I can’t believe we’re talking 4th of July, baby! Well, hopefully not an actual 4th of July baby – little girl’s still got a few more weeks of cooking to do – but seriously, how did we get here?
Recently I got to thinking about the past few 4th of July holidays and how different they’ve all been. From watching fireworks snap and sparkle behind the White House, to a Midwest crab boil, and celebrating with friends via a fancy roof top patio – the 4th is always a holiday I look forward to, and back on with fond memories. Not like New Years Eve which, despite everyone’s best intentions, never seems to work out. Right? Get it TOGETHER, NYE!
All that said, this year we plan to lay low and have a few friends over to celebrate. I’m about ready to pop and, well, making it past 7pm is a pretty epic feat. We’ll light up some sprinklers, enjoy a homemade s’more or 17, then call it a night. Definitely more low-key then 4th of Julys past, but the good thing about staying home is that we can make and serve a proper holiday feast including a ton of the yummy, summery dishes below. I hand-picked these recipes as being super fresh and picnic or potluck-ready so you can either set them out for friends and family, or bring along to wherever the festivities take you.
Tell me, what are you up to this 4th of July? Wherever it is, and whatever you do – I hope you stay safe, have fun, and eat well (and have a couple cocktails for me!)
Side Dishes
Grilled Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing
Crock Pot Baked Beans (or it’s baked brother, Judy’s Baked Beans!)
Ultimate Red-Skinned Potato Salad (Mayo-Free)
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle
Tropical Fruit Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing
Main Dishes
Homemade Brat Burgers with Gluten-Free Beer-Braised Caramelized Onions
Marinated Grilled Chicken with Cucumber-Watermelon Salsa
Perfect Grilled Steak with Herb Butter
Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
Desserts
Gluten-Free No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Ice Box Cake
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Dirt Cake
Peanut Butter S’Mores Cheesecake Ball
Strawberry-Blueberry Vanilla Chex Bars
Drinks
Strawberry Coconut Water Lemonade
Dad’s Killer Beergaritas (be sure to use a GF beer if you need it!)
Secret Ingredient Rose Sangria
Happy b-day Kristin!!! Hope all is well and you all are doing great!
Thank you so much, Camilla!! :)
Guests at our 4th of July dinner included an 87 year old with celiac disease and another friend who avoids gluten per her doctors orders. I served your baked ribs, potato salad, and refrigerator strawberry shortcake. I wish you could have seen the 87 year old practically licking her plate! I feel very honored that she trusts my cooking. I work hard to keep things gluten free for her and your recipes make my job so much easier. Thanks!
Oh, this makes my heart so happy for the BOTH of you. Great job, Becky – your guests will remember your kindness for a very long time. :)
If the weather holds out we are hoping to spend a couple hours at the water park! And for food we are planning brisket bowls with green rice. I labor of love dish that we don’t have time to make often.
Kristin,
Thank you so much for such wonderful, creative recipes. Sent some off to my friend with the URL. I think she’ll love the strawberry lemonade and the watermelon agua fresca!
Hugs. Hope all is well. Keep cool in this heat.
Lorrie
Thank you so much, Lorrie – I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Hi Kristin,
Great write-up! My sister-in-law is gluten-free and I’m always scrambling at the last minute to find a recipe to make for her. These are great options! We’re just hoping the scorching heat is gone by the Fourth — I’m in the Midwest too and this weekend is like an Arizona-weather tribute weekend! Yikes! Hope you stay cool!
Oh my gosh, this 4th of July was INSANE!!! No breeze, 100+ degree heat index – I’ve never appreciated the AC more in my life! Hope you had a good celebration regardless of the weather!
Seriously cracking up at “get it together, NYE”–soooo true!
Ugh! Why is this?! ?
All of these sound great, especially the triple berry crumb bars!
[…] The Recipe can be found HERE […]
great list, thank you for all of these wonderful ideas for the 4th! peanut butter smores cheesecake ball, wow, have to tackle that!
[…] If you’re hosting or attending a 4th of July bash this year, make or take any of these 30 gluten-free, easy 4th of July recipes! […]
so many options how do you chose!
This is a great roundup! Thanks for sharing
Love your list of recipe for the 4th of July! Hope you have fun with your kid-friendly friend gathering. We’ll be going through plenty of sparklers with our kids and friends too ;)
I made the mojito fruit salad a few times last summer for get togethers, and birthday parties! It’s always a fan favorite because of the light refreshing taste, perfect for summer! It may seem like it yields a lot, but trust me, it goes fast!
Those Rice Krispie Treat S’mores look awesome. And I’ve been looking for a quick 4th of July dish to take to cookouts! :)