The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day or July 4th, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of celebrating America’s independence dates back to the 18th century.

On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. Two days later on July 4th, they adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was written mainly by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, Americans celebrated their independence on July 4th.

Independence Day is typically celebrated with barbecues, picnics, parades, concerts, and fireworks. Many people celebrate this day by having BBQs with friends and family and nothing says summer quite like firing up the grill and enjoying a delicious BBQ. If you're looking for some great grill recipes to make your 4th of July BBQ extra special, we've got you covered.

From flavorful fish tacos to juicy burgers, we've rounded up some of our favorite grill recipes that are sure to please everyone at your party. Fire up the grill and get cooking!

Salt and Pepper BBQ Ribs

Delicious, simple, and mouthwatering. These ribs are sure to be a hit at your 4th of July BBQ! Cooked low and slow to give it that fall-off-the-bone goodness, and grill your ribs to get that perfect amount of char. Prepare the ribs the night before, so they're ready to slap on the grill come party time!

Grilled Bison Burger

A healthy yet festive alternative to the classic beef burger. The bison burgers are packed with flavor and seasoned with lots of tasty spices like paprika, onion, and garlic. 

Veggie Kabobs

These kabobs are perfect for your vegetarian friends and family members. Summer vegetables like squash, mushrooms and brussels sprouts are grilled to perfection and served with romesco sauce. They're healthy and delicious and your guests will surely love this!

Grilled Corn on the Cob

A summertime BBQ wouldn't be complete without grilled corn on the cob. This classic side dish is sweet, savory, and perfectly cooked when it's kissed by the flames of the grill. Grilled corn on the cob is simple to make, and it's always a crowd favorite.  Soak your corn in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent it from drying out. Serve this dish up with some butter and salt – and watch it disappear!

Grilled Chicken Shawarma

Bursting with middle-eastern flavor goodness, this juicy grilled chicken shawarma is perfect for your 4th of July celebrations! You have the option to grill the chicken or cook it in a pan. If you're feeling extra patriotic, serve the shawarma wraps with a side of grilled corn on the cob or tomato-cucumber salad!

Grilled Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori is a traditional Indian dish. This recipe for grilled tandoori chicken is marinated in a yogurt mixture, giving the chicken a delicious and mildly spicy flavor. Top on hot rice and taste authentic Indian flavors on your mouth!

Chipotle Honey Glazed Chicken

If you're looking for something sweet and smoky, this chipotle honey-glazed chicken is the perfect recipe for you! The chicken is basted with a chipotle honey glaze while it's grilling, giving it a delicious flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

Grilled Lemony Herb Chicken

Marinate your chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs and you’ll get a simple and flavorful recipe perfect for the 4th of July! Pound the chicken breasts until they're about the same thickness then grill them until they're a little charred on both sides.

Grilled Scallops with Charred Tomato Salsa

If you're looking for a show-stopping recipe to grill, look no further than this grilled scallop dish with charred tomato salsa. The scallops are simply seasoned with salt and pepper before being grilled to perfection. The salsa is made by charring tomatoes on the grill before mixing them with onions, jalapeños, and cilantro. Serve these scallops as an appetizer or main course – either way, they're sure to be a hit!

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Cabbage Slaw

The flaky fish is paired with creamy cabbage slaw, and the whole thing is topped off with a zesty cilantro dressing.  Any white fish fillet will work, whether it is sole, snapper, catfish, or tilapia.  Trust us, these tacos will be gone in no time!

Burger Sliders with Caramelized Onions

These burger sliders are the perfect bite-sized treat! Topped with caramelized onions and a tangy sauce makes it both delicious and easy to eat. Packed with flavors and easy to make, they're sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Thai Turkey Burger

A Thai-inspired turkey burger that is packed with flavor, thanks to a sweet and spicy chili sauce, fresh cilantro, and crunchy peanuts. Serve it on a toasted bun with plenty of napkins – it's sure to be a hit!

Grilled Sausages

Sausages are a staple of many American BBQs, and for good reason – they're easy to cook and can be customized to please any palate. Whether you like your sausages spicy, sweet, or somewhere in between, there's a recipe out there for you. And since they're usually served with sides like potato salad or baked beans, they make for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. 

Grilled Veggies

Don't forget the veggies! Grilling is a great way to cook up your favorite summer produce, like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers. Just slice them into thick pieces, brush them with olive oil, and throw them on the grill. You can even put them in foil packets with some seasonings for easy and mess-free cooking.

Greek Salmon Burger

For a delicious and healthy burger option, try this Greek Salmon Burger recipe! Packed with flavors like dill, garlic, and lemon, this burger is sure to be a hit with your guests. Salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones!

Grilled Pizza

Try grilling your pizza at your 4th of July barbecue this year if you want to shake things up! It may sound daunting, but it's actually pretty easy – and the results are truly delicious and a great way to get everyone involved in the cooking process!  Prepare your dough (you can use store-bought or homemade) and toppings. Once everything is ready, lightly oil a large sheet of aluminum foil and place the dough on top. Spread it out into a thin circle, then top with your sauce and toppings and get grillin’!

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for something different to grill this 4th of July or you're just looking for some great grill recipes, these recipes are sure to please!