30 (Really Good) 4th Of July Snacks And Appetizers To Add To Your Menu This Year
We're starting the party off right!
Grilling is often the main event of the 4th of July (OK, maybe the fireworks are), but the snacks and appetizers are just as important. Give the grill master a run for their money with these easy and delicious 4th of July recipes that'll steal the show. There's something here for everyone — including vegetarian, vegan, keto, Crock-Pot, and air fryer options. Happy 4th!
1. Million Dollar Cream Cheese Dip

This keto-friendly recipe will be devoured by everyone.
Recipe: Million Dollar Cream Cheese Dip
2. Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs

These are so full of flavor that they're sure to be a hit, and they can be cooked in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Pile them up on a platter, and spear with cocktail picks to serve. Or leave them in a Crock-Pot to keep them warm.
3. Melon Berry Fruit Salad

Add some white peaches or jicama into the mix if you're going for the full red, white, and blue vibe.
Recipe: Melon Berry Fruit Salad
4. Tamales De Elote

This recipe gives very clear and detailed instructions, and making them is easier than you might think. Imagine showing up to your BBQ with tamales that YOU made. Impressive.
Recipe: Tamales De Elote
5. Red, White, and Blue Cheese Board

Show off that good ol' red, white, and blue with a flag-inspired cheese board.
6. Whipped Vegan Feta Cheese with Maple & Thyme

And make sure you have a cheese option for the dairy-free among us.
7. Cider-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

I've heard bacon-wrapped everything is a millennial food trend — and I'm not mad about it. It's delicious.
Recipe: Cider-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
8. Easy Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Crispy, flavorful, and easier than you think. They look good and might trick your meat-eaters.
Recipe: Easy Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Wings
9. Spinach Artichoke Dip

This one is served warm and melty. You can prepare it the day before and let it sit out at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip
10. Homemade Healthy Otterpops

Otter Pops. Doesn't that take you back? You can use any popsicle mold or even an ice cube tray to make these, but if you want to do the whole Otter Pop vibe, get yourself some of these.
Bonus tip! You can make these boozy for the grown folks.
Recipe: Homemade Healthy Otterpops
11. Seven-Layer Taco Dip

This dip is delicious on its own, but if you want to add meat, you can add ground beef. Brown the beef in a pan, drain the fat, stir in a jar of salsa, and season to taste. Now you have eight layers.
12. Prosciutto-Wrapped Tequila Lime Shrimp With Avocado Crema

If the grill master won't let you squeeze in your skewers, you can also cook these in a cast-iron skillet. But they're better on the grill, so try to get a little corner of it.
Recipe: Prosciutto-Wrapped Tequila Lime Shrimp With Avocado Crema
13. Prickly Pear Lillet Spritz

This pretty red and refreshing drink can be made booze-free easily. Just sub with sparkling cider and soda water!
Recipe: Prickly Pear Lillet Spritz
14. Pesto Couscous Salad

Anything topped with pesto is always a yes.
Recipe: Pesto Couscous Salad
15. Baked Chicken Wings in a BBQ Marinade

Baking your wings means you won't have to elbow anyone for grill space.
16. Fajita Grilled Chicken Skewers

Perfect for alfresco dining. Be sure to have tortillas and other fajita toppings available!
Recipe: Fajita Grilled Chicken Skewers
17. Mini Lap Cheong Sausage Pigs in a Blanket

Lap cheong is Chinese-style pork sausage. You can find this sausage at Asian markets, and one commenter said they found it at Costco!
18. Queso Fundido With Chorizo

Easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chorizo and adding mushrooms and poblano peppers.
Recipe: Queso Fundido With Chorizo
19. Avocado Shrimp Salsa

This recipe will only take you about 20 minutes to make (less if you're using pre-cooked shrimp). It's not recommended to make it ahead of time, but you can prep most of the veggies the day before if you'd like.
Recipe: Avocado Shrimp Salsa
20. Cheese Chips

Homemade cheese chips are sure to be better than the packaged variety.
Recipe: Cheese Chips
21. Crock-Pot Ribs

No grill needed for these ribs!
Recipe: Crock-Pot Ribs
22. Marinated Beef Kabobs With Broccoli

It's like beef broccoli on a kebab! You can substitute tamari for coconut aminos, but be sure to add a bit of sweetener to balance the salty flavor.
23. Crostini Three Ways

An easy grab-and-go appetizer while people are mingling and sipping wine.
Recipe: Crostini Three Ways
24. Broccoli Tots

The key to getting these perfectly crispy is taking the time to squeeze as much water as possible out of the cooked broccoli. And if you're a cheese lover, go on and add some Parmesan!
Recipe: Low-Carb Broccoli Tots
25. Pulled Pork Nachos

No matter what, nachos are always a good idea.
Recipe: Pulled Pork Nachos
26. Vegan French Onion Dip

This dairy-free dip is great for your vegan and lactose-intolerant friends.
Recipe: Vegan French Onion Dip
27. Taco Egg Rolls (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)

Yum. Yum. Yum. You can pretty much fill these with whatever ingredients you want, and they can also be cooked in the air fryer.
28. Bacon Ranch Crispy Potato Skins

Don't toss those potato skins! They make a great and crispy lil' snack.
Recipe: Bacon Ranch Crispy Potato Skins
29. Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff Salad

A little something to satisfy the summer sweet tooth, it's your no-bake, no wait-for-it-to-set, cheesecake alternative.
30. Patriotic Popcorn

Red, white, and blue for the win. Happy snacking!
Recipe: Patriotic Popcorn