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61 Easy 4th of July Appetizers for an All-American Cookout
Kick things off with summer starters!
By Micaela Bahn
What’s the key to a good 4th of July cookout? Friends, family, and lots of food, of course! So why not kick things off right from the start with these 4th of July appetizers that will keep everyone at your party happy and satisfied. If you're planning a big blowout, like Ree Drummond's annual Pawhuska celebration, then you probably already have burgers, corn on the cob, and grilled steaks on the menu. But for the appetizers, you can get as creative as you'd like. We've even included a few seasonal summer recipes that are perfect for pool parties, BBQs, or whatever your day has in store. Think: strawberry and goat cheese crostini, watermelon salad, bacon-shrimp skewers, or crispy okra that's made in an air fryer!
Like any good host knows, you can't go wrong with a party dip. Whether it's guacamole, whipped feta dip, peach salsa, or a baked cheeseburger dip, these crowd-pleasing recipes are sure to be hit at any summer get-together. Looking for finger foods to enjoy at your outdoor cookout? Here, you'll find plenty of sliders, kebabs, and grilling recipes to pair with your 4th of July menu. Try the grilled beef skewers, the Southern fried okra, or the blueberry Caprese salad that's perfect for a red, white, and blue theme. Looking for more 4th of July party ideas? Celebrate with festive fruit pies that you'll be making all summer long!
Pico de Gallo
Fresh summer tomatoes and bright herbs make this dip the perfect starter for the 4th of July. You can enjoy it on it's own or serve it over your favorite guacamole!
Get Ree's Pico de Gallo recipe.
Burrata Salad
This twist on a classic caprese salad is made with milky-soft burrata instead. It's impressive yet simple and perfect for summer!
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
Eggplant Caponata
Head to the farmer's market or even your own back garden to get the fresh summer ingredients (like eggplant, onions, and red bell peppers) for this Italian dish. It's delicious spooned onto toasted crostini.
Get the Eggplant Caponata recipe.
Blooming Onion
If you're looking for a starter that's as impressive as the fireworks themselves, you have to check out this blooming onion! It's crispy, fun, and so delicious.
Get the Blooming Onion recipe.
Corn Salsa
There's nothing like the taste of sweet corn in the summer. And when it's charred on the grill and mixed with colorful veggies and herbs, it becomes the ultimate summer dip.
Get the Corn Salsa recipe.
Fried Zucchini
This is a great way to use up an abundance of zucchini! Bonus: It's crispy and delicious when dipped in ranch!
Get the Fried Zucchini recipe.
Avocado Dip
With all the heavy BBQs foods on the menu, you might want to keep things light for the appetizers. This dip is fresh, healthy (made with Greek yogurt), and great for serving with veggie sticks.
Get the Avocado Dip recipe.
Grilled Pizza
Cut up small pizza slices for a foolproof starter that everyone will love! You can get as creative as you'd like for the toppings!
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
Coconut Shrimp
Bring a little tropical flavor to your 4th of July party with this recipe for coconut shrimp! The crispy coconut breading and sweet Thai chili sauce are even more fun than a display of fireworks!
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
Deviled Eggs
You can't go wrong with deviled eggs! It's Ree's go-to party appetizer for any occasion.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Corn Fritters
You can snack on corn fritters any time of day so even if guests arrive early, you'll be prepared with something tasty! Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or even maple syrup if you like them sweet.
Get the Corn Fritters recipe.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
The combination of crispy-salty bacon, ranch dressing, and juicy tomatoes makes this pasta salad the ultimate cookout crowd-pleaser.
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
Cheese Fries
Serve these loaded fries as an appetizer or side dish, and watch guests fall madly in love with the homemade three-cheese sauce infused with bacon.
Get the Cheese Fries recipe.
Egg Salad
Fourth of July is one of those holidays that requires you to pace yourself. Why not start the meal off with something lighter, like this classic egg salad? It's ideal cookout fare.
Get the Egg Salad recipe.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
What's more classic than adorable ham and cheese sliders? This recipe is perfect for any type of get-together because it’s oh-so-easy.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Golden, tender, and wonderfully flaky—what more could you ask for? You can prep these biscuits way in advance for a stress-free—and tasty—4th of July.
Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Like we mention later, everything is better when it's wrapped in meat! Here, prosciutto is tucked around the asparagus before baking, ensuring that it shrinks up beautifully around each spear.
Get the Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus recipe.
Arancini
These creamy, crunchy, fried balls are stuffed with cheesy rice! Who doesn't love a stuffed bite-sized treat?
Get the Arancini recipe.
Chickpea Salad
You can't say no to an exceedingly fresh app! This loaded salad will tide guests over until the main course.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Onion Rings
Serve this classic app up piping hot! Each of these crispy bites is loaded with flavor from buttermilk, black pepper, and cayenne.
Get the Onion Rings recipe.
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