Fourth of July Recipes – The 4th of July is a special day for family BBQs, spending time together, eating, and watching fireworks. Whether your family is celebrating at home or partying at the beach or park, these mouthwatering recipes will make it unforgettable.
![Recipes that work for a family cookout on the 4th of July](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/25-Popular-4th-of-July-Recipes.png)
I love cooking out with family and close friends, and, of course, I love steak. Cookouts are a time to bust out ALL the soul food with loved ones, right?! However, a good selection of beef and chicken will make everyone on the guest list happy. While kids guzzle the lemonade, adults can enjoy refreshing summer cocktails, like my favorite tropical drink, piña colada.
My collection of favorite 4th of July recipes will have you celebrating red, white, and blue without breaking a sweat. Celebrating Independence Day should be fun, not stressful.
4th of July BBQ Recipe Ideas
Besides the usual hamburgers and hotdogs, these recipes are perfect for your 4th of July recipes list.
![6 pieces of insanely delicious jerk chicken on a plate](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_5948.jpg)
1. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Spicy hot grilled chicken with a tropical flair will set off flavor fireworks in your mouth. Marinate the chicken the night before with this super-easy marinade for a mouthwatering 4th of July recipe.
![6 pieces of insanely delicious jerk chicken on a plate](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_5948-150x150.jpg)
![Country Style Ribs served in a pan topped with herbs](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_1878.jpg)
2. Country-Style Ribs
Slow-roasted ribs are the bomb! They’re so quick to throw together. It takes time to slow roast anything, of course, but that’s not an issue because it just about takes care of itself once it’s in the oven.
![A baking dish full of country style ribs ready for your next cookout](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_1878-150x150.jpg)
![Smoked hotdogs from Feed the Grill](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Smoked-Hotdogs.jpg)
3. Smoked Hot Dogs
Take your classic cookout hot dog over the top in the smoker. Then, slather them with tangy mustard, sweet relish, ketchup, and onions. You’ll love the smoky flavor of a true classic!
![Smoked Hot Dogs - feedthegrill.com](https://feedthegrill.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-20.png)
![Kid-friendly corn dogs for a classic 4th of July recipe](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_8795.jpg)
4. Corn Dogs
No grill? No problem! Make happy campers with these easy, nostalgic corn dogs on a stick for a family picnic.
![25 Popular 4th of July Recipes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_8492-1-150x150.jpg)
![Grilled Chicken on White Plate for a healthy 4th of July](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_9407.jpg)
5. Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts
Not everyone is a beef-lover like me. I don’t understand, but I get it. So here’s a healthy and tasty alternative grilled recipe perfect for your family BBQ.
![25 Popular 4th of July Recipes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_9424-120x120.jpg)
![Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich for a family picnic on the Fourth of July](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0583.jpg)
6. Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich
The first time I tried this incredible sandwich in New Orleans, I was hooked. Crispy shrimp stacked on a deliciously fresh French roll and smothered in a drool-worthy remoulade sauce is so easy to make yourself.
![Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich for a family picnic on the Fourth of July](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0583-120x120.jpg)
![Baby back ribs recipe perfect for a classic cookout idea](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1171.jpg)
7. Baby Back Ribs
Smokey, juicy, bad to the bones baby back ribs – what’s not to love? With just 4 simple ingredients, including homemade BBQ sauce, everyone’ll be licking their fingers for these outrageously delicious ribs. That’s how good it is!
![Baby back ribs recipe perfect for a classic cookout idea](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1171-120x120.jpg)
![Feed the Grill BBQ bacon burger perfect for family cookouts](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FTG-BBQ-Bacon-Burger.jpg)
8. Bacon Burger
Juicy ground beef is deliciously seasoned, slathered with tangy BBQ sauce, and grilled to perfection. Top your burger with crispy bacon and all your favorite fixings, then pile it on a toasted bun for pure joy!
![Grilled BBQ Bacon Burgers - feedthegrill.com](https://feedthegrill.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_0839.jpg)
![Tomahawk Steak with Veggies for an elegant dinner](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Final-1-IMG_3917.jpg)
9. Tomahawk Steak
Also known as a cowboy steak, this bone-in ribeye steak is ideal for a special occasion BBQ. It’s French-trimmed for elegance, but I’m sure the cowboys who enjoyed this steak didn’t care about that.
![Tomahawk Steak with Veggies for an elegant dinner](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Final-1-IMG_3917-150x150.jpg)
![Steak Kabobs served in a plate](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_9696.jpg)
10. Steak Kabobs
Chunks of spicy skewered beef with sweet peppers and onions on the grill are so addictive. The mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors work on any cut of meat for pure versatility.
![Steak Kabobs served in a plate](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_9696-150x150.jpg)
![Insanely delicious chicken sandwich with tartar sauce on a white plate](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_7519.jpg)
11. Chicken Sandwich
The 4th of July isn’t just for grilling meat but also for burgers and sandwiches. And this chicken sandwich is a guaranteed hit for kids and adults.
Everything in this sandwich, from a perfectly toasted bun to the tender, juicy chicken, screams good food on a sunny day. Feel free to customize the veggie fillings to suit your liking!
![Insanely delicious chicken sandwich with tartar sauce on a white plate](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_7519-150x150.jpg)
4th of July Sides
![Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with evaporated milk](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_9302.jpg)
12. Baked Mac & Cheese
Forget that boxed stuff from the store (oops, sorry). You can’t beat fresh ingredients and real cheese. Plus, my baked version is so simple it will give you more time for what you really want: time with your family.
![Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with evaporated milk](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_9302-120x120.jpg)
![Caribbean Coleslaw perfect for a family cookout on Memorial Day or the Fourth of July](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_5627-3.jpg)
13. Caribbean Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a must-have at any BBQ, and even more so on the 4th of July. I love the tropical twist the mango gives in this mayo-free recipe. No wonder it’s among the top recipes on the blog during this time of the year.
![Caribbean Coleslaw perfect for a family cookout on Memorial Day or the Fourth of July](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_5627-3-120x120.jpg)
![Southern Baked Beans with Bacon in a Skillet Being Spooned Out](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_1084.jpg)
14. Southern Baked Beans
No BBQ or cookout is complete without baked beans. The bacon’s smokiness and sweetness from molasses deliver the classic flavor. But don’t feel guilty if you need to use canned beans to save time.
![Southern Baked Beans with Bacon in a Skillet Being Spooned Out](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_1084-150x150.jpg)
![Serving up a scoop of frank and beans for a kid-approved meal](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Frank-and-Beans-2-scaled-e1717714458870.jpg)
15. Franks and Beans
Sweet and savory homemade franks and beans add a fun twist to the traditional baked bean recipe. Make all the kids (and adults, too) happy with this goodness!
![Serving up a scoop of frank and beans for a kid-approved meal](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Frank-and-Beans-2-scaled-e1717714458870-300x300.jpg)
![Ranch Potato Salad with chicken and bacon](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0844.jpg)
16. Ranch Potato Salad
Another traditional 4th of July recipe is potato salad. The creaminess of ranch dressing, the salty smokiness of bacon, and my homemade Creole seasoning’s spiciness make it irresistible.
![Ranch Potato Salad with chicken and bacon](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0844-150x150.jpg)
![Carrot Raisin Salad in a White Bowl](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0368.jpg)
17. Carrot Raisin Salad
The first time I tried carrot salad, it was a novelty. The carrots’ crispness and the raisins’ sweetness turn this summer salad into a flavor party. And it’s healthy, too. Just don’t tell the kids.😉
![Carrot Raisin Salad in a White Bowl](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0366-150x150.jpg)
4th of July Drinks
![Piña Colada for a refreshing adult drink](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_0531.jpg)
18. Piña Colada
Fresh pineapple, cream of coconut, and rum over ice is a refreshingly tropical summer celebration. Perfect for any cookout, special occasion, or I-just-need-something-special drink. Feel free to leave the rum out for a kid-friendly version.
![pina colada on a hurricane glass](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/1st-150x150.jpg)
![How to Make Lemonade for your next 4th of July picnic](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_0090.jpg)
19. Lemonade
This refreshing drink has to be the most popular drink for picnics and BBQs. The cool thing about this recipe is adding other fruit flavors for a refreshing strawberry, mango, or pineapple lemonade. And I have all three of them for you to choose from.
![Southern Sweet Tea in pitcher](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_1672.jpg)
20. Southern Sweet Tea
Southerners are proud of their tea, and they should be. It’s more of an art than a science. So do yourself a favor and get good-quality tea bags. You’ll thank yourself while sipping your ice-cold sweet tea.
![Southern Sweet Tea in pitcher](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_1672-120x120.jpg)
Perfect Cookout Desserts
![Flag Cake in baking pan ready for you 4th of July](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_7731.jpg)
21. American Flag Cake
What better dessert to celebrate the 4th of July than this stunningly beautiful patriotic dessert! Irresistibly soft and moist cake topped with creamy vanilla frosting, fresh blueberries, and strawberries. A sweet, vibrant, and refreshing treat to enjoy this festive celebration.
![Flag Cake in baking pan ready for you 4th of July](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_7731-150x150.jpg)
![4th of July cupcakes ready to start the party](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4th-of-July-Cupcakes-4-scaled-e1719350191411.jpg)
22. 4th of July Cupcakes
Make gorgeous and delicious memories on Independence Day with these festive cupcakes! Tender, moist cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting in bright red, white, and blue hues deliver a decadent 4th of July snack or dessert!
![4th of July cupcakes deliver a festive treat for your holiday cookout](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4th-of-July-Cupcakes-1-300x300.jpg)
![Strawberry Pound Cake Ready to Serve](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_8918.jpg)
23. Strawberry Pound Cake
Pound cake is versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. So add this melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness with summer strawberries for an award-winning dessert that will have your guests fighting over who gets the last piece. Add blueberries and homemade whipped cream on top for a classic 4th of July recipe.
![Strawberry Pound Cake](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_8906-150x150.jpg)
![Decadent lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar ready to please](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_9395.jpg)
24. Lemon Bars
The sweet and sour deliciousness of lemon in a convenient bar boasts a crumbly buttery biscuit base that balances the lemon. Don’t tell anyone, but finger foods save on plates and clean up afterward.
![Lemon Bars in a Plate and ready to go with you on a picnic](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_9443-150x150.jpg)
![Fruit Tart with a slice served on the Fourth of July or any other holiday](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_3162.jpg)
25. Fruit Tart
Nothing celebrates summer and liberty like a fresh fruit tart. You can choose red (strawberries or raspberries) and blue (blueberries) fruits, and then the white cream filling will give you your red, white, and blue for the perfect 4th of July recipe.
Muriel Kuri says
i can’t click on the recipe for your fruit tart. Please help me – it looks delicious!
Imma says
Here you are https://www.africanbites.com/fruit-tart/. 🙂