July 4th is a time of grilling, fireworks and family fun. If you are planning on hosting a barbeque for the holiday, we have a few tips for making your event a success.

First, make sure you have everything you need for your guests. This includes condiments, beverages and plenty of ice.

Tri Tip

If you’re looking for a flavorful, inexpensive roast to use at your 4th of july bbq, look no further than the tri tip. It is a beef cut that has risen in popularity over the last few years and can be cooked in many ways, including grilled, roasted or smoked.

A good way to get the most out of this cut is to marinate it before cooking it. This will ensure that the meat cooks properly and is tender. It also allows you to use a variety of spices and rubs, which gives the roast extra depth of flavor.

To season your tri tip, use a combination of dry and wet rubs. You can use a commercial tri-tip rub, or try your favorite blend of spices and herbs. Just make sure to use enough rub to cover the meat and that you let it sit at room temperature for an hour or so before grilling.

Once the tri-tip has been seasoned, set it on the grill over indirect medium heat and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes or until it reaches the desired doneness. You can check the internal temperature of the roast with a meat thermometer to ensure that it’s at the correct level of doneness.

When it’s ready, transfer the roast to direct heat and cook until it reaches your preferred final temperature (120 degrees for rare, 130 degrees for medium-rare or 135 degrees for medium). Once the tri-tip is fully cooked, pull it off the grill and rest it on a cutting board for about 10 minutes before slicing. This is important to do to ensure that the roast stays moist and juicy.

Next, slice against the grain of the meat for the most tender slices. This will be easier to do because the tri-tip grain runs in different directions than other cuts of beef.

Keeping these steps in mind will help you make the most of your tri-tip and have it taste its best. This is one of those cuts of meat that can be used in so many ways, but it’s especially good when grilled or roasted and served with sides like salads, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and more.

Ribs

It’s no secret that the Fourth of July is a time to get outside, celebrate with loved ones and have a good time. It’s also a great opportunity to cook up a tasty meal. And a grill is the best way to do it!

If you’re looking for something new to add to the menu, try these ribs. They’re delicious and easy to make!

You can even get a little kid involved in the preparation process. Let them help you rub the ribs and brush them with barbecue sauce!

Whether you’re cooking for a family or a crowd, these ribs will be the star of your celebration. Plus, they’re low in fat and easy to prepare.

The trick to tender, juicy ribs is to cook them to a high temperature. This melts the tough collagen in muscle fiber, making it more pliable and delicious.

Step 1: Prep and rub the ribs with a dry rub. You can use a traditional bbq rub or one that’s made specifically for grilling, like this recipe from the Food Network.

Next, wrap each rack of ribs tightly with foil. This helps keep the ribs from drying out as they cook, and it helps seal in their flavor.

Once they’ve been wrapped, place the ribs on the grill, meat side down. Turn them frequently to sear and brown them, until they’re nicely charred on all sides. Reduce the heat as needed and check on them every 3-5 minutes to make sure they don’t burn.

After 45 minutes, flip the ribs and brush them with more barbecue sauce. This will give them a really saucy coating and will caramelize the sauce, creating a sticky, gooey texture.

When they’re done, pull them off the grill and cover with foil for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. These ribs are delicious served as a whole rack or cut between the rib bones to serve individually on a platter.

Using a probe thermometer, you can tell when the ribs are cooked. The internal temperature should be between 200-210 degrees F, depending on your personal preference. It’s also a good idea to test with a knife to see if the meat is tender.

Chicken

The 4th of July is a fun time to grill outdoors with friends and family. The fireworks, parades and sun will keep everyone busy, so it’s important to plan your menu well in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly.

A BBQ doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; it can be quick and easy with the right recipes for your party. Chicken is a classic Fourth of July food that can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit every taste and budget, making it a perfect choice for your menu.

This grilled chicken recipe features a marinade that uses ketchup, pineapple juice and honey for a boldly flavorful meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Serve the chicken thighs with steamed rice, and you’ve got a simple meal that’s sure to be crowd-pleasing!

Chicken breasts are a popular choice, but dark meat like thighs and legs also work well. They are more tender and don’t dry out as much, but the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.

To start the chicken off, brush each side with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the hot side of your grill, and cook until it has a golden brown color and a nice sear. Turn and move the chicken to the cool side of the grill as needed to prevent burning.

When the chicken has finished grilling, flip it over and baste with your favorite barbecue sauce. Continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove from the grill and cover with foil to let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.

Another option is to use a rotisserie. This isn’t something you see often, but it’s a fun way to cook large amounts of meat at once and it’s an easy dish to assemble.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to add a few sides and salads to your BBQ menu! Shredded or chopped chicken works well in a variety of salads. It can also be added to pasta and other entrées for extra protein.

Sides

When grilling, it’s important to make sure you’ve got a wide variety of delicious side dishes to accompany your meal. Aside from complementing the main dish, these side dishes can also be eaten on their own as a quick and easy meal.

Whether you’re hosting a family BBQ or throwing a big backyard bash, these side dishes will help you create the perfect summer cookout menu. From traditional dishes like baked beans to savory dishes like Mexican street corn, you’ll find plenty of amazing recipes here.

One of the most classic side dishes to serve with any grilled meat is potato salad. This smoky and tangy side is a great way to get in a healthy dose of vegetables without missing out on flavor. This recipe from Ree Drummond has a green goddess dressing that adds some fresh herbs to the mix.

This slaw is simple, yet incredibly flavorful and a great addition to any 4th of july barbecue spread. It’s made with crunchy red cabbage, shredded carrots, and a creamy dressing that’s packed with flavors.

Another popular side dish at all BBQs and parties is baked beans. They’re easy to make, sweet and smoky, and they pair well with grilled meats, especially pork ribs.

If you’re looking for something a little more savory, consider making your own roasted corn on the cob. It’s a classic American dish that’s always a hit, but you can kick it up a notch by roasting the corn in your oven rather than boiling or grilling it.

Served alongside a bowl of refreshing bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, this salad is the ideal summery side to pair with grilled chicken or pork. The combination of sweetness and tartness is a treat for the taste buds, especially if you top it with a honey-lime dressing.

It’s the best summer side dish for your next BBQ! Try serving it on a star-shaped platter for added patriotic flair. It’s easy to make, and you’ll definitely have people coming back for seconds!