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50+ Easy 4th of July Appetizers to Start Your Backyard BBQ off Right

Your party menu deserves these 4th of July apps.

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4th of july appetizers
Mike Garten

Before you dig into burger recipes, great grilling recipes and hot dogs, kick off your holiday family barbecue with these easy, fun 4th of July appetizers. Follow these easy recipes full of summer's freshest produce — zucchini, corn, watermelon and more — to make a flavor-packed party spread that's just as colorful as it is delicious. Whether your family prefers to keep it classic (shall we say, all-American?) with pigs in a blanket and grilled veggies, or go fancy with homemade (and best) dips, start your Independence Day menu with these crowd-pleasing party starters.

1

Chili-Honey-Garlic Shrimp Kebabs

chili honey garlic shrimp kebabs
MIKE GARTEN

If you're serving some savory barbecue later on, these sweet-and-savory shrimp kebabs will get every in the mood for more grilled goodness.

Get the recipe for Chili-Honey-Garlic Shrimp Kebabs »

2

Grilled Chicken Wings

grilled chicken wings
Mike Garten

Toss everyone's favorite app on the grill then coat in a homemade peach bourbon BBQ sauce for a little extra summer flair.

Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken Wings »

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3

Goat Cheese and Cherry Caprese

goat cheese and cherry caprese
Mike Garten

Take your average Caprese salads up a notch by pairing tangy goat cheese with ripe and watery heirloom and grape tomatoes.

Get the recipe for Goat Cheese and Cherry Caprese »

RELATED: The 33 Best Tomato Recipes for Savoring Summer

4

Shrimp Ceviche

shrimp ceviche
Mike Garten

Serve this light and citrusy appetizer is best served with crispy plantain chips for easy scooping.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Ceviche »

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5

BLT Pasta Salad

blt pasta salad
Mike Garten

Inspired by everyone's favorite summer sandwich, this easy appetizer is a serious crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe for BLT Pasta Salad »

6

Parmesan-Chive Chips

parmesanchive chips
Mike Garten

It can't get any easier than dressing up store-bought potato chips with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs.

Get the recipe for Parmesan-Chive Chips »

RELATED: 26 of the Healthiest Chips You Can Buy at the Store

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7

Cowboy Caviar

cowboy caviar recipe
Mike Garten

A healthy and hearty make-ahead dip, this recipe, loaded with beans, corn and avocado, is the ultimate side dish to bring to your 4th of July backyard party

Get the recipe for Cowboy Caviar »

8

BLT Bites

blt bites
Mike Garten

Meet the easiest appetizer you'll want to make on repeat. Blue cheese brings a cooling creaminess to the classic flavor combo.

Get the recipe for BLT Bites »

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9

Fiery Feta Foil Packs

fiery feta foil packs
Mike Garten

If your 4th of July celebrations involve a campfire, build these cheesy packets of goodness and cook right over the flame.

Get the recipe for Fiery Feta Foil Packs »

RELATED: 15 Best Campfire Recipes to Mix up Your Camping Menu

10

Taco Cups

taco cups
Mike Garten

Layer beef and cheese on crunchy wonton wrappers, bake until bubbly, then top with salsa and sour cream. It's a one-bite party!

Get the recipe for Taco Cups »

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11

Egg Salad Blini Bites

egg salad blini bites
MIKE GARTEN

These mini pancakes give you the perfect amount of egg salad per bite, but that won't stop your guests from asking for seconds.

Get the recipe for Egg Salad Blini Bites »

12

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

roasted red pepper hummus
Mike Garten

Roasting your own peppers gives this easy appetizer a rich, smoky flavor and some show-stopping color.

Get the recipe for Roasted Red Pepper Hummus »

RELATED: 27 Delicious Chickpea Recipes That Make the Most of Garbanzo Beans

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13

Best Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip

best ever spinach and artichoke dip
Mike Garten

Lighter than the usual gooey baked version, this super fresh no-cook dip is made with tons of fragrant herbs, walnuts for crunch and cheese for a hit of savory flavor.

Get the recipe for Best Ever Spinach and Artichoke Dip »

14

Fried Green Tomatoes

fried green tomatoes
MIKE GARTEN

These crunchy panko-crusted tomatoes are a savory Southern favorite — but you can enjoy them wherever you live.

Get the recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes »

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15

Grilled Veggies With Honey-Thyme Vinaigrette

grilled veggies with honey thyme vinaigrette   4th of july appetizers
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

This grilled medley gets a summer makeover thanks to a sweet, herby drizzle.

Get the recipe for Grilled Veggies with Honey-Thyme Vinaigrette »

RELATED: 70 Insanely Delicious Grilling Recipes to Try ASAP

16

Corn Pups

corn pups
Con Poulos

Whip up mini, carnival-style treats at home in only 25 minutes.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

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17

Goat Cheese Appetizer

goat cheese appetizer
Mike Garten

Serve this no-cook appetizer, coated in fresh herbs and pink peppercorns, with plenty of crackers or crispy baguette.

Get the recipe for Goat Cheese Appetizer »

RELATED: 13 Best Crackers to Add to Your Next Cheese Platter

18

Crab Cakes With Mango-Avocado Relish

crab cakes with mango relish on a white plate
Mike Garten

Spoil guests with these savory crab cake bites, made with fresh sweet crab meat and topped with a crunchy mango-avocado relish that’s delicious enough to serve on its own.

Get the recipe for Crab Cakes With Mango-Avocado Relish »

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19

Spinach and Yogurt Dip

spinach and yogurt dip
Mike Garten

This cooling creamy dip combines plain yogurt with spinach and mint for a tangy, fresh option at the appetizer table. Pass the pita!

Get the recipe for Spinach and Yogurt Dip »

20

Gingery Shrimp Toasts

gingery shrimp toasts
Mike Garten

With Asian-fusion flavors, these crispy toasts pack a lot of punch in an appetizer-sized bite.

Get the recipe for Gingery Shrimp Toasts »

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