From picnic-perfect sides to kebabs on the BBQ, these festive recipes won't disappoint.
Any holiday is only as good as the food you're eating — everyone knows that. Grab your favorite red, white, and blue outfits. We've got the festive recipes, so all you have to do is scroll and enjoy the sunshine.
Below are some of the absolute best recipes we know for your 4th of July cook-outs, picnics, or barbecues.
1. Marbled 4th Of July 'Box' Cake
![Our 47 Best 4th Of July Recipes For Summer Eating (4) Our 47 Best 4th Of July Recipes For Summer Eating (4)](https://i0.wp.com/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-06/30/21/asset/49296bb31517/sub-buzz-2783-1688158914-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Tasty / Via tasty.co
Oh, WOW. This cake is a total showstopper. With the little firework decorations on top? Come on! It's the perfect pre-firework, post-barbecue dessert. And all you need is white cake, food dye, and frosting. And candy for the little fireworks!
2. Hearty Potato Salad
![Our 47 Best 4th Of July Recipes For Summer Eating (5) Our 47 Best 4th Of July Recipes For Summer Eating (5)](https://i0.wp.com/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2023-06/30/21/asset/7a5bca875a40/sub-buzz-3244-1688158813-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Tasty / Via tasty.co
The perfect July 4th BBQ isn't complete without a potato salad — this one is easy, hearty, and a huge crowd pleaser. Your party guests will be going for thirds!
Recipe:Hearty Potato Salad
3. Red, White and Blue Sponge Cake
The Kitchn / Via thekitchn.com
You can make anything into a festive 4th of July treat if you have the right colors! This sponge cake is absolutely delicious and fluffy, topped with any fruits you want — we recommend strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to stay on theme.
4. 4th of July Tie-Dye Cake
Sally's Baking Addiction / Via sallysbakingaddiction.com
This cake looks so beautiful that you would think it would be complicated to make. But don't you worry, it's actually super easy: all you'll need is food dye and an eye for a lovely tie-dye design.
Recipe:4th of July Tie-Dye Cake
5. Celebratory Pudding Pops
Ashley / Via thereciperebel.com
All you needis instant pudding, milk, and whipped topping to make these red, white, and blue treats.
Recipe: Celebratory Pudding Pops
6. Patriotic Pretzel Bites
Two Sister's Crafting / Via twosisterscrafting.com
These bite-size snacks are a treat for your eyes and your tastebuds!
Recipe:Patriotic Pretzel Bites
7. Mini Trifles
Tara / Via unsophisticook.com
These trifles are easy to transport since they're already neatly packaged in individual mason jars.
Recipe: Mini Trifles
8. Brie Berry Bites
Abigail / Via manilaspoon.com
Delicate and simple, these bite-size snacks will impress the whole family.
Recipe: Brie Berry Bites
9. Mint Watermelon Salad With Feta
Katie Crenshaw / Via aforkstale.com
After all, it's not the 4th of July without watermelon.
10. Easiest 4th of July Fruit Skewers
These festive skewers are basically impossible to mess up.
11. Hot Dog Fiesta
Clara Gonzalez / Via dominicancooking.com
Hot dogs + 4th of July. Name a better duo... We'll wait. This better-than-basic recipe is perfect for hosting a variety of preferences. It's like you took everyone toPink's.
Recipe:Hot Dog Fiesta
12. Crunchy Pickled Salad
Tori Avey / Via toriavey.com
The fresh flavors of cucumber and dill are great on these hot summer days.
Recipe:Crunchy Pickled Salad
13. Corn, Crab, and Old Bay Deviled Eggs
Irvin Lin / Via simplyrecipes.com
Of course we have to include a deviled eggs recipe — what kind of BBQ would it be without them? This recipe takes it up several notches with lump crab meat and grilled, smoky corn.
14. Melon Caprese Skewers
What's Gabby Cooking / Via whatsgabycooking.com
These summery skewers filled with fresh, in-season melons are a great alternative to traditional Caprese. A small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon can work just as well as a melon baller.
Recipe:Melon Caprese Skewers
15. Shrimp Avocado Sandwich
Maria Doss / Via kitchenathoskins.com
This is a great burger alternative, and adding the Sriracha mayo makes it just *chef's kiss*.
Recipe:Shrimp Avocado Sandwich
16. Easy Skillet Mac 'n' Cheese
Kylee / Via kyleecooks.com
We all know mac 'n' cheese is America's favorite child.
Recipe:Easy Skillet Mac 'n' Cheese
17. Easy Watermelon Sangria
Sonja and Alex Overhiser / Via acouplecooks.com
Watermelon and sangria are a match made in summer heaven.
Recipe:Easy Watermelon Sangria
18. Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ashlyn Edwards / Via belleofthekitchen.com
Of COURSE there's room for some red, white, and blue.
19. Caprese Grilled Balsamic Chicken
Recipe Runner / Via reciperunner.com
If you're planning ahead, marinate the chicken breasts overnight for maximum flavor, but even if you just have a few hours this dish still tastes delicious.
20. Mexican Street Corn Salad
As Easy as Apple Pie / Via aseasyasapplepie.com
Corn salad just got a serious upgrade thanks to Cotija cheese, cilantro, avocado, jalapeño, and a creamy dressing made with lime juice, cayenne pepper, and mayo.
Recipe:Mexican Street Corn Salad
21. Watermelon Salad With Cucumber and Feta
Recipe Runner / Via reciperunner.com
If you want to add a slightly smoky component to this sweet-meets-savory salad, cook the watermelon on the grill before preparing the salad.
22. Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs
Cafe Delites / Via cafedelites.com
For ribs that quite literally fall off the bone, look no further than this recipe. The marinade is made with just four ingredients: your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, garlic, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce.
Recipe:Sticky Oven Barbecue Ribs
23. Easy Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Baker By Nature / Via bakerbynature.com
In the world of pasta, cheese-filled tortellini reigns king. You can make an easy pasta salad by tossing store-bought tortellini with pretty much any veggies, but few things beat this tomato and mozzarella combo.
24. Grilled Salmon Tacos With Strawberry Avocado Salsa
Recipe Runner / Via reciperunner.com
Taco bout seasonal recipes. It doesn't get much more summery and fresh than these grilled salmon tacos. You can garnish them with whatever toppings you like best, but this fruit salsa is always a hit.
25. Grilled Bruschetta Portobello Mushrooms
Cafe Delites / Via cafedelites.com
Serve these mushroom caps, which are stuffed with chopped cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and spices as a vegetarian main or appetizer. Top them with some Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for good measure.
The Mediterranean Dish / Via themediterraneandish.com
The secret ingredient that makes this gazpacho so creamy is stale bread. Remove the crust and toss it into a blender with ripe tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and onion.
Recipe: Easy Tomato Gazpacho
27. Sparkling Red, White, & Blue Sangria
gimmesomeoven / Via gimmesomeoven.com
Is it a summer celebration without sangria on deck? All you need is booze, berries, and a Granny Smith apple for a holiday ~fiesta~.
28. Flag Cake With Cheesecake Topping
spendwithpennies / Via spendwithpennies.com
Live your best patriotic life with this sheet cake. Grab a box of cake mix, jello, sugar, cream cheese, and some berries, and you're good to go.
29. Easy Layered Taco Dip
tastesoflizzyt / Via tastesoflizzyt.com
A dip is any barbecue's greatest weapon. Pack in as many layered ingredients as you want; then, pop into the oven for the finale.
Recipe:Easy Layered Taco Dip
30. Coconut Water Berry Popsicles
backtothebooknutrition / Via backtothebooknutrition.com
Coconut water and berry popsicles for a fuss-free cool-down at the barbecue.
31. Berry Dessert Pizza
thecraftedsparrow / Via thecraftedsparrow.com
When you can't decide between a savory pizza or a dessert pie, try this recipefor a hybrid creation.
Recipe:Berry Dessert Pizza
32. Blueberry Cheesecake Bites
thekitchenismyplayground / Via thekitchenismyplayground.com
A dessert that seems to follow the 4th of July formula to a T: strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream.
Recipe:Blueberry Cheesecake Bites
33. Patriotic Oreos
happybrownhouse / Via happybrownhouse.com
Candy-dipped Oreos, enough said.
Recipe:Patriotic Oreos
34. Grilled Flank Steak and Corn Salad
Tasty / Via tasty.co
This meal might look totally fancy, but starting with a quick-cooking and affordable cut of meat like flank steak is a great way to feed a crowd.
35. Black Bean & Corn Burgers
Tasty / Via tasty.co
These burgers are totally vegetarian, but they're hearty enough to satisfy anyone at your summer cookout. Serve them on buns with any of your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, roasted red peppers, spinach, or even a fried egg.
Recipe:Black Bean & Corn Burgers
36. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Tasty / Via tasty.co
You could easily eat this cheesy Buffalo chicken filling straight by the spoonful, but it tastes even better stuffed into rolls and served as sliders.
Recipe:Buffalo Chicken Sliders
37. Crispy Buffalo Wings
Tasty / Via tasty.co
The trick for the crispiest homemade wings is tossing them in cornstarch, then letting them dry out on a wire rack before battering and frying them.
Recipe:Crispy Buffalo Wings
38. Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
Tasty / Via tasty.co
Light and refreshing yet oh-so-tasty, this creamy avocado salad works as a side dish with pretty much whatever you're serving.
39. Five Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese
Tasty / Via tasty.co
Why settle for one cheese when you can have five? That's cheddar, mozzarella, feta cheese, provolone cheese, and smoked gouda, to be exact.
Recipe:Five Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese
40. Cookies & Cream-Stuffed Cookies
Tasty / Via tasty.co
What's better than a chocolate chip cookie? This creation, which is stuffed with a second homemade Oreo.
41. Stars and Stripes S’mores Cups
These are show-stoppers — and for good reason.
42. Sheet Pan Sweet Corn and Summer Squash Hash
Whole and Heavenly Oven / Via wholeandheavenlyoven.com
Take summer's freshest produce— sweet corn, squash, zucchini, or whatever you pick up from your farmers market— and turn it into a delicious hash topped with eggs cooked any way you like 'em.
43. Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad
Half Baked Harvest / Via halfbakedharvest.com
You can search the world, but you'll probably never find a more satisfying pasta salad than this one, which is loaded with chicken, bacon, and veggies, then tossed in a tangy, savory blend of olive oil, Dijon, and tahini.
44. Baja-Style Mexican Hot Dogs
Girl and The Kitchen / Via girlandthekitchen.com
Switch up your everyday hot dog for one of these creative, Mexican-inspiredfrankfurters, topped with avocado, cilantro, lime, and cucumber salsa.
Recipe:Baja-Style Mexican Hot Dogs
45. New England Shrimp Rolls
The View from Great Island / Via theviewfromgreatisland.com
Meet the lobster roll's more affordable and equally delicious cousin, the mayo-tossed, lemon-drizzled shrimp roll.
Recipe:New England Shrimp Rolls
46. Crab Cake Sliders With Spicy Aioli
A Zesty Bite / Via azestybite.com
Serve these crab cakes on sliders or, for a lower carb version, on top of a big salad.
47. Skillet Berry Cobbler
The Novice Chef Blog / Via thenovicechefblog.com
It's peak berry season, so plan your dessert menu accordingly. Here's a good place to start.
Recipe:Skillet Berry Cobbler
This article contains content previously curated by Hannah Loewentheil, Farrah Penn, Marie Telling,Eboné Denise, Krysten Peck, Catherine O'Donnell, and Kayleigh Jackson.It was compiled by Lavanya Narayanan.