaded with garlic flavor! With the best garlic butter made from simple ingredients, it's all done with just a few simple steps. Get ready to meet your new favorite easy appetizer and side dish!

    Get the recipe

    Blue Cheese Sauce

    Blue cheese sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This classic blue cheese sauce comes together in under 5 minutes with just 6 ingredients, without both boiling and buttermilk. Loaded with blue cheese flavor it's perfect with salad, meat, and anything "Buffalo" flavored.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Hanger Steak

    Grilled Hanger Steak
    Photo Credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This grilled hanger steak is served with Charmoula sauce and packed with flavor. It's just as great hot as it is at room temperature.

    Get the recipe

    No Bake Cookies

    No bake cookies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    The best no-bake cookies are all done with just 15 minutes of actual baking. Made with staple ingredients, these cookies are loaded with chocolate flavor, coconut, and a hint of salt.

    Get the recipe

    Cheetos Cream Cheese Ball

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

    This spicy cheese ball is the perfect party appetizer. It’s one of those yummy appetizers that’s perfect for any party whatsoever, and so easy to make!

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

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

    Looking for the perfect baked potato recipe? These air fryer baked potatoes minimize your cooking time and result in a tender, flavorful inside wrapped in a crispy delicious shell. With only three ingredients, this recipe will become your new favorite side dish, or top it with whatever you have in the fridge to make it a main!

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Skirt Steak with Watermelon Salsa

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

    This dish just screams summer with its bright colors and flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Roasted Potatoes

    MExican. potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make deliciously crispy Mexican Potatoes in just 45 minutes. With Mexican seasoning and topped with lime & cilantro this is a yummy side dish with a spicy kick - and at its best served with a cool sauce or sour cream. Make it in the oven or air fryer!

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Garlic Bread

    Caprese Garlic Bread
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Caprese Garlic Bread is the perfect appetizer! It uses only a handful of simple ingredients and takes just 10 minutes to throw together.

    Get the recipe

    Marinated Flank Steak Tacos

    Simple Marinated Grilled Flank Steak Tacos
    Photo Credit: xoxobella.

    Made with a carne asada marinade this is a winner every single time.

    Get the recipe

    Summer Berry Gino

    Berry gino.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This super easy berry bake is filled with bananas, strawberries and blueberries and topped with white chocolate for a delicious dessert. Perfect for any dinner party - and you can even prep it ahead of time.

    Get the recipe

    Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

    Sweet potato wedges.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer sweet potatoes are done in just 15 minutes and come out perfectly baked. Seasoned with cinnamon & salt they're a great side for fish and chicken - and a delicious snack on their own.

    Get the recipe

    Mini Cheese Balls

    Mini cheese ball.
    Photo credit: Aleka's Get-Together.

    These mini cheese balls have ALL the best flavors rolled into one adorably delicious creamy bite. Serve them on a cracker, or with a pretzel stick or cracker on top.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Lemon Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make the best Lemon Chicken Marinade in just a few minutes with simple, healthy, ingredients. With olive oil, lemon & basil the chicken comes out so juicy, tender and loaded with flavor. Perfect for grilling, but delicious pan seared as well!

    Get the recipe

    Potato Wedges

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    15 minutes is all you need to make the best air-fried potato wedges. Lightly seasoned with salt and olive oil, they're baked to perfection in the easiest way possible—and they're a great healthier alternative.

    Get the recipe

    Smash Burgers

    Smash Burgers
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Recreate a delicious fast food-inspired smash burger in your own kitchen or garden with fresh ingredients and a tangy, creamy sauce. Smash burgers are thin, so they cook fast!

    Get the recipe

    4th of July Brownie Cupcakes

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

    Make these 4th of July Brownies to celebrate Independence Day in style! These patriotic brownies have a classic chocolate brownie taste and fudgy texture, and a red, white and blue frosting both kids and adults will love.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

    Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make deliciously crispy and buttery Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes in under 30 minutes with super simple prep. It's the perfect flavor-packed side for any dinner!

    Get the recipe

    Blueberry Flatbread with Goat Cheese

    Blueberry Flatbread with Goat Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This delicious fruit-forward blueberry flatbread is loaded with apricot jam, creamy goat cheese, sweet honey, and fresh mint. It's the perfect vegetarian appetizer - or even dessert!

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

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

    This Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing salad made with orzo pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. This easy pasta salad is so quick to make, perfect to bring to a picnic or get-together!

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Chicken Marinade

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

    This zesty marinade is a quick, flavor-packed addition to your dinner. Bursting with vibrant spices and tangy citrus, this marinade will transform ordinary chicken into a super tender fiesta of flavors.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Vegetable Platter with Lemon-Feta Sauce

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

    For easy, summer entertaining, make a giant platter of grilled vegetables and dip ahead of time. Your guests will love it!

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    This chicken pesto pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer. This healthy, simple salad that is quick to prepare and perfect to serve at a BBQ!

    Get the recipe

    Greek Chicken Souvlaki

    Chicken souvlaki.
    Photo credit: Recipes from Europe.

    Chicken Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that often needs little introduction! Made from fresh chicken marinated in a simple blend of oil and spices, then placed on skewers and grilled to perfection.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Fries

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

    Make Air Fryer Steak Fries from scratch in just 25 minutes for the perfect rustic side dish for any meal. Easy to make with just a few steps, these fries are crispy on the outside, and perfectly baked on the inside.

    Get the recipe

    Ranch Coleslaw

    Ranch coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this simple ranch coleslaw in just 15 minutes, and be the star of your next barbecue. With store-bought mayonnaise & ranch dressing this dish couldn't be easier to make - or more loaded with flavor!

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Pasta Salad

    BBQ Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Delish Knowledge.

    The perfect pasta salad for BBQ lovers! Elbow noodles, corn, tomatoes, scallions, chewy BBQ tofu crumbles and a creamy dressing.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Cornbread

    Air fryer cornbread.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This incredible air fryer version comes together in just a few minutes with basic pantry staples.

    Get the recipe

    Pasta Salad Skewers

    Pasta Salad Skewers
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Everything you love about pasta salad comes together in these Pasta Salad Skewers that are a fun appetizer or side dish. These are easy to make ahead and great to serve to a crowd - no utensils necessary!

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Thai Coconut Chicken Skewers

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

    Switch up the flavors this Independence Day! These smoky grilled chicken skewers are marinated in ginger, garlic, coconut cream, and soy sauce. They are then finished with a sweet coconut cream glaze and served with a simple peanut sauce. Big on flavor and super easy to throw together!

    Get the recipe

    Jerk Chicken

    Jerk Chicken Recipe
    Photo Credit: Foreign Fork.

    Jerk Chicken is a delicious Jamaican dish of grilled chicken infused with a spicy, smoky flavor. If you are craving a taste of the islands, give this recipe a try!

    Get the recipe

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make Blue Cheese Coleslaw in under 15 minutes for the perfect side for any steak, barbecue, or buffalo-flavored dish. With lots of blue cheese flavor and well-balanced seasoning, this will quickly become your new favorite coleslaw version.

    Get the recipe

    2-Minute BBQ Sauce

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

    This easy BBQ Sauce is made with 5 ingredients in just 2 minutes. It's just a little bit spicy with a touch of sweet honey - it has all the flavor, but doesn't require any cooking. Perfect on top of a burger, or to dip some chicken tenders in!

    Get the recipe

    Indian Chicken Marinade

    Indian Chicken Marinade
    Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This Indian Chicken Marinade gives you the most flavorful and succulent chicken you have ever tasted, and it is so very easy to make.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

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

    These small, crispy potatoes are a perfect side for meaty dinners. Heavily seasoned with salt, they resemble the Canarian potatoes "Papas Arrugadas".

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Meringue Cake

    Lemon Meringue Cake.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Who doesn't love lemon meringue pie? This is the cake version, and just as delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon-Wrapped Halloumi

    Bacon Wrapped Halloumi Cheese.
    Photo credit: Like Hot Keto.

    Take two favorites, and put them together - and of course it's going to come out amazing. Air fry to avoid using oil!

    Get the recipe

    Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

    Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
    Photo Credit: Pups With Chopsticks.

    This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, loaded with flavor from a lemongrass marinade and grilled to perfection to give you a deliciously sweet and savory, juicy grilled chicken.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Potatoes with Lemon & Feta Cheese

    Greek potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Lemon + Feta cheese = best friends forever.

    Get the recipe

    4th of July Cupcakes

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

    These red, white and blue cupcakes are a delicious way to show off your American spirit! Decorated in true patriotic colors, this festive and easy-to-make dessert will be the star of your party.

    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 more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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