These easy 4th of July appetizers will get your Independence Day cookout off to a delicious start! They include fun finger foods, party dips, and more.
Need 4th of July appetizer ideas? We’re here to help!
I’ve rounded up 25 of our best 4th of July appetizers below. They include show-stopping snack platters, fun finger foods, crowd-pleasing party dips, and more. Most showcase fresh summer produce (my favorite 4th of July recipes usually do!), and all of them are delicious. Take a look through—I’m sure you’ll find some you love!
Finger Food 4th of July Appetizers
Elote
If you ask me, grilled corn on the cob is a must at any 4th of July party. But instead of serving it as a side dish, dress it up with elote fixings for an easy appetizer! Creamy, crunchy, zesty, and smoky, it’s a HUGE crowd pleaser.
Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs are a perfect appetizer for any occasion, Fourth of July included! I like to cook the hard-boiled eggs a day ahead for easy assembly.
Caprese Skewers
Don’t mess with a classic Caprese salad at your 4th of July cookout. These bite-size skewers capture the same delicious flavors while being 1) way cuter and 2) easier to eat!
Tomato Bruschetta
Going for an elegant Italian vibe? I’m here for it! Serve guests this simple tomato bruschetta with an Aperol spritz or Hugo spritz to drink.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
These crispy pickles are one of those 4th of July appetizers that just scream fun. Serve them with my easy remoulade sauce for dipping!
Blistered Shishito Peppers
I swear that every shishito pepper I’ve ever eaten is mild, but rumor has it that 1 in 10 is spicy. This makes them a really fun summer appetizer—will any of your guests get a hot one?
Crowd-Pleasing Party Dips
7 Layer Dip
This recipe makes a lot of dip, but don’t expect to come home with leftovers. Inspired by my mom’s famous 7 layer dip, it’s seriously delicious. It’ll disappear before you know it!
Cowboy Caviar
This dip is a perfect appetizer for a 4th of July party because it actually tastes better if you make it ahead. Prep it up to 2 days in advance—the zesty flavors will develop as it sits in the fridge.
Best Guacamole
You can never go wrong with guac! My recipe is creamy, zesty, and easy to make with 6 basic ingredients.
Easy Fruit Dip
If you’re hosting kiddos at your 4th of July cookout, add this easy fruit dip to the menu! Made with peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and honey, it’s creamy, nutty, and lightly sweet. My son Ollie loves it with fresh fruit!
Corn Dip
I love my Mexican street corn salad so much that I turned it into a dip! It’s creamy, tangy, PACKED with fresh corn, and perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips.
Whipped Feta Dip
Feta lovers, this dip is for you! Dress it up with garnishes like an olive oil drizzle, fresh parsley, Aleppo pepper, and/or za’atar and serve with pita and veggies for dipping.
Baba Ganoush
This roasted eggplant dip is one of my favorite easy appetizers to make throughout the summer. It’s great for any get-together because you can make it ahead. Prep it up to 3 days before your 4th of July party!
Jalapeño Popper Dip
If you feel like eating jalapeño poppers but not like making them, this crowd-pleasing dip could be the 4th of July appetizer for you. It tastes like a classic popper, but it’s WAY easier to make!
Avocado Dip
Seasoned with garlic and dill, this luxe avocado dip has ranch dressing vibes. I love it with crisp veggies and crackers for dipping.
Summer Salsas
Homemade Salsa
This fresh tomato salsa is SO much better than the kind in a jar. Whip up a batch in just 10 minutes!
Mango Salsa
I love a fruity salsa in the summertime, and this mango version is one of my favorites. L&L readers love it too. Oscar said, “The ratios were perfect,” and Delia wrote, “Definitely a keeper!”
Peach Salsa
If you can get your hands on peak-season peaches, you should absolutely serve this simple salsa as one of your 4th of July appetizers. It’s sweet, spicy, fresh, and unexpected. Guests will love it!
Avocado Salsa
Can’t pick between guacamole and mango salsa? You don’t have to! This tasty salsa combines the best of both.
4th of July Appetizer Platters
Antipasto Platter
This gorgeous snack platter offers something for everyone. Folks can graze on marinated gigante beans, cheeses, olives, veggies, and more! Serve with red, white, and blue toothpicks for a little Independence Day flair.
Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes
An elegant alternative to a classic cheese board! Juicy heirloom tomatoes, peaches, and cherries surround a creamy ball of burrata. Serve with crostini or baguette for scooping up the cheese and fruit.
More Easy 4th of July Appetizers
Watermelon Gazpacho
Kick off your 4th of July cookout by serving guests small glasses of this chilled soup. Packed with summer tomatoes, cucumber, and watermelon, it’s SO refreshing on a hot day!
Grilled Vegetables
If you’re firing up the grill to cook veggie burgers or hot dogs, why not throw some colorful veggie skewers on too? Serve them with a flavorful sauce like tzatziki or chimichurri for a fresh, easy starter.
Grilled Watermelon
Have you ever tried grilling watermelon? It becomes even juicier and takes on a rich, smoky flavor. Top wedges with a fresh corn salad for an impressive Fourth of July app!
Corn Fritters
These crispy, cheesy fritters go QUICK, so if you’re serving a crowd, you might want to make a double batch. They freeze and reheat perfectly, so feel free to make them ahead!
4th of July Appetizers: Easy Bruschetta
Serves 8 to 10
This bruschetta recipe is one of our favorite Fourth of July appetizers!
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the baking sheets and drizzle both sides with olive oil. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and toasted.
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Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Season to taste.
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Remove the bread from the oven. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the tomato mixture onto the bread pieces, leaving behind any excess juices. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.
