50 4th of July Appetizers to Round Out the BBQ Feast
Let the summer snacking commence!
Come the 4th of July, there are really only two items on the to-do list: Grill some food and watch some fireworks. Maybe grilling is the tradition because it also involves fire. Or maybe it's just because it's hot out. Either way it's hard to imagine doing anything other than breaking out the grill and getting some food on the backyard picnic table.
Of course, when you're making a big 4th of July meal, if you've invited friends and neighbors (and, sure, family too) over, then you'll want to make sure you've got enough food. And that means not only plenty of mains and side dishes, as well as a few 4th of July desserts to choose from, but also a few appetizers.
These are the things you've made ahead of time—or perhaps prepped so they just need a few last minute touches—so you can set them out as guests get there. That way no one'll be checking their watches or tapping their feet as you get the goals hot, and spread them out, or get the pellet grill up to temp, while you're cooking off the feast.
We've rounded up some of our best, easiest, and most festive 4th of July appetizers to help get the celebration started. From grilled snacks to healthier options to various chips and dips, this list has got your Independence Day appetizers covered.
More great 4th of July stories:
Classic Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a classic for a reason! It's one of those dips that everyone loves!
Saltines with Basil Mayo and Burst Tomatoes
This summer snack is our new favorite use for cherry tomatoes! It's also easy to whip up for your 4th of July festivities!
Get the recipe for Saltines with Basil Mayo and Burst Tomatoes.
Puff Pastry Star Cookies
Serve these simple-but-impressive patriotic stars at your July 4th party! All you need is Puff pastry and store-bought jam.
Skillet Angel Biscuits with Spicy Honey Butter
Set out a big pile of these light-as-air biscuits and watch them disappear!
Get the recipe for Skillet Angel Biscuits with Spicy Honey Butter.
Oysters Rockefeller
Fresh cooked oysters are a fancy—and delicious—way to start any meal!
Cobb Salad
The wonderful thing about Cobb Salad is that you can adjust it however you like. Don't want blue cheese? Switch it up! Love avodado? Add more! Either way, it's a filling and tasty way to kick off a cookout.
Peach-and-Bacon Pizza
Pizzas are great appetizers. They cook up quickly and be cut up into as many pieces as you want! And if you're grilling, one of our favorite outdoor pizza ovens is actually designed to fit on your kettle grill!
Vermouth Air Fried Shrimp
Use your air fryer to make an appetizer your 4th of July partygoers will remember. Air frying shrimp in their shells keeps the meat succulent and tender.
Red Hots & Spanish Peanuts Snack
Think of this easy-to-make snack like a mini fireworks for your mouth.
Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin
These restaurant-worthy spiced taters are easy enough to make at home! They're an excellent side dish or appetizers for the 4th of July, family dinners, and all kinds of gatherings.
Snap Pea Pesto and Shrimp Crostini
These tasty toasts make an excellent bite-sized appetizer for the 4th of July! With tons of fresh flavor from snap peas, mint, toasted almonds, and delicious shrimp!
Open-Faced Tomato and Dill Toasts
This barely-a-recipe dish is possibly the best thing you can do with a fresh, ripe tomato.
Cornmeal Butter Biscuits with Chive Butter
This simple country recipe is a must-have at dinners of all stripes.
Get the recipe for Cornmeal Butter Biscuits with Chive Butter.
The Best Loaded Nachos
This fan favorite takes a classic appetizers to a whole new level! It's perfect for tailgating, dinner parties, and holidays like the 4th of July where you need to feed a crowd. Customize to your heart's content!
Tofu, Tomato, and Zucchini Kebabs
Fresh thyme and a light marinade make these easy grilled kebabs taste incredible! They're also a great vegetarian option for your 4th of July festivities.
Pimento Cheese Bar
The "caviar of the South" has long been a go-to July 4th party food, but it can also be divisive. Some guests want to keep it classic, others want it spicy, or want more pickle in their spread. This'll keep everyone happy and feeds a crowd.
French Onion Flatbread
Flatbreads, which can be cooked ahead and then served warm or at room temp, make great apps for pre-meal snacking. This one has all the flavor of the iconic soup, but in a more nibble-able package.
Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Ranch
Kick off the festivities with crispy fried dill pickles dipped in a tangy homemade buttermilk ranch.
Cajun Sausage Puffs with Bourbon Mustard
Think of these puffs as an upgraded version of pigs in a blanket.
Get the recipe for Cajun Sausage Puffs with Bourbon Mustard.
Lemon-Herb Cheese Bites
These bite-sized balls of cheese can be noshed straight, or set upon a cracker for easy eating.
Watch Next
85 Easy BBQ Side Dishes That Make the Feast
100 Summer-Perfect Grilling Recipes for Outdoors
50 Fantastic Fourth of July Songs (Old and New!)
The Best 4th of July Captions for Patriotic Pics
