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

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Serves 8 to 10

This bruschetta recipe is one of our favorite Fourth of July appetizers!

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

• Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

• 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.

• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Season to taste.

• 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.

Easy All-American 4th of July Party Menu
Sharing my ultimate 4th of July party menu—plus simple entertaining tips and tricks to make your summer gathering the best one yet! Below you’ll find a festive and effortless menu with cocktails (and mocktails!), fun appetizers, fresh summer salads, and my favorite go-to summer desserts. This menu is meant to be fun and easy—exactly what we’re all craving this time of year!

I’m so excited to be bringing you another entertaining post—this time with easy ideas and recipes for your 4th of July celebrations. Can you believe it’s just a week away?

Since the 4th is truly the summer holiday, I wanted to keep things super relaxed and festive. Instead of a sit-down dinner, I’ve created a menu filled with party-ready drinks, apps, summery salads, and sweet treats—everything that’s easy to prep and easy to enjoy. I had the best time putting this one together!

The Party – An All-American 4th of July

invites

I use Canva to create digital invites. It’s so easy and they have amazing templates, plus so many are free! You can access my template here and edit it for your party. 

drinks

Spicy Pickle Margarita (with or without alcohol) – sharing soon!

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Make the Drinks Ahead of Time
Both drinks can be prepped in advance to make your life easier. The margarita can be mixed up ahead and stored in the fridge—just pour over ice when you’re ready to serve. The Watermelon Frosé is also make-ahead friendly! Blend it up and stash it in the freezer. Just give it a quick spin in the blender before serving, then pour it pitcher-style for easy pouring.

Keep It Cool
It’s the 4th of July—it’s going to be hot (and hopefully sunny!). Be sure to set out coolers or big buckets filled with ice and stocked with drinks. Think sparkling waters, seltzers, beers—whatever you and your guests love.

Want to Make It Even Easier?
Skip the mixing and simply offer a variety of beers, red, white, and rosé wines, and a mix of fun seltzers. Or keep things chill and low-key by going with a big-batch summer sangria! There’s also this fun punch (try swapping the cider for watermelon or peach juice and the apple butter for peach jam—that sounds so good!).

appetizers/snacks

mini cheeseburger sliders (use warm trays or a hot plate to keep them warm)

Watermelon Stars with Strawberries and Feta

Mexican Street Corn Dip (serve with 2-3 bowls of tortilla chips arranged around the dip)

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata (serve with crackers/crostini)

Charcuterie Board (use summer fruits/jams) 

Tip: You can prep all of these yourself—or make it easy and assign each guest an appetizer to bring. If you are making everything, prepare as much as possible ahead of time so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during the party. That way your 4th of July can be stress-free and fun!

Add to the Menu: Ask guests to bring their favorite summer appetizer to help bulk up the menu. It’s always fun to try something new—and bonus, it gives you fresh recipe ideas!

dessert

Nonnie’s 6 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

Holiday Chex Mix (use red, white, and blue M&M’s)

assorted mini pies – from a local bakery 

assorted cookies – from a local bakery 

My Best Advice: Don’t feel like you need to make everything from scratch—pick up a few fun desserts from your local bakery or market. I grabbed mini pies and cookies from Round Swamp Farm in the Hamptons and they were a hit!

Add to the Menu: Stock a cooler (or your freezer) with frozen treats like ice cream bars, popsicles, and ice cream sandwiches. It’s festive, nostalgic, and so easy!

Another Fun Idea: Set up a DIY s’mores bar with graham crackers, marshmallows, classic Hershey’s chocolate, and a few fun toppings or spreads. It’s a very 4th of July moment!

Or: Bake a batch of this week’s Toasted Marshmallow K-Bars—they’re a cozy crowd-pleaser and super easy to prep ahead.

Party Favors

I picked up assorted jams and cookies for guests to take home. Keep the cookies fresh by placing each cookie in a cookie bag sealed with cute paper clips or ribbon.

Set the Table

pulled the pieces I used + additional pieces I love!

serving

What to Wear

Keep it casual and have fun. The 4th of July is not meant to be overdone! Some ideas for you below!

Photos by Kelsey Cherry

Lastly, if you’ve enjoy this Easy All American 4th of July Party Menu, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Red, white, and barbecue! Chef Emily Susman sat down with ET to share her 4th of July party essentials while celebrating the launch of her new Emma Claire’s Kitchen [Not So] Simple Spices designed to make summer dishes uncomplicated. 

“The Fiesta Blend, Zen Blend, and Mediterranean Blend are perfect for summer BBQs and 4th of July celebrations because they take the guesswork out of seasoning,” she notes.

“Each one was created to make cooking flavorful, easy, and approachable using just one spice. All the blends start with my original mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard, and are elevated with clean ingredients,” Susman continues.

Once you have your seasoning, you can enliven everything from roasted veggies, grilled meats, soups, salads, and snacks.

“Sprinkle the Fiesta Blend over grilled corn with butter and lime for an instant flavor bomb or mix into ground beef or turkey for burgers with a Tex-Mex twist. Use the Zen Blend for Asian-inspired BBQ sides like grilled bok choy, eggplant, or zucchini. The Mediterranean Blend is incredible on lamb or beef kabobs, grilled pita bread, or even tossed into a fresh cucumber-tomato salad with olive oil and lemon. Finally, my secret to the perfect hamburger and tater tots is the Original Blend,” the cook shares.

After solidifying your menu options, Susman recommends incorporating special touches to your bash.

“For the 4th of July, I love blending casual comfort with elevated details. … Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a dressed-up dinner party, create an atmosphere that feels warm, welcoming, and easy to enjoy. It doesn’t have to be over the top to be memorable. … String lights, throw blankets, citronella candles in pretty jars to keep it stylish and mosquito-free, simple floral arrangements, and a great playlist go a long way,” she explains.

The Get Stuffed author also suggests setting up DIY stations to keep guests entertained throughout the evening.

“People love to graze and serve themselves. … It keeps things flowing and takes pressure off you to serve everyone. Create a spice your-own snack station where guests can mix their own seasoning combos onto bowls of plain popcorn or kettle chips, or set up an elevated condiment tray beyond ketchup and mustard and include small bowls of herbed aioli, spicy mayo, chimichurri, or tzatziki.”

And to get into the spirit of the holiday, a cute colored theme will do the trick.

“A DIY drink station with festive red, white, and blue garnishes including fresh berries, herbs, and citrus keeps things interactive and fun, or mini berry trifles in mason jars, red velvet cupcakes with sparklers, or ice cream sandwiches rolled in festive sprinkles are a playful and fun way to end the night,” the entrepreneur says.

Regardless of what you choose, the goal is to make attendees feel at home.

“The best hosts make their guests feel seen, relaxed, and well-fed. … Entertaining should feel like a warm hug. If people leave smiling, full, and inspired to cook, then you’ve truly captured the magic,” she says.

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