33 Spectacular 4th Of July Appetizers You Need To Try

Are you looking for some tasty ideas for your next barbecue or party? Well, look no further because we’ve got 33 mouthwatering recipes that’ll leave everyone begging for seconds.

The 4th of July is one of America’s favorite holidays. Whether you’re celebrating at home or out in public, these delicious treats are sure to impress.

From classic American favorites to international flavors, these recipes are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you want to serve something sweet, savory, spicy, or refreshing, these recipes offer plenty of options.

Some are perfect for parties, while others are great for casual get-togethers. Whatever the occasion, you’re bound to find something that fits your taste buds.

1. Hot Dog Sliders with Mango

This recipe combines a favorite summer snack — the hot dog — with one of our favorites — salsa. You won’t find many people who don’t love a good hot dog slider.

They’re easy to make, and you’ll want to try them out yourself. So, make use of this recipe today ready for your 4th of July celebrations!

2. Inside-Out Veggie Dip

Cut up cucumber slices and tomato wedges into bite-sized pieces. Mix together with some salt and pepper. Add some chopped red onion and mix well.

Spread onto a serving dish and drizzle with olive oil. Top with a generous amount of creamy vegan sour cream. Serve with celery sticks for dipping. It really is that simple when making this veggie dip!

3. Beefy Chili Dogs

Hot dogs are one of America’s favorite foods, and we love them no matter what day it is.

But for those looking to add some extra flavor to their hot dog game, there are plenty of ways to spice up the standard fare.

Here is a delicious idea for making beefy chili dogs that are sure to impress your friends and family.

Chili fries are surprisingly easy to prepare and offer a fun alternative to traditional potato chips.

Simply cut potatoes into strips, toss with oil, and seasonings, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes per side. Top with cheese and chili sauce for dipping. They’ll go perfectly with your chilly dogs.

As for the dogs themselves, it couldn’t be simpler. These spicy little guys are perfect for parties because you don’t even have to cook them ahead of time.

Just combine ground beef with spices like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; form into patties, and grill over medium heat. Serve with mustard and onions on the side.

Peppers are always a crowd pleaser, especially when paired with chili dogs. To make grilled peppers, place sliced bell peppers onto a baking sheet lined with foil.

Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in a 450-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

4. Tomato-Basil Pull-Apart Rolls

This easy recipe for tomato basil rolls makes it easy to enjoy the best part of summer—fresh tomatoes and herbs—in every bite. You’ll love how quick and simple this recipe is to make, too.

You don’t need special equipment, just a few ingredients you probably already have around the house.

This recipe uses store-bought pizza dough, which saves some work, but you could easily use homemade dough instead. If you do choose to go the DIY route, try our favorite recipe here.

5. Baked Crab Dip

This baked crab dip recipe is loaded with flavor, thanks to the addition of capers, olives, celery, and garlic. You’ll love the creamy texture of the mixture, especially since you bake it instead of frying it.

6. Patriotic Taco Salad

The best thing about summer is eating outside. And what better way to enjoy the weather than with some delicious food?

If you want to make sure everyone gets a taste of the sunshine, why not whip up a patriotic taco salad? This recipe requires just three ingredients — tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese — plus a few simple steps.

1. Start out by slicing some ripe tomatoes into thin rounds. Next, chop up some lettuce leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Then, slice up some cheddar cheese and place it on top of each tomato slice. Finally, sprinkle on a bit of salt and pepper.
2. Now, take a 13×9 baking dish and pour in a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle this over the prepared vegetables and cheese.
3. Bake the entire mix in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Afterward, let cool down completely and serve.
4. If you don’t have a 13×9 baking dish, feel free to use a regular 9×13 pan. However, you’ll probably have to bake it longer because there won’t be enough room for all the ingredients.
5. Once the dish is ready, cut it into slices and serve. Your friends and family are sure to love this healthy, tasty treat.

7. White, Red, And Blue Potato Salad

Potato salads are always a crowd pleaser. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat. This one takes advantage of the colors of our flag and tastes great served hot or cold.

Place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well.

Place potatoes in a serving bowl. Add onions, dill pickles, and butter; toss gently to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover and chill for 3 hours or overnight. Stir in sour cream and mayonnaise just before serving. This also makes roughly 4 servings, just to give you a general idea.

8. Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad

A simple recipe for grilled potato salad makes for a fun side dish for the 4th of July. This version includes a spicy dressing that adds a little kick to the classic American potato salad.

9. Feta Flag Salad

Cover the bottom of a large bowl or platter with arugula leaves. Top with slices of watermelon, red onion, and blueberries.

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then, make sure you serve immediately to get the best out of the dish.

10. Spicy Cheese Crackers

These firecracker crackers turn ordinary saltine crackers into something special. They’re great served plain or dipped in cream cheese.

If you want to make the whole batch ahead of time, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

11. Star-Spangled Parfaits

This recipe is easy enough for kids to help out — even if they don’t like berries. Just add some blueberry juice, and use a straw to swirl it around the bowl while you eat.

12. Patriotic Pizza

This simple recipe calls for a store-bought pizza dough base, some strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream cheese frosting, and sprinkles. 

You can use whatever toppings you like best, but we recommend strawberry slices, blackberry sauce, and chocolate chips.

13. Greek Deli Kabobs

Broccoli, roasted red peppers, and salami make for a flavorful and unique twist on a classic mozzarella-based kebab recipe.

This version includes some extra ingredients like feta cheese and olives. They are baked together in a single pan, making it easy and convenient to serve.

14. Caprese Salad Kabobs

Tomato season is here, and it’s time to make some delicious Caprese salads. This classic Italian dish combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and sweet basil leaves.

To make this recipe even easier, you don’t need to peel the tomatoes; simply cut off the stems and slice the fruit into rounds.

If you want to serve this salad as a main course, skewer the slices onto toothpicks and grill over medium heat. When the tomatoes start to char slightly, about 5 minutes, flip them over and cook another 3 to 5 minutes.

Drizzle each tomato round with extra virgin olive oil and balsamico di Modena, a thick-aged version of balsamic vinegar.

Top each one with a small piece of fresh mozzarella cheese and finish with a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

15. Grilled Guacamole Appetizer

Guacamole is one of those foods you just know how to make without thinking about it. You take avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper, and mash everything together.

But sometimes, even though you know how to do something, you still want to learn more about it.

That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up our favorite recipe for grilled avocado guacamole.

Start with this classic recipe and try out one of these variations next time you’re looking for inspiration for your summer parties.

16. Strawberry Tomato Salsa

This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people. Cut each piece into quarters if you are serving it as an appetizer. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers. You could also use this salsa as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint of large tomatoes
• 2 medium ripe red bell peppers
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil

17. Southwest Hummus Dip

This Southwest hummus recipe takes just minutes to make. It’s easy to customize depending on what you like best.

You can use different types of cheese, add chopped olives, or even swap out the roasted red pepper for sweet bell peppers.

The ingredients are mixed together and refrigerated overnight. Serve it with pita chips, crackers, or veggies.

18. Mushroom Cheese Bread

This appetizer is easy to prepare and makes a delicious addition to your next party.

This classic Italian dish uses mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses along with some fresh vegetables. If you want a little kick, try adding some shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic powder; spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Arrange mushrooms over butter mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Top with bread cubes. Combine remaining ingredients; sprinkle evenly over bread cubes. Bake 30 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings.

19. Cheeseburger Bites

Cheese lovers rejoice! You’ve just found the perfect snack food. This recipe makes it easy to take a classic burger patty and turn it into something even better — cheeseburgers.

These little bites are great served alongside a glass of wine, beer, or sangria. Or you could serve them up as finger food at a party.

20. Hormel Chili Dip

This easy dip is loaded with flavor thanks to ground beef, onions, garlic, jalapeño peppers, red bell pepper, green chilies, cumin, and salt. Serve it warm, straight out of the oven, or let cool completely and serve cold.

21. 4th of July Charcuterie Board

This charcuterie board isn’t only delicious, but patriotic. You don’t have to serve it during the holiday itself, either.

Just make it ahead of time, wrap it up, and store it in the fridge — ready to eat whenever guests drop by.

You can find all the ingredients here, plus step-by-step instructions for how to put together this patriotic menu.

22. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

I’m sure you’ve heard about the “pizza roll,” those little snacks that are wrapped around a piece of pizza dough.

But did you know there are even better versions? Frozen pizza rolls are the perfect addition to your pantry because they require no cooking, just thawing. You’ll find yourself making these again and again.

23. Pigs in a Blanket

A classic American treat that’s been making people happy since 1892. A pig in a blanket is basically a mini sausage wrapped in doughy bread.

You can find them everywhere, from supermarkets to restaurants, and even in bakeries. They’re usually served warm, although you can also find them frozen.

The original recipe calls for small sausages, but nowadays, we use larger ones because they’re easier to handle.

We wrap the sausages in a circle of a crescent roll dough, add some shredded cheese and bake it until golden brown.

Then we stuff it into a bun, cover it with another layer of cheese, and bake it again. Finally, we put it in a napkin and serve it to our guests.

24. Macaroni Salad

We grew up eating macaroni salad every day, usually with some sort of meatballs. This recipe is based on a classic. It’s simple, delicious, and easy to prepare ahead of time. You’ll love it!

25. Patriotic Potato Chip Candy

Patriotic potato chip candy is a sweet treat you can make in just minutes. You’ll need one bag of regular-sized potato chips, one bag of mini-marshmallows, and a white chocolate coating.

26. Guacamole Recipe

Guacamole is one of our favorite foods. If it wasn’t for Chipotle, we probably wouldn’t eat it very often. But what makes guacamole really special are the toppings.

You can add whatever you want to make it unique. So here are some ideas in this recipe for how to make your next batch even better.

27. Buffalo Chicken Wings

Buffalo chicken wings are the quintessentially American snack. Whether it’s tailgating parties, football games, or just hanging out with friends, there’s nothing better than a big bowl of buffalo wings (see also ‘55 Of The Best Tantalizing Tailgating Recipes‘).

And while we love our traditional wing flavors like blue cheese and celery salt, sometimes we crave something different. Enter: the Asian-inspired chicken wing.

These wings feature a sweet and sticky honey-peanut dipping sauce, plus a kick of spice thanks to ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

28. Texas Trash Recipe

Texas Trash is pure gold. Chex cereal, pretzel chips, and nuts are drizzled with seasoned butter and baked into a deliciously crispy snack.

The butter is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery salt, cayenne pepper, garlic, and salt. The dry ingredients absorb all the flavors as they bake, resulting in a seriously addictive snack.

29. Patriotic Ranch Cheese Ball

We’ve seen some pretty creative cheese balls over the years, but this one takes the cake. This appetizer is sure to make guests feel like they’re eating something special.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’s super easy to put together. You’ll just need to find a few ingredients and a little time to let everything come together.

30. Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon

The best part about bacon-wrapped smoked sausage is that it takes less than 10 minutes to make. You just have to slice some pork belly into thin slices and wrap each piece around a link of smoked sausage.

Then, you bake it for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, you sprinkle it with brown sugar and eat it while watching TV. If you want to take it up a notch, try adding maple syrup or honey to the mix.

31. Flag Taco Dip

This recipe for Taco Dip features seven layers of deliciousness! Refried Beans are one layer; Guacamole is another; Sour Cream is a third; Corn is a fourth; Cheese is fifth; and finally, Frito Lay chips are the seventh and final layer. So go ahead, dig into this patriotic treat.

32. Fried Dill Pickles

Fried dill pickles are a thing. And if you haven’t already gotten on board, we urge you to do so now. These crispy treats come together in less than 10 minutes and are absolutely addictive. 

They’re sweet and tangy, and the combination of flavors is unlike anything else. We’re telling you, it’s a game changer.

33. 4th of July Salad

This summer favorite is packed with flavor. With a mix of berries, cheese, and lettuce, it’s perfect for picnics and barbecues alike.

The recipe calls for strawberries, blueberries, red onion, and mozzarella. To make things even better, we added some basil leaves and tossed everything with light balsamic vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do People Eat On July 4th?

Eating traditional 4th of July foods isn’t just about celebrating America. Many Americans celebrate the holiday by eating gluten-free hamburgers, potato salads, corn on the cob, and baked beans.

And while many people love to grill out during the summer months, it can be challenging to find gluten-free food options that aren’t too spicy or greasy.

The good news is that you don’t have to give up your favorite foods to enjoy the 4th of July.

There are plenty of delicious gluten-free foods you can make ahead of time and keep in the fridge to serve everyone throughout the day.

Here are some ideas above to help you plan a fun party without worrying about what guests will eat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy way to add some variety to your menu, these recipes should help you get started.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or throwing a big bash, there’s no reason not to enjoy yourself. Just remember to stay safe and healthy, and have fun!