Here’s our list of the best 4th of July BBQ ideas—from appetizing grilled peaches to smoky spatchcocked grilled chicken!
Bring your family and friends together around a grill this summer!
The ultimate summer holiday is upon us again so it’s time to partayy!
The best thing about the 4th of July isn’t just about the spectacular firework displays and lively street parades, the celebration also focuses on the opportunity to be creative in preparing entrees for cookouts.
Hot dogs and hamburgers are a default dish, but the 4th of July has something more to offer apart from these BBQ classics.
If you want to expand your BBQ menu, you’re in for a treat!
Get ready for some backyard fun as you serve these tasty grilled peaches to everyone! This appetizer is easy to assemble and can be eaten in so many ways.
It can be served along with your favorite grilled meat dishes, like pork or chicken, or can be included in a bright and fresh salad like my very own recipe of grilled peach salad with a champagne vinaigrette twist.
Quick tip: When it comes to buying peaches, you must pick those slightly underripe (firm with a little give) or perfectly ripe ones as they are perfect for grilling.
Here’s the recipe.
2. Grilled corn
Paired with grilled hamburgers, smoked pork, or other grilled vegetables, this grilled corn on the cob might be the one you’re looking for to achieve a successful BBQ cookout meal this upcoming 4th of July.
The recipe only calls for corn cobs, salt, and pepper but in case you opt for a little adventure, then go for it!
Take the smoky flavors of your grilled corn on the cob up a notch by incorporating flavorful twists like butter and other toppings.
Get the recipe here.
3. Grilled onion
The underrated vegetable gets its savory twist with the blend of flavors coming from bacon, garlic, butter, salt, and pepper!
The recipe starts with peeling the sweet onion then slicing off its bottom part. It’s followed by carving the center of the onion to create a bowl within the whole onion.
Once done, you’re going to stuff the onion with butter and garlic clove, wrap with thick-cut bacon, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper on top.
Wrap tightly in foil and cook on the grill.
Best served with grilled steak, this onion recipe is sure to steal the show at your 4th of July BBQ gathering!
Here’s the recipe.
4. Grilled tomatoes
Meet the summertime treat that will keep your 4th of July guests excited–grilled tomatoes!
Tomatoes aren’t just the start of this BBQ recipe, the inclusion of balsamic vinegar alongside fresh rosemary gives the overall side dish a satisfying and unforgettable mouthfeel.
Not only are these yummy eaten as a side to a lovely steak but you can also cut them up and serve them mixed into a light pasta dish as well.
Get the recipe here.
5. Grilled pineapple
Coated in a buttery brown sugar cinnamon glaze, these grilled pineapple slices are bound to feed and please your Independence Day crowd.
The pineapple is caramelized with just three basic ingredients–melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon–and then grilled to perfection!
The lime juice is optional but you can include it into the mix if you want to add a fresh and zesty flavor.
Aside from hot dogs, partner this grilled pineapple with BBQ chicken, teriyaki chicken, or grilled pork tenderloin.
Get the recipe here.
6. Grilled chicken marinade
Fire up the grill to prepare a succulent chicken marinated in a delicious paprika-lemon sauce. Its making process is quite simple.
Simply combine all the seasonings in a bowl. Dredge the chicken breast into the marinade and let it sit for several minutes.
Once done, grill to perfection then pat yourself on the back!
More details about the recipe here.
7. Grilled peach salad
My version of the grilled peach salad is easy and delicious enough to wow any crowd. What’s more, it combines a handful of fresh ingredients and pantry staples!
This salad hits all the right notes.
It has a nice tang coming from lemon juice, goat cheese, and champagne vinegar, a slight spice from Dijon mustard, the sweetness of ripe peaches, as well as the crunchy texture of pecans.
Feel free to take advantage of the recipe’s flexibility by adding or subtracting ingredients from here to there.
Get the recipe here.
8. Avocado tomato salad
Rich in color, flavor, and texture, this refreshing summer salad is quick to toss, making it ideal for BBQ parties and summer picnics.
Red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano all add a lot of bite to the crunch and flavor of tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and avocados.
The salad is also a great way to showcase raw avocado, which brings a slightly creamy mouthfeel to the overall dish.
To cut the prep time, mix the dressing a day before the big day then toss when ready to serve.
Here’s the recipe.
9. Grilled melon salad
This grilled melon salad recipe is going to be your new go-to grilling side–it has fresh and delicious ingredients including baby watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, roasted pistachio, and fresh basil.
The best part?
You can have this salad from the counter to the BBQ table in just less than an hour.
And if you prefer, you can easily white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of white balsamic vinegar.
Get the recipe here.
10. Melon salad honey mint
If you’re looking for a quick-fix salad recipe for your BBQ party, then this melon salad honey mint might be the one you’re looking for.
The salad brings together three great melon varieties as its main ingredients: cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew melon–all fused with a mix of honey, lime juice, and fresh mint.
The recipe comes together in just 15 minutes so it’s perfect for lazy summer days!
Planning to make it in advance?
Chill the melon then toss with honey-lime syrup and garnish with fresh mint when ready to serve.
Here’s the recipe.
11. Loaded summer house salad
It’s impossible to resist the taste of avocado in a fresh summer salad, especially when it gets mixed alongside corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese (yes, please!)
To make one, start by placing the greens in a bowl and toss some salt and pepper, then add on the other ingredients.
Pour on the herb vinaigrette, and then sprinkle the fresh herbs such as mint, basil, and chives.
Get more details about this recipe here.
12. Veggie skewers
Make these colorful kebabs of red onion, zucchini, bell pepper, and garlic out at the grill and serve them with a hearty main like grilled steak, salmon, or chicken to satisfy everyone at the 4th of July BBQ party.
You can turn them into a one-hand appetizer too!
These skewers’ vibrant flavor and color come from the special herbaceous sauce made with olive oil, garlic, fresh parsley, cilantro, and rosemary.
Pro tip: When cutting the vegetables, make sure that the pieces are of a similar size and shape so they cook evenly.
Here’s the recipe.
13. Grilled brussels sprouts
These grilled Brussel sprouts have a balance of savory, tangy, and smoky, and they’re sure to add the perfect amount of interesting texture to your 4th of July BBQ table this year.
Seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, and celery salt, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken breasts, fish dishes, skirt steaks, and prosciuttos.
And it takes only 15 minutes to prepare so you still have enough time to prepare your main entree.
Get the recipe here.
14. Smoked beef brisket
This smoked beef brisket recipe offers a surprising amount of flavor–even it’s just made with simple ingredients.
The secret to its savory flavor lies in the flavorful rub made from coarse black pepper, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
Once the beef brisket is covered, you can now proceed to the grilling process. Don’t forget to spray apple cider vinegar every hour as this brings out the flavor of the meat.
Pro tip: Ensure to cover every outer portion of the beef when seasoning.
Here’s the recipe.
15. Beef burgers
A BBQ party isn’t complete without big, tender, and juicy beef burgers. They’re the ultimate comfort food that will appeal to adults and kids alike.
There’s no rule in making beef burgers, but a combination of jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and crispy pepperoni can take this summer staple to new heights.
Get the recipe here.
16. Grilled steak salad
This grilled steak salad isn’t just a great option for dinner, it can be your centerpiece at your Independence Day BBQ party too!
Loaded with crispy grilled romaine, onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, the dish gets a boost of flavor thanks to the blue cheese dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire, white vinegar, lemon juice, chives, heavy cream, and blue cheese.
Here’s the recipe.
17. Spatchcocked grilled chicken
This hearty dish gives your basic grilled chicken recipe a new twist.
The recipe starts with spatchcocking the chicken, rubbing it with a paprika-garlic spice mix, and then grilling it until the skin turns nice crispy and golden-brown.
This grilled chicken is a meal itself but if you want it extra special, consider pairing the chicken with summer-y favorites such as potato salad and roasted potatoes.
Here’s the recipe.
The bottom line
Get out of your comfort zone and stop choosing the same recipes for your BBQ party.
There are so many dishes to choose from–you better try this recipe list! My collection of scrumptious 4th of July BBQ ideas will help you celebrate the birth of American Independence with a bang.
From grilled peaches to spatchcocked grilled chicken, nothing goes wrong with this compilation!
Now invite your family, friends, and neighbors and watch as you start getting tons of compliments on your 4th of July BBQ dishes at the table.
17 BEST 4th of July BBQ Recipe Inspiration
Unlock these 17 Fourth of July BBQ recipes to bring your family and friends together around a grill this summer
Ingredients
- Grilled peaches
- Grilled corn
- Grilled onion
- Grilled tomatoes
- Grilled pineapple
- Grilled chicken marinade
- Grilled peach salad
- Avocado tomato salad
- Grilled melon salad
- Melon salad honey mint
- Loaded summer house salad
- Veggie skewers
- Grilled brussels sprouts
- Smoked beef brisket
- Beef burgers
- Grilled steak salad
- Spatchcocked grilled chicken
Instructions
- Pick five 4th of July BBQ dishes from the list
- Gather the ingredients and start making them
- Serve these recipes at your outdoor table