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70 Best Fourth of July Appetizers You Have to Make This Year

Get ready to munch all holiday long with these Fourth of July appetizers! From refreshing fruit salads to hearty chicken wings, these are the apps that'll make this Independence Day the most delicious yet.

Taste Of Home's Contest Winning Patriotic Pepper Platter RecipeTMB STUDIO

These Fourth of July favorites are sure to be major crowd-pleasers for your holiday get-together. From classic dishes like chicken wings to some more daring dishes like BLT macaroni salad, we have everything you could want.

Fourth of July is all about celebrating America together, which is why we have also included patriotic-themed recipes as well. Make sure to try out the sensational watermelon feta salad that resembles the American flag. For something equally as refreshing, don’t forget about a fresh fruit bowl that everyone will love.

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Jalapeno Popper Dip

This jalapeno popper dip is perfect for potlucks, get-togethers and summer celebrations. It’s a creamy and delicious crowd-pleaser. For a fun new appetizer tradition, bust out this Fourth of July charcuterie board.

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Slow-Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings

These tasty chicken wings are sure to be an instant hit with your loved ones. With just a few ingredients for the sauce, like barbecue and soy sauce, you’ll be able to whip this up in no time.
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Watermelon Feta Flag Salad

Here’s a centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. Not only is it ideal for the Fourth of July, but it’s wonderfully refreshing as well. Looking for some festive desserts? Discover our favorite Fourth of July pies.
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Cheesy Meatball Sliders

These meatball sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. Keep the seasonal sides coming! These summer side dishes are irresistible.
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Patriotic Pepper Platter

If you want to impress your guests, set out this pepper platter on the buffet table. It doesn’t get any more patriotic than this!
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Special Stuffed Strawberries

These sweet treats are as cute as they are addicting. Feel free to top them with chopped pistachios for extra flavor.
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Savory Cucumber Sandwiches

You simply can’t go wrong with finger food for summer get-togethers. To save time, you can make these several hours beforehand. If you like vintage recipes, discover Grandma’s all-time favorite Fourth of July recipes.
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Spanakopita

This easy spanakopita recipe is sure to be a hit. They’re easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes.
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Homemade Guacamole

Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole! It’s easy to whip together in a matter of minutes.
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Fried Lemon-Pepper Wings

These lemon-pepper wings are perfect as Fourth of July appetizers. Add grated lemon zest to the butter mixture if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor.

Discover our favorite healthy Fourth of July recipes.

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Bacon Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Buffalo dip is a must-have appetizer for summer parties and celebrations. It celebrates America’s love for Buffalo chicken dipped in heaps of creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing. And the bacon? That’s just an added bonus!
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Bacon Buffalo Chicken Dip Exps Tohfm20 193216 E09 19 5b 12

Bacon Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Buffalo dip is a must-have appetizer for summer time parties and celebrations. It celebrates America’s love for Buffalo chicken dipped in heaps of creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing. And the bacon? That’s just an added bonus!
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Pico de Gallo

This easy pico de gallo recipe is a classic and pairs with most things. To allow the flavors to come together, chill for a few hours before serving.
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Florentine Ciabatta

Ciabatta pizza? Say no more! This take on pizza is a crowd-pleaser for everyone of all ages. It’s the perfect dish to take to a neighborhood barbecue or cookout.

This pizza charcuterie board might also be a hit at any Fourth of July party.

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Grilled Teriyaki Beef Skewers

These beef skewers are easy to make and even easier to eat—perfect for a Fourth of July party! The horseradish cream sauce pairs well with the savory beef.
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Chipotle Berry Fruit Salsa

Whether you add dollops to grilled fish or chicken, or use chips to scoop it up, this slightly spicy salsa is a fun dish guests will gravitate toward.
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Chicken Cakes with Avocado Mango Sauce

If you’ve never heard of chicken cakes, now is your time to experience them. Perfect for any occasion, these savory stuffed cakes are the perfect snack to bring to a summer gathering.
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Banh Mi Skewers

These skewers are a really fun twist! For easier prep on the day of the party, make the meatballs in advance and freeze them.
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Mini Burgers with the Works

You can’t go wrong with these mini burgers! These are the perfect one-bite appetizer that will be gobbled up in no time.
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Southwestern Star Dip

This dip will be the star of your future potluck! It’s super quick to make, and it’s sure to be an instant hit no matter where you go.
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Peachy-Keen Halloumi Fritters

Use up the season’s peaches in this corn fritter recipe filled with gooey Halloumi cheese and sweet onions.These fritters are slightly sweet, and perfectly light and airy.
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BLT Macaroni Salad

If you love BLT sandwiches, you’ll be sure to adore this recipe. You simply can’t go wrong with bacon and tomatoes packed in a bedding of creamy macaroni.
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Quick Tortilla Pinwheels

Prepare these easy, cheesy pinwheels several days in advance if desired. Feel free to serve them with your favorite salsas or dips to increase the heat.
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Savory Stuffed Cherry Peppers

These stuffed peppers are delicious and a fabulous appetizer choice for the summertime. They also will add some color to any potluck get-together.
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Grilled Elote Flatbread

Here’s a fun twist on a classic Mexican dish! You can put these on the grill for your Fourth of July party and not have to worry about using the kitchen at all.
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Spiced Sweet Potato Fries

A spicy homemade seasoning blend shakes up everyone’s favorite finger food in this rendition of sweet potato fries.
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Coconut Chicken and Shrimp

This tasty dish is worth the calories! The dipping sauce adds a sweet contrast to the savory shrimp and chicken.
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Fresh Corn & Avocado Dip

If you want to add an extra kick to this dish, add some finely chopped jalapeños to the mix. This tasty dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving.
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Easy Fried Green Tomatoes

This is a southern recipe that is sure to be a big hit with fellow party-goers. You truly can’t go wrong with green tomatoes covered in a crispy shell.
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Juicy Watermelon Salad

This fruit salad is refreshing and perfect for hot days. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist.
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Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket

This recipe is a new take on a classic dish. Kids will love these, so make sure to double the recipe!
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Chili Queso Dip

This is an easy party favorite. You can’t go wrong with a classic queso dip on Fourth of July.
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Pizza Puffs

What’s more fun than a pizza puff? Skip the kind sold in the frozen-foods aisle and try this homemade version. Feel free to add more veggies, and if you’re a meat lover add more protein.
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Miniature Corn Dogs

Expect these fun-sized corn dogs to go fast. They add a little “wow” factor to any cookout or get-together. Kids and adults equally love them.
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Brat & Bacon Appetizer Pizza

These snack-sized slices will be an instant hit in the summer. You can’t go wrong with bacon and onions inside a cheesy delicious bite.
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Fruit and Cheese Board

Who says cheese and sausage get to have all the fun? Make this fruit charcuterie board a party go-to with anything that’s in season.
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Honey and Ale Pulled Chicken Sliders

This recipe will score big for guests. Perfect from everything to a football party to Fourth of July, these sliders will be gone before you know it.
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Zucchini Pico de Gallo Salsa

This salsa is refreshing and the mix of fresh vegetables make it that much more desirable. Dip chips or crackers in this dip for a party in your tastebuds.
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Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups

These are great to make when you’re in a hurry and want something simple. But don’t worry, the flavors in here are far from simple. These roll-ups are perfect for Fourth of July and are tasty as can be.
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Smoked Gouda & Roast Beef Pinwheels

These meaty pinwheels pack in the flavor in a small package. Set them out on the buffet table and watch them go.
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Mini Mac & Cheese Bites

Mini mac and cheese bites aren’t just for kids. Adults will love this cute appetizer just as much. It’s perfect for Fourth of July when you want something quick that will keep you feeling satisfied througout the day.
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Herbed Steak Fries

Seasoned to perfection, these herbed steak fries from our Test Kitchen make a quick and tasty Fourth of July appetizer. A great way to dress up frozen fries in a hurry!
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Greek Ouzo Pork Kabobs

If you love Mediterranean food, this one is for you! The wonderful sauces like the creamy tzatziki will provide you with a cooling and refreshing bite.
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Watermelon Cups

This lovely Fourth of July appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs.
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Slow-Cooker Meatballs

This slow cooker recipe is perfect for any barbecue. The meatballs are tender and delicious thanks to the undeniably tasty sauce.
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Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers

These mini peppers are colorful and the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips without the extra calories.
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Healthy Spinach Dip

If you want to make a dip that’s not too heavy, this is your perfect alternative. It’s creamy, rich and packed with tons of veggies.
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Mini Chicken Chimis with Jalapeno Cream Cheese

These mini chicken chimichangas offer a tasty snack that will be wonderful for any summertime gathering.
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Nacho Tots

This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. Feel free to top these tots with cheese and sour cream.
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Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing

You can’t go wrong with fresh fruit on the Fourth of July. The dressing pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruits.
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Chive Crab Cakes

These tasty crab cakes are perfect as Fourth of July appetizers. If desired, pair them with lemon wedges for a citrus kick.
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Air-Fryer Empanadas

These air-fryer empanadas are easy and delicious. You can also make them ahead of time, which will get you enjoying the festivities sooner.
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Quick Watermelon Salsa Exps Jmz18 32285 C03 02 2b 2

Quick Watermelon Salsa

On hot days like the Fourth of July, this recipe will be all that you could want. It’s cooling, refreshing and a unique dish to bring for America’s birthday.
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Grilled Kiwi Chicken Kabobs With Honey Chipotle Glaze Exps Thso17 145457 B04 20 1b 6

Grilled Kiwi-Chicken Kabobs with Honey-Chipotle Glaze

These kabobs are perfectly juicy and tender; they’re guaranteed to be an instant favorite. Plus, the spicy sweet sauce is almost good enough to drink!
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Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

This air-fryer sweet potato chips recipe is quick, easy and oh so yummy. Make sure to give the sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove some of the excess starch.
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Puff Pastry Apple Strudel

This puff pastry apple strudel is a sweet and light appetizer perfect for any potluck or celebration. Different types of cheese, like goat, feta or jack, can be used in this dish depending on your preferences.
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Chocolate Chip Dip Exps Ft21 45609 F 0707 1 16

Chocolate Chip Dip

This summertime treat is delicious and easy to make. It’s perfect for kids (and adults) who want a sweet snack.
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Roasted Veggie Quesadillas

This veggie quesadilla recipe is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers too. They’ll be a popular finger food at any gathering.
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Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

These are great appetizers to pop in your mouth if you want something light and refreshing. Perfect for summer, these stuffed tomatoes will sure to be a hit.
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Lemony Bacon-Artichoke Dip

If you’re tired of making the same dips for every Fourth of July party, try out this bacon forward recipe. The bacon adds a ton of flavor and texture.
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Creamy Crab Wontons

Perfect for Fourth of July, these wontons are crispy and full of flavor. They’ll simply melt in your mouth.
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Barbecued Meatballs

Grape jelly and chili sauce are the secret ingredients that make these meatballs so amazing and rich with flavor. To save you some time, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them right before guests arrive.
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Eggplant Parmesan Sliders Exps Rc20 256366 B09 15 1b 3

Eggplant Parmesan Sliders

These eggplant parmesan sliders are easy for guests to grab (and are vegetarian-friendly!). The lemon-ricotta spread really adds a level of flavor and intensity to these delicious bites.
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Hot Cheese Dip

This dip is creamy, cheesy and frankly irresistible. Not only will adults be coming back for seconds, but kids will also love it.
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Bruschetta from the Grill

Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and oregano make a savory spread for chopped tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil. Add a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella cheese for an extra kick.
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Eggplant Flatbread Pizzas

If you’re looking to make something everyone will love, look no further than this recipe. It’s a unique twist on a classic and is surprisingly simple to make.
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Caprese Salad Kabobs

If you love kabobs, try out this Caprese version for a lighter dish. The balsamic adds a tangy and sweet flavor and balances out the mozzarella cheese and tomatoes.
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9-Layer Greek Dip

Instead of serving the same taco dip or guacamole each year, try this light, cool and refreshing Greek dip. It’s healthy and easy to whip up quickly so you can go out and enjoy the festivities.
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Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas

This zesty, crunchy chickpea recipe will have everyone happily munching. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something light and easy to make.
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Fresh Fruit Bowl

The beautiful colors of the fruit make this bowl a stunning dish to bring to any summer potluck. It’s simple, easy, refreshing and perfectly juicy.

Caroline Stanko
As Editor, Caroline writes and edits all things food-related and helps produce videos for Taste of Home. When she’s not at her desk, you can probably find Caroline cooking up a feast, planning her next trip abroad or daydreaming about her golden retriever, Mac.
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson is currently an Assistant Editor at Taste of Home. Since 2018, her writing has been published in publications like Allure, Teen Vogue, HuffPost and more. She now has published two poetry books that are available on Amazon. Lauren loves every kind of pasta known to man and can be found singing Taylor Swift songs all day long.