Fourth of July BBQ Recipes for Your Independence Day Celebration

It’s hard to believe Independence Day is already tomorrow. Where did the time go? Here in the Midwest the weather jumped from crisp, mountain-like mornings to the heavy heat and humidity of high summer.

I always think of the 4th of July as the true start of summer — more so than Memorial Day. Fireworks lighting up the sky, families gathering to celebrate our nation, and kids joyfully playing outdoors make it a special, festive time.

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is the federal holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. That document declared the thirteen American colonies to be a new nation, the United States of America, separate from the British Empire.

For most people, though, July 4th is an occasion to get together with friends and family for a relaxed, festive backyard BBQ. I’d planned to share all my favorite 4th of July dishes last week, but life intervened, so I’m posting them now. Below you’ll find my favorite entrées, appetizers, salads and sides, beverages, and desserts — all great for a summer BBQ. If the weather turns, these work equally well inside.

Rather than long descriptions for each recipe, I’m including photos and links so you can go straight to the recipes you want. Some of my photos are older; if they look a little dated, trust me — the food always tastes better than the images suggest.

When you’re cooking for a crowd on the 4th, BBQ ribs and burgers are classics that never disappoint.

My Easy Oven Baked BBQ Ribs are true to their name — simple and reliably delicious. If you’ve been intimidated by ribs, try this method: the recipe is forgiving and produces tender, flavorful results every time. I like to finish them briefly on the grill when I can, but they’re excellent straight from the oven as well.

If you’d rather skip making a rub from scratch, good-quality store-bought rib rubs work perfectly. Follow the recipe and substitute your purchased rub for the homemade one; the rest of the steps remain the same and you’ll still end up with great ribs.

Over the years I’ve developed burgers for every palate, from beef lovers to vegetarians. Choose the burgers that best suit your guests — all of them deliver plenty of flavor. Some favorites listed below include:

Kobe & Smokey Cheddar Burger with Beer & Hoisin Caramelized Onions

Mountainous Grilled Chicken Burger

Grilled Salmon Burger

Beet & Quinoa Burger

Not Another Burger

No BBQ is complete without a crisp salad or crunchy slaw. My Rainbow Slaw is one of my go-to dishes for hot, humid days — it stays crisp and keeps well, making it ideal for picnics and outdoor gatherings.

Rainbow Slaw

If you prefer a more composed salad, try the Farro & Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing — it’s bright, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats and burgers.

Farro & Arugula Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

And dessert — you can’t skip dessert at a summer party. Two of my top crowd-pleasers are Frozen S’mores, which bring out the kid in all of us, and Chocolate Brickle Sensations for a rich, crunchy treat.

Frozen S’mores – nostalgic, cool, and easy to serve.

Chocolate Brickle Sensations

To wash it all down, try my Summer Harvest Infused Water — a refreshing, lightly flavored beverage everyone can enjoy, perfect for keeping guests hydrated on a warm day.

Summer Harvest Infused Water

I know this is a lot of recipes at once, but I wanted to give you plenty of options for your Independence Day celebration. If you don’t have time to try them all tomorrow, save a few for later — they’re perfect for any summer gathering.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and delicious 4th of July. Happy cooking!

Happy Cooking!