Whether you’re having a big bash or a low-key gathering, food is an essential part of a 4th of July celebration. I’m sure you’ll be busy whipping up entrees and boozy cocktails, but don’t forget about the apps, either. It’s always great to kick things off with tasty bite-sized treats. If you’re too preoccupied to even think about what starters to serve, don’t worry, that’s what this list is for. From adorable pigs in blankets to patriotic nachos, here’s a comprehensive list of appetizers, perfect for your 4th of July feast.
1. Cheeseburger Bites
Let’s start things off with an appetizing appetizer that everyone can and will enjoy. These cheeseburger bites are meaty, cheesy, and delicious in every bite. They’re gluten-free and Keto-friendly, to boot! Also, how colorful are these skewers? Each component has a unique flavor and texture, and together, they create a masterpiece. Want to make them heartier? Serve them in slider buns! They’ll taste great, either way.
2. Hormel Chili Dip
Dips are a must-have at parties, particularly this one. A combination of hearty chili, cream cheese, and cheddar, this dip is so good, you’ll want to lick the bowl. Whether served with chips and crackers, topped on nachos, or eaten with a spoon, you can’t go wrong. This 3-ingredient recipe couldn’t be easier or simpler, either. You won’t even need to turn on the stove! The microwave will do.
3. 4th of July Charcuterie Board
This charcuterie board isn’t only delicious, but patriotic, too. When it comes to 4th of July appetizers, you can’t go wrong with the color combo of red, white, and blue. Charcuterie board, grazing board, meat or cheese board – no matter what you call it, one thing’s for sure: it’s the perfect appetizer. This medley of cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, and nuts will cover any craving! It’s also so versatile and easy to put together. Berries, cheeses, meats – any combination works, as long as you stick to the scheme of red, white, and blue.
4. Pizza Rolls
Don’t worry if you’re running out of food, you can always depend on frozen pizza rolls. They’re the solution to unexpected guests. These pizza pockets never disappoint. They’re delicious and effortless to prepare. The only issue I used to have with them is that they take so long to heat in the oven. Thankfully, technology has gifted us with a magical kitchen appliance: the air fryer. Now, those frozen pizza rolls will be ready in just 6 minutes!
5. Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in blankets are bite-sized wonders! Mini-sausages are wrapped in cheese and crescent rolls and baked until golden. The crescent rolls are crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. The sausages are snappy yet tender. The cheese wrapped around them gives them a terrific melted goodness. Also, they’re a cinch to make! Less time in the kitchen means more time for guests.
6. 4th of July Fruit Kabobs
These fruit kabobs may be served as appetizers or desserts – they’ll be a hit, regardless. They’re extra patriotic, too. Apart from the red, white, and blue combo, the whole platter also resembles the American flag. I don’t think there’s a more 4th of July-fitting appetizer than this. More importantly, though, these kabobs are delicious. Bananas, blueberries, and strawberries together make such spectacular skewers.
7. Macaroni Salad
There’s a special place in my heart for this macaroni salad. It tastes exactly like my mom used to make! So no matter how grand or intimate the celebration is, macaroni salad is always present at parties I host. It’s cold, rich and creamy, and hearty, so it’s everything you can ask for and more.
8. Patriotic Potato Chip Candy
When it comes to chips, most of us prefer the big pieces. The small, crushed-up ones, on the other hand, get very little love. This recipe, however, puts the spotlight on them. Crushed chips and mini-marshmallows are coated with white chocolate and sprinkled with red, white, and blue chocolate-covered sunflower seeds. OMG. The sweetness of the chocolate and the saltiness of the chips create the most epic combination! It’s so crazy addictive, your taste buds will yearn for more.
9. Guacamole
Make guacamole just like Chipotle! All you’ll need are avocados, lime, cilantro, onions, and jalapenos. Don’t feel like you only need to serve this guacamole with Tex-Mex dishes. Sure, the flavor combinations are spot on, but this guac also pairs well with other dishes. I’m talking deviled eggs, wings, fried fish, sandwiches – I can go on and on!
10. Red, White and Blue Nachos
Nachos for dessert, anyone? These red, white, and blue nachos aren’t your average savory Tex-Mex delight. They’re far superior. Tortilla chips coated with cinnamon and sugar are loaded with strawberries and blueberries, drizzled with white chocolate, and finished off with sweetened coconut. As unusual as the combination may be, don’t be surprised if you find yourself asking for more.
11. Buffalo Chicken Wings
Buffalo chicken wings are the quintessential American snack. They’re a game day favorite, but they’re also delicious enough to be served on any special occasion. In this recipe, you’ll make wings that are crazy crispy and crunchy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. As good as the chicken is, the showstopper is the sauce. A perfect blend of savory, tangy, and spicy, this thick, golden glaze transforms chicken wings from so-so to spectacular.
12. Red, White and Blue Salsa
Salsa is typically red, but on the 4th of July, you’ll have to have some blue and white in there. A combination of strawberries, blueberries, jalapenos, white onions, and jicama creates this colorful version of the well-loved classic. It’s not just all about the looks, either! The tartness of the berries, the heat of the jalapenos, and the sweetness of the onions and jicama make this salsa refreshing and well-balanced.
13. Texas Trash
Texas Trash is pure gold. Chex cereals, pretzel crisps, and nuts are drizzled with seasoned butter and baked to perfection. While I do admit it looks a bit dull, the different levels of crunch are earth-shattering. The flavor is quite exceptional as well. The butter is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic, salt, Tabasco, and cayenne pepper. The dry ingredients soak up all the flavors as they bake, resulting in a seriously addictive treat.
14. Patriotic Ranch Cheese Ball
How charming is this cheeseball? It may not have the traditional patriotic colors, but those star-shaped bell peppers do give it a nationalistic look. The ball is a combination of cream cheese, cheddar, white cheddar, ranch dip, and green onions. Savory and cheesy with a kick, it’s as delicious as you’d expect it to be. Oh, and it also gets bonus points for being low-carb and gluten-free!
15. Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Bite-sized sausages are wrapped in bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar, and baked to perfection. It’s amazing how with only three simple ingredients, you’ll get the most addictive snack. These bacon-wrapped smokies are so tasty, it’s impossible to stop at one. I brought these to a potluck several summers ago. Since then, my friends have insisted that I bring them with me every time we hang out. I don’t blame them. They’re that good.
16. Caprese Skewers
There’s something about threading food into skewers that makes them extra fun and exciting. Take these Caprese skewers, for instance. There’s nothing super fancy about the components – mozzarella ball, basil, and tomatoes – that’s it! It’s very simple. Sure, they’re great as-is, but when served on a stick, they look and taste even greater.
17. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach leaves and artichoke hearts are mixed with a variety of cheeses and garlic alfredo sauce. This dip is the sure-fire way to get kids to fall in love with veggies. This dip is loaded with cream cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, and romano cheese. So yes, there’s no denying that it’s ridiculously cheesy and sinful. But since spinach and artichokes are thrown into the mix, you can’t exactly feel guilty about eating it!
18. Flag Taco Dip
This taco dip has seven majestic layers – refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, corn, and cheese, to name a few. You’ll gladly eat it with a spoon. But the awesomeness doesn’t end there. When layered the right way, you can form the American flag! How 4th of July appropriate, am I right?
19. Cowboy Crack Dip
This aptly named dip is absolutely addictive, so I recommend you double the recipe. Cream cheese, sausage crumbles, corn, cheddar cheese, and canned tomatoes join forces to make a ridiculously rich dip. The flavors are great, but the different textures are what knock it out of the park for me. The bits of sausage and corn give this dip that extra oomph!
20. 4th of July Salad
While I’m not the most avid salad fanatic, I won’t say no to this 4th of July salad. Apart from the patriotic colors, the medley of flavors and textures makes you want more. Featuring strawberries, blueberries, and mozzarella, this salad is sweet, tart, creamy, and downright delicious. Tying the ingredients together is a refreshing balsamic vinaigrette. It’s finished off with a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts, giving you an extra layer of crunch.
21. Sausage Dip
In browsing through this list, I’m pretty sure you’ve noticed that I’m crazy about dips. Why shouldn’t I be? Dips are awesome, especially this one. Sausage crumbles, melted cheese, green chilies, and diced tomatoes – that’s what I call a perfect combination. It’s impossible to resist – period. The recipe is simple, yet the result is spectacular. It blows my mind how this thing of beauty only takes 10 minutes to make, and with basic ingredients, at that.
22. Fried Dill Pickles
Fried pickles are a thing, and if you haven’t already, I urge you to get on board. Sweet and tangy pickles are coated with batter and breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Don’t ask, don’t even think about it – just go for it! From the crunch to the flavor, trust me, it’s a game-changer. Pickle spears, halves, rounds, slices – no matter how you slice them, they’ll still turn out amazing.
23. Queso
This Qdoba queso copycat means serious business. Featuring cheddar, Monterey Jack, American cheese, heavy cream, poblano peppers, and tomatoes, this dip is fully loaded, to say the least. This dip is the ultimate cheese lover’s dream! Whatever you dunk in it turns into a masterpiece, may it be chips, fries, crackers, or burritos. The thought of it already makes my mouth water.
24. July 4th S’mores Dip
Make graham crackers, cookies, and other sweet treats extra special with this 4th of July s’mores dip. There’s melted chocolate at the bottom and toasted marshmallows on top. It’s served with graham crackers to complete the whole s’mores vibe. How is it fitting for Independence Day, you ask? Well, the marshmallows are dipped in red, white, and blue sanding sugar and arranged in the pan to look like the American flag. It’s pure genius.
25. Crab Cakes
These crab cakes are crunchy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside, and bursting with sweet crabmeat. If you think crab cakes are too complicated to make, I feel you. I once felt the same way about them, too! But as it turns out, they’re actually pretty easy. You’ll only need seven ingredients, which you’ll just mix together, shape into patties, and pop in the oven. That’s it! It’s so simple.
26. Red White and Blue Fruit Salad
Watermelon, blueberries, and jicama are tossed in a sweet and zingy honey-lime dressing. This salad is like summer in a bowl. It gets a 10/10 both in the flavor and texture department. With this salad, you’ll get sweet and tart, soft and crunchy all in one bite. How very refreshing! The colors are spectacular, too. The combination of red, white, and blue ingredients makes it perfect for 4th of July.
27. Fried Okra
If you despise that slimy gunk in okra, I’m with you. But don’t worry, you’ll get none of the disgusting goo in this southern delight! Okra rounds are coated in cornmeal batter and deep-fried until golden. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with umami-rich flavor. Even okra-haters won’t say no to this. It’s seriously addictive, so I won’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite snack.
28. Jalapeno Poppers
I am obsessed with jalapeno poppers. The crispness of the breadcrumb coating, the heat and crunch from the jalapenos, and the cheesiness and creaminess of the filling create fireworks in my mouth. Also, good news – these poppers are baked, not fried. So go ahead, grab that 10th popper. You know you want to!
29. Buffalo Chicken Dip
It’s Buffalo chicken wings in dip form. I’m sold! Rotisserie chicken, Bleu cheese dressing, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and hot sauce join forces to make a creamy, savory, hot and spicy dip. You’ll gladly eat this even without the crackers and crudites.
30. Garlic Parmesan Wings
Even when I’m already full, I can never say no to Wingstop’s garlic parmesan wings. These wings are iconic for a reason. The skins are crispy and crunchy, and the meat is tender and juicy. It’s outrageously buttery, garlic-y, and cheesy – it’s umami overload, and I love it. Click on a star to rate it!
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