The Fourth of July is a day for friends, family, fireworks, and of course, food. Whether you’re serving burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, or creating a new holiday tradition with something completely different, these Fourth of July appetizers will work with whatever is on your menu. Pick your favorites from our list below and start planning your perfect cookout!
Never Lose A Recipe Again
With MyRecipes, your personal recipe box, you can save and organize all of your Southern Living favorites and thousands more in one place.
Credit:
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGee
Stir together sweet summer corn and one of our favorite Southern staples, Old Bay, for an easy dip you can whip up while you finish grilling for your cookout guests.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
This spicy bite-sized snack is always a recipe for success at any summer party. Stuffed with a bacon-cream cheese filling, these poppers are begging to make an appearance this Fourth of July.
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee Montiel
Hot honey, plus hot sauce and fresh jalapeño give these oven-baked wings a nice little kick.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It’s not a Southern gathering without some kind of pimiento cheese on the table. This one packs the heat thanks to both fresh and pickled jalapeños in the dip.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These sandwiches might be small, but they pack a flavorful punch. Stuffed with layers of cheese, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables, these are sure to please the crowd this summer.
Credit:
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Sure, you could buy a shrimp cocktail ring from the grocery store (you know, the kind sold under the plastic dome), but this homemade version is easy and so much more flavorful. The two accompanying dipping sauces, Horseradish Rémoulade and Vietnamese-Style Cocktail Sauce, beat anything you can buy in a jar.
Credit:
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
You don’t have to be anywhere near water to enjoy this zesty dip made with both ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning.
Credit:
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Who needs fireworks when you have this festive, cheese-and-bacon-filled quesadilla ring?
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Buttery-sweet brioche and a swipe of mayo are the perfect partners for fresh summer tomatoes.
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Daley
Great as a side or a starter, these smoky, spicy corn ribs are the perfect addition to your summer cookout menu.
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Jarred pickled peppers and store-bought pimiento cheese…summer appetizers don’t get much easier than this!
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
Sure, burgers are the star of the show but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up and surprise guests with mini burgers as an appetizer instead. One bite into the bacon jam, and they’ll be thanking you before dinner is even served.
Credit:
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Chunks of smoky grilled veggies amp up the flavor of this classic avocado-based dip.
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
This antipasto meets salad is what summer dinner party dreams are made of. With a healthy spread of meats, eggs, fresh veggies, and skewered shrimp, guests can pick and choose what they want to snack on.
Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele
Nothing says summer like fresh peaches, tomatoes, and corn. Throw all three together for a salad that is sweet, savory, and flavorful.
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Sweet and spicy, this fresh take on salted watermelon is just as easy and will be the star of your next cookout.
Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke
Kick off your menu with a spicy dip recipe that is rich, creamy, and delicious. Pair it with nacho chips or swap in pickled jalapeños for a fresh take minus (some of) the carbs.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The adorable cucumber finger sandwiches make a light and refreshing addition to your summer table.
Credit:
Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Andrea Fanning
Summer peppers team up with goat cheese and capers in this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Combine pizza dough from the deli and pimiento cheese for a delicious, fast-fix appetizer.
Credit: Alison Miksch
Boiled peanuts? Yes, please! We love this simple dish on a road trip, as an appetizer, and on the menu at any summer party.
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Daley
Serve this sweet-and-spicy salad with your favorite cute cocktail picks for a fresh-and-fun summer appetizer.
Credit:
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
This surprising mix of cripsy prosciutto, Parmesan wafers, figs, and nuts will be a hit at your next party.
Credit:
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Sweet and spicy pepper jelly makes these fast-fix wings extra delicious.
Credit:
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
A cross between onion dip and cucumber-onion salad, this make-ahead dip will be a refreshing addition to your summer cookout menu.
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley
For a simple yet seemingly fancy snack, serve these crostinis. Your guests will be as impressed at the presentation as they are the flavor.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Stying: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
These pull-apart party rolls are easy to put together, meaning they travel well. Transport these next time you’re a party guest to be the sure favorite.
Credit:
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason
All your favorite ingredients from a summery Greek salad make for a tasty tray of deviled eggs for your next cookout.
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele
Everyone loves a flatbread, and we especially love this one that’s covered with in-season figs, balsamic, goat cheese, and arugula. Yum!
Credit: Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry
Forget your favorite guacamole recipe for the day and make up this smooth, tangier version. It pairs well with tortilla chips, freshly cut peppers, and celery stalks.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
What’s the 4th of July without watermelon? Fire up the grill for this recipe that’s as delicious as a fresh, cold slice of the summertime classic.
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christina Lane; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos
This recipe takes the ingredients of Texas caviar (a forever favorite) and turns them into a gooey, cheesy dip. Need we say more?!
Credit:
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
With fresh corn, black beans, onions, and peppers, you can whip up this fresh salsa in just 20 minutes.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
No summer cookout is complete without this classic side. This season, try sprinkling paprika on top for added flavor.
Credit: Victor Protasio
Make sure to use the ripest tomatoes you can find for peak flavor.
Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer
Use a piping bag or cut the corner on a zip-top bag to easily create a neat dollop of sour cream.
Credit: Southern Living
This creamy dip is everything you love about summer’s best sandwich.
Credit:
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This addictive appetizer doesn’t even require you to turn on the oven, making it ideal for hot summer days.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Filled with black-eyed peas and tomatoes, this hearty dip will disappear quickly at your summer cookout.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan
Toss tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella cheese together in a simple vinaigrette for an easy in-season appetizer.
Credit:
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Make these cheesy bites the day before and refrigerate until serving, or you can freeze up to 3 weeks.
Credit:
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Summer is the best time of year to make this decadent baked cheese appetizer, when Southern peaches are in their prime. If you can’t find Brie packed in a wooden box, bake the cheese in a small pie plate or baking dish.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
Crab dip is a summertime favorite, as well as a welcome seafood option on any BBQ menu. Pair it with crostini and celery for a light bite before the main meal.
Credit: Jennifer Causey
Bringing your smoker to the party? Try these incredible dry-rubbed chicken wings from our barbecue cookbook, South’s Best Butts. Coated with a Memphis-style dry rub and cooked low and slow for tender results, these ribs are finger lickin’ good—and your guests will agree.
Credit: Alison Miksch
These tasty little bites made with puff pastry and colorful cherry tomatoes will be the hit of any summer party.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
We combined two Fourth of July favorites—Deviled eggs and potato salad—into one crowd-pleasing recipe. Make them a day before your get-together, and chill until you head out. When you arrive, they’ll be the right serving temperature.
Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
Give your classic spinach dip a delicious new twist. The secret to this crowd-pleasing dip is the flavorful addition of sweet Vidalia onions. Serve with fresh vegetables for a dippable, light appetizer.
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele
This summer salad offers a classic, no-fuss snack that you can serve as a spread with toasted baguette slices or as tea-sized sandwiches. Especially if you’re in a pinch, this egg salad is a quick, delicious fix.
Credit:
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason
These deviled eggs are perfect for any Fourth of July party that doesn’t mind a little heat. Add some Tex-Mex flair with avocado, cilantro, and spicy chorizo.
Credit: Alison Miksch
These open-faced sandwiches with a refreshing cucumber spread are a cool and creamy addition to your Fourth of July spread. Make use of your seasonal tomatoes, and serve open-faced as a filling, yet snackable party appetizer.