The 4th of July should be a time to sit back with friends and family and indulge in some delicious food. You don’t want to spend the whole day in the kitchen or pour over recipe books to get ideas.
So, I have put together all our favorite sides, appetizers, mains, and desserts for a 4th of July cookout. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy regardless of their preferences.
No time to read all the recipes? Pin it to read later ⤵️
Table of contents
Meat and Entrees
Smoked Beef Brisket
There is nothing like smoked beef brisket; everyone loves it, and it feeds a big crowd! However, they can be tricky to master, so follow my recipe!
Recipe: Smoked Brisket
Pulled Pork
Who can resist juicy pulled pork? It’s perfect for a cookout. All you need are some burger buns or taco shells, and you’re good to go!
Recipe: Pulled Pork on a Traeger
Pulled Pork Burgers
You have to try my pulled pork burger. I always make a double batch because they are the first to run out.
Recipe: Pulled Pork Burgers
Smoked Pork Belly Strips
Have you tried smoked pork belly strips? They’re just meat candy and a perfect app for the Fourth of July!
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Strips
Pulled Pork Fritters
These are like arancini balls, but better they are stuffed with pulled pork and cream cheese!
Recipe: Pulled Pork Cakes
Pulled Pork Pizza
Nothing beats this pizza topped with pulled pork; go wild with the toppings you like.
Recipe: Pulled Pork Pizza
Bratchos
Imagine the delicious combination of bratwurst and nachos! You have to try this at your next 4th of July party.
Recipe: Bratchos
Smoked Pork Belly Ends
These juicy caramelized pork belly bites will be a hit at your party.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Ends Traeger
Pulled Pork Queso Dip
What could be better than a cheesy pulled pork dip?
Recipe: Pulled Pork Queso Dip
Smoked Hot Dogs
These Smoked Hot Dogs are juicy, lightly charred, and have the best smoky flavor. They require minimal prep, are great for 4th of July BBQs, and can be topped however you like.
Recipe: Smoked Hot Dogs
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Pulled Pork Sliders
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled Whole Chicken
Prepare to fire up the grill for these vibrant veggie skewers, a colorful and healthy addition to any barbecue or outdoor meal. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, these skewers are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Smoked Pork Belly
Nothing satisfies adults and kids as much as pork belly. I like to smoke it, then slice it and serve it in bao buns with hoisin and cucumber…drool
Grilled Bratwurst
Burgers
There is nothing like a classic burger. Everyone loves burgers, but smoking them adds a new flavor!
Recipe: Burgers
Smoked Rack of Lamb
Rack of lamb ALWAYS impresses at a big cookout! But if you want to make it even better, try it smoked! Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
Recipe: Smoked lamb rack recipe.
Pork Shoulder Burnt Ends
These pork shoulder burnt ends are a perfect little bite of BBQ deliciousness. They’re flavorful and slow-smoked to give them a great exterior bark. You gotta try these at your 4th July party.
Recipe: Pork Shoulder Burnt Ends
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Now, this in two recipes in one! First, smoke your pork belly using this Smoked Pork Belly Recipe, then with the leftovers, make smoked pork belly burnt ends!
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Smoked Ribeye Steaks
Why not spoil your guests and throw some ribeye steaks on the grill?
Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Steaks
Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Who doesn’t want to munch on juicy baby back ribs and sip on an ice-cold beer?
Recipe: Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Brats
Indulge in the irresistible, smoky goodness of our smoked brats. Bursting with juicy flavors, these sausages are a must-have at any cookout (especially on the 4th of July).
Make sure you pick up some fresh buns and lay out some toppings like tangy mustard and sauerkraut.
Recipe: Smoked Brats
Beef Ribs
If you want something simple, these smoked beef ribs are perfect. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort and is packed full of flavor.
Recipe: Beef Ribs
Appetizers
Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
Dorito Meatballs
Smoked Queso
Smashed Meatball Sliders
Onion Bombs
Smoked Queso
Buffalo Chicken Dip
0-400 Chicken Wings
Want a simple yet super-tasty recipe for chicken wings? The 0-400 method is your best bet! You don’t even need to preheat your grill or smoker.
Recipe: 0-400 Chicken Wings
Smoked Meatballs
Meatballs are perfect for a 4th of July cookout! I like to serve these with rolls and make meatball subs.
Recipe: Smoked Meatballs
Smoked Chicken Wings
This smoked chicken wing recipe is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for a 4th of July cookout because who doesn’t love wings?
Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings
Smoked Shotgun Shells
What could be better than cheesy ground beef stuffed into pasta tubes, wrapped in bacon, and smoked? Nothing I say!
These shotgun shells are 100% worth the hype! You have to try them! Plus, they easy to prepare ahead of time, that way you can throw them on the grill when guests are hungry.
Recipe: Smoked shotgun shells
Smoked Duck Jalapeno Poppers
Everything is better wrapped in bacon! If you have any tried the regular jalapeno poppers, you’re in for a surprise! Stuffed with duck and cheese, these delicious morsels will be gone in (60) seconds.
Recipe: Duck Jalapeno Poppers
Smoked Pig Shots
These delicious bacon cups filled with cheese are the perfect app. Make sure you double your batch!
They will be gone before you know it.
Recipe: Smoked Pig Shots
Salmon Burnt Ends
Looking for another simple yet delicious appetizer? You gotta try my salmon burnt ends. With their juicy interiors and caramelized outer, you might mistake them for meat candy!
Recipe: Salmon Burnt Ends
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Chicken kabobs are a classic that will satisfy everyone at your cookout. I always double this recipe, as it never seems to be enough.
Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Sides
Sweet Potato
Recipe: Sweet Potato
Grilled Broccoli
Recipe: Grilled Broccoli
Grilled Cornbread
Recipe: Grilled Cornbread
Mashed Potatoes With Bacon and Cheese
What could be better than mashed potatoes? Only one thing! Topping them with cheese and bacon! Your guests will be drooling over this side!
Recipe: Smoked mashed potatoes.
Smoked Garlic Bread
Who doesn’t love garlic bread? But imagine how much better it is when smoked!
Not only do people go wild when I serve this on the 4th of July, but it has to be one of the most straightforward recipes you’ll ever find.
Recipe: Smoked garlic bread
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Looking for a delicious side dish? Mac and cheese is perfect! Kids love it as much as adults! Plus, it’s super simple to put together—just throw it in the smoker!
Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
When you thought mac and cheese couldn’t get any better, someone added bacon. This side dish will go fast!
Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese With Bacon
Prosciutto Wrapped Smoked Brie
You know how good, cozy, and gooey cheese is, but imagine wrapping it in prosciutto!
Recipe: Prosciutto Wrapped Smoked Brie
Desserts
Smoked Brownies with Caramel and Bacon Salt
This a dessert to impress, especially if you make the bacon salt. This is perfect for the 4th of July because you can prep the batter beforehand and throw it on the grill with the mains.
Recipe: Smoked Brownies
Smoked Cheesecake
Recipe: Smoked Cheesecake
Easy Berry Slab Pie: The Perfect Summer Dessert
Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad
Red, White, & Blue Cheesecake Salad – Easy, Fast, 6 Ingredients!
Smoked Jalapeño Popper Dip (Smoked Two Ways)
This jalapeno pepper dip can be smoked in two ways (on the grill or smoker). It’s everything you love about classic jalapeno poppers but in a convenient dip form. This dip is perfect for holiday BBQs, potlucks or parties.
Smoked Pork Spare Ribs
St. Louis-style pork spare ribs are an easy recipe that can be made on your smoker or grill. Perfect for beginner’s and bbq enthusiasts alike.
Smoked Pork Chops
This recipe is simple and takes only 90 minutes to cook.For the wood chips, we recommend using apple or maple.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Chops
Galbi Korean BBQ Short Ribs
Delicious Korean ribs with a marinade that will have people talking. With pear, ginger, brown sugar in the marinade plus more these ribs are worth trying for your cookout
Hot n’ Fast Pulled Pork
Do you love pulled pork, but don’t have all day to smoke it? The hot and fast pulled pork method will shave hours off your cook time and give you that same taste you already love!
Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven)
These Ground Beef Kebabs are a super easy, affordable and DELICIOUS addition to your 4th of July bbq! They’re a huge hit every time!
Dino Ribs
Beefy smoked dinosaur ribs are tender and succulent. These are perfect for meat lovers and feature a delicious, smoky bbq flavor.
Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Teriyaki Kabobs
Get your grill on for 4th of July with Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Teriyaki Kabobs! Made with a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple.
Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar
These Smoked Bacon Brown Sugar Baked Beans are slow cooked on the smoker and full of delicious flavor. They’re the perfect side dish for July 4th celebrations and cookouts!
Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe
This is a delicious ribeye recipe! It’s flavorful and super easy so it’s perfect for your 4th of July picnic or cookout.
Caprese Salad with Blueberries
Adding blueberries to the classic caprese salad makes a red, white, and blue side dish perfect for the 4th of July.
Recipe
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Bacon ranch pasta salad is one of the easiest and most delicious cold pasta recipes! Skip the boxed mixes and make this copycat version from scratch instead.
Recipe
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
This hearty potato salad recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering, bursting with crunchy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant green onions.
Recipe
Baked Beans From Scratch
Classic Homemade Baked Beans from scratch in a deliciously smokey and sweet base is a delicious barbecue side dish recipe.
Recipe
Easy Pasta Salad
Delicious, easy-to-make pasta salad that’s perfect with summer BBQs.
Recipe
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Heirloom Tomato & Cucumber Summer Salad is an easy summer side dish bursting with tomatoes and cucumbers lightly coated in a homemade tangy red wine vinaigrette.
Recipe
Caprese Pasta Salad
Made with just four ingredients, Caprese Pasta Salad combines the flavors of a Caprese salad in a pasta side dish that’s sure to please.
Recipe
Pulled Pork Deviled Eggs
Pulled Pork Deviled Eggs are such a great twist on classic deviled eggs! They will make a great appetizer or game-day food!
Recipe
BBQ Brie
Simple Summer Brie is the perfect appetizer or side dish for your BBQs. No need to cook anything in the kitchen when you can make this simple recipe right on your grill!
Recipe
Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad
Bacon-Wrapped Sonoran Hot Dog Recipe
This bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog recipe is a taste of the Southwest! The homemade sauce recipe adds loads of flavor that everyone will love.
Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Corn
This easy recipe for bacon-wrapped corn on the cob features fresh corn wrapped in savory bacon and finished on the grill. It’s the perfect side dish for your July 4th BBQ, party, or cookout.
Recipe
Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe With Bacon
This Instant Pot Potato Salad with Bacon is a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for summer barbecues and picnics. This potato salad will be the star of any outdoor gathering, made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing.
Recipe
The BEST Broccoli Salad
This lightened-up version of classic broccoli salad is so flavorful and the perfect side dish at any BBQ!
Recipe
Macaroni Ham Salad
This Macaroni Ham Salad is loaded with ham, macaroni pasta, bell peppers, carrots, celery, and cheddar cheese, tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade dressing. It’s the perfect side for a cookout or BBQ!
Recipe
Panzanella Toscana with Fresh Mozzarella Caprese
This Tuscan-inspired Panzanella Toscana with Fresh Mozzarella is a bread and vegetable salad with a strong nod to the southern Italian island of Capri–with fresh mozzarella, extra tomatoes, and extra basil. It’s extra delicious! And it just screams “summer!” The creamy mozzarella is utterly harmonious paired with the oil-kissed, toasted bread and macerated tomatoes.
Recipe
Summer Watermelon Salad with Feta
This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Basil is incredibly delicious and so easy to prepare. The salty, savory ingredients counter the sweetness of the fruit—it’s full of fresh flavor!
Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
Old Fashioned Cornbread Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad
Chunky Zucchini Pesto Bruschetta with Lemon (No Cook)
Zucchini Pesto Bruschetta tops grilled bread with fresh raw zucchini, basil, nuts, pecorino, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lots of lemons!
Recipe
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
Great collection of dishes 🙂 Thank you for including my grilled ribeye recipe!!
Quite the epic lineup here!
My husband is such a rib fan so I knew I had to give the Dino ribs recipe a try! So flavorful and extremely clear instructions in the recipe! Thank you for this great list!
So many fantastic ideas here!!! There are a bunch I can’t wait to try!!