Independence Day BBQ Recipes
Make this traditional Independence Day celebration your own unique experience. Make a red, white and blueberry cake and bring along a red, white and blue picnic blanket or tablecloth. There are all kinds of picnic themes that would fit the celebratory mood, from a period costume party to a 1950s-style “Americana” picnic.
Or, you can simply go traditional. We typically take that route for July 4th.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. [Learn more]
Independence Day BBQ Recipes
Cooking out on Independence Day is perhaps the most traditional way of celebrating the summer holiday.
If you are thinking of cooking out this 4th of July, you might be wondering what kind of food should you serve, or if you should have a theme.
Here are some ideas for foods and meals for an Independence Day barbecue.
Main course
There is nothing wrong with going strictly traditional here – BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, and steaks are fine and uncomplicated.
But if you want to get a bit creative, try some of these main course ideas.
- Multi-cultural kabobs — If you want to have a multi-cultural theme, or just celebrate the American melting pot, try grilling kabobs in various flavors.
For an Asian flavor, the kabobs could include chunks of chicken, bell peppers, and onions with a soy sauce or teriyaki marinade/baste.
Greek kabobs could have grilled chicken and onion chunks flavored with lemon juice, olive oil, and Greek herbs, and put on the skewer with grape tomatoes and topped with feta cheese.
Make Hawaiian kabobs with chunks of pineapple and ham, served with Macadamia nuts.
For Middle Eastern-style kabobs, use garlic and lamb with spices like curry and cumin. Kabobs are a great way to serve multi-cultural flavors in one barbecue.
- Ribs — Barbecued ribs are a traditional American favorite for the Fourth of July. Baste them well with sauce if you like, and serve with grilled corn.
- Pork Barbecue — If you don’t want to grill ribs, you can grill a pork roast, then carve it up and serve it with barbecue sauce on buns.
Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are really special. You can grill just about any veggie, but for Independence Day, why not focus on American veggies like potatoes and corn?
(While corn is a grain, it is usually served as a vegetable at your average barbecue.)
Before grilling, toss potato wedges in oil, salt and pepper. Lay them on the grill and cook until they are browned. Corn really does not need any particular flavoring during grilling – just lay shucked ears on the grill and turn them often. Brush with melted butter when done.
Dessert
Apple pie, of course, is traditional American fare, and presenting one at a barbecue will undoubtedly please your guests.
There are other creative ideas for desserts, too.
- Dip fruit in melted white chocolate. Then melt more white chocolate and divide it into two portions. Color one portion red and the other blue, then drizzle over the white chocolate-dipped fruit.
- Mix mini marshmallows with blueberries and strawberries for a sweet fruit salad.
- Watermelon served alone makes a great dessert, or you could dress it up a bit by carving it into a basket shape and filling it with fruit.
- Make a fruit pizza using vanilla cookie dough (press into a circular pizza pan, bake and cool), cream cheese icing, and blueberries and strawberries. Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
How are you celebrating the Independence Day?
Enjoy some fun outdoor games, such as baseball or freeze tag, and enjoy the celebrations with your family and friends.