7 All-Time Favorite July 4th BBQ Recipes

When it comes to celebrating Independence Day, there’s no other way to compare to a good, old-fashioned July 4th BBQ. Barbecue parties are great because they allow friends and families to gather in one place while enjoying the great weather and perhaps a night of fireworks. If you’re looking for BBQ dishes for this coming holiday, you’ve come to the right place.

The Best July 4th BBQ Food Ideas to Try

Fourth of July is just around the corner. And, for many people, that means carving out time in their schedule for a classic BBQ party. Whether you’re just celebrating with a handful of people or an entire block of neighbors, something about a BBQ hits the spot. But, what should you grill this Independence Day?

Here are the best 4th of July BBQ ideas to put to the test this holiday.

1. Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Kebabs with Basil Salt

If you’re on the hunt for smokey yet refreshing 4th of July BBQ recipes, this grilled watermelon dish should definitely be on your radar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 package Halloumi (8 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F.
2. In a blender, process the basil for about 5 to 10 seconds or until finely chopped. Add the salt and blend for another 15 seconds, scraping the sides as needed.
3. Transfer the blended basil to a rimmed baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until dried. Set aside to cool completely.
4. Heat the grill to high. Stick the watermelon and Halloumi cubes on skewers. Season the watermelon with basil salt. Season everything with pepper.
5. Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning every now and then to ensure even grilling.
6. Garnish with basil before serving.

2. Grilled Peaches with Moonshine Syrup and Sorghum Yogurt

You can never go wrong with grilled fruit, so here’s another July 4th BBQ recipe that features just that.

Ingredients:

• 4 peaches, halved and pitted
• 3 tbsp sorghum, plus more for brushing
• Kosher salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• For the Moonshine Syrup:
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp moonshine
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp grated lemon zest

3. Best-Ever Summer Panzanella

Skip the usual coleslaw and switch it out for this summer Panzanella for one of the best 4th of July BBQ sides.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups diced mixed tomatoes
• 1 medium zucchini or summer squash, halved
• 1 cup cubed fresh mozzarella
• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 large red onion, cut into 4 wedges
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 2 3/4″-thick slices of country bread
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground

Directions:

1. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil.
2. Coat the bread, zucchini, and onion with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place them on the grill and let cook until the bread is toasted and the veggies are lightly charred. This will take about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side for the bread and about 3 minutes per side for the veggies.
3. Transfer the grilled bread and veggies to a work surface. Rub garlic on both sides of the bread. Allow the grilled bread and veggies to cool a bit.
4. Cut bread into cubes, chop the onion, and slice the zucchini crosswise into thin slices.
5. Whisk together the vinegar and oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the bread cubes, zucchini, onion, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil into the bowl. Toss to combine.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

4. Beer Brats

If you’re running out of BBQ ideas for the 4th of July, this beer brats recipe will certainly wow your guests.

Ingredients:

• 4 cans of beer (12 ounces each)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 10 bratwurst
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot, mix together the beer and onion slices. Bring the pot to a boil. Add the bratwurst, garlic powder, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat to medium and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grates with oil.
3. Remove the cooked bratwurst and transfer it to a plate. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer the onions until ready to serve.
4. Grill the bratwurst for 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. To check if cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the bratwurst. It should read at least 160°F or 70°C.
5. Remove the grilled bratwurst. Serve with simmered onions.

5. Salt-and-Pepper BBQ Ribs

Ribs are a classic 4th of July BBQ dish, and this recipe surely won’t let your taste buds down.

Ingredients:

• 10 1/2 lb spareribs (about 3 racks)
• 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• Canola oil, for grill grates

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a large sheet of foil on a work surface. The foil should be large enough to fold over the ribs lengthwise. Place one rack of ribs on the foil and rub with the brown sugar mixture. Wrap the rack of ribs with the foil before placing it on a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat the same with the other racks.
4. Place the ribs in the oven and bake until tender, about 2 to 2.5 hours. Remove and set aside to cool.
5. Once cool enough to handle, unwrap the ribs and pour any accumulated juices into a saucepan. Add barbecue sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring as you go, for about 4 to 6 minutes.
6. Heat the grill to medium-high. Oil the grates once hot. Brush both sides of the ribs with the barbecue sauce mixture. Grill the ribs, turning occasionally and basting them with more barbecue sauce, for 5 to 8 minutes or until they are a deep brown color.
7. Chop the ribs between the bones and serve with a side of sauce.

6. Best-Ever Burger

When talking about food ideas for the 4th of July BBQ, a classic burger is a staple. Impress your guests with this best-ever burger.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 3 slices cheese, such as American
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground
• 3 hamburger buns
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
• Iceberg lettuce
• White onion, minced

Directions:

1. Divide the ground beef into three, shaping each portion into a patty that’s an inch wider than the bun. Generously season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. Press a shallow yet wide indent into the center of each patty using your finger.
2. Heat the grill to high. Grill the patties for about 6 minutes or until a crust forms, and they’re not pink on the inside anymore. Flip each patty and brush with melted butter. Let them grill for another 3 minutes before placing a cheese slice on top of each one. Allow them to cook for another 3 minutes for medium doneness. Note: You can also do this on a skillet.
3. Assemble your burger with your choice of fixings and condiments.

7. Marinated Flank Steak

Brats and burgers are good, but a flank steak just has a certain quality that completes any 4th of July BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 1 (1 1/2 lb) flank steak
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Combine oil, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until thoroughly mixed.
2. Place the flank steak in a glass baking dish. Pour the marinade over the steak and coat it completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 6 hours or up to 12 hours.
3. Heat the grill to medium-high. Lightly brush the grates with oil.
4. Remove the marinated steak from the dish and shake off any excess. Discard the rest of the marinade.
5. Grill the steak for about 5 minutes per side until you reach your desired doneness.
6. Remove the steak from the heat and set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
7. Slice the steak across the grain before serving.

The Best Way to Enjoy the Holiday

A July 4th BBQ is the definitive way to celebrate American Independence Day. Instead of store-bought food and premade meals, fire up that outdoor grill and make the dishes yourself. Armed with these recipes, you’re in for a memorable holiday.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• 9 HOA Fourth Of July Celebration Ideas To Bring The Community Together
• 7 Fun HOA Halloween Activities For The Family
• Xeriscaping In HOAs: Something The Board Should Think About