Red, White & Cheesy: The Ultimate 4th of July Snack Board

Madison
Jun 27
3 min read

Red, white, and brie your way through the 4th!

The countdown is on: the 4th of July is just a week away, and whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a friend’s party, or simply trying to out-snack last year’s spread, this is your sign to level up your snack game. Keep the chips and dip (they're legends for a reason), but make room for a board that brings the heat—bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and, of course, plenty of cheese.

Introducing: Red, White & Cheesy—a festive snack board that’s bursting with color, flavor, and all the celebratory spirit of the 4th of July.

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Red, White & Blue—No Artificial Dye Necessary

Start with a color palette that says "USA" without saying "I bought red-dyed ranch dip."

Red: Strawberries, raspberries, watermelon stars, cherry tomatoes, mini pepperonis, red pepper strips.
White: White cheddar cubes, mozzarella pearls, brie wedges, cauliflower, popcorn, rice crackers.
Blue: Blueberries, blackberries, blue corn chips, purple grapes (they count, trust us).

Arrange in color-blocked zones or get artsy and lay it out like a flag. Either way, let the cheese be the hero.

Let’s Talk Cheese: The Main Event

A truly great board balances texture, taste, and—yes—Instagrammability. Here’s how to build a cheese selection that feels gourmet, without making things complicated:

1. Soft + Spreadable

Brie – Creamy, buttery, and crowd-pleasing. Go with Président Brie or Saint André (triple crème heaven).
Goat Cheese – Tangy and perfect with a fruit drizzle. Try Laura Chenel or Vermont Creamery (bonus: they make flavored logs like blueberry vanilla that double as dessert).

2. Semi-Soft + Mild

Havarti – Buttery and sliceable. Look for Castello or Boar’s Head.
Fontina – Melty and mellow. Sartori Fontina is smooth, melty, and easy to love.

3. Hard + Sharp

Aged Cheddar – Sharp and crumbly. Try Cabot Clothbound or Beecher’s Flagship Reserve.
Manchego – A salty Spanish favorite that plays well with sweet fruit. Don Juan or Mitica are solid picks.

4. Something Blue (Literally)

Blue Cheese Crumbles or Wedges – Not everyone’s favorite, but a little goes a long way. Look for Point Reyes Original Blue or Rogue Creamery Smokey Blue.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to cut some cheeses into festive shapes (stars are always a hit), or stack alternating layers of cheese and fruit for red-white-and-blue mini towers.

star shaped fruit, star shaped watermelon, kiwi, blueberries, purple grapes

Shape It Up

Mini cookie cutters are your best friend here. Watermelon, pineapple, cheese slices—just punch and stack. Want more impact? Make mini skewers with a mozzarella ball, blueberry, and cherry tomato for a single-bite patriotic kabob.

And if you’re feeling extra, a salami rose or two goes a long way.

Sweet, Salty, and a Little Surprising

Balance is everything on a board like this. Combine savory cheeses with:

Honeycomb or fig jam for brie
Spiced nuts (or candied pecans for crunch)
Fresh basil or mint leaves for freshness
Dried cherries or cranberries for tart bursts

Presentation = Half the Fun

Set your board on a wooden tray or marble slab. Use small bowls or ramekins for dips and wet ingredients (honey, jam, olives). Sprinkle in star confetti, mini flag picks, or even a few sparklers (unlit, we beg you).

Surround the board with red and blue napkins or plates to tie it all together.

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So whether you're lounging by the grill or heading to a fireworks party, this board is your patriotic power move. Easy to customize, guaranteed to impress, and full of that laid-back summer energy your guests (and your social feed) will eat up.

Happy snacking—and happy 4th!