Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Some of the links below are affiliate links meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase something using the link. Read the full disclaimer policy here.
First published June 23, 2021. Updated on June 30, 2023
Summer is finally in full swing, and the Fourth of July is not that far away.
I thought the last Fourth of July was going to be EPIC!
Why, you ask? Well, we were coming out of a year-and-a-half-long LOCKDOWN. The Fourth of 2020 was celebrated indoors or on ZOOM. And while we are all grateful for ZOOM, it wasn’t the same.
Restrictions were lifted especially for those who have been vaccinated in 2021.
However, in 2022, all regulations seem to be gone this year. While I am still wearing my masks (I am immunocompromised), I recognize that most folks are going free!
So this year, it should be on! Right?
So, I thought to acknowledge the gradual return to our lives, I would select some cool Independence Day/Summer recipes from some of my favorite food bloggers (Thank you so much to all of you)! There are a few from my blog too.
There’s nothing wrong with the standard 4th fare. However, it seems that each year, the message is the same: an EPIC holiday after an EPIC (in a bad way) horror show calls for an EPIC celebration, right?
Drinks and Cocktails
What is a cookout without fabulous punches and cocktails? There is a variety to choose from —with and without alcohol.
Blueberry Lemonade
What is a picnic without lemonade? This is a cool twist on your typical lemonade recipe from Juggling Act Mama . The blueberries add a different dimension to your lemonade. You will love it!
This simple sangria from Just Like Christmas is perfect for summer gatherings like the Fourth of July. It’s easy, quick, and requires few ingredients! Make it by the pitcher or by the glass — let the party begin!
It's summertime. This simple recipe is perfect for hot afternoons or humid summer nights. Make it by the pitcher and garnish with fresh, ripe strawberries and lime slices. Substitute orange juice and water to taste for the tequila and liqueur for a refreshing mocktail.
Do you like iced tea? This version of iced tea has the sweetness of peaches and the twang of ginger. The combination makes this a refreshing brew that is ideal for summer gatherings or for warm summer evenings.
Another flavorful twist on original lemonade. There is the vibrant flavor of the passion herbal tea and the tart sweetness of lemonade. A refreshing drink for hot summer days!
This watermelon mint lemonade is super easy to make and is so refreshing on a hot summer day. You will have to tweak the recipe to find the right flavor combination for your tastes.
Finger food to nosh on while waiting for the food on the grill to be ready!
Strawberry Salsa
Different spins on the classic salsa provide different intriguing flavor combos. This salsa from Juggling Act Mama pairs sweet, strawberries with jalapenos, lime, and red onion. Yum!
A Summer version of the classic Mexican dip from Love and Olive Oil . Seven+ layers of tasty summer goodness is perfect for a Fourth of July gathering.
Warm Spinach Artichoke Dip with Toasted Corn Tortilla Chips
This cheesy dip is filled with flavor. With spinach and artichoke, it is similar to the appetizer dips found at your favorite restaurants. This is a great dip for parties — with tortilla chips or crudites.
These pulled pork sliders are great for a quick meal at home or for a family picnic or gathering. The pork contrasts with the crunchy slaw. Perfect party food!
Sides have an important role as the support for the main dishes at your cookout. Or should I call them complementary pieces to the overall meal. There’s a number of different salads here along with a grilled corn and baked beans recipe.
Easy Strawberry Spinach Salad
This simple healthy spinach salad from Amee’s Savory Dish goes nicely with any grilled main course. or alone for the lighter eaters at your festivities!
Slaw is a staple of summer cookouts. This colorful healthy slaw recipe from Cookie and Kate provides antioxidants and other nutrients in an incredibly flavorful and crunchy dish. It goes with almost everything at your cookout!
This twist on the traditional Mexican elote fromTwo Healthy Kitchens is a fabulous dish for cookouts and grilling with the sweet corn, tangy lime, and salty cotija cheese. As a time-saver, it can be made ahead of time.
Ever have a muffuletta in New Orleans? If not, you are missing out. But this pasta salad from Joy The Baker has all the flavor of a muffuletta with the sensibility and beauty of a pasta salad. Try it at your next cookout!
Grilled corn is the best corn! This recipe from Spend with Pennies shows several different ways to grill your corn along with several different flavor combinations for your butter.
Sometimes, the classics just don't get old! What is a cookout or BBQ without a pot of baked beans? Baked beans go will with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or fish. And this can be started ahead of time so you can get your other dishes prepared with this is in the oven.
Planning your main courses for your cookout can be challenging! You need to appeal to a wide range of palates and dietary needs. This selection offers something that will appeal to everyone!
Green Chile Turkey Burgers
This recipe from Budget Bytes is a flavorful juicy turkey burger with Southwestern flavors. Grill it then top with lettuce, avocado, some slaw — take your pick!
This hearty veggie burger is a favorite of Cookie and Kate and it will soon be yours too. They cook well on the grill and are vegan, egg-free,, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free.
This fresh fish grill from Two Healthy Kitchens is a simple yet flavorful dish. You can use a variety of fish in this recipe — take to your fishmonger for what’s available in your area.
These Southwestern Bacon Cheeseburgers from Boulder Locavore have the perfect amount of smoky, spicy heat.. And as a bonus, the toppings are mixed into the burger before the grilling!
Mesquite-Smoked Jalapeno Cheese Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Don’t make plain ol’ hot dogs — try these smoky, cheesy, spicy hot dogs from Boulder Locavore. This recipe can be made larger by maintaining the ingredient proportions listed in the recipe.
This grilled chicken recipe from Cookies and Cups is a wonderful option for your cookout menu. It can be assembled ahead of time. Marinate the chicken for as long as you can for best results!
What would a Fourth of July gathering be without a fantastic showcase at the end? A variety of showstopper desserts for the young, old, and the slightly tipsy. Perfect for eating as you enjoy the fireworks!
Watermelon with Basil Lime Sugar
Watermelon is so ingrained in my childhood summer memories that I had to include a great watermelon dish. This one from Love and Olive Oil is sublime. And the basil lime sugar will be starring in other dishes this summer,
Key lime always makes me think of summer. This little fluffy cupcake from Amee’s Savory Dish with a zesty filling and creamy frosting is an ideal ending to a fun picnic. It’s an easy recipe that you can use a box mix with or go from scratch.
These cocktail popsicles from Real Food by Dad are based on the tequila sunrise. The gorgeous pops can be made kid-friendly by omitting the tequila. Everyone can enjoy!
There is never a bad time for a chocolate cake. This cake is full of Layered moist chocolate-y goodness and goes well with the no-churn vanilla ice cream.
This festive cake from Mamacita on the Move would be the patriotic showstopper for your Fourth of July cookout. While it look amazing, it’s easy to make than you may think!
What a great round-up! Everything sounds and looks delicious. It’s nice to have a small collection to look at instead of scouring the entire web. Thanks for putting this together.
What a great selection of recioes! I’m definitely goi g the try some especially the pulled pork slider recipe and potatoes salad! Thanks for the round up!
Hi Dominique, I am ready for a lovely 4th of July with friends in Hawaii and many of these recipes would work great for our BBQ like all of the drinks, the pork sliders and kabobs, also the watermelon looked like a refreshings snack. Thank you for sharing this great list of ideas to get us ready for a nice gathering this upcoming holiday. Sending lots of love and gratitude. Jaime.
This is such a terrific collection – so many great recipes for putting together the perfet 4th of July menu! (How adorable is that firecracker cake?!?) Thanks for all the inspiration!
23 Comments
Amy
What a great round-up! Everything sounds and looks delicious. It’s nice to have a small collection to look at instead of scouring the entire web. Thanks for putting this together.
Dominique
Thank you for checking it out! Have a wonderful day!
Roy+A+Ackerman,+PhD,+EA
Great collection of recipes. Most didn’t excite my taste buds, but enough did ot make my time here well spent. Thanks.
Dominique
That’s the goal. Something for everyone! Thanks for reading!
Martha
What a great selection of recioes! I’m definitely goi g the try some especially the pulled pork slider recipe and potatoes salad! Thanks for the round up!
Matt Robinson
So many fun recipes to celebrate the 4th. Thanks for including me!
Kate Loving Shenk
Thanks for the recipe ideas! I will try one or two!!
Tracy Isidore
These are great recipes! Thanks so much for sharing this, I think I will try the easy sangria! Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July ☺️
MidWife360
What a great collection of recipes. These had my mouth watering!
Brenda Fluharty
Great collection of summertime recipes.
Dr.Amrita Basu
What great recipes for an epic 4th of July celebration. Checking out the ice cream recipes
Jaime Brainerd
Hi Dominique, I am ready for a lovely 4th of July with friends in Hawaii and many of these recipes would work great for our BBQ like all of the drinks, the pork sliders and kabobs, also the watermelon looked like a refreshings snack. Thank you for sharing this great list of ideas to get us ready for a nice gathering this upcoming holiday. Sending lots of love and gratitude. Jaime.
Dominique
In Hawaii? I need to go with you! LOL Enjoy and let me know if you make anything from the list!
Ivan M. Jose
We obviously don’t celebrate the 4th of July in my country but with all the lovely recipes I see, I’m always tempted to have my own cookout at home.
Shannon Gurnee
I love the 4th of July! These look like some delicious recipese. Thanks for sharing.
Zim - #blogboost
I’m always on the lookout for ways to make spinach more exciting, so I have my eyes on the artichoke dip.
Gervin Khan
Wow, everything is so delicious and looks so easy to make. I am saving some of the recipes to cook for this coming celebration. Thank you!
angela
ginger peached ice tea soo yummm! Thanks for sharing !Gonna try myself now.
Emman+Damian
Wow! What a great collection of curated recipes for 4th of July! I hope I can try it soon. I will cook it on weekends.
Shelley
This is such a terrific collection – so many great recipes for putting together the perfet 4th of July menu! (How adorable is that firecracker cake?!?) Thanks for all the inspiration!
Emily Michelle Fata
These recipes sound great! Perfect for a summer cookout, for sure.
Lyanna Soria
Those are all wonderful selections of dishes and drinks to check and try out. Thanks for sharing this informative post with us.
Lacy Johnson
What a fun list! I especially want to try some of those desserts! 😋