Kick off your Fourth of July party with these summery light appetizer bites, dips, salads, and finger foods.
30 Festive Fourth of July Appetizers
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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!
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Hot dog sliders
This fun appetizer adds a sweet kick to the classic American hot dog. The fresh flavor of the salsa is perfect for a hot July day. After grilling up some hotdogs, top them with a mixture of pineapple, mango, onion, pepper, and lime juice.
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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.
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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!
RELATED: Essential Fourth of July Side Dishes
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Tomato-basil pull-apart rolls
Get all the cheesy, garlicky goodness of yummy cheese bread (the ultimate party app!) with this no-fuss pull-apart bread that’s ready in under an hour.
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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.
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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.
RELATED: American Flag Photos That Will Make You Feel Patriotic
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Red, white, and blue potato salad
Potato salad loves picnics like nothing else. Give yours a patriotic touch for the Fourth of July by using red, white, and blue potatoes, and dress it up with bacon, sour cream, mayonnaise, and mustard.
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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.
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Flag salad
This gorgeous appetizer is almost too pretty to eat. Cover the bottom of a large serving dish with arugula and top it with cut-up feta cheese, watermelon, and blueberries.
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Spicy cheese crackers
These firecracker crackers are perfect for munching plain or dipping. This recipe turns saltines from bland to grand with cheddar and red pepper flakes; baking gives them an extra crunch.
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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.
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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.
RELATED: 4th of July Jokes
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Greek deli kabobs
We won’t tell if you enjoy these delicious Greek apps on American Independence Day. Broccoli, roasted red peppers, and salami provide a tasty twist on a classic mozzarella-based kabob. Drizzle with Greek vinaigrette for a tangy treat.
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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.
RELATED: Best 4th of July Movies
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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!
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Grilled avocado guacamole appetizer
Grilled onions and avocado add a smoky depth to this party favorite, and jalapeños add some spice!
RELATED: Patriotic 4th of July Decorations to Celebrate in Style
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Strawberry tomato salsa appetizer
Juicy strawberries pair with cherry tomato for this sweet, savory, summery salsa.
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Watermelon cucumber salsa appetizer
Vary your Fourth of July party with a salsa made from cucumber, watermelon, and spicy jalapeños.
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Maple pulled pork buns
Pulled pork slathered in maple syrup, rolled up in a jelly-roll style, and baked makes a hearty, cheesy appetizer.
RELATED: 4th of July Quotes
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Southwest hummus dip
This take on a classic hummus combines chickpeas with garbanzo beans, corn, peppers, and tomatoes.
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Honey lime coleslaw
Coleslaw makes a great appetizer. Spice yours up with this honey, lime, and red pepper recipe that opts for a vinaigrette instead of mayo and that you can whip up in a quick 20 minutes.
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Fourth of July baked beans
Yes, the reader behind this recipe actually included “Fourth of July” in the title! You can’t beat a classic, hearty, picnic-friendly batch of baked beans—these include beef and bacon for some extra savoriness.
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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!
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Avocado & artichoke pasta salad
Summery and delicious, this pasta salad will surely be a hit.
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Color It Ruby salad
You may have to look elsewhere for the white and blue, but this ruby-red concoction combines favorite summery flavors for a tangy, fruity hit. (The reader who sent in the recipe does suggest sprinkling on a mild white cheese.)
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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.
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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!
RELATED: The History of Fourth of July and Why We Celebrate It
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Sweet onion pimento cheese deviled eggs
Be warned—these are sure to vanish quickly! After munching on these pimento-garnished treats, you may never go back to classic deviled eggs.
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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.
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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.
