50 Easy Appetizers For A Festive And Fabulous Fourth of July

Blooming Quesadilla Ring

Who needs fireworks when you have this festive, cheese-and-bacon-filled quesadilla ring?

Tomato Sandwich Toasts

Buttery-sweet brioche and a swipe of mayo are the perfect partners for fresh summer tomatoes.

Grilled Corn Ribs

Great as a side or a starter, these smoky, spicy corn ribs are the perfect addition to your summer cookout menu.

Pimiento Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Jarred pickled peppers and store-bought pimiento cheese...summer appetizers don't get much easier than this!

Beef Sliders With Bacon Jam

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 this bacon jam, and they'll be thanking you before dinner is even served.

Charred Onion and Chile Guacamole

Chunks of smoky grilled veggies amp up the flavor of this classic avocado-based dip.

Salmagundi

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.

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Nothing says summer like fresh peaches, tomatoes, and corn. Throw all three together for a salsa that is sweet, savory, and flavorful.

Pepper Sauce Watermelon Wedges

Sweet and spicy, this fresh take on salted watermelon is just as easy and will be the star of your next cookout.

Jalapeño Popper Dip

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.

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

The adorable cucumber finger sandwiches make a light and refreshing addition to your summer table.

Sweet & Fiery Pepper Bruschetta

Summer peppers team up with goat cheese and capers in this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Pimiento Cheese Flatbread

Combine pizza dough from the deli and pimiento cheese for a delicious, fast-fix appetizer.

Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts

Boiled peanuts? Yes, please! We love this simple dish on a road trip, as an appetizer, and on the menu at any summer party.

Peppered Melon Salad

Serve this sweet-and-spicy salad with your favorite cute cocktail picks for a fresh-and-fun summer appetizer.

Charcuterie Board Snack Mix

This surprising mix of cripsy prosciutto, Parmesan wafers, figs, and nuts will be a hit at your next party.

Pepper Jelly-Glazed Chicken Wings

Sweet and spicy pepper jelly makes these fast-fix wings extra delicious.

Cucumber-And-Onion Dip

A cross between onion dip and cucumber-onion salad, this make-ahead dip will be a refreshing addition to your summer cookout menu.

Asparagus Ribbon Crostini

For a simple yet seemingly fancy snack, serve these crostinis. Your guests will be as impressed at the presentation as they are the flavor.

Hot Brown Party Rolls

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.

Greek Deviled Eggs

All your favorite ingredients from a summery Greek salad make for a tasty tray of deviled eggs for your next cookout.

Fig Flatbread

Everyone loves a flatbread, and we especially love this one that's covered with in-season figs, balsamic, goat cheese, and arugula. Yum!

Creamy Avocado Dip

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.

Grilled Watermelon

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.

Southwest Black Eyed Pea Dip

This recipe takes the ingredients of Texas caviar (a forever favorite) and turns them into a gooey, cheesy dip. Need we say more?!

Black Bean Corn Salsa

With fresh corn, black beans, onions, and peppers, you can whip up this fresh salsa in just 20 minutes.

Classic Deviled Eggs

No summer cookout is complete without this classic side. This season, try sprinkling paprika on top for added flavor.

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Make sure to use the ripest tomatoes you can find for peak flavor.

Mini Potato Skins

Use a piping bag or cut the corner on a zip-top bag to easily create a neat dollop of sour cream.

Baked BLT Dip

This creamy dip is everything you love about summer's best sandwich.

Alabama Fire Cracker Saltines

This addictive appetizer doesn't even require you to turn on the oven, making it ideal for hot summer days.

Texas Caviar

Filled with black-eyed peas and tomatoes, this hearty dip will disappear quickly at your summer cookout.

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Toss tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella cheese together in a simple vinaigrette for an easy in-season appetizer.

Corn and Jalapeño Dip

Stir together sweet summer corn and the rest of the ingredients and let your slow cooker warm up this easy dip while you finish grilling for your cookout guests.

Cheese Dreams

Make these cheesy bites the day before and refrigerate until serving, or you can freeze up to 3 weeks.

Bacon Bites

If you need an easy portable appetizer, you can't go wrong with bacon.

Baked Brie with Jezebel Peaches

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.

Creamy Crab Dip

Crab dip is a summertime favorite, as well as a welcome seafood to any BBQ menu. Pair it with crostini and celery for a light bite before the main meal.

Dry-Rubbed Smoked Chicken Wings

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.

Party Poppers

This spicy bite-sized snack is always a recipe for success at any summer party. Stuffed with chicken-cream cheese filling and wrapped in some hickory-smoked bacon, these poppers are begging to make an appearance this Fourth of July.

Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

These tasty little bites made with puff pastry and colorful cherry tomatoes will be the hit of any summer party.

Deviled Potatoes

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.

Mini Muffulettas

Recipe: Mini Muffulettas

These sandwiches might be small, but they pack a flavorful punch. Stuffed with layers of cheese, cold cut, and pickled vegetables, these are sure to please the crowd this summer. Test Kitchen Tip: You can prepare the muffulettas the day before, store in zip-top plastic freezer bags, and refrigerate overnight.

Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Juicy melon, salty prosciutto, and creamy mozzarella come together for a perfect skewer-sized snack. Take this summer salad on the road with this easy and portable recipe.

Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

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.

Picnic Egg Salad

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.

Tex-Mex Deviled Eggs

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.

Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread

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.

Honey-Soy Appetizer Ribs

These pork spareribs are a great party starter because they can be eaten out of hand and served at room temperature. You can even prep them a day in advance, through step three. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Herbed Tomato Tart

This fresh tomato pie will look so pretty at your summer party.