Our 50 Most-Saved Fourth of July Recipes for the Best Barbecue Ever

Find your new favorite sides, sauces, barbecue, and desserts.

An overview view of a Louisiana Crawfish boil, served on newspapers with lemon and beer
Photo:

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Independence Day is almost here, and with it, all the best American food you can imagine. That's why we've rounded up the 50 Fourth of July recipes that our home cooks saved the most, from prize-winning baby back ribs to delicious desserts. Others remind you of your Nana and Grandpa. Some are regional meals and fusion recipes. Of course, many showcase the classic red, white and blue. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find something to love in this collection of our most-saved Fourth of July recipes.

50 of 50

American Potato Salad

Creamy American potato salad in a blue bowl garnished with green onions.

ALLRECIPES / QI AI

"Just a good old fashioned, down home potato salad recipe that brings back memories of picnics in the park and family gatherings. Wonderful as it is or make it your own by adding additional ingredients of your choice." —JOSLYN

49 of 50

Yeah, I-Lived-in-Texas, Smoked Brisket Recipe

Partially sliced smoked brisket on a parchment lined baking sheet.

ALLRECIPES / JULIA HARTBECK

"This smoked beef brisket recipe is hands-down the best way I have found to cook a brisket." —all rec

48 of 50

Red, White, and Blue Dump Cake

red, white, and blue dump cake

"A 4th of July dump cake that is easy to make, delicious to eat, and there is only one pan to clean! Perfect to eat while watching the fireworks! Serve with whipped topping." —sbennett05

47 of 50

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob

a close up view looking into the slide of a bacon wrapped corn on the cobb.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"My husband made for two picnics over the 4th. BIG HIT! Everyone loved the bacon wrapped corn." —Bonnie

46 of 50

Easy Spicy Mexican-American Chicken

Easy Spicy Mexican-American Chicken Recipe

"My husband is Mexican, and he loves spicy chicken from the supermarket. I was trying to re-create one of the spicy packaged chicken dishes at home; this is what I came up with, and he loves it! It is very spicy, tangy, and easy to make." —Anna Rivera

45 of 50

Alabama-Style White Barbecue Sauce Recipe

high angle looking at a jar of Alabama style white barbecue sauce with some on chicken in the background

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"This Alabama white sauce is incredibly easy to make. It was invented in 1925 by Robert 'Big Bob' Gibson at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q restaurant, in Decatur. Don't let this mixture's appearance stop you from trying what is a devastatingly delicious marinade, basting sauce, and serving sauce." —Chef John

44 of 50

Better than Best Fried Chicken

Better Than Best Fried Chicken

"This chicken fried with cornstarch is simply delicious and uses, of all things, cream of chicken soup! The end result will surprise you. It will be perfect — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with mouthwatering flavor. This chicken will definitely be requested on a regular basis by family and friends!" —CANDY WOO LI

43 of 50

Louisiana Crawfish Boil

An overview view of a Louisiana Crawfish boil, served on newspapers with lemon and beer

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This crawfish boil is quite a feast! Invite the family and dig into this messy, delicious meal. Combining crawfish, sausage, corn, mushrooms, potatoes, and artichokes, this is a dish you'll crave over and over. Add other seafood or vegetables to your liking." —IMANKAY

42 of 50

BBQ Pork for Sandwiches

close up view of a BBQ Pork for Sandwich on a white plate, served with coleslaw
cookin'mama

"Huge hit with the family! My 15 month old ate 2 servings and my husband ate tons! It's so easy, I wish all meals were so easy!" —bwmn

41 of 50

American-Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

American-Italian Pasta Salad

"This fusilli pasta salad made with garden veggies, Italian parsley, Genoa salami, and a creamy Italian dressing will be a favorite at your next picnic or potluck." —Carol Emory

40 of 50

Best Vinegar Coleslaw

Bowl of fresh shredded Amish slaw on a speckled background

ALLRECIPES / QI AI

"This tangy vinegar coleslaw is perfect for those who like slaw with no mayonnaise. I got this wonderful recipe from one of the ladies in my Amish community." —Christina J

39 of 50

Southern Dill Potato Salad Recipe

close up view of Southern Dill Potato Salad in a white bowl
SunnyDaysNora

"This creamy dill potato salad is the one my mother made for me as a boy growing up in Spanish Fort, Alabama. I know you will enjoy it! The best flavor is achieved when the salad is covered and placed in the refrigerator overnight." —NE1canCook

38 of 50

Grilled Corn on the Cob

looking down at a tray of grilled corn on the cob

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"Grilled corn on the cob with butter, salt, and a little pepper cooked in foil will be perfectly tender and sweet. Easy to prep and perfect for every summer barbecue." —SUETEITSMA

37 of 50

No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake

No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake

"You can make this lovely, sweet treat for 4th July or any patriotic holiday without turning on the oven! Besides the taste and light mousse-like texture, I think your guests will enjoy the iconic stars and stripes design provided by the fresh blueberries and strawberries." —Chef John

36 of 50

Grill Master Chicken Wings

looking down at a blue platter of slightly charred and saucy chicken wings

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"These grilled chicken wings are always a hit! I grill them up before a party and keep them hot in a low oven. I always use Frank's RedHot sauce. It's got lots of flavor and isn't too spicy." —PartyFil-Grillmaster

35 of 50

Sweet Zucchini Relish

A jar of sweet zucchini relish with a spoonful of relish being removed

AllRecipes / Julia Hartbeck

"My mother's sweet zucchini relish is a family favorite. It's delicious on hamburgers and hot dogs." —Gail

34 of 50

Red, White, and Blueberry Fruit Salad

close up view of Red, White, and Blueberry Fruit Salad with bananas and strawberries, garnished with fresh herbs in a white bowl
Melissa Goff

"This is an easy, refreshing strawberry and blueberry salad recipe that's been in our family for years. We usually make it for our Fourth of July party, but it can be enjoyed all year long." —JoAnn Cambareri

33 of 50

Chef John's Boston Baked Beans

Chef John's Boston Baked Beans

"This is what baked beans are all about! I added a little extra sugar since I only had light brown sugar. I also used a pound of bacon. These are delicious and EXACTLY what I want when I make baked beans." —Carolyn

32 of 50

Blooming Onion and Dipping Sauce

A fried blooming onion with a small bowl of dip in the center

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These are wonderful they are so close to the one's you get at a Steakhouse (Outback's). Everyone loves them and the dipping sauce is very good!" —Chuck

31 of 50

Easy Apple Slaw

Colorful coleslaw with apple in wooden bowl

Edible Times

"This apple slaw is one of our favorite summer recipes. It's a yummy combo of fruit and veggies in a sweet dressing — a must at every barbecue or potluck!" —Aunt Mamie

30 of 50

Frosty Strawberry Squares

Frosty Strawberry Squares

"This is just like the strawberry fluff my mom made when I was growing up. Delicious and surprisingly easy to make...Great desert no matter which way you make it!" —mom2dylan&morgan

29 of 50

Smooth Sweet Tea

mid angle looking at a single glass of sweet tea with a lemon slice

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"This sweet tea is a classic Southern drink perfect for hot summer days!" —cookincode3

28 of 50

Classic American-Style Potato Salad

Classic American-Style Potato Salad

"DE-LICIOUS. I have never made a potato salad with eggs and red wine vinegar. Or scallions for that matter. I used to make it very basic, but ALAS! This is fantastic. I went a little heavy on the red wine vinegar, but otherwise it is heavenly. I also chopped my potatoes up a bit smaller since I don't like big chunks. I will make it again and again and plan on toting it to a BBQ ASAP." —smessycook7

27 of 50

Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken

looking at a few golden-brown southern-style buttermilk fried chicken on a plate

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"This buttermilk fried chicken is a down-home recipe I have used for years, and I thought I would share it. The buttermilk marinade is terrific and is such a comfort food. This is not a recipe that can be done quickly, but the wait is well worth it!" —pinkchef

26 of 50

Apple Hand Pies

closeup of a beautiful golden brown turnover with three steam vents on a white plate with gray stripes on the rim

Penne

"These apple hand pies, also known as apple turnovers, look too perfect to be homemade! Any of your favorite pie fillings, both sweet and savory, will work. I hope you give this easy technique a try soon." —Chef John

25 of 50

Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

close up view of kabobs with pineapple on skewers
lauralovinglife

"Fantastic! I made these for a birthday luau and they were a huge hit. I made no changes to the recipe and marinated only two hours and they were so yummy. Even the 3-year old at the party loved them!" —tracymc222

24 of 50

Southern Potato Salad

Southern Potato Salad

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"I made this for my dad's 65th birthday party (for 75 people)....IT WAS FABULOUS! I must say that I am one who prefers a warm potato salad, but I served this one cold at the party and I still loved it!" —sagedoodlebug

23 of 50

Strawberry Cheesecake

overhead view of a strawberry cheesecake against a grey background
Freakboy107

"This creamy strawberry cheesecake is perfect for any special occasion! You have to bake the cake and let it cool for an hour, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving." —Kathy Higgins

22 of 50

American Lasagna

American Lasagna

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"UN-BELIEVABLE! I absolutely loved this recipe! I've doubled the ricotta cheese mixture because I like it nice and cheesy. Very easy to make. A definite keeper!" —VAL428

21 of 50

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake on a cake stand

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This strawberry shortcake is the classic, biscuit-style shortcake — not the pound cake variety. The cake is sliced in half and layered with sweet juicy strawberries and whipped cream for a delicious summer treat!" —Denyse

20 of 50

Jello Poke Cake

Slice of vibrant Jell-O poke cake garnished with a strawberry on a plate.

ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA

"This jello poke cake is an old Southern recipe passed down by my grandmother. Vary the flavor of gelatin used to get a specific color for any holiday...you can top this cake with berries or sprinkles if you like!" —mollie

19 of 50

Beer Brats

close up view of Beer Brats with onions in a cast iron skillet

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"These awesome brats are simmered in beer with onions and spices to make them bursting with flavor before finishing them off on the grill. Place the grilled brats in hot dog rolls, and top them with the tender onions and mustard." —Zach

18 of 50

Scott Hibb's Amazing Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs

looking down at grilled baby back ribs with some cut
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This is by far, hands down the best rib and sauce recipe! I make this time and time again for my husband and our guests. Everyone raves about it and can't wait until I make them again (and invite them over for it). I don't do anything different from what the recipe calls for — if you make it as is and pay attention to everything, it will turn out amazing!" —PK

17 of 50

Cedar Planked Salmon

Two salmon fillets on cedar planks, topped with sliced green onions and sliced lemon

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This cedar plank salmon is a dish my brother prepared for me in Seattle. The salmon is moist, smoky, and by far the best I've ever eaten. I like to serve it with Asian-style rice and asparagus." —Wendy Freeman-More

16 of 50

Blonde Brownies

stack of blondies on blue plate

France C

"WOW! I work at a bakery and I am always looking for easy cookies and bars. These did come out more like a moist chewy cookie, but they have been selling like crazy. Honestly, I was originally looking for something with more of a brownie/cakey texture, but these came out so yummy in their own right. A perfect, soft inside and crispier outside." —Allrecipes community member

15 of 50

Dave's Low Country Boil

Dave's low country boil with corn, shrimp, crabs, corn, and sausage served over newspaper

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Low country boil is famous in Georgia and South Carolina. This boil is done best on an outdoor cooker. It has sausage, shrimp, crab, potatoes, and corn for an all-in-one-pot, all-you-can-eat buffet! Grab a paper plate and a beer and enjoy!" —Lisa

14 of 50

Deviled Eggs

close up view of Deviled Eggs garnished with paprika on a platter

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

“I'm surprised to find myself giving 5 stars to a fairly standard deviled egg recipe, but there is something about the balance of sweet and acid in this that is just right,” according to Jajam.

13 of 50

Marinated Flank Steak

overhead view of sliced marinated flank steak on a baking sheet

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"A great flank steak marinade like this one is important if you want a tender, juicy, flavorful steak. Make sure you marinate your flank steak for at least 2 hours for best results or longer if you have time. This wonderful quick and easy recipe also works great when the steak is sliced and used for fajitas." —GUYCON

12 of 50

Prize-Winning Baby Back Ribs

Prize-Winning Baby Back Ribs on a wooden cutting board next to barbecue sauce and utensils

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“This is a foolproof recipe,” according to Charles Nguyen. “Easy to find ingredients, simply get an excellent quality rib, pair it with your favorite bbq sauce and voilà!”

11 of 50

Strawberry Pie

Strawberry Pie

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This strawberry pie is my favorite pie, and it's very easy to make. I got the recipe many years ago in North Jersey from the Sussex County Strawberry Farm." —OKBEE

10 of 50

Southern Coleslaw

A bowl of freshly made coleslaw on an orange surface.

ALLRECIPES / JULIA HARTBECK

"This Southern coleslaw recipe has been passed down the generations and is great for any occasion. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I've even been told it is reminiscent of KFC coleslaw. You be the judge!" —Kristina

09 of 50

Seven-Layer Taco Dip

A glass baking dish with seven layer taco dip, topped with shredded cheese and sliced black olives

AllRecipes / Julia Hartbeck

"This taco dip is always a big hit at parties and family get-togethers. People gather around the platter until it's gone!" —SUE CASE

08 of 50

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

an overhead view looking down at a platter of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers served with ranch dressing.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"These jalapeño poppers are creamy in the middle with crispy bacon on the outside. They're easy to make and taste so much better than traditional poppers." —videogator

07 of 50

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Strawberry pretzel salad is an easy dessert with lots of contrasting textures and flavors. It isn't too sweet, nor too salty, and looks really pretty when you make it in a glass dish." —Betty

06 of 50

Juiciest Hamburgers Ever

a view looking into the layers of the juiciest hamburger ever topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"No more dry, lackluster hamburgers. These are juicy, and spices can be easily added or changed to suit anyone's taste. If you find the meat mixture too mushy, just add more bread crumbs until it forms patties that hold their shape." —Jane

05 of 50

Perfect Summer Fruit Salad

Perfect Summer Fruit Salad in a trifle bowl

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This fruit salad is perfect for a backyard bbq or any occasion. There are never leftovers! This is one of my favorite fruit salad recipes, as I think the citrusy sauce really makes it. This salad is tastier the longer you can let it soak in its juices. I prefer 3 to 4 hours in the refrigerator before I serve it." —Nicole Graham Holley

04 of 50

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

an overhead view of baked BBQ baby back ribs partially sliced on a cutting board with a ramekin of BBQ sauce nearby.

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

"These oven-baked baby back ribs are seasoned with a homemade dry rub, then glazed with barbeque sauce and baked until tender and delicious. If you're in the mood for a little virtual trip into summer, give this technique a try. It works with literally any dry rub and barbecue sauce combo." —Chef John

03 of 50

Grandpa's Classic Coney Sauce

Grandpa's Classic Coney Sauce

"Coney sauce is a condiment of ground beef simmered in tangy flavors and served on hot dogs. My grandfather owned a drive-in restaurant back in the 1950s. This is his exact recipe for Coney dogs from back in the day. I make this on special occasions, and it is always hit with friends and family." —Sean S

02 of 50

Key West Chicken

Key West Chicken

"This recipe from the Florida Keys has been given to almost everyone I know. It is the best marinade for chicken, and it only takes 30 minutes from prep till you can grill! It's a great blend of flavors with honey, soy sauce, and lime juice. If you have time, try marinating overnight for the fullest flavor." —TINA B

01 of 50

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Slow cooker cowboy beans in a white bowl with a spoon.

ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR

“I’ve made this just like the recipe says and it tastes fantastic,” according to Brenda. “It’s a real favorite in my family and it’s easy to make too. Definitely a five star recipe!”

More Fourth of July Inspiration

Red, White, and Blue Ice-Cream Cake recipe on a white plate
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