Before you dig into burgers and hot dogs, kick off your holiday family barbecue with these 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. It doesn't matter if you're feeding a crowd or making something extra special for the fam, we think there's something that everyone will be able to enjoy on this list.

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 dip and pasta salad, start your Independence Day menu with these crowd-pleasing party starters. Who knows? You may just find the dish that you'll be craving before meals all summer long. But remember: Even though eating an entire bowl of guacamole sounds like a good idea, try your best — key word: try — to save room for your BBQ mains, sides, and of course, fruity desserts.