30 4th of July Appetizers for the Ultimate Summer Celebration
Whether you’re cooking up a feast for a small group of friends or keeping things low-key with your family, these fresh and easy 4th of July appetizers are guaranteed to impress. Kick off your Independence Day barbecue with a selection of delectable dishes—from kid-friendly finger foods like soft pretzels to elevated appetizers like mini lobster rolls—that we’re certain our forefathers would approve of. And if you need help with the rest of the menu, serve these appetizers alongside our favorite 4th of July entrées and one (or two) of these patriotic desserts for the ultimate backyard bash.
1. Blueberry, Strawberry & Jicama Salsa
There’s a little bit of heat (from the jalapeño) in this healthy dip but if you like mild salsa, feel free to leave it out.
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2. Grilled Watermelon-Feta Skewers
Sweet and tangy salad begins on the grill and the best part? There are no bowls to cleanup afterward. Now that’s a win.
RELATED: 8 Next-Level Skewer Recipes to Make on the Grill This Summer (Dessert Included)
3. Carrot Pigs in a Blanket
This lighter take on the classic will leave plenty of room for all those hot dogs and burgers later.
4. Italian Bruschetta Bar
Don't fuss about the arrangement—a random presentation is the best way to convey a relaxed vineyard vibe.
5. Avocado Deviled Eggs
A fun twist on a party favorite that you'll be serving at every BBQ you host from now until forever. Guaranteed.
6. HONEY BUFFALO CHICKEN TAQUITOS
Save time on this crowd-pleasing Fourth of July appetizer by using store-bought shredded chicken.
7. Sweet Corn Grilled Guacamole
Putting avocados on the grill gives this dip a delicious, smoky flavor.
8. Summer Crostini
How many seasonal ingredients can you fit onto a baguette? This many.
9. Chargrilled Vegetable Platter
All you need to season these guys are salt, pepper and olive oil. Toss them on the grill and you've got your own Italian-style antipasti served with tangy yogurt.
10. 10-Minute Pineapple Black Bean Tostadas
Simply lay out your tostada shells, spread them with a spoonful of black beans, a few slices of avocado and add the salsa. Voilà.
11. Keto Guacamole Burger Bites
Because everything tastes better when it’s mini (and topped off with avocado).
12. Caprese Salad
We upgraded this classic dish bursting with summer flavor by adding grilled zucchini. We promise you’ll never go back.
13. WONTON WRAPPED MOZZARELLA STICKS WITH MARINARA SAUCE
Rather than going through the trouble of coating and breading the cheese, we use wonton wrappers. The result is the same extra crispy sticks we know and love—but with way less effort.
14. Grilled Peach, Chicken and Ricotta Pizza
An excellent way to make the most out of the season's fresh fruit.
15. CILANTRO LIME AND YOGURT GRILLED CHICKEN WINGS
Any holiday get together is not complete without finger foods. And we’ve got you covered with these spicy and tangy wings.
16. Coconut Shrimp
Your favorite restaurant app is surprisingly easy to make at home (and just as delicious).
17. Sweet-and-Sour Pork Skewers with Pineapple
They’re quick and easy to whip up, and guaranteed to take your cookout to the next level. No chopsticks required.
18. CRISPY CARNITAS GUACAMOLE
Who knew that two of our favorite summer foods would pair together so nicely? Ready thy chips.
19. HOT and TANGY CAULI-RANCH BUFFALO DIP
Just substitute chicken for cauliflower rice and sautée until golden and tender. Plus the jalepeños add the perfect touch.
20. Prosciutto Bites
We take bite-sized balls of premade pizza dough, wrap them with slices of salty prosciutto and coat them with Parmesan cheese
21. Baked Gorgonzola Bites
All you need is five ingredients and 30 minutes to make this pull-apart recipe. Think of it as a savory take on monkey bread.
22. Mini Lobster Rolls
Miniature buns mean the perfect ratio of claw meat to toasted buttery bread (not to mention the presentation is next-level).
23. Spinach and artichoke stuffed soft pretzels
Baked until the pretzel is golden and the dip inside has melted and turned ooey, gooey.
24. Cheesy Polenta Bites with Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta
Piled high with all of our favorite savory adds-ons, these little guys are officially our new favorite snack.
25. Brussels Sprout Sliders
The healthiest (and cutest) alternative to buns.
26. SWEET POTATO, CORN AND FETA SALAD
A hearty side dish to serve alongside burgers and hot dogs.
27. Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs
Potato salad? Meh. Sliced watermelon? Yawn. When you’re making an appearance at a friend’s backyard barbecue, you’re going to do it in style. That’s why these Mexican street corn deviled eggs are the perfect party food. They’ll be the talk of the evening, and best of all, you can whip them up in under an hour.
28. CREAMY BROCCOLI SALAD
You can’t go wrong with cheese, cashews, onion and dried cranberries tossed in a velvety dressing.
29. MINI SKILLET PIZZAS WITH MUSHROOMS AND ROASTED TOMATOES
An easy way to please everyone? Take an all-time favorite food (pizza) and make it bite-sized.
30. MINI PEACH TARTS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND HONEY
This light, yet filling summer appetizer has just the right amount of sweetness and spice to make our mouths water for more—even better, they’re shockingly easy to make.