30 Easy 4th of July Appetizers

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Easy 4th of July appetizers that you can make ahead or bring to a potluck party. These fun and festive recipes are filled with red, white, and blue ingredients and perfect for summer entertaining.

A photo collage shows a 4th of July party next to photos of easy appetizers to serve.

The best 4th of July appetizers focus on fresh in-season produce and add tons of flavor and texture to your party menu.

From cold and creamy dips, fresh fruit and vegetable salsas, and crispy hot crostini bites, I've included all the best party appetizers for your backyard bash.

The most important thing to remember is, you can honestly turn any appetizer into a 4th of July appetizer by just serving it a festive dish or adding red, white, and blue party plates and napkins to the buffet table!

Firecracker Cream Cheese Pinwheels

This spicy cream cheese pinwheels recipe has been a fan favorite for years. It is my most popular 4th of July appetizer on the whole site!

People love it because you can make it ahead the day before and then just slice and serve the pinwheels at the party.

They are the perfect appetizer to bring to a potluck because they travel so well.

Firecracker Cream Cheese Pinwheels
This easy appetizer is the perfect spicy make-ahead dish for potluck parties. Fresh veggies mixed with cream cheese are rolled up into flavored tortillas and served in bite-sized portions.
4.38 from 8 votes
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A platter of spicy firecracker pinwheels appetizers shows the meat and veggies rolled up in the tortilla.

Watermelon and Blue Cheese Platter

Watermelon is an essential 4th of July menu item but this year, why not try something a little different?

Slice up your watermelon and arrange it on a platter but add a jar of this easy Greek yogurt blue cheese dressing? You could also add a bowl of salted pecans for crunch.

The two flavors go so well together and it would be a delicious new way to serve fresh watermelon as an appetizer.

Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese Dressing
This healthy blue cheese dressing is made with Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise. Packed with flavor, you only need a little drizzle to add amazing punch to your salad greens.
5 from 1 vote
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A mason jar filled with homemade blue cheese dressing sits in front of a bowl full of lettuce.

Roast Beef Crostini

This easy roast beef crostini party appetizer can be served all assembled like you see below or you can lay out the elements to build your own crostini bites on a pretty platter.

Pile up the roast beef in a chilled tray, set out a big bowl of the tomatoes and a jar of the sour cream horseradish sauce.

Gather a batch of crispy crostini toasts into a bread basket and set them together on the buffet table.

Roast Beef Crostini
Easy beef crostini with horseradish cream is the perfect prep ahead appetizer for the holiday. Serve as an assembled small bite or as part of a snack board or charcuterie.
5 from 1 vote
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A plate of roast beef crostini with horseradish cream and cherry tomatoes.

Fresh Strawberry Bruschetta

This perfectly pretty fresh strawberry bruschetta is a fun way to add a dash more bright red color to your party menu.

Since strawberries are in season, try pairing them with fresh basil for a delicious appetizer your guests will love.

Strawberry Bruschetta
This easy party appetizer recipe is perfect for strawberry season. You can have an elegant apptizer in just minutes!
5 from 1 vote
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2 crostini toasts are topped with diced strawberries and a sprinkle of fresh basil to show the strawberry bruschetta appetizer. A plate of crostini sits in the background.

Peach Blueberry Salsa Bites

Another great way to use crispy crostini is to assemble a batch of my peach blueberry salsa bites.

Put the fresh fruit mixture in a big bowl and let guests build their own appetizers.

Peach Blueberry Bites
This elegant appetizer is perfect for summertime entertaining. Fresh peaches, blueberries, and basil are mixed with a spicy jalapeรฑo and served alongside crispy crostini.
5 from 1 vote
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A crostini toast has diced peaches, blueberries, and fresh thyme leaves on a blue plate.

Bruschetta al Pomodoro with Crostini

Though this is a classic Italian recipe, this no cook appetizer has the festive red color the 4th of July needs!

Bruschetta al Pomodoro
The classic Italian recipe, bruschetta al pomodoro, includes a toasted crostini topped with an easy tomato, basil, garlic topping. Drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, this is a delicious appetizer to serve when tomatoes are at their peak.
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A plate of bruschetta pomodoro with a bowl of the tomato topping.

Chicken Enchilada Dip

Party guests just seem to love dipping tortilla chips into things and there are few better options than my easy make ahead chicken enchilada dip.

This is the perfect not-too-spicy chicken dip to pair with a tortilla chip!

Chicken Enchilada Dip
This cool and creamy chicken enchilada dip is served cold with tortilla chips for dunking. Use a rotisserie chicken for easy prep.
4.91 from 55 votes
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A blue bowl filled with chicken enchilada dip.

Caprese Salad

To make the perfect red, white, and blue appetizer with fresh produce, arrange my easy caprese salad with a sprinkle of blueberries.

Believe it or not, blueberries pair perfectly with the mozzarella and balsamic vinegar drizzle over the top!

Caprese Salad
Tomato caprese salad is a classic Italian appetizer or side dish that is best made during summer when the tomatoes are at their peak season. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for an elegant dish.
5 from 2 votes
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A sliced tomato, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze on a plate with a fork.

Deviled Eggs

Is it even a party if there aren't a tray of deviled eggs on the table?? In the south, most hosts would say they are essential.

My easy recipe is filled with flavor but is made without mayonnaise.

Classic Deviled Eggs
These creamy deviled eggs can be made with or without mayo using ranch or sour cream. Easy to prep ahead to bring to a potluck party or serve at a special event.
5 from 2 votes
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A platter of deviled eggs has a yellow salt and pepper shaker in the center.

Mini Hot Dogs & Potato Chips

This tasty buffalo blue cheese potato chips recipe was inspired by one of our favorite appetizers from a local restaurant.

Using little cocktail hot dogs as the protein here is a fun twist on the classic 4th of July hot dog.

Buffalo Blue Cheese Potato Chips
Salty sausages tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce make for a fun spin on traditional nachos. Top potato chips with the mixture along with a creamy blue cheese dressing and chopped green onions.
5 from 1 vote
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A plate of potato chips has buffalo and blue cheese dressing drizzled over he top with green onions sprinkled and little sausages scattered.

Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

My easy crescent roll veggie pizza recipe could be a fun way to arrange an American flag appetizer with just rows of chopped red vegetables like tomatoes and red bell peppers.

But an easy way to turn any appetizer into a 4th of July appetizer is to just make sure to serve it with festive napkins and plates.

Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
This cold veggie pizza appetizer is a favorite party snack that is easy to make ahead the day before. Buttery crescent roll dough is spread with ranch seasoned cream cheese and topped with your favorite raw veggies.
4.96 from 41 votes
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A veggie pizza has been sliced and served with a small spatula.

Poolside Dip

There's just something so addicting about this cold and creamy veggie dip loaded with sweet corn, bell peppers, and fresh cilantro.

Serve my poolside dip with a basket of thin wheat crackers, they are hearty enough to hold up to the thick texture of the dip.

Pool Side Dip
This easy corn dip is delicious served room temperature or chilled. Just add some savory crackers for dunking.
4.93 from 55 votes
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A creamy dip with corn, peppers, and cilantro sits in a bowl surrounded by wheat crackers.

Mango Strawberry Salsa

This cool mango strawberry salsa is served with cinnamon sugar pita chips for dunking.

It is a refreshing appetizer that is also right at home on the dessert table.

Mango Strawberry Salsa
Fresh mango and fresh strawberries come together in this easy to prepare sweet mango strawberry salsa that tastes amazing served with cinnamon pita chips for dunking.
5 from 1 vote
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A bowl of strawberry mango salsa has a blue spoon and cinnamon pita chips on the plate next to it.

Seasoned Pretzels

I included 16 different flavor ideas for my homemade seasoned pretzels recipe.

You could do either a savory OR a sweet version.

Want to make them look more festive? Make the cinnamon sugar pretzels (idea # 9) and toss in a bag of red, white, and blue M&Ms for a simple snack mix.

Seasoned Pretzels
Mix and match your favorite spices to make easy homemade seasoned pretzels that your family will love. The only pretzel recipe you need for holiday entertaining all season long!
4.90 from 56 votes
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A serving bowl of square pretzels that have been baked and seasoned.

Shrimp Platter with Dipping Sauces

Make an easy batch of my shrimp in an air fryer or my 3-ingredient seasoned boiled shrimp and pile them high on a platter alongside 2 - 3 cups of dipping sauces for shrimp.

Be sure to use a chilled appetizer container like this acrylic chilled serving piece. It will keep both the shrimp and dipping sauces safe from the heat.

Air Fryer Shrimp
Learn how to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer for a fast and easy appetizer or seafood dinner on a busy night. Season the shrimp and use them to add to a pasta dish, top a salad, wrap in a tortilla for shrimp tacos, or add to a healthy rice bowl.
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A platter of cooked shrimp next to a dipping cup of sauce for dunking.
Boiled Shrimp
Caraway seeds and bay leaves season the boiling water for the most delicious boiled shrimp. This method makes easy peel and eat shrimp for serving with shrimp cocktail.
5 from 43 votes
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A serving dish filled with boiled shrimp with caraway seeds.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese

If you really want to impress your guests, make a batch of my southern fried green tomatoes in your air fryer or oven and pair them with a big bowl of this easy homemade pimento cheese spread.

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
These classic southern fried green tomatoes make an amazing appetizer with pimento cheese but could also be used to make a crispy tomato sandwich or served on a bed of lettuce for a vegetarian dinner you could serve to company.
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A serving of fried green tomatoes has a bowl of pimento cheese for topping.
Homemade Pimento Cheese
This delicious classic pimento cheese spread is perfect for serving alongside a platter of buttery crackers or using as the base for a pimento cheese sandwich. Just a touch spicy with a little dash of sweetness, it is the perfect texture.
5 from 1 vote
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A bowl of homemade pimento cheese is served on a plate with butter crackers.

Dill Dip for Veggies

Stick with predominately red veggies if you want to be festive, but this easy creamy dill dip is the perfect partner for cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper strips.

Dill Dip for Veggies
This easy dill dip for veggies or chips is a quick cold dip for serving at your next party. Delicious when paired with fresh baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, raw broccoli, and celery sticks.
4.96 from 47 votes
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A bowl of dill dip has a baby carrot dipping in it. Cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs are on the platter behind it.

Pineapple Salsa

Pineapple salsa is a great choice for an appetizer with tortilla chips but also makes an excellent topping for grilled fish, grilled chicken, or grilled pork, too.

Pineapple Salsa for Tacos
Make this fresh pineapple salsa to spoon over your favorite shrimp, fish, or chicken tacos. It adds a burst of citrus juice and tons of flavor to every bite. You could also spoon it over grilled fish or baked chicken seasoned with blackening spices or jerk seasoning for an easy family dinner.
5 from 1 vote
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The white bowl filled with pineapple salsa.

Easy Crab Melts

Celebrate America's birthday from "sea to shining sea" with these deliciously easy crab melts.

You can serve them in generous squares as shown or cut each crab melt into quarters for 4 smaller bite-sized appetizers.

Easy Crab Melts
This rich and delicious crab melt recipe makes a perfect party appetizer or simple dinner entree. Sweet lump crab meat is mixed together with savory cheeses and melted on fresh ciabatta bread.
4.89 from 9 votes
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A platter of cheesy crab melts have green onions sprinkled over the top.

Easy Taco Bites

If you're serving hot dogs, brats, or grilled chicken instead of hamburgers for your main dish, you might want to add these easy taco bites as a party appetizer.

They are a fun and spicy way to add a little ground beef to the menu while stretching it for a crowd.

Easy Taco Bites
This is the easiest taco bites recipe ever because it uses prepared phyllo cups and an easy beef taco filling. Prep it ahead of time and bake just before serving for a mess-free appetizer.
5 from 1 vote
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Bite-sized taco phyllo dough cups with melted cheese on top.

Cold Spinach Dip

This is another wonderful make ahead cold dip for a party.

My daughter and I are both obsessed with this easy cold spinach dip and how it tastes with bagel chips for dunking.

Cold Spinach Dip
This easy spinach dip recipe is best served chilled. Simply mix together the spinach and cream cheese base for a delicious dip for bagel chips and crackers.
4.88 from 8 votes
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A bowl of spinach dip is served with bagel chips for dipping.

Spicy Taco Dip

Such a colorful and pretty veggie-heavy party dip, spicy taco dip is a party classic for a reason.

For the holiday, why not save the chopped tomatoes for the top of the mix?

Spicy Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
This is the best ever spicy taco dip with cream cheese because of Mom's secret tricks! Serve it at your Cinco de Mayo party or for Taco Tuesday. At a party, you'll find the pan practically licked clean by your guests.
5 from 1 vote
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A container of homemade taco dip has a spicy cream cheese filling and is topped with shredded cheese and lettuce. A serving spoon has scooped a portion out.

Tzatziki Sauce

Planning a more Mediterranean menu for your cookout? This creamy tzatziki sauce is made with grated cucumber and is a light and refreshing dip for cherry tomatoes and pita chips.

Tzatziki Sauce
This easy tzatziki sauce for gyros can also be used as a veggie dip or served with crispy pita chips for a cool and creamy appetizer.
5 from 35 votes
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A blue bowl filled with homemade tzatziki sauce has fresh cherry tomatoes, pita chips for dipping, and a sprig of fresh dill.

Easy Homemade Salsa

This restaurant-style homemade salsa starts with canned tomatoes, can you believe it? My kids are obsessed with this recipe and it makes a nice big batch, perfect for a party.

I know you can just buy a prepared salsa from the store, but the fresh onion, cilantro, and lime juice in this recipe makes it taste soooooo much butter.

Easy Homemade Salsa
Homemade salsa is easy to make using canned tomatoes for convenience and fresh vegetables to add flavor and texture. Leftover salsa can be frozen for later.
5 from 1 vote
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A bowl of homemade salsa has a spoon on the right and a pile of restaurant style tortilla chips on the plate around it.

Chunky Corn Salsa

This chunky corn salsa actually makes an amazing hot dog, hamburger, or chicken sandwich topping, too.

Serve it as an appetizer and let guests eat it with a fork almost like a salad or let them use it to accent the main dish.

Chunky Corn Salsa
This fresh chunky corn salad is loaded with veggies and makes an excellent topping for fried chicken sandwiches or for dunking with tortilla chips.
5 from 1 vote
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A jar of chunky corn salsa has fresh tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro. There's a plastic fork digging in.

Creamy Piรฑa Colada Dip

This creamy piรฑa colada fruit dip is a popular party appetizer. Set it out with trays of fresh pineapple and watermelon for a refreshing and chilled treat.

Piรฑa Colada Fruit Dip
This sweet and creamy piรฑa colada fruit dip is just perfect for dunking fresh pineapple, strawberries, or crisp ginger cookies into at your next party.
5 from 4 votes
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A ruffled bowl of pina colada dip has shredded coconut on top and is surrounded by fresh strawberries, pineapple, and gingersnap cookies.

Sweet and Spicy Peach Salsa

I love the unexpected flavor of this sweet and spicy peach salsa that has red bell peppers and fresh cilantro in the mix.

It adds a lovely burst of color to your party table.

Sweet and Spicy Peach Salsa
Fresh juicy peaches mixed with red onion and bell peppers makes a surprisingly different fresh salsa for summer entertaining. Excellent served with grilled chicken or fish.
5 from 3 votes
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A bowl of homemade chunky peach salsa has a blue spoon for serving.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Want to serve lots of hearty appetizers and snacks instead of a single main dish? These easy ham and cheese sliders would definitely help fill up your 4th of July party friends fast.

Gooey Ham and Cheese Sliders
These totally easy, utterly delicious, Hawaiian roll ham and cheese sliders are perfect for making for your next party. Make a big pan in minutes and watch them disappear.
4.70 from 10 votes
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A filled baking pan of mini ham sliders with butter dripping off the top and a sprinkle of poppyseeds on each one.

Cuban Sliders

If one kind of slider is good, I think a second slider recipe would be even better.

Give your guests options by adding these easy cuban sliders to the menu. Made with leftover pork and ham with a pickle hiding inside.

Cuban Sliders
Use up leftover pork to make these easy Cuban pork slider sandwiches with ooey gooey cheese and a crispy pickle. They make a delicious family dinner or easy appetizer for friends. This is the party size version of the smaller kid-friendly recipe featured in The Totally Awesome Ultimate Kids' Cookbook.
5 from 5 votes
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A white platter of mini slider sandwiches.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Take your slider game right over the top and offer THREE kinds of sliders for the ultimate party buffet table!

My easy bbq chicken sliders recipe is easy to make with crockpot BBQ chicken.

BBQ Chicken Sliders
These easy to assemble BBQ chicken sliders have just the right amount of filling, melting cheese, and a deliciously buttery crisp topping. They will fly off the baking pan at your next party or family game night.
5 from 2 votes
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A metal baking pan has 3 rows of baked bbq chicken sliders showing the melted cheese oozing out.

Crock Pot Little Smokies

Hot dogs and the 4th go hand in hand, but why not mix things up and serve a Crock Pot of Little Smokies in barbecue sauce??

Crock Pot Little Smokies
Savory bite-sized sausages in a sweet and tangy sauce with just a hint of heat. Keep these cocktail sausages warm in a slowcooker on your party table for hours.
5 from 1 vote
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Saucy little hot dogs are in a slowcooker being stirred by a spoon.

Roasted Mini Potatoes with Dipping Sauces

The best party appetizers also work as an easy side dish, you can just set them out and let guests nibble all during the party.

Why not make a huge tray of my easy roasted mini potatoes, they'd pair great with a hamburger or hot dog and be a nice change from potato chips.

Add a couple easy dipping sauces for the potatoes and let guests enjoy them as an easy appetizer.

Oven Roasted Mini Potatoes and Onions
These crispy roasted mini potatoes with onions, mustard, and simple seasonings are an easy side dish to make any time of year. Pair it with your favorite main dish, they work great with chicken, pork, sausages, and even fish.
5 from 1 vote
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A white bowl of roasted potatoes.
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce
Make the deliciously famous chicken nugget and french fry dip everyone adores with this easy copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce recipe that uses easy pantry ingredients you have right at home.
Serve the sauce chilled from the fridge with a warm fresh batch of oven baked or air fried frozen chicken nuggets or your favorite baked french fries or potato wedges.
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A platter of chicken nuggets has a cup of copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce for dunking.
Raspberry Mustard
This sweet and spicy mustard dip is perfect for dunking homemade seasoned pretzels for an easy party snack.
4.34 from 3 votes
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A blue bowl filled with raspberry mustard has a spoon and is surrounded by seasoned pretzels.

More Party Planning Tips

Planning a 4th of July party is the easiest with these simple tips.

Now that you've got all the appetizers you need, be sure to check out my easy desserts for the 4th of July and check out all the easy 4th of July potluck recipes and 4th of July side dishes you need for the perfect backyard bash.

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A photo collage shows a 4th of July party next to photos of easy appetizers to serve.

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