30 Festive Fourth of July Appetizers
Updated: May 23, 2023
Kick off your Fourth of July party with these summery light appetizer bites, dips, salads, and finger foods.
Feast on the Fourth
Planning on hosting a gathering for Independence Day? Among all of the 4th of July ideas you’ll need, you know that good food makes a party—and Fourth of July appetizers start the celebration right. The Fourth provides a great opportunity for delicious, fun, and festive summery treats. Here are some recipes for 4th of July appetizers, from pasta salad to sliders to wings, that you can munch on while you play these 4th of July games. And of course, when you’re planning your party, don’t forget about 4th of July desserts!
Inside out veggie dip
These are the perfect bite-sized appetizers to serve at your Fourth of July barbecue. Cut up cucumbers and bite-sized tomatoes and add a dollop of cream cheese dip or your own veggie dip.
Beefy chili dogs
Hot dogs make great 4th of July appetizers for a summer party. Dollop these with succulent chili, but be warned—your guests may not be hungry for the main course!
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Baked crab dip
Cracking crabs by the ocean sounds nice, doesn’t it? Whisk yourself there with this dip, packed with crab meat and garnished with green onions and veggies.
Patriotic taco salad
Redesign tacos in a different way. Mix all of the taco fillings into a 13×9 pan. Use tomatoes and cheese as the stripes and olives as the stars for an American flag.
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Grilled firecracker potato salad
Stay on theme (sort of) for these Fourth of July appetizers with this “firecracker” potato salad. A dressing with cayenne pepper and paprika provides some heat to a summer barbecue favorite.
Star-spangled parfaits
Celebrate red, white, and blue with a jar of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries if you’re feeling the Fourth of July. Greek yogurt, raspberry walnut vinaigrette, mint, and coconut make these feel grown-up.
Patriotic pizza
This might be more of a dessert than an appetizer, but since pizza is in the name it’s okay to serve it before the main course. Top a sweet pizza crust with strawberries, blueberries, and icing for a dish that will look great in any Fourth of July spread.
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Caprese salad kabobs
Tomatoes taste fresher, juicier, and sweeter in summer, which is why a simple Caprese salad can come together from just tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Make yours a finger food by skewering, then drizzling with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
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Spicy shrimp & watermelon kabobs
The shrimp-and-watermelon combo might seem bizarre, but we bet you’ll find it delectable! Especially when it’s garnished with Sriracha, soy sauce, and honey. Our mouths are watering!
Grilled avocado guacamole appetizer
Grilled onions and avocado add a smoky depth to this party favorite, and jalapeños add some spice!
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Strawberry tomato salsa appetizer
Juicy strawberries pair with cherry tomato for this sweet, savory, summery salsa.
Watermelon cucumber salsa appetizer
Vary your Fourth of July party with a salsa made from cucumber, watermelon, and spicy jalapeños.
Maple pulled pork buns
Pulled pork slathered in maple syrup, rolled up in a jelly-roll style, and baked makes a hearty, cheesy appetizer.
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Southwest hummus dip
This take on a classic hummus combines chickpeas with garbanzo beans, corn, peppers, and tomatoes.
Mushroom cheese bread
Mozzarella, parmesan, optional cheddar, and veggies make this appetizer irresistible. The reader behind this recipe suggests pairing it with barbecued steak, baked potatoes, or corn on the cob. Count us in!
Summer orzo
Summery dishes like these make perfect 4th of July appetizers. This salad is loaded with delicious ingredients, like corn, almonds, feta, and cucumbers.
Sliders with spicy berry sauce
This flavor combo—and its red, white, and blue aesthetic—will make these Fourth of July appetizers a winner. They might seem like a lot of work with so many (tasty) ingredients, but they’re not too difficult to make!
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Heirloom tomato galette with pecorino
Who says pizza can’t be as much a staple of a Fourth of July feast as barbecue?! This simple, delicious summer treat will have your guests craving more.
American wings
These game-changing wings make a perfect appetizer for any summer holiday. How can you go wrong with spicy wings, blue cheese dressing, and celery? While you’re enjoying your 4th of July appetizers, share mouth-watering photos with these picture-perfect 4th of July captions.
