Celebrate Canada Day with a lineup of classic Canadian recipes perfect for any backyard BBQ, lakeside picnic, or cozy get-together. These 18 dishes highlight some of the country’s most iconic eats: think poutine, butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, and Caesar cocktails, along with some summer favorites. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want to cook something that feels a little extra Canadian, this list has you covered.
Maple Cinnamon Cold Brew
Cool down with a Canadian twist on your coffee. This Maple Cinnamon Cold Brew combines smooth cold brew coffee with oat milk, real maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s creamy, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet.
Get the recipe: Maple Cinnamon Cold Brew
Maple and Brown Butter Tarts
This take on classic Canadian butter tarts uses pure maple syrup instead of corn syrup for an extra hit of Canadian flavor. Baked in a soft, flaky pastry crust, these tarts are a Canada Day essential.
Get the recipe: Maple and Brown Butter Tarts
Honey Dill Sauce
This simple 3-ingredient Honey Dill dip is a Manitoba favorite and comes together in just five minutes. It’s the perfect dipping sauce for crispy fries, chicken fingers, or anything else that needs a sweet and tangy kick.
Get the recipe: Honey Dill Sauce
Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Cool off on Canada Day with a batch of no-churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream. The candied pecans add a toasty, caramel-like flavor to the smooth and creamy base, and you don’t need an ice cream maker to pull it off.
Get the recipe: Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Maple Cream Cookies
Celebrate Canada Day with homemade Maple Cream Cookies. These crunchy maple-flavored cookies are filled with a sweet maple cream and come together quickly with simple ingredients.
Get the recipe: Maple Cream Cookies
Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers
These jalapeño cheddar burgers are packed with flavor thanks to herby grilled patties, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy jalapeño ranch sauce. Perfect for the grill or stovetop, they’re a summer favorite that works year-round.
Get the recipe: Jalapeno Cheddar Burgers
Maple Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is a quick way to upgrade any dessert. For a Canadian twist, sweeten it with maple syrup instead of sugar. It’s great for topping pies, spooning over fruit, or stirring into iced coffee.
Get the recipe: Maple Whipped Cream
Vegetarian Poutine
This vegetarian poutine is a meatless take on a Canadian classic. Hot fries get topped with cheese curds and a rich vegetarian gravy. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s an easy comfort food win.
Get the recipe: Vegetarian Poutine
Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that belongs at your Canada Day table. With chopped dill pickles, tender pasta, and a homemade tangy dressing, it’s packed with flavor and crunch.
Get the recipe: Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Raspberry Cheesecake Shots
Try these mini raspberry cheesecakes in jars for a cute and easy Canada Day dessert. They’ve got a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and sweet raspberry topping: all prepped in individual jars.
Get the recipe: Raspberry Cheesecake Shots
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad is full of texture with crisp broccoli, toasted pepitas, and a creamy chipotle mayo dressing. It’s an easy make-ahead salad that pairs well with grilled mains.
Get the recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo bars are a no-bake Canadian classic made with a graham cracker and nut base, a smooth custard layer, and a rich chocolate topping. They’re perfect for potlucks and always a hit.
Get the recipe: Nanaimo Bars
Green Tea Lemonade
Green Tea Lemonade is a refreshing drink made by mixing brewed green tea with a homemade lemonade base. Serve it over ice for a drink that tastes just like the one from your favorite coffee shop.
Get the recipe: Green Tea Lemonade
Canadian Caesar Cocktails
Celebrate Canada Day with a Caesar, Canada’s go-to cocktail. Made with clamato juice, lime, hot sauce, and a few seasonings, this drink is bold, savory, and perfect for sipping on a summer patio.
Get the recipe: Canadian Caesar Cocktails
Lemonade with Simple Syrup
Homemade lemonade is a summertime essential. Mix fresh lemon juice with simple syrup and cold water, then serve over lots of ice. Adjust the sweetness to your taste for the perfect balance.
Get the recipe: Lemonade with Simple Syrup
Date Bars
Canadian date bars are a sweet, wholesome dessert packed with dates, oats, coconut, and cinnamon. They’re chewy, filling, and make a great treat for dessert or a midday snack.
Get the recipe: Date Bars
Pierogi Poutine
Pierogi Poutine is a fun twist on two Canadian favorites. Crispy fries and pierogies are layered with gravy, cheese curds, fried onions, bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a loaded, over-the-top dish that’s perfect for celebrating.
Get the recipe: Pierogi Poutine
Blackstone Smash Burgers
Smash burgers on the Blackstone are a great pick for Canada Day grilling. They’re crisp on the edges, juicy in the middle, and cook fast on a hot griddle. Serve them with grilled onions, toasted buns, and whatever toppings you like best.
Get the recipe: Blackstone Smash Burgers
