20 Classic Dishes We Can't Imagine Our 4th Of July Barbecue Without

It's so nearly the Fourth of July, our favorite day to celebrate our independence, and gorge on every classic American dish we can think of. You may think we're unoriginal for wanting to feast on nothing but hot dogs, slaw, and ribs every time this holiday rolls around, but we don't mind. There's no better way to celebrate this patriotic, red, white, and blue-themed day, than with these traditional, well-loved, ever-dependable recipes.

The creamiest, molten, crispy-topped baked mac and cheese makes the perfect indulgent accompaniment to all the barbecued meats.

For the Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole recipe, click here.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic Southern dessert. There's not much that beats the combination of ripe bananas, whipped cream, salted caramel, and thick custard.

For the Banana-Caramel Pudding recipe, click here.

Mini crab cakes make the perfect appetizer for your Fourth of July party. Serve with plenty of lemon wedges to squeeze on top and mayonnaise for dipping.

For the Basic Crab Cakes recipe, click here.

Use this cheat's favorite oven-method to make the perfect tender, caramelized, smoky ribs, without having to take care of a smoker for 12 hours.

For the Best-Ever Barbecued Ribs recipe, click here.

End your meal with a sweet, jammy blueberry pie. The blueberries should be bursting and juicy, and the crust should be suitably flaky. And, of course, every slice should be topped with ice cream.

For the Blueberry Pie recipe, click here.

Don't miss out on treating yourself to this staple chicken wing recipe on this patriotic day. Make sure you deep fry them for the ultimate crispy exterior.

For the Buffalo Wings recipe, click here.

A crisp Caesar salad, served in its creamy, indulgent dressing is the only bowl of leaves that can really live up to all the rich, flavor-packed meats served at every Fourth of July party.

For the Caesar Salad recipe, click here.

Up your burger game this Fourth of July by swapping a simple, classic burger for this rich, garlicy patty, which is topped with piles of molten, grated Cheddar and sweet, caramelized shallots.

For the Cheddar Cheeseburger With Caramelized Shallots recipe, click here.

Don't mess around too much with your hot dogs on the Fourth of July: There's a time and a place for all those fancy, extravagant toppings, but this holiday is not it.

For the Chili Cheese Dogs recipe, click here.

Make sure you remember to bake a batch of your favorite-ever brownies for your Independence Day party. An all-American holiday wouldn't be the same without these chocolaty treats.

For the Classic Brownies recipe, click here.

No patriotic barbecue was ever served without a huge bowl of slaw on the side: Thinly sliced vegetables coated in a tangy dressing hold an important place at your party.

For the Classic Coleslaw recipe, click here.

There's no other way to begin an all-American party than with these pretty, old-school, deviled eggs.

For the Classic Deviled Eggs recipe, click here.

Nothing beats a perfectly grilled steak. Keep it simple, season it gently, and let the meat and grill work together to create the most satisfying flavor.

For the Best Grilled Steak recipe, click here.

Summer's sweet, fresh corn should be used at every opportunity throughout the season. When it's at its ripest, it only needs a knob of butter and a sprinkle of salt.

For the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe, click here.

Sweet, caramelized, and fluffy cornbread is even better when eaten alongside all the grilled meats you can lay your hands on.

For the Maple Syrup Cornbread recipe, click here.

Crispy, succulent chicken is coated in a spicy, salty batter, before being baked in the oven, for a healthier, but just as delicious take on the traditional fried method.

For the Oven-Fried Chicken recipe, click here.

Sometimes there's nothing better than a classic mayonnaise-drenched, deli-style potato salad.

For the Park Deli Potato Salad recipe, click here.

Keep yourself refreshed by sipping on cup after cup of the best iced tea. Served over ice, there is nothing more thirst-quenching on a hot summer's day.

For the Perfect Iced Tea recipe, click here.

Warm pretzels, dipped in spicy mustard are always a treat, especially when the pretzels are homemade.

For the Giant Soft Pretzels recipe, click here.

Cool down with a patriotically colored watermelon cooler. This bright, sweet, refreshing drink is the perfect antidote to the incredibly tasty, but extremely rich meal.

For the Watermelon Cooler recipe, click here.