Fire up the grill and celebrate freedom with these 15 no-fail 4th of July recipes. From smoked brisket and juicy pulled pork to creamy mac and cheese and peach cobbler, this backyard BBQ lineup is packed with flavor and built to impress.
Every dish was created by champion pitmaster Christie Vanover of Girls Can Grill and is party-approved, so you can serve up a spread that’s big on taste and low on stress. Let’s make this Independence Day delicious.
Hot and Fast Ribs
If you’re running short on time but still want awesome barbecue, try smoking hot and fast ribs. You’ll cut your time in half.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Fast Ribs
Smoked Pulled Pork Butt
Pork butt is such a forgiving piece of meat that Christie smokes it at 275F degrees. This reduces the cook time tremendously, and it still turns out great smoke flavor. She also uses the Texas Crutch, which not only speeds up the cook time, but it also helps infuse even more sweetness into the pulled pork.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Butt
Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs made easy. Just 4 ingredients and ready in minutes using a simple dry rub and butter baste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Smoked and Grilled Burgers
The reverse sear method is often used when cooking steaks. Try making reverse sear burgers for great smoky flavor and crust. You start by hitting them with smoke and finish them over the fire.
Get the Recipe: Smoked and Grilled Burgers
The No-Fail Way to Make Smoked Brisket
The most comprehensive guide to making no-fail smoked brisket from a champion pitmaster. Includes detailed steps for every type of smoker.
Get the Recipe: The No-Fail Way to Make Smoked Brisket
Smoked Mac and Cheese
I’m sure you’ve had bad mac and cheese. You know that kind that’s just dry where the noodles don’t even stick together, and it’s totally not worth the calories. Well this smoked mac and cheese is so good, it went viral. It’s so creamy and cheesy and impossible to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Groark Boys BBQ Smoked Mac and Cheese
Classic Potato Salad
This is the last classic potato salad recipe you’ll ever need. It’s easy, made with potatoes you don’t have to peel, and is super creamy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Potato Salad
Meaty Baked Beans
People always tell Christie these are the best baked beans they’ve ever had. They’re sweet, savory and meaty and so easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Baked Beans
Sweet Corn Pudding Casserole
Add something different your side dish rotation with this sweet corn pudding casserole. It’s moist and creamy with jalapeno and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Pudding Casserole
Classic Creamy Coleslaw with a Tangy Twist
You only need a bag of shredded cabbage and a few simple ingredients to make classic creamy coleslaw with a tangy twist.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Coleslaw with a Tangy Twist
Fruit Pizza with Cheesecake and Puff Pastry
Nothing says 4th of July like this red, white and blue fruit pizza. It stands out with its buttery puff pastry crust and rich cheesecake filling. It’s perfect for summer desserts or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza with Cheesecake and Puff Pastry
Banana Pudding Recipe
Most banana pudding recipes are actually made with vanilla pudding and layered with bananas. This pudding is so much better because it’s made with actual banana pudding, but the best part is you can make it in an instant!
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Recipe
Peach Cobbler with Frozen Peaches (or fresh or canned)
One bite of this peach cobbler made with frozen peaches and you’ll want to know what’s behind that crispy finish and ooey gooey crust.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler with Frozen Peaches (or fresh or canned)
Smoked Cherry Bourbon Sabayon with Fresh Berries
Discover the smoky allure of bourbon-infused sabayon cascading over luscious berries. A tantalizing treat that’ll ignite your taste buds. Use red and blue berries for that 4th of July pop!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cherry Bourbon Sabayon with Fresh Berries
Whiskey Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies
The perfect toffee chocolate chip cookies are a little crispy and a little chewy with a splash of whiskey and some flaked sea salt.
Get the Recipe: Whiskey Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies