The fourth is almost here! It is time to celebrate our nation’s independence. If you’re like me, the food you cook for the fourth is just as important as the fireworks.
![4th of July Recipes](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/4th-of-July-Recipes-740x1249.jpg.webp)
4th of July Recipe Ideas
Most everyone I know will be grilling several types of meat, making all the sides they can think of, and putting together some kind of dessert if they can find any room left in their stomachs. If you’re looking for something to make, I’ve got a few ideas for you.
4th of July BBQ Main Dishes
BEEF
If you haven’t tried a pellet grilled ribeye yet, you’re missing out. Not only is it one of the best cuts of beef, but it is also one of the easiest to cook too.
![Traeger Ribeye](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Traeger-Ribeye-12-680x453.jpg.webp)
If you’re feeling really patriotic, then you need to try out my tomahawk ribeye.
![Traeger Tomahawk Ribeye](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Traeger-Tomahawk-Ribeye-13-680x453.jpg.webp)
Maybe a Smoked Brisket is more your style for that big 4th of July party! These big cuts of meat are labors of love, but when you get it right you REALLY get it right!
![Smoked Brisket](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Smoked-Brisket-01-740x493.jpg.webp)
Smoked Beef Tenderloin is the perfect cut of beef to make if you are looking for something relatively fast, delicious, and that will feed a crowd!
![](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BBQ-RUBS-810x810.jpg.webp)
![](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smoked-Beef-Tenderloin-Large-07-810x540.jpg.webp)
More Traeger Beef Recipes here!
CHICKEN
If beef isn’t what you’re really after this Fourth of July, then maybe this Lollipop Chicken is what you’re after. it’s a great conversation starter and it’s one of my favorite chicken recipes on the site.
![Traeger BBQ Chicken Lollipop](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Traeger-BBQ-Chicken-Lollipop-3-680x453.jpg.webp)
Another great option is this super popular Nashville Grilled Whole Chicken. If you slap this down on the BBQ buffet, you’re going to be a popular person at the party.
![](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Traeger-Grilled-Nashville-Hot-Chicken-05-1-680x453.jpg.webp)
Our Beer Can Chicken is another well-loved option, as well as our Spatchcock Chicken!
More Easy Traeger Chicken Recipes here!
Easy BBQ Side Dishes for the 4th of July
Side dishes are just as important as the main to me. Bring on all the pasta salads, potato salads, and veggie sides you possibly can. Here are some of our favorites!
![](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Copy-of-4th-of-July-Menu-1-740x247.jpg.webp)
No bbq is complete without my potato salad, coleslaw, and all the pasta salads like:
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Grilled Caesar Pasta Salad
- Easy Salmon Orzo Pasta Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
Get ALL of my delicious Pasta Salad Recipes here!
Get my easy Side Dish recipes!
ONLY THE SWEET STUFF, PLEASE
Now let’s talk dessert. I really like dessert with fresh fruit in it. especially in the summer. The fruit is all fresh and in season, and it doesn’t leave me feeling as sluggish and tired as a heavy cake with frosting. that’s why my goto for dessert is Triple Berry Trifle and No-Bake Raspberry Fluff pie.
![](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Copy-of-Copy-of-4th-of-July-Menu-740x401.jpg.webp)
Get all of my easy dessert recipes here!
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Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.