Spicy 4th of July Recipes for Hot Sauce Lovers

These fiery recipes from El Yucateco are the perfect 4th of July menu to add culinary sparks to your Independence Day holiday.

Recipes for the 4th of July can range from a no-frills hot dog to a fancy red-white-and-blue multi-layered dessert and everything in between. Some people go for beer and brats, others for a beachside clam bake. While there are a lot of good 4th of July food options, we wanted to pull together a collection for the #SpiceLovers, the #ChiliHeads, the #FlavorHounds, and the #HeatSeekers. Yucateco fans, these are for you.

4th of July Appetizers

Any good cookout starts with an array of snacks to keep everyone satisfied while the grillmaster works their magic. These additions will kick up your summer spread.

Black Label Hummus

This is the perfect simple starter to keep everyone happy while the grill work gets started. It's also ridiculously easy to pull together.

Fire-Eater Chicken Wings

These wings earn their name from the Kutbil-Ik XXXtra Hot Habanero Sauce in the glaze. For a milder yet still kickin' version, swap the XXX for Red Habanero Hot Sauce.

Jalapeño Poppers

You can't go wrong with classic jalapeño poppers. These incorporate a little El Yucateco Red Habanero Sauce to add back the heat that gets cooked out of the jalapeños.

Spiced Up Grill Classics

Nothing tastes quite as good as a meal hot off the grill. Maybe it's the smoke, maybe it's being outdoors, but the food always tastes amazing. We have an array of meats and veg here to feed your whole crew until the fireworks start.

Firecracker Ribs

These ribs were made for 4th of July celebrations. The fireworks in your mouth will be better than the fireworks in the sky.

They do take a few hours to do up right, but the result is 100% worth it.

Double Bacon Chili Dogs

If you didn't try this recipe out for Memorial Day, now is the time!

El Yucateco takes your classic Independence Day hot dog on the grill and elevates it to new heights of succulent bacon-y smokiness.

Plus, the chili can be prepared ahead of time, so the only weekend cook time is for the bacon-wrapped dogs themselves.

Kickin' Chicken Sandwich (or Veg Burger)

Chicken doesn't have to be boring! This sandwich owns center stage on any spice-lover's plate.

As a bonus, the Habanero Mayo and spice rub also work beautifully on a veggie patty or portabello burger.

Firecracker Grilled Corn

This grilled corn is so easy it'll become a part of your weeknight dinner routine.

Ingredients:

• 2 ears fresh corn, with some husk remaining

• 2 Tablespoons salt

• bowl of water

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

• 1 teaspoon El Yucateco Jalapeño Sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• salt

• pepper

Instructions:

1. Clean outer husk from corn, leaving 1-2 layers covering all sides of the ear. Gently pull down remaining husk leaves without separating them from the ear and clean away all silk. Fold husk leaves back around the ear.

2. Mix 2 tablespoons of salt into a shallow bowl of water. Soak husk-wrapped ears in salt water for 5-10 minutes. Don't worry about completely submerging the corn. You can turn the ears periodically to make sure all the husk is hydrated.

3. Preheat your grill.

4. Mix the olive oil, Jalapeño Sauce, and garlic powder together.

5. Fold the hydrated husk leaves down again without separating them from the ear. Brush the oil and hot sauce mixture over the kernels. Fold the husk back up to protect the ear.

6. Grill the corn over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, 5 minutes on each side.

7. To eat, peel down the husk and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Saucy Sides

Filling out your 4th of July menu is easy with these tasty sides that pack a punch.

Grilled Corn Salad

This fresh and healthy side doesn't skimp on spice or flavor. It's your main dish's best friend.

Smoked Chili Mac and Cheese

This dish actually makes a good main course as well. Its punchy flavor makes everyone smile.

Summer Heat Kale Salad

This is a fresh summer salad that packs an unexpected kick of heat and flavor. Whip it up the morning before your BBQ for a healthy and satisfying complement to the meal.

4th of July Desserts

Wrap up the day in style with these sweet and spicy treats.

S'mores Bar

Toasty summer s'mores are the perfect ending to a meal on the grill.

Item #10 in this article about Easy Summer Entertaining lays out all the tasty ingredients you'll need to build a better bar (for s'mores).

Double Chocolate S'mores Cookies

If you want the toasted goodness of s'mores without the mess of fire and hot sugar, make these easy and chocolatey cookies ahead of time. All the flavor with none of the mess.

Chipotle Brownies

These rich chocolate brownies are topped by a smooth chipotle ganache. The flavor is reminiscent of Mayan chocolate, with sweet, spicy, and rich chocolate flavor.

Get Your Spice On!

Try out some of these fiery recipes this Independence Day and raise the bar on your holiday menu. If you like a kick, these dishes won't disappoint.

If you're looking to give back this summer while winning cool prizes, check out GrillPerks' Summer of Love Sweepstakes! They've teamed up with Operation BBQ Relief to support communities affected by disasters all over the United States. For every cash prize, they'll donate hot meals to communities in need.

For more awesome entertaining tips and saucy recipes, check out these other posts:

How to Grill a Better Burger

10 Tips for the Easiest Backyard Party

Best Tailgating Cocktails

Looking for even more spicy summer recipes, grill tips, and ways to level up your summer? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or YouTube for more great ideas, all summer long!

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