Fourth of July is coming up fast! Are you planning a cookout? Burgers and hot dogs are great, but maybe you want some new ideas this year. Here are 21 recipes that are easy on the wallet and big on flavor. These dishes are perfect for grilling or serving alongside your grilled favorites.
Baked Kale Chips
Skip the greasy chips and choose healthy baked kale instead. Crispy and packed with nutrients, they’re a satisfying and guilt-free snack for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Hearts of Palm Salad
Cleanse your palate between bites with this refreshing salad. Hearts of palm add a unique crunch, while tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing bring a burst of flavor. Perfect for a hot summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Chewy S’mores Bars
No campfire needed! These easy-to-make s’mores bars deliver all the flavors of the classic treat in a convenient bar form. A guaranteed hit with everyone at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burgers
Take your burgers to the next level with juicy patties bursting with melty cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. These are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burgers
Beer Boiled Brats
A cookout classic for a reason! These juicy brats are easy to make and packed with flavor. They’re a delicious crowd-pleasing alternative to hot dogs.
Get the Recipe: Beer Boiled Brats
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these deviled eggs feature a creamy filling with bits of savory bacon. They’re perfect for any occasion, including your 4th of July cookout.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Beat the heat with this refreshing chicken dish! Marinated in lime juice, the chicken has a bright and zesty flavor that’s perfect for a hot summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken
This tangy and refreshing chicken is marinated in a creamy kefir blend. It’s juicy and tender, perfect for grilling on a hot summer day. The kefir adds a touch of tang that complements the smoky char from the grill.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Kefir Chicken
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Want a healthy side dish that’s quick and easy? Grilled baby bok choy is the answer! Marinated and then grilled, it’s a flavorful and healthy option that goes perfectly with any burger or grilled protein.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Classic Brownies
Rich, dark chocolate brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any cookout. The fudgy texture and decadent taste will satisfy even the biggest chocolate lover.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Veggie Pasta Salad
This refreshing pasta salad is packed with summer veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect side dish for your 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Miso Glazed Chicken
This flavorful chicken dish is sure to impress at your cookout. The sweet and savory miso glaze adds a unique depth of flavor to the tender chicken. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Chicken
Kefta Kebabs
Skip the usual burgers and try these delicious lamb kebabs. Seasoned with yummy spices, they’re a unique and flavorful option for your 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake
Celebrate your national pride with this festive cake! Swirls of red, white, and blue decorate this stunning cake, making it a delicious centerpiece for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake
Asian Marinated Steak
Take your steak to Asia with this flavorful marinade! Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil create a bold and juicy steak that will be the star of the grill at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Asian Marinated Steak
Kool-Aid Cupcakes
Liven up your cookout with these fun and colorful cupcakes! Tangy and bursting with flavor, they’re a hit with both kids and adults, perfect for your 4th of July celebration.
Get the Recipe: Kool-Aid Cupcakes
Avocado Tomato Salad
Ditch the boring salad and bring on the summer flavors! This refreshing avocado tomato salad is packed with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, making it the perfect light side dish for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Skip the canned beans and make these smoky baked beans instead. They’re surprisingly easy and way cheaper than buying canned beans. Packed with flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Brighten up your cookout with these lemon-marinated chicken kebabs! The chicken is infused with citrusy flavor and pairs perfectly with colorful veggies on the grill. They’re easy to prepare and sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Marinated Chicken Kebabs
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
This burger isn’t for the faint of heart! Smoky chipotle seasoning adds depth to the juicy beef patty, while the spicy jalapeno mayo delivers a kick. Perfect for those who love a little heat at their cookout.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Add a smoky twist to your cookout with chipotle grilled corn. Marinated in a chipotle butter sauce, this flavorful side dish is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob