49 Extra Festive Recipes for Your Fourth of July Cookout

Cherry Flag Pie
Photo: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Call your cousins, neighbors, and grandkids. This year's July 4th party is one they won't want to miss. From red, white, and blue desserts to grilled summertime staples, there's something for everyone in our round up of all-American eats. There's nothing more fun than cookout classics and freedom-themed food on Independence Day. Start your summer shindig off right with colorful cocktails and seasonal snacks. Our 4th of July Punch and Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad are sure to hold guests over while the grill gets going.

After the hot dogs and burgers have been served, it'll be impossible to keep them away from the dessert table. Can you blame them? One look at our Mixed Berry Slab Pie, and sparks will fly. No matter what combination of 4th of July party recipes you pick, old-fashioned summer fun is a guarantee.

Grab those red, white, and blue streamers, fire up the grill, and make sure you're fully stocked on berries. It's time to throw a star-spangled party.

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Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Southern Living

Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Pimiento cheese turns this hostess staple up a notch.

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Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham
Jen Causey

Recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

This old-school cold salad pairs well with any cookout menu, but it looks especially nice on a patriotic picnic table.

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Berry Cobbler

Berry Cobbler

Recipe: Berry Cobbler

This mid-summer slow-cooked dessert is the ideal mix of red, white, and blue flavor.

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4th of July Punch

4th of July Punch
Jennifer Causey

Recipe: 4th of July Punch

A blend of fresh fruit and bright juices, this big-batch patriotic punch can be made booze-free for the kiddos, too.

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Spicy Grilled Corn Salad

Spicy Grilled Corn Salad
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Spicy Grilled Corn Salad​​​​​​

Start sparks long before fireworks with this street corn-inspired side with a jalapeño kick.

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Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs

Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs
Melina Hammer

Recipe: Sloppy Cola Joe Dogs

Two summertime favorites collide in this camp-style hot dog that'll make the crowd will go wild.

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Mixed Berry Slab Pie

Mixed Berry Slab Pie
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Recipe: Mixed Berry Slab Pie

In-season berries will leave parade candy untouched thanks to this centerpiece-worthy pie.

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Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs

Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: MindI Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs

Put at-home barbecue in action for your backyard celebration with a recipe that would make any Memphian proud.

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No-Bake Banana Split Pie

Banana Split Pie
Photographer and props: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: No-Bake Banana Split Pie

We're not turning on the oven for this one. Our No-Bake Banana Split Pie takes all the flavors we love from a traditional banana split and converts it into sliceable portions fit for a crowd. Just be sure to keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

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Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

We can all agree that fresh, grilled corn is a hallmark of any Independence Day menu.

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Turkey Cheeseburgers with Grilled Vidalia Onion Rings

Turkey Cheeseburgers with Grilled Vidalia Onion Rings
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Turkey Cheeseburgers with Grilled Vidalia Onion Rings

A turkey alternative to your routine backyard burger, this recipe adds a caramelized onion topping for flavor that just feels like summertime.

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Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake
Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Poke Cake

Fresh summer berries and homemade frosting combine for a summertime dessert with patriotic pizzazz.

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Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Three cheers for this summertime trio that pairs well with all things grilled.

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Ranch Water

Texas Ranch Water Cocktail
Getty Images/Lauren King / EyeEm

Recipe: Ranch Water

When it comes to light and refreshing cocktails, few compare to Texas-favorite Ranch Water. Just make sure you use Topo Chico—no random sparkling water will do.

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Heirloom Tomato Pie with Parmesan-Buttermilk Crust ​​​​​

Heirloom Tomato Pie Recipe
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pie

Believe it or not, this Southern classic tastes even better than it looks.

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Best-Ever Succotash

Best-Ever Succotash
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Best-Ever Succotash

With timeless flavor that just says "summer," guests will enjoy every forkful of this confetti-like side.

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Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler
Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Vanessa Rocchio; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Recipe: Peach Cobbler

It's not a Southern summer party without a classic cobbler, and this peach cobbler is sensational.

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Classic Baked Beans

Baked Beans
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Baked Beans

This bacon-filled baked bean recipe is a backyard party side that's simple to make and take.

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Old-School Squash Casserole

Old-School Squash Casserole
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Old-School Squash Casserole

Combine summer squash with cheese, butter, and crushed crackers, and you'll find yourself with an instant crowd-pleaser.

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Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars
Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Red, white, and blue take a swirl atop cheesecake in bars you can prepare up to two days in advance.

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Macaroni Pie

Macaroni Pie
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Macaroni Pie

A trifecta of cheeses and fresh thyme are responsible for a savory depth of flavor that's begging to be sliced in the backyard.

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Crunchy Okra-and-Corn Salad with Ranch Dressing

Crunchy Okra-and-Corn Salad with Ranch Dressing
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Crunchy Okra-and-Corn Salad with Ranch Dressing

Give your side salad an upgrade with crisp okra and crunchy corn.

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Blueberry-Orange Blossom Honey Slab Pie

Blueberry-Orange Blossom Honey Slab Pie
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Recipe: Blueberry-Orange Blossom Honey Slab Pie

Serve a classic American pie bursting with seasonal blueberries that's sure to delight.

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Red, White, and Blue Popsicles

Red, White, and Blue Popsicles
Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Popsicles

A patriotic treat so tasty the colorful drips are worth the risk.

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Instant Pot Ribs

Instant Pot Ribs
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Instant Pot Ribs

If you have a parade to attend and can't babysit the smoker all day, these fast, fall-off-the-bone ribs may be your saving grace.

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Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad
Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna pasta salad gets a summer party-ready refresh that's as bright as the season.

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Berry Splash

Berry Splash
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Berry Splash

This family-friendly recipe will cool off your crowd all summer long.

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Sour Cream Flag Cake

Flag Cake
Southern Living

Recipe: Sour Cream Flag Cake

Salute our nation's independence in the most delicious way possible. This iconic flag sheet cake will have every guest coming back for a second slice.

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Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad
Southern Living

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

Here's proof that old-school is still cool when it comes to cookouts. A favorite outdoor side of generations past, this cold salad uses chopped chicken, mayo, celery, and a splash of lemon juice.

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Pitcher Mojitos

Pitcher Mojitos
Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Pitcher Mojitos

Hosting a crowd all day? These big-batch mojitos are up for the challenge and easy to refill again and again.

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Classic Pimiento Cheese

Basic Pimiento Cheese
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Basic Pimiento Cheese

Whether you serve it as a dip, spread, or all by itself, this recipe belongs on every outdoor summer spread.

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Peach-Bourbon Upside-Down Bundt Cake

Peach-Bourbon Upside-Down Bundt Cake
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Peach-Bourbon Upside-Down Bundt Cake

Light up the party long before the fireworks begin with this bright and boozy Bundt.

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Watermelon Margaritas

Watermelon Margaritas On The Rocks
Southern Living

Recipe: Watermelon Margaritas

We've yet to taste a more popular cookout cocktail than this refreshingly colorful margarita.

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Salmon Burgers with Creamy Tartar Sauce

Salmon Burgers with Creamy Tartar Sauce
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Salmon Burgers with Creamy Tartar Sauce

Dress up your burger offerings with this flavorful salmon version. The tartar sauce is not to be missed.

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Marinated Watermelon and Tomato Salad

Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Marinated Watermelon and Tomato Salad

Move over red and blue berries. This watermelon salad is here to prove there's a place for other fresh summer produce on your July 4th menu.

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Root Beer Float Popsicles

Southern Living SEO- Root Beer Float Popsicles
Photography and Prop Styling: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Root Beer Float Popsicles

Forget pre-made popsicles. These treats inspired by ice cream floats will be the talk of the party.

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Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Baked Corn on the Cob
Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Too much on the grill? Put the oven to good use for a side that's fit for any Fourth of July menu.

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Mini Confetti Cakes

Mini Confetti Cakes
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Mini Confetti Cakes

This pre-fireworks snack has a popping surprise of its own—it starts with store-bought cake mix.

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Green Tomato Skillet Pie

Green Tomato Skillet Pie
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Green Tomato Skillet Pie

Green tomatoes will be grandfathered into your Independence Day spread after one bit of this sillet pie.

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Cucumber-Jalapeno Coolers

Cucumber-jalapeño Gin Coolers
Photographer Jennifer Causey, Prop Stylist Lindsey Lower, Food Stylist Torie Cox

Recipe: Cucumber-Jalapeno Coolers

Chill out with this refreshing cocktail that packs a punch. Make sure you chill your club soda prior to mixing up a batch.

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Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake

Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

Recipe: Cherries-and-Cream Icebox Cake

When it comes to the 4th, there's no such thing as too many cooled-down desserts.

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Peach Fried Pies

Peach Fried Pies
Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Peach Fried Pies

This holiday-worthy recipe is portable and packed with colorful peaches.

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Mac and Cheese with Ham

Baked Smokin’ Macaroni and Cheese
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Ham

Chopped, smoked ham rounds out this melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy dish that's made for outdoor dining.

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Baked Zucchini Fries

Baked Zucchini Fries
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Zucchini Fries

Forget French fries. Serve these crispy zucchini sticks and put that farmers' market hull to good use.

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Smoky Watermelon-Mezcal Fresca

Smoky Watermelon-Mezcal Fresca
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Smoky Watermelon-Mezcal Fresca

The only way to upgrade standalone slice of fresh watermelon? Turn it into an icy, boozy delight.

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Sweet Heat Hot Dogs

Sweet Heat Hot Dogs
Jennifer Davick; Prop Styling: Allison R. Banks; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Sweet Heat Hot Dogs

Your crew will never opt for plain old ketchup and mustard again once they taste these kicked-up franks. Serve with chopped sweet-hot pickles (like Wickles Pickles) and shredded red cabbage for all the crunch.

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Watermelon Cake

Watermelon Cake
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Watermelon Cake

What's Fourth of July without a watermelon-eating contest? This time, we're slicing it up and making things sweeter than ever with a cake that's bound to have everyone gathering around.

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Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad
Jen Causey

Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad

With all of the holiday-colored berries in your party lineup, a simple fruit salad can be easy to overlook but a wonderful break from the cheesy, savory, and indulgent treats on the table.

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Cherry Flag Pie

Cherry Flag Pie
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Cherry Flag Pie

Meet an All-American classic that's almost too pretty to slice.

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