20 Festive Fourth of July Appetizers
Updated: Jun. 11, 2018Kick off your Fourth of July party with these summery light appetizer bites, dips, and finger foods.
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. Try these other ways to make a boring hot dog delicious.
“Pigs in a blanket” appetizers
This festive twist on the classic pigs in a blanket is a cute way to celebrate America’s stars and stripes for the Fourth of July. Use a cookie cutter to make puff pastry stars, place them on top of a sausage slice, and serve with a sweet and spicy mustard dipping sauce.
Jalapeño popper pull-apart bread appetizer
Get all the spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers (the ultimate party app!) with this no-fuss pull-apart bread that’s ready in about 20 minutes. These are the most spectacular Fourth of July fireworks ever.
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.
Red, white, and blue potato salad appetizer
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 pass on mayonnaise by using olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
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. Also, try making these refreshing, patriotic drinks to go along with your appetizers.
Kicked-up crackers appetizer
These firecracker crackers go well with creamy, smooth dips. This recipe turns saltines from bland to grand with ranch and red pepper flakes; baking gives them an extra crunch.
Fruit skewers and yogurt dip appetizer
Celebrate red, white, and blue with skewers of blueberries, strawberries, and star-shaped watermelon slices if you’re feeling the Fourth of July. Greek yogurt sweetened with honey, cinnamon, and orange liquor makes 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. Find out the 8 festive ways to celebrate the Fourth without leaving your house.
Tomato and mozzarella salad skewers appetizer
Tomatoes taste fresher, juicier, and sweeter in summer, which is why a simple tomato salad can come together from just tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Make yours finger food by skewering, then drizzling with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tasty treat.
Grilled vegetable skewers with pesto vinaigrette appetizer
Fresh vegetables from the garden or market make this appetizer even better. Simple: coat skewers in a quick pesto vinaigrette, and throw on the grill.
Grilled shrimp and sausage skewers with paprika glaze appetizer
Meat and seafood lovers swear by Bon Appetit’s smoky, make-ahead skewers of shrimp and andouille sausage. These are the best Independence Day vacations everyone needs to take at least once in their life.
Grilled pineapple guacamole appetizer
Pineapple rings caramelized on the grill add a smoky depth and sweetness to this party favorite.
Strawberry, roasted corn, and avocado salsa appetizer
Juicy strawberries and seasonal corn on the cob pair with creamy avocado for this sweetened, savory, summery salsa.
BBQ pork “cupcakes” appetizers
Pulled pork slathered in a spicy apple barbecue sauce, rolled up in pizza dough, and baked in a muffin tin makes hearty “cupcakes” appetizers.
Creamy pea hummus appetizers
This take on a classic hummus swaps chickpeas for sweet peas; puree with onions, spices, sour cream, and fresh mint.
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? After the appetizers, dig into these delicious Fourth of July desserts.