Whether you’re craving something smoky, spicy, or sweet, these 4th of July food ideas are guaranteed to keep your guests satisfied all day or night long. The only hard part? Deciding where to dig in first!

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Tender, juicy chunks of chicken, marinated until they’re bursting with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and earthy oregano, are then threaded onto skewers with sweet bell peppers, savory mushrooms, and onion. As they hit the smoky heat of the Traeger grill, the marinade locks in every drop of flavor while giving each bite that perfect touch of wood-fired smokiness. 

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We like to serve chicken or Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day – and all the celebrations in between. Chicken is also delicious at any summer dinner party, pool party (kebabs or skewers!), or enjoy the leftovers in a chicken salad.

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Whether you’re looking for make-ahead dishes, effortless boards and platters loaded with fresh berries and store-bought bites, or the satisfaction of home-grilled meals, you’ll find plenty of crowd-pleasers right here. Many of these recipes are perfect for any summer entertaining – with red, white and blue (berries!), and fun ideas for serving.

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Seasoning the steaks is essential for deep, savory flavor. Feel free to adjust the cooking time to reach your preferred level of doneness, from rare to medium. To take the guesswork out of it, I’ve included the internal temperatures below that you’ll need for perfect results every time!

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Forget everything you thought you knew about corned beef! This recipe transforms the traditional St. Patrick’s Day staple into something truly extraordinary. The mustard rub infuses incredible sweet and tangy flavor into the meat as it slow cooks, all finished with a creamy dipping sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. 

Maybe you’ve seen the Wagyu Corned Beef at Costco? It caught my eye, so I grabbed one to bring home and smoke on the grill, and I’m so glad I did. The meat is so amazing – the texture and flavor is out of this world. With the leftovers we made this Reuben Dip that we served at a little neighborhood dinner party. Everyone loved it. We sliced it really thin and the flavor popped!

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While a high-quality store-bought spice rub adds convenience, there’s nothing quite like a homemade blend where you can balance the spices as you wish. I’ve included my own spice rub for these thighs that you can use too! Either way, seasoning the chicken thighs is a must for rich savory flavor. For the juiciest results, let the cooked thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving – this allows the savory juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring every bite stays moist and flavorful.

Smoking chicken thighs takes them to the next level, infusing them with a rich, woodsy aroma that oven roasting or quick grilling just can’t match. The low-and-slow method keeps the dark meat incredibly tender without the risk of drying out. Plus, it’s a hands-off process that lets the smoker do the work, leaving you free to prep sides or simply relax and socialize.

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A Smash Burger Salad is anything from boring since it tastes exactly like your favorite burger! If you’re craving a smash burger but also a lighter meal, then combine a juicy and delicious hamburger (make it a cheeseburger) with your favorite salad ingredients. Oh, and don’t forget the amazing Carmalized Shallot Dressing. We created this burger salad from Jessica Merchant’s new cookbook, Easy Everyday. You can read more info below!

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This Mexican Chicken Marinade is my go-to marinade for chicken. But especially for any grilled Mexican meat (it’s also great on beef), the flavors are so bright and lovely, and the process is quite easy. To make the marinade, whisk together the ingredients in a bowl, and then poke the chicken all over with a fork. Pour the marinade over the chicken in a plastic bag without any mess. Pop the bag in the fridge to allow the chicken to soak up all the wonderful, warm spices.

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This Miso Steak Marinade has a rich and deep umami flavor, which is delicious with all cuts of meat. Try it with chicken, pork chops, lamb, and other cuts of beef (tenderloin is amazing!). I love to serve this in the summer months with summer grilling, with the burst miso (savory, with a hint of sweetness and toasty nutty flavor).

Miso Steak Marinade

The grilling process is simple! After marinating the steak (20-30 minutes max), the grilling process includes flipping, basting–repeating the process–until the steak is deliciously caramelized; about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare.

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