Basic, no-frills hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and coleslaw are always a hit. But if you’re looking for something beyond the basic for your 4th of July cookout this year, check out these delicious, flavor-packed recipes – including three red, white, and blue desserts – that are sure to please any crowd!
Burgers, Dogs, and Other Main Dishes
Jalapeno Stuffed Cheeseburgers
Diced jalapeno and shredded cheese inside give these burgers extra dimension and kick.
- Find on Kitchen Dreaming
Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers
Ranch dressing is as American as apple pie, so it deserves a place at your July 4th table, too. Ground chicken is mixed with ranch, parmesan cheese, and other flavors, and cooked up, for a tasty alternative to beef burgers.
- Find on Taste of Home
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with Avocado, Tomato, Onion, and Potato Chips
Why chow down on a plain dog when you can load it up with a ton of toppings? Not just a gimmick, though – the salty, crispy, creamy, creamy, spicy treat tastes as fun as it looks!
- Find on Serious Eats
Vegan Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
For the vegetarians and vegans on your guest list, serve up delicious and flavorful portobello mushroom burgers featuring a homemade steak sauce.
- Find on Veggies Don’t Bite
Easy Pulled Pork Sliders
Start with store-bought pulled pork or make your own and top with your favorite BBQ sauce and/or coleslaw for a real crowd-pleaser.
- Find on Kim’s Cravings
Salmon Burgers
This recipe uses no breadcrumbs or eggs, so that the flavor of the fresh salmon can really shine, and uses a technique that helps keep the patties together so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
- Find on Well Plated
Grilled Fish Tacos
Tired of burgers and dogs? Try fresh fish tacos instead! Marinated white fish is cooked on the grill, then topped with a creamy taco sauce and your favorite taco toppings.
- Find on Tastes Better from Scratch
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Salads, Slaw, and Other Sides
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled veggies are delicious enough on their own, but this recipe features a garlic herb sauce for brushing on top at the very end for extra flavor.
- Find on The Forked Spoon
Potato Salad (Mayo-Free)
Classic mayo-based potato salad is a summertime staple, but if you’re not crazy about mayo, try this recipe that includes crispy red onion and plenty of fresh herbs.
- Find on Foodie Crush
Pasta Salad without Mayo
Speaking of mayo-free, this pasta salad features an oil-heavy vinaigrette to give the creamy feel without mayonnaise.
- Find on The Kitchn
Mexican Street Corn (Elotes Mexicanos)
Mexican street corn, grilled and topped with queso fresco, lime, and chili powder, can be a bit messy to eat but it’s totally worth it!
- Find on My Latina Table
Broccoli Slaw
This coleslaw includes the traditional purple cabbage but also uses shredded broccoli stems, along with a sweet ginger dressing, for something different.
- Find on Craving Home Cooked
Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon (Southern Style)
The stuff from the can is great, and when you’re short on time, it’s a lifesaver. But if you have the time, try your hand at making your own from scratch!
- Find on Immaculate Bites
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Fresh, juicy watermelon is the star of this summery salad which also includes cucumber, avocado, and feta cheese.
- Find on Love and Lemons
Whipped Ricotta Dip with Lemon & Herbs
Serve this light and citrusy dip with cut vegetables, pita chips, or grilled bread – or spread it on your burger!
- Find on Burrata and Bubbles
Sweet Treats for Dessert
American Flag Pretzels (Red, White, and Blue)
These salty-sweet treats use red, white, and blue candy melts, and a little creativity, to recreate Old Glory on thick pretzel rods.
- Find on Everyday Savvy
Campfire-Grilled Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Cook this pineapple upside-down cake, with fresh pineapple slices and store-bought pound cake, right on the grill!
- Find on Country Living
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
Another dessert you can make on the grill, these tasty skewers top chunks of grilled pound cake and strawberries with a purple-hued blueberry glaze
Two-Berry Fluff Salad (Red, White, and Blue)
This concoction of red strawberries, white creamy “fluff,” and blueberries is simple to make and really highlights fresh, seasonal berries.
- Find on Taste of Home
Wacky Cake with No Fail Fudge Frosting
This sheet pan chocolate cake uses no eggs, butter, or milk, yet is moist and tender. Use red, white, and blue sprinkles on top of the fudge frosting for a patriotic touch.
- Find on A Kitchen Addiction
Flag Cake (Red, White, and Blue)
Ina Garten’s recipe makes stars and stripes out of blueberries, raspberries, and white icing on a large vanilla sheet cake for a showstopper of a dessert – perfect for July 4th!
- Find on Food Network
