Fourth of July grilling recipes, plus refreshing drinks and desserts

Washington Post

01-07-2025

If you're planning a cookout this Independence Day, chances are you're already thinking about the menu. The Fourth of July is arguably one of the most popular times for grilling, so we've gathered a collection of recipes from our archives that put open-flame cooking front and center, along with refreshing drinks and sweets for a well-rounded celebration.
And because no cookout is complete without a solid lineup of sides, check out our best recipes for pasta salads, potato salads and coleslaws.
Now, back to the grill …
Pictured above. On July Fourth, hot dog cravings are high, so let's talk toppings. Good old-fashioned ketchup and mustard are never a bad choice, but if you're looking for something more for your franks, try this riff on the BLT. Each dog is tucked inside a grilled bun and loaded up with homemade spicy mayo, fresh tomatoes, crisp chunks of bacon and shredded lettuce. Get the recipe.
Pictured above. On July Fourth, hot dog cravings are high, so let's talk toppings. Good old-fashioned ketchup and mustard are never a bad choice, but if you're looking for something more for your franks, try this riff on the BLT. Each dog is tucked inside a grilled bun and loaded up with homemade spicy mayo, fresh tomatoes, crisp chunks of bacon and shredded lettuce. Get the recipe.
This versatile, well-balanced dish calls for a combination of sweet and spicy sausages, along with corn on the cob, zucchini, onions and peppers. Feel free to let your next farmers market haul lead the way, and swap any veggies out with your favorite seasonal produce. Get the recipe.
This versatile, well-balanced dish calls for a combination of sweet and spicy sausages, along with corn on the cob, zucchini, onions and peppers. Feel free to let your next farmers market haul lead the way, and swap any veggies out with your favorite seasonal produce. Get the recipe.
Portobello burgers put a fun twist on the signature cookout meal. With juicy layers of grilled pineapple and homemade barbecue sauce, these sandwiches are sure to impress more than just the vegans. Get the recipe.
Portobello burgers put a fun twist on the signature cookout meal. With juicy layers of grilled pineapple and homemade barbecue sauce, these sandwiches are sure to impress more than just the vegans. Get the recipe.
According to food writer Allison Robicelli, summer is the best time to eat ribs. 'You get to eat outdoors. You get to embrace the mess,' she explains. Her cut of choice? Baby back ribs. 'Because this is the leanest part of the pig, baby back ribs have very little fat, and plenty of meat to douse with copious amounts of sweet, sticky sauce.' Get the recipe.
According to food writer Allison Robicelli, summer is the best time to eat ribs. 'You get to eat outdoors. You get to embrace the mess,' she explains. Her cut of choice? Baby back ribs. 'Because this is the leanest part of the pig, baby back ribs have very little fat, and plenty of meat to douse with copious amounts of sweet, sticky sauce.' Get the recipe.
These trendy smash burgers are crispy, cheesy and juicy, and they cook quickly in a cast-iron skillet over the grill. Get the recipe.
Prefer your burger patty neat and tidy? Try our Classic Grilled Hamburger.
These trendy smash burgers are crispy, cheesy and juicy, and they cook quickly in a cast-iron skillet over the grill. Get the recipe.
Prefer your burger patty neat and tidy? Try our Classic Grilled Hamburger.
Show off the vibrant flavors of seasonal fruits and vegetables at your next bash with these halloumi skewers slathered in cilantro-mint chimichurri. 'Each bite brings multilayered flavors — sweet, savory, earthy, salty, herbaceous and spicy — that compel you to the next forkful,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger. Get the recipe.
Show off the vibrant flavors of seasonal fruits and vegetables at your next bash with these halloumi skewers slathered in cilantro-mint chimichurri. 'Each bite brings multilayered flavors — sweet, savory, earthy, salty, herbaceous and spicy — that compel you to the next forkful,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger. Get the recipe.
Other options for a skewered hors d'oeuvres are these sweet-spicy shrimp coated in gochujang — Korean fermented chile paste — and honey. Get the recipe.
Other options for a skewered hors d'oeuvres are these sweet-spicy shrimp coated in gochujang — Korean fermented chile paste — and honey. Get the recipe.
Sangria gets a floral upgrade in this recipe by Spirits columnist M. Carrie Allan. Fresh blackberries and elderflower liqueur mingle in this sweet cocktail, resulting in a vivacious and fruity drink. Get the recipe.
Sangria gets a floral upgrade in this recipe by Spirits columnist M. Carrie Allan. Fresh blackberries and elderflower liqueur mingle in this sweet cocktail, resulting in a vivacious and fruity drink. Get the recipe.
Enjoy this lightly sweetened, herbal watermelon drink on its own, or make it boozy for a refreshing summer cocktail. Get the recipe.
Enjoy this lightly sweetened, herbal watermelon drink on its own, or make it boozy for a refreshing summer cocktail. Get the recipe.
Earl Grey simple syrup and a pinch of smoked paprika lend a hand in infusing this nonalcoholic margarita with the smoky, complex flavors you'd typically expect in the tequila-based cocktail. Get the recipe.
Earl Grey simple syrup and a pinch of smoked paprika lend a hand in infusing this nonalcoholic margarita with the smoky, complex flavors you'd typically expect in the tequila-based cocktail. Get the recipe.
This blueberry pie is an untraditional take on an American classic, featuring barely cooked fruit filling and a three-ingredient shortbread crust. Get the recipe.
This blueberry pie is an untraditional take on an American classic, featuring barely cooked fruit filling and a three-ingredient shortbread crust. Get the recipe.
If you're already using the grill for your savory mains, why not also throw on something for dessert? Zhuzhed up with dollops of mascarpone whipped cream, crushed gingersnaps and a drizzle of honey, these grilled peaches offer cobbler or pie vibes without requiring nearly as much effort. Get the recipe.
If you're already using the grill for your savory mains, why not also throw on something for dessert? Zhuzhed up with dollops of mascarpone whipped cream, crushed gingersnaps and a drizzle of honey, these grilled peaches offer cobbler or pie vibes without requiring nearly as much effort. Get the recipe.
Wow your guests with this cooling, fruity dessert — no oven required. Get the recipe.
Wow your guests with this cooling, fruity dessert — no oven required. Get the recipe.