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65+ Easy 4th of July Recipes

ByStephanie Wilson Updated on

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We’ve gathered easy 4th of July recipes and ideas to help you celebrate America’s birthday in your backyard-simple, festive ideas to start summer off right.

Three images: Easy 4th of July Recipes like assorted gourmet hot dogs with chips, grilled shrimp skewers with lemon and herbs, and a colorful corn salad with vegetables served on a blue plate with white stars.

Kicking off the Summer Season

If you’re looking for summer celebration ideas to kick off the season, you’ll love these festive 4th of July recipes to help inspire your menu. Not only will you find red, white, and blue patriotic ideas, but delicious backyard party perfect dishes too!

Here’s to a summer season filled with delicious foods, fun memories, cookouts and gatherings that your friends and family won’t soon forget. For even more Fourth of July ideas, see 4th of July Side Dishes, and for more festive and Independence Day treats, see 4th of July Desserts.

4th of July table for Easy 4th of July Recipes

Easy 4th of July Recipes

Now more than ever, these easy 4th of July recipes are perfect for gathering friends and family in your backyard.

1
A white plate displays skewers with salami, mozzarella balls, basil, and cherry tomatoes arranged in a ring around a bowl of green pesto dip, garnished with fresh herbs. A spoon rests in the dip.
Easy Salami Caprese Skewers Recipe
These Salami Caprese Skewers are a simple and delicious no-cook appetizer made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and savory Genoa salami. Perfect for summer entertaining, potlucks, or easy snacking.
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2
presidentcheese.com
4th of July Cheeseboards
“Learn how to build the perfect patriotic-themed cheese board for your holiday weekend!”
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3
Side view of fruit skewers on a plate with yogurt dip and fresh strawberries
Easy Fruit Skewers with 3 Ingredient Yogurt Dip
Fruit Skewers and Yogurt Dip is a 10-minute party food or healthy snack. Perfect for hosting or if you're looking for something to bring!
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4
Close up horizontal view of 4th of July Snack Board with Strawberry Yogurt Dip, fruit, vegetables and treats.
Easy Fourth of July Snack Board
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a red, white, and blue Snack Board. Easy to make and a hit with everyone!
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5
Cut grilled and seared back baby ribs on a wooden parchment lined serving tray with fresh rosemary on the side.
Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs
Learn how to make deliciously Tender and Juicy Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs on the grill this summer! It’s grilling season and nothing says BBQ quite like a fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs made with a homemade dry rub and a mouthwatering basting sauce. 
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6
Side view of BBQ chicken pieces on a white plate on a rustic wooden background.
blog.williams-sonoma.com
Grilled Chicken with Quick Barbecue Sauce
“Commercial barbecue sauce often contains gluten. This sweet-spicy version, however, is a delicious alternative that will inspire friends to come back for more.”
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7
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs on a slate serving platter on a dark wood background.
Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, a savory and sweet BBQ favorite, is an easy go-to dinner idea everyone will love, all season long.
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8
Pulled chicken and coleslaw sliders on a wooden serving board.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Let the slow cooker do the work with this easy Memorial Day recipe of Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders.
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9
Grilled shrimp skewers garnished with chopped herbs, served with lemon slices, fresh parsley, and a small bowl of herb sauce-perfect for your Memorial Day recipes collection.
downshiftology.com
Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers
“Garlic grilled shrimp skewers are what summer is all about. Jumbo shrimp are marinated in a delicious garlic herb mixture, then grilled to perfection in under 10 minutes. You can't beat a recipe that's easy to make yet fancy enough to serve at your next party.”
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10
Side view of 3 ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken on a bun with coleslaw and chips
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken (3 Ingredients, 5 Minutes Prep)
It's a meal of dreams. This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe has three simple ingredients, 5 minutes of prep, and is ready in 3 hours. It's juicy, tender, and oh-so-delicious.
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11
www.howsweeteats.com
Hot Dog Bar
“Grab your buns and dogs and a whole lot of toppings. This is super fun and delicious!”
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12
www.iheartnaptime.net
Hot Dog Toppings Bar for the 4th of July
“This hot dog toppings bar is the perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July with friends and family. Includes free printable downloads to make your get-together even more festive!”
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13
Plate of grilled or roasted chicken pieces with a glossy, dark brown glaze, arranged on a white plate against a blue background-perfect for your collection of easy Memorial Day recipes.
www.epicurious.com
Maple Barbecue Grilled Chicken
“Barbecued chicken is one of the surest signs that summer's finally on its way. Store-bought sauce has nothing on this easy homemade version, which uses maple syrup for sweetness and Sriracha for heat.”
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14
Side view of Firecracker Chicken Burgers on a white and blue plate with lettuce and tomatoes on a wood cutting board
Firecracker Chicken Burgers
These Firecracker Chicken Burgers take grilled burgers to a delicious level. Infused with a delightful blend of chili peppers, shredded cheese, and aromatic spices, these mouthwatering burgers can be prepared in 20 minutes or less with simple ingredients you may already have.
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15
Eggplant Burgers for Easy Memorial Day Recipes
www.countryliving.com
Eggplant Burgers with Yogurt-Feta Sauce and Pickled Cucumbers
“Looking for something plant-based to toss on the grill? These eggplant burgers are packed with flavor. Hearty sourdough buns help hold everything together.”
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16
Side view of Easy Instant Pot Ribs on a Wood Cutting Board
Easy Instant Pot Ribs
How to make fall off the bone Instant Pot Ribs. Easy method for baby back or spare ribs. So much faster and the sweet and savory dry rub is to die for!
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17
A sesame seed bun burger with a thick beef patty, fresh tomato slices, and leafy greens, served on parchment paper with sides of ketchup and mustard-perfect inspiration for your next burgers recipe.
Best Easy Grilled Burgers Recipe
This is our favorite grilled burgers recipe. Plus, it's super easy. And we all love that. Whether grilled indoors or out, this burger reciple is packed with flavor and easy to make ahead too.
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18
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings on a White Plate with Carrots, Celery and Ranch Dressing
Super Quick Instant Pot Buffalo Wings
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings is a super quick, amazingly tender, fall-off-the-bone Buffalo Wings recipe. Packed with game day flavors you love, and healthier than fried wings. It's a super easy wings recipe everyone loves.
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19
smoked ribs with barbecue sauce
How to Make Smoked Pork Ribs in the Smoker
These are the drive-across-town-to-get, almost addictive, divinely delicious smoked pork ribs we adore. But guess what? You don’t have to drive across town. Because… they are incredibly easy to make at home. And here’s how:
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20
A vibrant spinach strawberry salad featuring blueberries, raspberries, cucumber, pecans, and crumbled cheese is served in a bowl with a jar of pink dressing on the side, all set on a rustic wooden board.
Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe
This Summer Spinach Strawberry Salad is bursting with juicy berries, baby spinach, creamy cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans-all tossed together with a vibrant homemade Strawberry Balsamic Dressing. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing salad that's perfect for summer entertaining, from backyard BBQs to the 4th of July.
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21
Campfire Baked Beans for Easy 4th of July Recipes
www.goodhousekeeping.com
Best Campfire Baked Beans Recipe
“This 3-step side dish will be your new favorite for any cookout.”
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22
Side front view of Instant Pot Potato Salad with boiled eggs and paprika in a white bowl
Instant Pot Potato Salad
Summer isn't summer without potato salad. This Instant Pot Potato Salad is so easy and time-saving that you will make it often. Guaranteed!
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23
Grilled Vegetables with Burrata Cheese on a serving platter.
Easy Grilled Vegetables with Burrata
Easy Grilled Vegetables with Burrata is a centerpiece of summer grilling. With a simple balsamic glaze drizzled over delicious and slightly charred vegetables, it's a feast for the eyes and the palate.
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24
A white bowl filled with Instant Pot Baked Beans in a rich sauce sits on a wooden board, with another bowl of beans and a sprig of herbs blurred in the background.
Smokey Instant Pot Baked Beans
Smokey Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe is the perfect side for summer BBQs or game time food. And cook in a fraction of the time. Smokey, sweet, and tender beans cooked with bacon and pure maple syrup.
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25
Four ears of grilled corn on the cob, garnished with chopped herbs, are arranged on a white plate, with a small bowl of melted butter nearby for dipping.
Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil Packets is a favorite 3 ingredient summer side dish that is sweet and juicy and smoky with herbs and spices.
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26
New Caprese Salad for Easy 4th of July Recipes
www.purewow.com
Caprese Salad with Grilled Zucchini
“A dish that's bursting with summer flavors (it doesn't look too shabby, either). Load up on zucchini at the farmers market to spice up this tomato classic.”
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27
Whole Heirloom Tomato Tart
Rustic Heirloom Tomato Tart
This Rustic Heirloom Tomato Tart recipe is an easy addition to any summer picnic, teatime, or meal. But it's delicious enough to be the main event.
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28
closeup of white bean salad in a wooden bowl
10 Minute Make Ahead White Bean Salad
If you have 10 minutes, this White Bean Salad is for you. Packed with healthy protein, this creamy salad is filled with fresh vegetables and herbs – and is a perfect compliment to a 4th of July BBQ!
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29
www.foodiecrush.com
The Best Easy Grilled Vegetables
“After years of practice on the grill, these are my tips for the best easy grilled vegetables, enhancing the natural sweetness of summer's favorite vegetables with each smoky bite.”
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30
Closeup of Mexican Corn Salad
Easy Mexican Corn Salad
A simple salad with big flavor is the perfect compliment to delicious Memorial Day food.
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31
A plate of hot slaw featuring cabbage salad with carrots and bacon bits, garnished with green onions. The dish rests on a patterned cloth, with a blurred view of ribs in the background on a wooden board.
Hot Slaw with Bacon
This Hot Slaw recipe with Bacon Dressing is a quick and easy side dish. And a perfect complement to heftier favorites like pork, sausages, or, of course, chicken. Whether it be fried, grilled… or pulled!
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32
Pasta Salad in a White Bowl with salami and vegetables.
Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
This Mediterranean-inspired Pasta Salad is a favorite with salami, peppers, broccoli, zesty Italian dressing, and Feta cheese.
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33
BLT Potato Salad for Easy Memorial Day Recipes
www.countryliving.com
Best BLT Potato Salad Recipe
“Give your standard potato salad a serious upgrade with everyone's favorite BLT flavors.”
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34
Closeup horizontal view of homemade coleslaw in a light blue bowl.
Easy Homemade Coleslaw
This simple coleslaw recipe is a summer classic. An easy recipe to serve all summer long. Crispy, crunchy, and perfectly flavored. Exactly what a coleslaw should be.
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35
Closeup view of a bowl of German Potato Salad with mult color baby potatoes
German Potato Salad
This German Potato Salad is a simple hot potato salad recipe with fork-tender potatoes, savory bacon, and fresh parsley tossed in a delicious tangy dressing you will love.
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36
A white bowl filled with quinoa salad, featuring chickpeas, diced tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and herbs, sits on a wooden surface with a blue napkin and wooden utensils nearby. This vibrant quinoa salad is perfect for a fresh meal.
Quinoa Salad Recipe
This Quinoa Salad is a favorite healthy salad, packed with vegetables and herbs, and perfect for lunches, picnics, and sides.
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37
A white bowl filled with fresh strawberry spinach salad-sliced strawberries, spinach leaves, pecans, and crumbled cheese-with wooden salad utensils on the side. The bowl sits on a white table with a light napkin nearby.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans
Perfect for Memorial Day this simple salad with fresh, seasonal strawberries is both healthy and delicious!
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38
Side view of Classic Potato Salad in a dark wood bowl with green onions and boiled eggs
Classic Potato Salad for Delicious Summer Cookouts
There is no substitute for a Classic Potato Salad. Especially when it’s made in the style of grandma’s potato salad. It’s creamy, and sweet, and comforting… just a little bit addictive.
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39
Side view of Tuscan Tortellini Salad with fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach
Tuscan Tortellini Salad
Tuscan Tortellini Salad is a simple pasta salad perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and gatherings all summer. This easy salad is filled with Italian ingredients like tomatoes and salami and is tossed with a homemade Italian Vinaigrette. Utterly delicious!
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40
pasta salad with shredded carrots in a blue and white bowl
Summer Easy Pasta Salad with Shredded Carrots
It isn't Memorial Day for me without my mom's Pasta Salad. Super easy and perfect for the weekend!
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41
www.spendwithpennies.com
Fresh Summer Fruit Salad
“Fruit Salad is the absolute perfect summer side dish, snack, dessert or even brunch option! A big variety of colorful juicy fresh fruits make this salad a pretty as it is delicious!”
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42
A white bowl filled with cucumber salad mixed with sliced red onions and dill sits on a napkin, accompanied by a glass of water and a small bowl of dressing nearby.
Simple Cucumber Salad with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing
A quick and easy refreshing salad to go with the spicy, savory flavors of a 4th of July cookout.
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43
Three-quarter view of farro salad in a white salad bowl for serving.
Mediterranean Farro Salad with Orzo
This Farro Salad combines chewy farro and orzo pasta with Mediterranean ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, lemon, feta, and mint. It's a delicious and satisfying dish with varying textures and scrumptious flavors in about 30 minutes.
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44
closeup of slow cooker boston baked beans
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans is an easy crockpot recipe that will keep your kitchen cool.
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45
Horizontal side view of 4th of July Chex Mix in a white bowl on a white marble board.
4th of July Snack Mix (5 Minutes)
Celebrate Independence Day with a tasty and festive 4th of July Chex Mix. Made in 5 minutes, it's perfect for parties and snacking.
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46
A plate of chocolate M&M cookie bars topped with red, white, and blue candies is displayed on a white cake stand with a striped cloth and a red, white, and beige backdrop.
4th of July M&M Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe
These Red, White, and Blue M&M Cookies are deliciously soft and chewy, bright with the pastel colors of 4th of July. With a vanilla sugar cookie base, they're easy to bake, no chilling, and perfect for summer!
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47
Side view of 3 Red, White, and Blue Berry Parfait glasses in front of an American Flag
Red, White, and Blue Berry Parfait (in 15 minutes)
This is a quick and easy no-bake dessert in 15 minutes. Red, White, and Blue Berry Parfait is the perfect summer treat layered with blueberries, strawberries, and a delicious lemon-infused Greek yogurt filling. It is perfect for the 4th of July or any summer gathering.
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48
A round metal tray filled with ice, watermelon slices, and several bright red Watermelon Mint Popsicles with wooden sticks, garnished with fresh mint leaves. The tray sits on a wooden surface.
Watermelon Mint Popsicles
There's nothing quite like fresh Watermelon Mint Popsicles on a hot, summer day. It's an easy, 2-3 ingredient, healthy treat that's so simple and so refreshing. Naturally sweetened, these easy Watermelon Popsicles are perfect for kids, and you can easily adjust the sweetness as needed.
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49
Side view of sliced No Bake Cheesecake with blueberry topping
10 Minute No Bake Cheesecake
This No Bake Cheesecake is a 10-minute, no-bake, foolproof way to make cheesecake, the easy way. And, it's utterly delicious. Utterly simple. And one you'll make often!
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50
Horizontal side view of Strawberry Upside Down Cake with whipped cream and a sliced strawberry for serving.
Strawberry Upside Down Cake
This Strawberry Upside Down Cake is a unique twist on a summer classic dessert. A hint of lavender transforms a delicious strawberry cake into something magical.
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51
Side view of unsliced berry cake on a white cake stand and topped with Chantilly Cream.
Easy Berry Cake (Red White and Blue Snack Cake)
This easy Berry Cake recipe is a red, white, and blue cake filled with summer blueberries and raspberries, hints of fresh lemon, and a buttery, tender crumb you'll fall in love with. It's perfect for 4th of July celebrations.
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52
Side view of sliced Brownie Pie with whipped cream on a white plate
Brownie Pie Recipe
This homemade Brownie Pie recipe is a simple marriage of fudgy chocolate brownies and crispy, flaky pastry crust. And it's so incredibly delicious served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and perhaps a dollop of melting vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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53
A berry trifle dessert in a glass bowl, featuring whipped cream, blueberries, strawberries, and sponge cake, topped with fresh berries and mint leaves, displayed on a wooden stand near a window with soft natural light.
Simple Berry Trifle Recipe
This simple Berry Trifle Recipe is a super quick and easy layered dessert of fresh summer berries, delicious pound cake, and heavenly pastry cream.
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54
Blueberry Cobbler in a cast iron skillet with slice missing
Skillet Blueberry Cobbler
This Blueberry Cobbler is a quick and easy recipe made with fresh or frozen blueberries, pantry ingredients, and ready in 35 minutes. Serve straight from the skillet with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
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55
A decadent chocolate pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls, sits on a white plate. One slice has been removed, showcasing the rich chocolate filling inside.
No Bake Chocolate Pie
A rich and creamy no bake chocolate pie made with just three simple ingredients. This easy, make-ahead dessert is perfect for Valentine's Day, dinner parties, or whenever you need a quick chocolate treat.
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56
foodwithfeeling.com
Cherry Crumble Pie
“This Cherry Crumble pie is fully vegan and so super simple to make! Perfect for peak cherry season or even with frozen cherries!”
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57
Stacked Easy Strawberry Crumble Bars on a wooden board
Strawberry Crumble Bars
These simple Strawberry Crumble Bars are deliciously summery with sweet fresh strawberries and an irresistible crumble topping. Perfect for backyard summer BBQ, picnics, or when you're craving a sweet treat.
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58
Slice of Rhubarb Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream on top.
Rhubarb Pie Recipe
This Rhubarb Pie recipe is the essence of spring and the taste of summer to come. It's fresh, bright, fantastically delicious, and just like Grandma used to make.
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59
Closeup view of white bowl with Strawberry Crisp and ice cream.
Strawberry Crisp Recipe
Strawberry Crisp is a delicious taste of summer in every bite. With its crumbly, cinnamon-flavored crisp topping over brightly colored, juicy strawberries, it's well, irresistible. When you top it with melting vanilla ice cream, it becomes… heavenly.
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60
Open Faced Blueberry Pie at a Picnic
Open Face Blueberry Pie: Fresh and Easiest Pie Ever
It isn't summer until there's been a blueberry pie on the table, or picnic table. And this easiest ever Open Face Blueberry Pie is simply rustic and summer perfect. Different than a traditional blueberry pie, yet incredibly juicy and delicious.
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61
Closeup view of Strawberry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze
Strawberry Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze
This Strawberry Bundt Cake Recipe with Lemon Glaze is utterly delicious with fresh strawberries and lemon. A tender and moist texture from Greek yogurt make it irresistible and perfect for the season.
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62
Mini Apple Pies for Easy 4th of July Recipes
www.purewow.com
Mini Apple Pies Recipe
“Looking for a way to easily upgrade apple pie? Well, look no further than these mini mason jar apple pies.”
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63
Squares of M&M Popcorn Treats on a Red Bandanna
Summer White Chocolate M&M Popcorn Treats
These White Chocolate M&M Popcorn Treats are the easiest desserts ever! Festive and fun with the bright colors of summer. Simple ingredients, quick to make, and incredibly yummy with a sweet, salty, chocolaty flavor!
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64
Side view of Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie with a strawberries and blueberries
Summer Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie
If you love easy, simple but pretty and festive desserts, this pudding pie is for you! Perfect for combining freshly ripened summer berries and creamy, delicious vanilla pudding in a crust of your choosing. Simple and festive!
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65
Side view of Non-Alcoholic Sangria in a glass pitcher with strawberries, blueberries and white star shapes
Red, White, and Blue Non-Alcoholic Sangria
If you're looking for something delicious, refreshing, fun, and festive for the 4th of July, this patriotic-inspired non-alcoholic sangria is an excellent choice! And, it's summer in every sip and always a hit at the season's best gatherings.
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66
A glass pitcher and two mason jars filled with sweet tea, lemon slices, ice cubes, and mint leaves sit on a wooden surface. Whole and sliced lemons surround the drinks, with a green, sunlit background outdoors.
Sweet Tea is a Perfect Elixir of Summer
There's nothing more refreshing on a warm summer day than an ice-cold glass of southern-inspired Sweet Tea.
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Stephanie Wilson

Cookbook Author, Food Writer, and Chef

Stephanie Wilson is the founder of 31Daily.com, where she shares seasonal recipes, weekly meal plans, and teatime favorites to help readers gather around the table with joy. A certified private chef, cookbook author, and longtime event planner, she brings over 20 years of experience in catering, food writing, and media production—including network television work as a producer, director, and writer. Her work has been featured by Today.com, The Kitchn, Parade, and more.

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