As we gear up for the 4th of July, it’s time to start planning your celebrations! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a park picnic, or a small gathering with those you love, there’s one thing that always brings people together – delicious food! We’ve rounded up an exciting mix of hearty, flavorful main dishes that’ll make your Independence Day feast unforgettable. From smoky ribs to grilled skewers, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Braised Short Ribs

Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender, mouthwatering and absolutely packed with flavor, these braised short ribs will steal the show. Slowly cooked until they fall off the bone, they pair beautifully with a zesty coleslaw or creamy mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

Country Fried Steak Sliders with Caramelized Onions

Several small burgers topped with melted cheese and caramelized onions are arranged on a platter—perfect for easy recipes or your next 4th of July cookout.
Country Fried Steak Sliders with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Mini sliders, maximum flavor. These crispy country-fried steak sliders are topped with buttery caramelized onions for a bite-sized treat sure to satisfy any appetite.
Get the Recipe: Country Fried Steak Sliders with Caramelized Onions

Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Four slices of barbecued pork ribs are served on a white plate, with a blue and white checkered napkin nearby—perfect for easy recipes or your next 4th of July cookout.
Oven Baked Ribs in Foil. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

No grill? No problem! These oven-baked ribs, wrapped in foil and smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, are as smoky and tender as if they came straight off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs in Foil

Bobby Flay’s Sante Fe Burger with a Twist

A cheeseburger with a beef patty, roasted green peppers, fried onion ring, melted cheese, and tortilla chip on a bun—an ideal choice for cookout recipes—served with crinkle-cut fries on a white plate.
Bobby Flay’s Sante Fe Burger with a Twist. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Spicy chipotle mayo and gooey cheese elevate this classic burger into something truly special. One bite, and you’ll know why it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bobby Flay’s Sante Fe Burger with a Twist

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick, wholesome, and hearty, this black bean burger is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a lighter, plant-based option. Top it with avocado for an extra creamy kick.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers with chimichurri sauce drizzled on top.
Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Light, zesty, and bursting with herbaceous flavor, these shrimp skewers are served with a chimichurri sauce that’ll leave everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Sliced flank steak with chili butter.
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Rich and smoky, this grilled flank steak comes to life when topped with vibrant, spicy chile butter. Pair it with grilled veggies for a well-rounded dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Grilled Steak & Strawberry Salad

A shallow white bowl filled with sliced grilled steak, strawberries, red onions, greens, and crumbled feta cheese.
Grilled Steak & Strawberry Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

It’s steak and salad—but elevated. Sweet strawberries, savory grilled steak, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette come together in this unique and refreshing dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak & Strawberry Salad

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Juicy chicken meets the bold, fiery flavors of harissa in this sweet and spicy dish. These skewers are a fun, handheld addition to any 4th of July spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Grilled Peach & Chicken Salad

Sliced grilled chicken in shallow bowl with peaches, corn, and greens.
Grilled Peach & Chicken Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

If you’ve never tried grilled peaches, you’re in for a treat! This salad balances smoky chicken with the sweetness of charred peaches and the crunch of fresh greens.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach & Chicken Salad

Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Air Fryer Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these air fryer hot dogs are an effortless way to serve up comfort food at your gathering. Add your favorite toppings for extra fun!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Dogs

Grilled Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Grilled Barbecue Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection with charred edges and rich barbecue flavor in every single bite. Your guests will keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Combining savory grilled pork chops and buttery shrimp, this surf and turf dish doubles the flavor and makes for an impressive addition to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Asian chicken skewers on top of rice.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Juicy and tender, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor thanks to a rich, savory-sweet marinade. Perfectly grilled and caramelized, they make an ideal appetizer, party snack, or quick dinner option. Pair them with rice or veggies for a satisfying meal!
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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