Fire up the grill, it's barbecue time! Celebrate with these July Fourth barbecue recipes that are so good, you and your guests will be licking your fingers clean. Don't forget a roll or two of paper towels, though!
84 Fourth of July Barbecue Recipes
Pulled Brisket Sandwiches
Don’t let the number of ingredients in this brisket sandwich recipe scare you; you probably have most of them in your pantry already. The sauce is what makes this dish so special. It’s hard not to like ketchup, brown sugar and a little butter drizzled over tender beef brisket. It’s perfect for a Fourth of July barbecue. —Jane Guilbeau, New Orleans, Louisiana
Lip-Smackin’ Barbecue Chicken
The kids always say “prepare to lick your lips” when we have friends over for this Fourth of July barbecue chicken. I’m proud of this dish, the first recipe I ever created. —Sue Thomas, Spartanburg, South CarolinaCheck out these other traditional Fourth of July foods for an epic spread.
Smoky Baked Beans
They’ll be standing in line for this saucy bean recipe, full of campfire flavor. A variation on colorful calico beans, it’ll make a delightful side dish with many of your favorite Fourth of July barbecue entrees. —Lynne German, Cumming, GeorgiaGlazed Spatchcocked Chicken
A few pantry items, such as mustard and preserves, inspired this Fourth of July barbecue recipe. And since then it has been the successful centerpiece for both small weeknight meals and big parties. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, WisconsinCaprese Pasta Salad
This easy caprese pasta salad is always a favorite at Fourth of July cookouts, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it’s chilled for a few hours. —Debby Harden, Lansing, MichiganCrispy Fried Onion Rings
We use this onion rings recipe as a burger topper to add an extra element to already fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WisconsinSmash Burgers
A Smash burger is exactly what you think it is; balls of ground beef smashed onto a hot griddle. You’ll want to smash them pretty thin so they cook quickly, but it also gets you those crispy, browned edges while still keeping the interior nice and juicy. Now is not the time to cut calories or skimp on salt: Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. The best burger comes with being liberal with kosher salt—it is beef’s best friend. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, WisconsinGrilled Vegetable Platter
The best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining at a Fourth of July cookout. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, MinnesotaDilled Potato Salad
What’s a Fourth of July picnic without potato salad? This recipe will add delightful new flavor to yours. The spices make the difference. —Cam Cox, Hemet, CaliforniaSweet Ginger Ribs
People ask what’s in the marinade of my glazed sweet ginger ribs with ginger, garlic and peach preserves. Now you know! Psst: It works on steaks and chicken, too. —Grace McKeone, Schenectady, New YorkCreamy Ranchified Potatoes
My daughter-in-law gave me this recipe, and over the years, I've adjusted it to our tastes. It's so nice to come home from work to a hot, tasty dish that's ready to serve! You can use any cheese you'd like and also substitute leftover chicken or another meat for the ham. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, FloridaBeef Barbecue Sandwiches
These zippy barbecue sandwiches make for fun Fourth of July get-togethers and are perfect for potluck gatherings, too. The coleslaw topping adds the perfect tangy crunch. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, DelawareGrilled Veggies with Caper Butter
We enjoy the tart, peppery taste of capers. No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. They make for a yummy twist of serving veggies at Fourth of July barbecues. —Danyelle Crum, Indian Trail, North CarolinaLime-Rosemary Shrimp Skewers
I had a big bunch of rosemary, so I turned the stems into skewers for grilling shrimp. It’s a nice change of pace from regular skewers during Fourth of July grilling. Serve with rice or couscous and lime wedges. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, CaliforniaTender Beef Brisket
A touch of sugar mellows the flavorful sauce that's drizzled over this brisket. The original recipe came to me from a friend. I revised it for the slow cooker. —Sondra Morrow, Mesa, Arizona.Golden Sweet Onion Cornbread
Bake up this hearty, savory cornbread, slather on delicious homemade cranberry butter and enjoy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WisconsinApple-Marinated Chicken & Vegetables
I actually invented this chicken with vegetables dish at a campground, so you know it’s easy. Using the same marinade for the meat and veggies keeps it simple so we can spend more time enjoying our Fourth of July barbecue and less time at the grill. —Jayme Schertz, Clintonville, WisconsinMakeover Slow-Cooked Mac ‘n’ Cheese
This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, WisconsinHerbed Grilled Corn on the Cob
I’d never had grilled corn until last summer when my sister-in-law served it for us. What a treat! So simple, yet delicious, grilled corn is now a must on my Fourth of July barbecue menu. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, VirginiaQuick Barbecued Beans
Fourth of July barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, IllinoisSlow-Cooked Pork Barbecue
You need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender Fourth of July dish. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, MissouriMarina’s Golden Corn Fritters
Just one bite of these fritters takes me back to when my kids were young. Nowadays for our yearly Fourth of July barbecue, I sometimes triple the recipe. Serve fritters with maple syrup or agave nectar. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, CaliforniaEddie’s Favorite Fiesta Corn
When sweet corn is available, I love making this splurge of a Fourth of July side dish. Frozen corn works, but taste as you go and add sugar if needed. —Anthony Bolton, Bellevue, NebraskaGarlic-Chive Baked Fries
Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, WisconsinBeef Brisket in Beer
One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, IowaJalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, ColoradoGarlic-Herb Pattypan Squash
The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. Using pattypan squash is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, ArkansasDr Pepper Drumsticks
If you love Dr Pepper as much as I do, try it in my barbecue sauce for grilled chicken. It adds zip to the ketchup, bourbon and barbecue seasoning. —Shannon Holle-Funk, Venedy, IllinoisGrilled Southwestern Potato Salad
This salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex meal, and most of it can even be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, ArizonaPatio Pintos
Any time Mom had the gang over for a Fourth of July barbecue, she made these pinto beans. Once she made a batch for my cousin’s birthday and he ate the entire thing. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, TexasBig John’s Chili-Rubbed Ribs
When my family thinks of Fourth of July grilling, it’s ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, FloridaGrilled Chicken Chopped Salad
Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, MassachusettsPork Chops with Glaze
Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for a Fourth of July meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British ColumbiaGrilled Potatoes & Peppers
My husband, Matt, grills this recipe for Fourth of July dinner gatherings. Besides the company, the potatoes are one of the best parts! —Susan Nordin, Warren, PennsylvaniaGrilled Brats with Sriracha Mayo
I am a Sriracha fanatic, so that’s what inspired this dish. You can boil the brats in your favorite beer to reduce the fat and give them flavor before grilling, or spread garlic butter on lightly toasted buns. —Quincie Ball, Olympia, WashingtonKhmer Pickled Vegetable Salad
I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Hannah Heavener, Belton, TexasTangy Barbecue Sandwiches
Since I prepare the beef for these robust sandwiches in the slow cooker, it's easy to fix a meal for a hungry bunch. The savory homemade sauce assures I come home with no leftovers. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, ArkansasFried Okra
Crispy, crunchy and absolutely delightful. It's hard to stop eating fried okra once you pop a few of these tasty bites!Creamed Corn
Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, MissouriHoney-Glazed Chicken Kabobs
This is my husband’s favorite "special day" meal. I serve it with rice pilaf, salad and grilled garlic bread. —Tracey Miller, Aiken, South CarolinaRefrigerator Garden Pickles
Canning isn't necessary for these crisp-tender, tangy pickles. Keep them in the fridge and eat them up within a month. —Linda Chapman, Meriden, IowaFourth of July Bean Casserole
The outstanding barbecue taste of these beans makes them a favorite for cookouts all summer and into the fall. It's a popular dish, even with kids. The beef makes it so much better than plain pork and beans. —Donna Fancher, Lawrence, IndianaGrilled Pork Chops
Soaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon
A lot of people fish here on the shore of Lake Michigan, so I’ve developed quite a few recipes for it, including this grilled salmon recipe. I love it, and so do my friends and family. When it’s out of season, I look for wild-caught fresh Alaskan salmon at the grocery store. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, MichiganCreamy Coleslaw
This creamy coleslaw recipe is rich, tangy and sweet. It’s the perfect partner for barbecue, but it tastes just as good as a topping for tacos or a meaty sandwich.Grilled Shrimp
These buttery grilled shrimp are so good you'll want to eat them all summer long! Learn how to grill shrimp as an easy appetizer or topping for salads, grain bowls and more.Chicken Corn Fritters
I’ve always loved corn fritters, but they weren’t satisfying as a main dish. I came up with this recipe and was thrilled when my husband and our three young boys gave it rave reviews. The chicken and zesty sauce make these a wonderful brunch or lunch entree. —Marie Greene, Scottsbluff, NebraskaBarbecue Burger
This barbecue burger makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner or special addition to your summer grilling spread.Honey-Mustard Potato Salad
Whenever there is a picnic or cookout, I am asked to bring my potato salad. It’s tangy and a little different. —Alicia Quadrozzi, Escondido, CaliforniaGrilled Honey-Lime Chicken
Make-ahead marinade is your best friend when feeding a crowd. This one for grilled chicken is good to know and very easy to memorize. —Marybeth Wright, Maitland, FloridaJuicy Watermelon Salad
This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, MichiganSummer Steak Kabobs
These steak kabobs not only satisfy my love of outdoor cooking, they feature a mouthwatering marinade, too. It’s terrific with chicken and pork, but I prefer it with beef because it tenderizes remarkably well. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, TexasPotluck Macaroni and Cheese
You’ll always have a winner at the Fourth of July cookout when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here’s an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, MassachusettsThese Fourth of July potlucks recipes will feed a crowd for any festive party.
Grilled Herb Potatoes
Every year my father and I plant a garden together. After an especially great growing season, we had plenty of produce to eat! We like to use fresh herbs from our garden but dry is just as tasty in this dish. —Bernadette Bennett, Waco, TexasBarbecued Picnic Chicken
I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, MarylandGo all out for your Fourth of July celebration with these picnic foods.
Lisa’s All-Day Sugar & Salt Pork Roast
My family loves this tender and juicy roast, so we eat it a lot. The sweet and salty crust is so delicious mixed into the pulled pork. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, AlabamaGrilled Brussels Sprouts
During a Fourth of July get-together, in an effort to cook our entire meal outside on the grill, I made our not-so-simple veggie choice into a simple grilled side dish. For spicier sprouts, season with red pepper flakes —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New YorkDon’t forget to serve a sweet patriotic dessert at your get-together.
Tender Barbecued Chicken
After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South CarolinaBarbecued Shrimp & Peach Kabobs
Shrimp grilled with peaches and green onions really sets off fireworks! The spicy seasonings even helped me win a ribbon at a county fair. —Jen Smallwood, Portsmouth, VirginiaConfetti Cornbread
My grandmother Virginia always served Southwest cornbread. To honor her, I created a recipe that cuts down on the chopping but never skimps on flavor. —Angie Price, Bradford, TennesseeGrilled Mushroom Kabobs
Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just enough tanginess to the savory side. It’s a great appetizer for a Fourth of July barbecue. —Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, AlbertaBeef Barbecue
We like to keep our freezer stocked with plenty of beef roasts. When we’re not in the mood for pot roast, I fix these satisfying sandwiches instead. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I’m work. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I’m at work. Then I just shred the beef and serve it on rolls. —Karen Walker, Sterling, VirginiaGrilled Summer Squash
Grilling food in foil packets creates steam so food cooks in its own juices, which makes the contents flavorful and lower in fat. Best of all: no cleanup! —Lisa Finnegan, Forked River, New JerseyJim's Secret Family Recipe Ribs
For more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous rib recipe a secret. When he finally shared it, we just had to pass it along because we loved it so much. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, ColoradoGrilled Sweet Onions
These onions are so delicious, we prepare them all year long—on the grill for the Fourth of July, or in an oven preheated to 350° for the same amount of time in winter. A small salad, a slice of bread, these grilled onions, and you’ve got a great light meal. —Mary Bilke, Eagle River, WisconsinPork and Beef Barbecue
It's the combination of beef stew meat and tender pork that keeps friends and family asking for these tangy sandwiches. Add a little lettuce and tomato for a crisp contrast. —Corbin Detgen, Buchanan, MichiganSweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce
I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, CaliforniaSpicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, NevadaPennsylvania Dutch Coleslaw
My mother used to make this salad for Fourth of July cookouts. With all the cabbage that is grown here, this coleslaw recipe is a real natural for us! —Deb Darr, Falls City, OregonFavorite Barbecued Chicken
Is there a place better than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many Fourth of July barbecues and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, GeorgiaGarden Tomato Salad
For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, OhioHoney Chipotle Ribs
Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, MassachusettsCorn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter
Roasting fresh-picked corn is as old as the Ozark hills where I was raised. My Grandpa Mitchell always salted and peppered his butter on the edge of his plate before spreading it on his corn, and I did the same as a kid. Today, I continue the tradition by serving lemon-pepper butter with roasted corn—it's a favorite! —Allene Bary-Cooper, Wichita Falls, TexasSlow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork
While I don't enjoy drinking beer, I love cooking with it. This quick recipe also goes great on plain hamburger buns with a side of slaw. —Renee Herrington, Plano, TexasSavory Corn Bread
Want to serve your favorite chili or stew with an equally amazing corn bread? Look no further than this simply perfect recipe. It’s the best! I’ve brought it to Fourth of July cookouts many times. —Krista Klaus, Round Rock, TexasBeefy Chili Dogs
For years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, VirginiaBarbecue Sliders
When guests dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —B.J. Larsen, Erie, ColoradoBlack-Eyed Pea Tomato Salad
Spending time in the kitchen with my late aunt was so much fun because she was an amazing cook and teacher. This black-eyed pea salad was one of her specialties. It is easy to make and is a nice alternative to pasta or potato salad. Add cooked cubed chicken breast to make it a meal on its own. —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, CaliforniaTry making one of these Fourth of July desserts for a day full of easy preparations.