What Our Editors Are Cooking This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is fast approaching, and you may be wondering what to make for this year’s cookout. You can’t go wrong with a classic spread of burgers and hot dogs, but, to give you a head start, we asked our editors for the recipes they’re most excited for. Needless to say, there are tons of options for cooking on the grill, from sticky glazed chicken thighs to saucy pulled pork sandwiches. We’ve also got sides and a couple desserts to round out the meal, whether you’re cooking for two or 20.

Grilled Chicken Thighs With Lemongrass Glaze

I will never stop singing the praises of these juicy, spicy-sweet Grilled Chicken Thighs With Lemongrass Glaze, which show up on my summer menus at least a few times each season, and especially during celebrations like the Fourth. Served over a bed of white rice with lots of cilantro and fresh lime, it's the ultimate cookout main. —Erin Alexander, Managing Editor

Grilled & Chilled Shrimp Rolls

Lobster rolls, crab rolls, shrimp rolls—I love them all. This version takes the best elements of the summertime staple (cool, creamy mayo and a buttery toasted bun) and adds in a welcome layer of smoke and char from the grill. —Anabelle Doliner, Editorial Assistant

Grilled Steak With Garlicky Green Sauce

Real talk: I'm a sucker for a chimichurri-style sauce on steaks. This one draws inspiration from nam jim seafood, a spicy Thai condiment that includes lime and fish sauce. This version swaps out fish sauce, but there's oyster sauce in the steak marinade, so you won't be missing out on those big, bold flavors that will only amplify when they hit the grill. —Emily Ziemski, Food Editor

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If I don’t want to spend all afternoon standing by the grill, I’ll opt for pulled pork. You can make it ahead of time, it’s difficult to seriously mess up, and sliders make great party food. —Paul Hagopian, Editorial Intern

Grilled Spatchcock Chicken With Herby Green Sauce

A whole chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, and spatchcocking helps the bird cook evenly and more quickly than if it were left intact. The green goddess-esque yogurt sauce—filled with cilantro, dill, parsley, and scallions—sounds like an especially delicious pairing. —Anabelle Doliner, Editorial Assistant

Bacon-Stuffed Burgers with Pimento Cheese & Avocado

As a Southerner, I love pimento cheese. It's a perfect topping, side, or spread to dip a cracker into. So, my friends spending the holiday weekend with me shouldn't be shocked when they see me piling our hot-off-the-grill burgers high with that savory, delicious cheese spread. —Julia Kramer, Commerce Editor

Granbobbie’s Potato Salad

All warm-weather holidays call for my grandma's potato salad, and a July cookout is no exception. Just make sure you've got plenty of Hellmann's mayo ready! —Madison Trapkin, Associate Editor

Watermelon, Arugula & Pickled Onion Summer Salad

If you want to spend the entire afternoon chowing down on burgers and hot dogs, you need to occasionally mix in something light and refreshing. Enter, this watermelon salad—it’s bright, easy to make, and perfectly fine to eat with your hands. —Paul Hagopian, Editorial Intern

Smoked Potato Salad

You can't have a cookout without potato salad. This Smoked Potato Salad from Samantha Weiss Hills has been on my to-try list for years, so what better time to finally make a batch? —Julia Kramer, Commerce Editor

Grilled Cabbage With Preserved Lemon Mostarda

I created this recipe for those moments when you're so over eating another raw cabbage slaw at the outdoor cookout. Feel free to play around with what fruit you feature in your mostarda; the original version of this recipe featured blueberries, which are lovely, sweet, and bright with the mustard. —Emily Ziemski, Food Editor

Pistachio Celebration Cake With Whipped Custard Cream

I'll be spending this July 4th in Asheville, North Carolina with my family, and my mom and I have already been scheming about which cakes to make. This one is equal parts creamy and fruity, plus it feeds a crowd. It’s perfect for the holiday. —Madison Trapkin, Associate Editor

Oreo Ice Cream Dessert

Shockingly simple for just how good it is, this no-bake recipe takes everything you love about Oreos (which show up in the form of a buttery, crumbly crust) and gives them a frozen spin with vanilla ice cream and chilled chocolate ganache. It gets rave reviews every time I make it, so it will definitely be making a Fourth of July appearance this year. —Erin Alexander, Managing Editor

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What’s your go-to Fourth of July menu?