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Kick off your Independence Day BBQ with some of these dips and finger foods. This collection features all of our favorite 4th of July appetizers!

More collections: 4th of July Drinks, 4th of July Side Dishes, 4th of July Recipes

Collage of various 4th of July appetizers.


BEST Fourth of July Appetizers

Independence Day usually means fun, friends, and food!! We have so many great 4th of July recipes, including appetizers.

We love to serve apps because we usually hang out for a good portion of the day with friends and family, and we love having food that can be out for everyone to snack on until we grill and have dinner.

Whether you grill up hot dogs and burgers, fire grill your own pizzas, or smoke your own meat, every good patriotic party has a tasty pre-dinner spread! We’ll help you plan the perfect menu with our comprehensive must-make lists!

We wanted to make sure we shared with you all THE BEST Fourth of July party snacks!

Sliced bruschetta on a white plate for an appetizer.

Tips For Serving 4th of July Finger Foods

Some general appetizer tips to help with planning your 4th of July party:

  • 4th of July snacks should be served about an hour before dinner.
  • Choose appetizers that are easy to make as well as ones that can be made ahead of time. 
  • Don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring appetizers to help ease your to-do list.
  • Balance the dishes by offering a mixture of hot and cold, protein and vegetables, and light and heavy. Consider colors and textures as well.
  • Appetizers should not be set out for more than 2 hours.
  • The colors of the American flag can be used for platters, bowls, and other table decorations.

How many to serve. If Fourth of July appetizers will be served before a large meal, plan for each person to eat 4-6 appetizers. If serving only appetizers, plan for guests to eat 8-12 in the first hour and 6-8 every hour after.

Increase the number of different appetizers served according to how many guests you have attending:

  • 3 appetizer dishes: <10 guests
  • 5 appetizer dishes: 10-20 guests
  • 7 appetizer dishes: 20-40 guests
  • 9 appetizer dishes: 40+ guests
Dill vegetable dip on a platter with fresh vegetables.

Keeping food cold/warm

Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or heading to the park, you’re going to want to keep your food at the right temp on the warm summer July day. 

  • Have two coolers, one for hot dishes and one for cold dishes. 
  • Once you’re done cooking food, set the grill to a very low heat and use it to keep food warm.
  • Keep food warm in a crock pot or chafing dish
  • Keep food cold by using a tray of ice to place bowls and platters of food on.
  • Don’t set out more than what can be eaten within 30 minutes. Refill as needed.
Fried pickles on a plate with a side of ranch.

Summer Produce Perfect for Appetizers

Whether you want to toss them on the grill or serve them in a salad or something in between, there are some wonderful fruits and veggies in season.

  • Fruits: blueberries, strawberries, melon, avocado, cherries, citrus, peaches, tomato, pineapple, apples, or grapes
  • Vegetables: potato, red peppers, cucumber, green bean, asparagus, zucchini, or lettuce
  • Fresh Herbs: mint, rosemary, thyme, parsley, dill, garlic, basil, or oregano

Dips and Salsas

You can never go wrong with dips of any kind on holidays. They usually serve a lot and are very easy to make.

Serve 4th of July dips and salsas with chips, crackers, and veggies.

Sweet Salsa Verde

Sweet salsa verde is a delicious salsa recipe made from tomatillos, jalapeños, sugar, & cilantro. It is sweet and spicy and takes just minutes to make.

1 Salsa Verde Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Verde Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.98 from 44 votes
Get the recipe

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

This bacon ranch cheese ball is the perfect partner for your veggie tray! With cheese, bacon, and ranch flavors, you can do no wrong!

2 Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe

Appetizer Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 14 votes
Get the recipe

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This is the BEST spinach artichoke dip recipe and the ultimate dip for any get-together! Filled with spinach, artichoke hearts, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo – this easy spinach artichoke dip is sooo cheesy and flavorful, served perfectly with chips, bread pieces or veggies.

3 Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Appetizer Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 139 votes
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Dill Vegetable Dip

The perfect go-to veggie dip for parties and snacking. Use it for vegetables, chips, or whatever you feel like! Even if you don’t like dill pickles, you’ll love this dill vegetable dip.

4 Dill Veggie Dip Recipe

Appetizer, Snack Dill Veggie Dip Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes
5 from 39 votes
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7 Layer Bean Dip

This 7 layer bean dip recipe is a must-have at every function! It has loads of flavor and all your favorite dip ingredients including avocados, olives, tomatoes, cheese, guacamole, and more!

5 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe

Appetizer 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
4.98 from 40 votes
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Black Bean And Corn Salsa

This black bean and corn salsa is one of our favorite dips and appetizers. It’s great with any Mexican dish or served with tortilla chips!!

6 Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 16 votes
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Best Salsa Recipe

This is such an EASY homemade salsa recipe! All you have to do is throw all the ingredients into your blender, and blend!

7 Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 24 votes
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Peach Salsa

Fresh peach salsa is delicious with chips, on top of fish or pork, or spooned over tacos! You’ll love the flavor combinations in this recipe!

8 Peach Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Peach Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 21 votes
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Strawberry Salsa

You can’t go a summer without eating this sweet and spicy strawberry salsa! The flavors are so unique. Grab some cinnamon and sugar chips or your favorite tortilla chips and dig in!

9 Strawberry Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Strawberry Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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Mango Salsa

This sweet and savory mango salsa is perfect with chips or any Mexican meal. It’s filled with sweet pineapple, cilantro, mangoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapenos making it full of flavor and simple to make.

10 Mango Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Mango Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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Watermelon Salsa

Juicy watermelon salsa is sweet with the perfect touch of spice. It’s a tasty summer salsa that whips up in minutes!

11 Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Watermelon Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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Fruit Salsa

Fresh fruit salsa is a perfect pairing for our sweet homemade cinnamon chips. Ready in under 20 minutes, you can make it for any occasion!

12 Fruit Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Fruit Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Get the recipe

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Jalapeño popper dip is packed with 4 kinds of cheese, just enough spicy jalapeños to give it a kick, and a golden crispy topping. This dip is sure to be a hit at your next party!

13 Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

Appetizer Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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Buffalo Chicken Dip

All the flavor of buffalo wings in a creamy, cheesy, simple dip! This super easy buffalo chicken dip is filled with chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, and three different types of cheese! It’s perfect for parties and get-togethers served with chips or veggies.

14 Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Appetizer Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.96 from 48 votes
Get the recipe

Chili Cheese Dip

Just four ingredients make for the BEST and yummiest chili cheese dip! Melty cheese and hearty chili are so tasty together! It’s the perfect appetizer for any party.

15 Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Appetizer Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 14 votes
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BLT Dip

This creamy BLT dip is the ultimate warm, cheesy, party dip! It’s loaded with cream cheese, cheese, and sour cream, then baked and topped with crispy bacon, shredded lettuce, and fresh tomato!

16 BLT Dip Recipe

Appetizer BLT Dip Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 8 votes
Get the recipe

Taco Dip Recipe

Loaded with all of your favorite taco toppings, this creamy taco-flavored dip is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips.

17 Taco Dip Recipe

Appetizer Taco Dip Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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Corn Dip

Perfectly spiced hot corn dip is deliciously chunky and perfect for dipping. Serve it as an appetizer or side!

18 Corn Dip Recipe

Appetizer Corn Dip Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

Cream cheese salsa dip is creamy + tangy, with an adjustable level of spice. This tasty twist on a classic red salsa is made in minutes!

19 Cream Cheese Salsa Dip Recipe

Appetizer Cream Cheese Salsa Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Get the recipe

Knorr Spinach Dip

Savory Knorr spinach dip is perfect for serving at parties with your favorite crackers and veggies. It’s chunky and delicious!

20 Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe

Appetizer, Snack Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Get the recipe

warm appetizers

Even when things are hot outside, that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy warm food. Many appetizers can be made ahead and thrown in the oven so they’re nice and warm for grazing before the real dinner begins.

Keep appetizers warm by using a crock pot or chafing dishes.

Baked Chicken Wings

Deliciously crispy baked chicken wings have endless possibilities. Bake in the oven, and dip in your favorite sauces!

21 Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Appetizer Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 8 votes
Get the recipe

Pigs in a Blanket

A yummy lunch, dinner, or snack idea for the whole family! Homemade pigs in a blanket with delicious crescent dough and a sprinkling of sesame seeds on top!  

22 Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Main Course Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 134 votes
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Fried Green Beans

Crispy fried green beans make all of your appetizer dreams come true! Breaded with seasoned bread crumbs and fried to crunchy perfection!

23 Fried Green Beans Recipe

Appetizer Fried Green Beans Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.94 from 63 votes
Get the recipe

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Skewers

This recipe is inspired by one of our favorite Disneyland foods – bacon wrapped asparagus skewers from Bengal Barbecue! These skewers only require 4 ingredients and take less than 10 minutes on the grill! 

24 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
5 from 8 votes
Get the recipe

Cheesy Zucchini Tots

Cheesy zucchini tots are a fun twist on tater tots and are loaded with my favorite vegetable. They’re super easy and quick to make.

25 Zucchini Tots Recipe

Appetizer, Snack Zucchini Tots Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.90 from 48 votes
Get the recipe

Spinach Dip Bites

Spinach dip bites are crunchy, bite-size treats are cheesy and buttery, making them a great appetizer. They are a hit every time!

26 Spinach Dip Bites Recipe

Appetizer Spinach Dip Bites Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.97 from 120 votes
Get the recipe

Brown Sugar Beanie Weenies

With only 5 minutes of prep and 3 ingredients, these brown sugar beanie weenies are by far one of the easiest appetizers! And they taste amazing!

27 Beanie Weenies Recipe

Appetizer Beanie Weenies Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
5 from 15 votes
Get the recipe

Deep Fried Pickles

Deep fried pickles are crunchy, flavorful, and SO tasty! These pickle slices are breaded and fried to perfection, making them a crowd-favorite party appetizer!

28 Fried Pickles Recipe

Appetizer Fried Pickles Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 123 votes
Get the recipe

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Bacon-wrapped little smokies sprinkled with brown sugar, and baked to perfection. These bacon-wrapped weenies are the ultimate appetizer for any party, and are always the first to disappear!

29 Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes

Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 69 votes
Get the recipe

Crockpot Meatballs

These crockpot meatballs are full of so much flavor and perfect for parties. Best of all, they only require 5 minutes of prep work!

30 Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Appetizer Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
5 from 88 votes
Get the recipe

Ham And Cheese Sliders

Everyone loves these hot ham and cheese sliders because they’re easy, cheesy and addicting! They don’t take long to make, and are perfect for any get-together—always a crowd-pleaser!

31 Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 75 votes
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Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins

This easy potato skin appetizer is loaded with bacon & cheese and crusted with parmesan, making it the best potato skins ever!

32 Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe

Appetizer Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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Mozzarella Bites

Fried mozzarella bites are delicious, easy, and the perfect party appetizer when served with marinara. Everyone loves this bite-sized snack!

33 Mozzarella Bites Recipe

Appetizer Mozzarella Bites Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
4.89 from 18 votes
Get the recipe

Boneless Buffalo Wings

Spicy tender pieces of chicken that make a delicious appetizer! These boneless buffalo wings are simple and are great for dinner or any party!

34 Boneless Buffalo Wings Recipe

Appetizer Boneless Buffalo Wings Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
5 from 23 votes
Get the recipe

Pull Apart Bread

This pull-apart bread is a favorite appetizer. With cheese, butter, and seasonings, there is cheesy, delicious goodness in every bite!

35 Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Appetizer Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo cauliflower is a veggie twist on a classic appetizer! They are crispy with the perfect touch of spice.

36 Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Get the recipe

cold appetizers

And of course, cold food is perfect to snack on when it’s warm. If cold appetizers are being served outdoors, you can easily keep them cool by placing them on a tray full of ice. 

Here are some of our favorite cool appetizers:

Greek Cucumber Cups

Simple Greek cucumber cups are a light and delicious appetizer that whips up in minutes. They are a perfect low-calorie snack!

37 Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe

Appetizer Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.89 from 9 votes
Get the recipe

Deviled Eggs

Nothing better than a smooth deviled egg appetizer! You’ll be surprised by how easy these are to make. Tons of flavor is super delicious, and perfect for parties and holidays.

38 Deviled Eggs Recipe

Appetizer Deviled Eggs Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 51 votes
Get the recipe

Quick Caprese Salad

Simple and quick caprese salad is easy and delicious with pops of mozzarella, tomatoes, and avocados and drizzled with a balsamic glaze!

39 Quick Caprese Salad Recipe

Salad Quick Caprese Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Get the recipe

Easy Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad that makes the perfect side dish for any meal! Colorful, healthy, delicious, and filled with all your favorite fruits! 

40 Easy Fruit Salad Recipe

Side Dish Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
5 from 41 votes
Get the recipe

Bruschetta

This yummy homemade bruschetta is simple and perfect for any party! It includes fresh ingredients and is the perfect Italian appetizer!

41 Bruschetta Recipe

Appetizer Bruschetta Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 1 vote

Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups

These delicious veggie tortilla roll ups are made from a rolled tortilla filled with ranch veggie dip, and chopped veggies, making them the perfect bite-sized party appetizer!

42 Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

Appetizer Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
5 from 30 votes
Get the recipe

Veggie Cup Appetizers

Quick and easy veggie cup appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.

43 Veggie Cups Recipe

Appetizer Veggie Cups Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Get the recipe

Caesar Salad Cups

Caesar salad cups are a quick, simple, and tasty side dish or appetizer. They’re mini salads in a cup and great for parties and get-togethers!

44 Caesar Salad Cups Recipe

Appetizer, Salad Caesar Salad Cups Recipe
Total Time: 14 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Get the recipe

Caprese Stuffed Avocados

Simple and fresh caprese stuffed avocados are a twist on classic flavors. This is a perfect appetizer or side to any meal!

45 Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe

Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 6 votes
Get the recipe

Homemade Hummus

If you need a quick healthy snack or party appetizer, you can whip up this homemade hummus in 5 minutes or less! With just a few simple ingredients, this delicious hummus is perfect for dipping pita bread, fresh veggies, and tortilla chips.

46 Homemade Hummus Recipe

Side Dish Homemade Hummus Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

Fruit Kabobs

Colorful fruit kabobs are the best appetizer or side for any occasion! Load up your favorite fruits and get snacking.

47 Fruit Kabobs Recipe

Side Dish Fruit Kabobs Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 14 votes
Get the recipe

Cheese Ball Bites

Mini cheese ball bites taste just like a loaded cheese ball, but mini! They are perfect grab and go appetizers.

48 Cheese Ball Bites Recipe

Appetizer Cheese Ball Bites Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
5 from 13 votes
Get the recipe

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Sweet + tangy pineapple cheese ball is crusted with pecans for a perfect combination. The juicy pineapple pops are irresistible!

49 Pineapple Cheese Balls

Appetizer Pineapple Cheese Balls
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
5 from 4 votes

Tortellini Skewers

Quick + simple pesto tortellini skewers whip up in minutes for a tasty appetizer perfect for any occasion. They are cheesy and delicious!

50 Tortellini Skewers Recipe

Appetizer Tortellini Skewers Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Get the recipe

Easy 4th of July Appetizers

This collection is full of some of our favorite dishes to serve and to eat! These easy and delicious 4th of July appetizers are sure to get your holiday celebration started off with a bang!

More Collections: Easy Appetizers, Summer Appetizers, BBQ Appetizers



About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 Comments

  1. The recipes are OUTSTANDING. You can ALWAYS find something that really fits your menu. Try and you will see – the ‘ turn out’ is SO GOOD.

  2. Sometimes, we love just having a ton of appetizers as our meal & we have used so many of these!! The fruit kabobs are always a hit with the kids!

  3. Your salsa verde is a must as I get asked for the recipe every time I take it to an event. I just send them a link to your site.