45+ 4th of July Appetizers for Your Cookout or Celebration
Let the summertime snacking commence!
When the 4th of July rolls around, there's nothing like curating the perfect playlist and planning out your 4th of July menu.
There are so many delicious summer side dishes and 4th of July desserts to choose from! But don't forget to consider what you and your party guests will be snacking on before any of that!
We've rounded up some of our best, easiest, and most festive 4th of July appetizers to help get the celebration started. From grilled snacks to healthier options to various chips and dips, this list has got your Independence Day appetizers covered.
Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a classic for a reason! It's one of those dips that everyone loves!
Saltines with Basil Mayo and Burst Tomatoes
This summer snack is our new favorite use for cherry tomatoes! It's also easy to whip up for your 4th of July festivities!
Get the recipe for Saltines with Basil Mayo and Burst Tomatoes.
Puff Pastry Star Cookies
Serve these simple-but-impressive patriotic stars at your July 4th party! All you need is Puff pastry and store-bought jam.
Vermouth Air Fried Shrimp
Use your air fryer to make an appetizer your 4th of July partygoers will remember. Air frying shrimp in their shells keeps the meat succulent and tender.
Red Hots & Spanish Peanuts Snack
Think of this easy-to-make snack like a mini fireworks for your mouth.
Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin
These restaurant-worthy spiced taters are easy enough to make at home! They're an excellent side dish or appetizers for the 4th of July, family dinners, and all kinds of gatherings.
Snap Pea Pesto and Shrimp Crostini
These tasty toasts make an excellent bite-sized appetizer for the 4th of July! With tons of fresh flavor from snap peas, mint, toasted almonds, and delicious shrimp!
Open-Faced Tomato and Dill Toasts
This barely-a-recipe dish is possibly the best thing you can do with a fresh, ripe tomato.
Cornmeal Butter Biscuits with Chive Butter
This simple country recipe is a must-have at dinners of all stripes.
Get the recipe for Cornmeal Butter Biscuits with Chive Butter.
The Best Loaded Nachos
This fan favorite takes a classic appetizers to a whole new level! It's perfect for tailgating, dinner parties, and holidays like the 4th of July where you need to feed a crowd. Customize to your heart's content!
Tofu, Tomato, and Zucchini Kebabs
Fresh thyme and a light marinade make these easy grilled kebabs taste incredible! They're also a great vegetarian option for your 4th of July festivities.
Pimento Cheese Bar
The "caviar of the South" has long been a go-to July 4th party food, but it can also be divisive. Some guests want to keep it classic, others want it spicy, or want more pickle in their spread. This'll keep everyone happy and feeds a crowd.
French Onion Flatbread
Flatbreads, which can be cooked ahead and then served warm or at room temp, make great apps for pre-meal snacking. This one has all the flavor of the iconic soup, but in a more nibble-able package.
Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Ranch
Kick off the festivities with crispy fried dill pickles dipped in a tangy homemade buttermilk ranch.
Cajun Sausage Puffs with Bourbon Mustard
Think of these puffs as an upgraded version of pigs in a blanket.
Get the recipe for Cajun Sausage Puffs with Bourbon Mustard.
Lemon-Herb Cheese Bites
These bite-sized balls of cheese can be noshed straight, or set upon a cracker for easy eating.
Creamy Avocado Dip with Scallions
Serve this tangy summertime dip at your July 4th shindig and people will be begging you for the recipe! It's creamy, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with crostini, crudités, and more!
Parmesan Tots with Dipping Sauce
There are tater tots...and then there are parmesan tots with a sweet-chili-and-pickle sauce. Enough said.
Buttered Leek and Gruyère Galette
Consider this rich, savory galette for your 4th of July menu. Sautéed leeks turn tender and mild, and are then mixed with rich cream, sharp Gruyère cheese, and a touch of dry wine, then baked into a freeform crust.
Crab Hush Puppies
This deep fried crabmeat and Gruyère side will be the firework of your Independence Day menu.
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