The 4th of July should be a time to sit back with friends and family and indulge in some delicious food. You don’t want to spend the whole day in the kitchen or pour over recipe books to get ideas.
So, I have put together all our favorite sides, appetizers, mains, and desserts for a 4th of July cookout. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy regardless of their preferences.
Meat and Main Entrees
Appetizers
Sides
Desserts
Table of contents
Smoked Beef Ribs
If you want something simple, these smoked beef ribs are perfect. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort and is packed full of flavor.
Recipe: Smoked Ribs
Smoked Beef Brisket
There is nothing like smoked beef brisket; everyone loves it, and it feeds a big crowd! However, they can be tricky to master, so make sure you follow my recipe!
Recipe: Smoked Brisket
Pulled Pork
Who can resist juicy pulled pork? It’s perfect for a cookout. All you need are some burger buns or taco shells, and you’re good to go!
Recipe: Pulled Pork on a Traeger
Pulled Pork Burgers
You have to try my pulled pork burger. I always make a double batch because they are the first to run out.
Recipe: Pulled Pork Burgers
Smoked Pork Belly Strips
Have you tried smoked pork belly strips? They’re just meat candy and a perfect app for the Fourth of July!
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Strips
Pulled Pork Cakes
These are like arancini balls, but better they are stuffed with pulled pork and cream cheese!
Recipe: Pulled Pork Cakes
Leftover Pulled Pork Flatbread
Nothing beats this flatbread topped with pulled pork; go wild with the toppings you like.
Recipe: Pulled Pork Flatbreads
Bratchos
Imagine the delicious combination of bratwurst and nachos! You have to try this at your next 4th of July party.
Recipe: Bratchos
Smoked Pork Belly Ends
These juicy caramelized pork belly bites will be a hit at your party.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Ends Traeger
Pulled Pork Queso Dip
What could be better than a cheesy pulled pork dip?
Recipe: Pulled Pork Queso Dip
Smoked Hot Dogs
These Smoked Hot Dogs are juicy, lightly charred, and have the best smoky flavor. They require minimal prep, are great for 4th of July BBQ’s, and can be topped however you like.
Recipe: Smoked Hot Dogs
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Prepare to fire up the grill for these vibrant veggie skewers, a colorful and healthy addition to any barbecue or outdoor meal. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, these skewers are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Smoked Meatballs
Meatballs are perfect for a 4th of July cookout! I like to serve these with rolls and make meatball subs.
Recipe: Smoked Meatballs
Smoked Shotgun Shells
What could be better than cheesy ground beef stuffed into pasta tubes, wrapped in bacon, and smoked? Nothing I say!
These shotgun shells are 100% worth the hype! You have to try them! Plus, they easy to prepare ahead of time, that way you can throw them on the grill when guests are hungry.
Recipe: Smoked shotgun shells
Smoked Duck Jalapeno Poppers
Everything is better wrapped in bacon! If you have any tried the regular jalapeno poppers, you’re in for a surprise! Stuffed with duck and cheese, these delicious morsels will be gone in (60) seconds.
Recipe: Duck Jalapeno Poppers
Smoked Rack of Lamb
Rack of lamb ALWAYS impresses at a big cookout! But if you want to make it even better, try it smoked! Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
Recipe: Smoked lamb rack recipe.
Mashed Potatoes With Bacon and Cheese
What could be better than mashed potatoes? Only one thing! Topping them with cheese and bacon!
Your guests will be drooling over this side!
Recipe: Smoked mashed potatoes.
Smoked Garlic Bread
Who doesn’t love garlic bread? But imagine how much better it is when smoked!
Not only do people go wild when I serve this on the 4th of July, but it has to be one of the most straightforward recipes you’ll ever find.
Recipe: Smoked garlic bread
0-400 Chicken Wings
Want a simple yet super-tasty recipe for chicken wings? The 0-400 method is your best bet! You don’t even need to preheat your grill or smoker.
Recipe: 0-400 Chicken Wings
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Looking for a delicious side dish? Mac and cheese is perfect! Kids love it as much as adults! Plus, it’s super simple to put together—just throw it in the smoker!
Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Stuffed and Smoked Chicken Breasts
Are you looking for something you can prepare earlier and just throw in the smoker? These cheese-stuffed chicken breasts are perfect. Who doesn’t love gooey, oozy cheese stuffed in chicken?
Recipe: Smoked Stuffed Chicken Breast
Smoked Pig Shots
These delicious bacon cups filled with cheese are the perfect app. Make sure you double your batch!
They will be gone before you know it.
Recipe: Smoked Pig Shots
Smoked Brats
Indulge in the irresistible, smoky goodness of our smoked brats. Bursting with juicy flavors, these sausages are a must-have at any cookout (especially on the 4th of July).
Make sure you pick up some fresh buns and lay out some toppings like tangy mustard and sauerkraut.
Recipe: Smoked Brats
Smoked Chicken Wings
This smoked chicken wing recipe is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for a 4th of July cookout because who doesn’t love wings?
Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings
Salmon Burnt Ends
Looking for another simple yet delicious appetizer? You gotta try my salmon burnt ends. With their juicy interiors and caramelized outer, you might mistake them for meat candy!
Recipe: Salmon Burnt Ends
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Chicken kabobs are a classic that will satisfy everyone at your cookout. I always double this recipe, as it never seems to be enough.
Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Smoked Pork Belly
Nothing satisfies adults and kids as much as pork belly. I like to smoke it, then slice it and serve it in bao buns with hoisin and cucumber…drool
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly
Burgers
There is nothing like a classic burger. Everyone loves burgers, but smoking them adds a new flavor!
Recipe: Smoked Burgers
Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Just when you thought mac and cheese couldn’t get any better, someone added bacon. This side dish will go fast!
Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese With Bacon
Prosciutto Wrapped Smoked Brie
You know how good ooozy goooey cheese it, but imagine wrapping it in prosciutto!
Recipe: Prosciutto Wrapped Smoked Brie
Smoked Brownies with Caramel and Bacon Salt
This a dessert to impress, especially if you make the bacon salt. This is perfect for the 4th of July because you can prep the batter ahead of time and then just throw it on the grill with the mains.
Recipe: Smoked Brownies
Smoked Turkey Breast
Who doesn’t love juicy turkey breast? It’s perfect for a cookout as you can shred it and serve it with hamburger buns, taco shells, or slider buns.
Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast
Pork Shoulder Burnt Ends
These pork shoulder burnt ends are a perfect little bite of BBQ deliciousness. They’re flavorful and slow-smoked to give them a great exterior bark. You gotta try these at your 4th July party.
Recipe: Pork Shoulder Burnt Ends
Smoked Pork Loin with Apple and Cinnamon
Cooking up a whole pork loin is perfect if you’re cooking for a crowd this 4th of July. I like to slice it up and serve on sliders with coleslaw.
Be careful when smoking the pork that it doesn’t become tough and dry.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Loin
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Now, this in two recipes in one! First, smoke your pork belly using this Smoked Pork Belly Recipe, then with the leftovers, make smoked pork belly burnt ends!
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Smoked Ribeye Steaks
Why not spoil your guests and throw some ribeye steaks on the grill?
Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Steaks
Smoked Chicken Legs
Who does love juicy smoked chicken drumsticks? I like to use a delicious homemade rub.
Recipe: Smoking Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill
Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Who doesn’t want to munch on juicy baby back ribs and sip on an ice-cold beer?
Recipe: Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Jalapeño Popper Dip (Smoked Two Ways)
This smoked jalapeno pepper dip can be smoked in two ways (on the grill or smoker). It’s everything you love about classic jalapeno poppers, but in a convenient dip form. This dip is perfect for holiday BBQs, potlucks or parties.
Smoked Pork Spare Ribs
St. Louis-style pork spare ribs are an easy recipe that can be made on your smoker or grill. Perfect for beginner’s and bbq enthusiasts alike.
Smoked Pork Chops
This recipe is simple and takes only 90 minutes to cook.For the wood chips, we recommend using apple or maple.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Chops
Galbi Korean BBQ Short Ribs
Delicious Korean ribs with a marinade that will have people talking. With pear, ginger, brown sugar in the marinade plus more these ribs are worth trying for your cookout
Hot n’ Fast Pulled Pork
Do you love pulled pork, but don’t have all day to smoke it? The hot and fast pulled pork method will shave hours off your cook time and give you that same taste you already love!
Ground Beef Kebabs (Grill or Oven)
These Ground Beef Kebabs are a super easy, affordable and DELICIOUS addition to your 4th of July bbq! They’re a huge hit every time!
Dino Ribs
Beefy smoked dinosaur ribs are tender and succulent. These are perfect for meat lovers and feature a delicious, smoky bbq flavor.
Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Teriyaki Kabobs
Get your grill on for 4th of July with Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Teriyaki Kabobs! Made with a homemade pineapple teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple.
Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar
These Smoked Bacon Brown Sugar Baked Beans are slow cooked on the smoker and full of delicious flavor. They’re the perfect side dish for July 4th celebrations and cookouts!
Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe
This is a delicious ribeye recipe! It’s flavorful and super easy so it’s perfect for your 4th of July picnic or cookout.
Need More Holiday Recipes?
Cinco De Mayo Recipes For Grill Or Smoker
Sometimes it’s best to stick with a classic and other times it is exciting to try something new. We hope these recipe ideas find their way into your kitchen next 4th of July.
What do you like to cook on the 4th of July?
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
Great collection of dishes 🙂 Thank you for including my grilled ribeye recipe!!
Quite the epic lineup here!
My husband is such a rib fan so I knew I had to give the Dino ribs recipe a try! So flavorful and extremely clear instructions in the recipe! Thank you for this great list!
So many fantastic ideas here!!! There are a bunch I can’t wait to try!!