If you’re planning a patriotic bash, firing up the grill is a must! Obviously, you are in the market for the BEST 4th of July grilling recipes to share. These 20+ recipes feature grilled appetizers, mains, side dishes and even desserts. From classics like burgers, hot dogs and more to more unique recipes, these recipes are perfect for July Fourth or for any July party.
2025 Update: This round-up was originally shared in July 2016 with 40 basic July 4th recipes. I have updated it to include grilling recipes for the holiday. I hope you find a lot of inspiration here!
Independence Day is just around the corner, and there is no better way to celebrate than firing up the grill. To me, it is an essential part of this holiday.
Whether you’re hosting friends and family or hitting the road to celebrate, you are in the right place to get some recipe inspiration. After all, there are a lot of dishes that are versatile and perfect for this time of year that come together on a grill.
I’ve put together this round up to include 20+ 4th of July grilling ideas.
We’ve got the traditional fare, like burgers, hot dogs and more, that are always perfect for a summertime gathering, as well as more unique recipes to help you create the BEST Fourth of July menu. Feel free to mix and match these with other crowd favorite recipes.
Whether you’ve got a gas grill, a charcoal grill or even a smoker, firing up the grill is oftentimes part of the celebration.
Part of the fun is spending time outdoors and making the food collectively. The Fourth is the perfect time to do just this.
That’s not to say that you can’t use the oven, stovetop or even slow cookers or an air fryer indoors, but the main attraction, to me, is the grilled food.
Pair that with a few non-grilling recipes, like a refreshing summer salad, some colorful fruit kabobs, a cold corn salad or pasta salad, and you’re set!
Tools to make grilling recipes
The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.
Paper products, like paper compostable plates, bowls, cups, napkins and cutlery
Food-safe containers (especially for transport)
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
Part of the fun of this July celebration, for me, is sharing and serving seasonal dishes with people I care about. It’s a great way to share some old favorites, as well as try some new dishes.
If I were to be hosting a July 4th meal at my home, here are a few things I might consider doing:
Plan out your menu well in advance and keep in mind how large your grill is. Depending on what you’re making, you might have to grill it in batches.
Label the food with little signs so that guests know what each dish is. If you’ve got guests with food allergies, consider adding ingredients to the labels, too.
Have extra tongs and serving spoons in case one falls into a dish or onto the ground.
Use compostable plates, napkins and cutlery for easy and earth-friendly clean-up. (These are a great option if you don’t want to use your everyday dishes or have enough to serve a crowd!)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traditional 4th of July menu?
On the July 4th holiday, it is common to enjoy grilled burgers, hot dogs or barbecued meats. Traditional side dishes are corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, pasta salad, baked beans and macaroni & cheese.
What to serve as sides at a cookout?
There are so many delicious side dishes you can serve at a cookout or barbecue. Serve a variety of options for your party, such as macaroni & cheese, baked beans, baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, fruit salad and cornbread.
The Best Grilling Recipes for July 4th
Scroll on down to find the best grill recipe ideas for the Fourth of July and throughout the summer months.
Appetizers and Starters
1
Ricotta Crostini with Grilled Peaches
Ricotta Crostini with Grilled Peaches is a sweet and savory bite that’s perfect for a Fourth of July gathering. Both the peaches and crostini get a delicious char that pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and a balsamic drizzle.
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Flatbread makes a great July 4th party dish. It features grilled chicken, fresh veggies and melty cheese on flatbread, all cooked directly on the grill.
Cheeseburger Kebabs are a fun twist on the classic burger. Skewered with small burger patties, cheese, bacon, pickles and more, they grill up quickly and are great to feed a crowd.
Charred Corn Salsa is a bright, grilled starter or side dish for July 4th or any summertime gathering. Made with just seven ingredients, it’s perfect as a dip (but can also be used as a topping for various other dishes!)
Add steak to the appetizer course with this Grilled Steak Flatbread Pizza. Loaded with grilled steak, caramelized onions and tomatoes, this recipe is ideal as an appetizer or main dish straight off the grill.
Honey Chipotle BBQ Wings are grilled instead of fried, making them a simple and flavorful July 4th option. The homemade sauce blends sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. These are a perfect option for any cookout.
Grilled Hamburger Sliders with Bacon Cherry Compote
Grilled Hamburger Sliders with Bacon Cherry Compote are a flavorful addition for your July 4th menu. The smoky-sweet compote takes these bite-sized burgers to the next level.
Grilled Turkey Burgers are a white meat option for burgers that are flavorful and easy to make. (Also, this recipe is NOT dry!) Make a toppings bar so guests can add their favorites to their burgers.
Memphis-Style Barbecue Ribs are a classic for July 4th or any summer gathering. Slathered in dry rub and cooked low and slow in the oven, this recipe is finished on the grill for best results and a delicious bite.
Grilled Steak is a timeless grilling favorite that is perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients, this is a crowd-pleaser for July 4th celebrations. Serve it with your favorite herb butter to take it up a notch.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a flavorful and perfect recipe to make for July 4th. The blackened lime seasoning adds a kick to these quick-cooking skewers.
Beer Marinated Grilled Drumsticks are juicy, charred, and full of rich, malty flavor. They’re easy to prepare and ideal for feeding a crowd on July 4th.
Grilled Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions are a crowd pleaser for the Fourth or any other warm weather gathering. The sausages pair perfectly with smoky, Creole-seasoned veggies and come together quickly.
Grilled Peach Salad with Burrata is a fresh, summery salad. It’s quick to make and full of seasonal flavors. Grilled peaches are really special during July, so be sure to try this one!
Grilled Fingerling Potatoes with Bacon Vinaigrette are a flavorful, easy side to make and share for July 4th. The smoky bacon dressing adds so much deliciousness.
Made with crispy bacon and apples, these Apple Pie Baked Beans are smoky, sweet and savory. They’re a fun, flavorful twist on a classic for your Fourth of July menu.
Colorful Grilled Veggie Skewers are easy to make and a perfect vegetarian option for cookouts. They’re great as a side or appetizer and pair nicely with most mains and other sides.
Grilled Mexican Corn, or eloté, is a flavorful and fun side dish for any occasion that calls for grilling. This grilled corn dish is topped with creamy sauce, cheese and spices for bold flavor.
Patriotic Strawberry Bruschetta is a festive July 4th dessert… and the base is toasted on the grill for beautiful marks and toastiness. Topped with lemon curd, almond pudding, and berries, it’s a colorful way to end the meal.
Grilled Peach Cobbler is a fresh, fruity dessert made in a cast iron skillet. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce and to make a memorable dessert to share with your people!
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
Did you make the recipe as directed? If you didn’t or made an ingredient swap, please do not leave a rating. Recipe results are not guaranteed when changes have been made.
Is your comment helpful to others? Rude or hateful comments will not be approved. Please remember that this website is run by a real person.
Are you complaining about ads? I develop these recipes and provide them to you for free. Advertising allows me to continue to do so at not cost to you. It is also unavoidable on the internet and in everyday life. If you want recipes without ads, please purchase a cookbook or borrow one from your local library.
3 Comments
What a fun and festive round-up!! Love all these cute July 4th recipes – will just have to celebrate for days!
Thanks for sharing this round-up, lady! I didn’t get to plan a July 4 party this year but next year is going to be big. It’s my favorite holiday! I pinned this in the meantime. I love that these recipes can be made for Memorial Day, Labor Day and all summer long, too!
What a fun and festive round-up!! Love all these cute July 4th recipes – will just have to celebrate for days!
Thanks so much, Kathryn! I completely agree – we should all celebrate for days. 😉 Happy Fourth to you and yours!
Thanks for sharing this round-up, lady! I didn’t get to plan a July 4 party this year but next year is going to be big. It’s my favorite holiday! I pinned this in the meantime. I love that these recipes can be made for Memorial Day, Labor Day and all summer long, too!