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Every summertime potluck and outdoor party needs appetizers! This collection of BBQ Appetizers has all the options you’ll need to accompany your grilled main courses.

More Collections: Finger Food Appetizers, Party Appetizers, Cold Appetizers

A collage of BBQ Appetizer recipes.


Appetizers are Made for BBQs!

Appetizers are perfect for serving on so many occasions, especially the iconic BBQ!

Dips are always an easy and popular go-to, but try mixing it up with some of our other favorites, whether they be BBQ flavored or fried!

To me, BBQ parties are synonymous with simplicity. No fancy menu here, just our favorite tried and true recipes. This includes delicious and simple appetizers.

A couple of things to consider are:

  • Will you be transporting the food to another location?
  • How feasible is it to keep them at the right temperature?
  • How many different appetizer dishes will you need?
  • How to keep fruit fresh?
Bacon wrapped asparagus skewers served as a BBQ appetizer.

transporting appetizers

If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, then you don’t need to worry so much about transporting food.

However, if you plan to meet at a park or are bringing appetizers over to a friend’s house, then you’ll need to figure out the best way to get your food there. 

Coolers are great for transporting both warm and cold foods. Just be sure to have a separate cooler for each type.

  • Warm cooler. Wrap warm food in aluminum foil. Place hot rice bags or hot water bottles in the cooler to help maintain heat. Fill extra space with towels to help insulate the food. Try not to open the lid.
  • Cold cooler. The most traditional method is to use ice bags. The ice can then be used to cool down drinks or placed in other trays to keep food cool once they are set out. I also like to freeze water bottles to put in the cooler, then when they melt you can drink them. 
Dill dip on a platter surrounded by veggies.

Serving tips

Keeping the food at the right temperature

Of course, you will still need to keep the food at the perfect temperature after you begin serving it.

  • Warm. Crock Pots are great if you have access to an outlet. Chafing dishes are another great way to keep food warm. 
  • Cold. Fill a pan with ice cubes and place the trays of food on top. If the food is being served in a bowl, then place ice cubes at the bottom of a larger bowl and nestle a smaller bowl, with the food, inside.

Serving fruit. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like fruit and so, in one form or another, it always makes it onto my menu.

  • Watermelon. If serving watermelon at your next cookout, check out these posts on How to Choose the Best Watermelon and the Best way to Cut a Watermelon. This melon makes a great appetizer and any leftovers can be served during the meal as well.
  • Keep fruit from browning. Some fruits, like apples, can’t be left out for too long without starting to brown. Thankfully, there are a couple of ways to slow down the process without affecting the taste or the texture very much or at all.
    • The easiest way is to sprinkle on Ball’s Fresh fruit powder. You can usually find this in the food storage/preservation section at the grocery store. 
    • Another method is to combine 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a bowl. Let the sliced fruit soak for a few minutes before patting it dry and placing it on a tray to serve.
A charcuterie board with crackers, cheese, veggies, and dips.

BBQ appetizer Planning Tips

I have never been to an appetizer-only BBQ. Since you’ll be eating a hardy dinner with yummy sides you only need to serve enough appetizers to whet the appetites of the guests.

  • For 10 or fewer guests offer 2-3 different types of appetizers. Add another dish for every 5-8 more people.
  • Since you will be serving dinner, plan a total of 3-5 appetizers per person. 
  • Chips and Salsa: Plan 1 qt salsa and 1 pound of chips for every 10 people.

Food that is great for dips and salsa:

Savory Dip:

  • Crackers
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Veggies: sliced bell peppers, carrot sticks, celery sticks, broccoli florets
  • Shrimp

Sweet Dip:


Best BBQ Appetizers

These are some of the appetizers that we have on rotation for every BBQ we have. They include some of our most popular and best-loved!

Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins

This easy potato skin appetizer is loaded with bacon & cheese and crusted with parmesan, making it the best potato skins ever!

1 Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe

Appetizer Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

Grape Jelly Meatballs

Delicious 3-ingredient grape jelly meatballs. They take just minutes to prep and are the perfect dinner or appetizer for any party or get together.

2 Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
5 from 73 votes
Get the recipe

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Bacon wrapped little smokies sprinkled with brown sugar, and baked to perfection. These bacon wrapped weenies are the ultimate appetizer for any party, and always the first to disappear!

3 Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes

Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 69 votes
Get the recipe

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Skewers

This recipe is inspired by one of our favorite Disneyland foods – Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Skewers From Bengal Barbecue! These skewers only require 4 Ingredients and take less than 10 Minutes on the grill! 

4 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
5 from 8 votes
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Buffalo Wings

Crispy tender chicken wings tossed in the most wonderful buffalo sauce! The best party appetizer for a crowd!

5 Buffalo Wings Recipe

Appetizer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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Pigs In A Blanket

A yummy lunch, dinner, appetizer or snack idea for the whole family! Homemade pigs in a blanket with delicious crescent dough and a sprinkling of sesame seeds on top!

6 Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Main Course Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 132 votes
Get the recipe

Hot Dog Nuggets

Hot dog nuggets only require TWO ingredients and make a perfect for lunch, dinner or even a party appetizer! Kids and adults alike will love these little bites.

7 Hot Dog Nuggets Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Hot Dog Nuggets Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
4.93 from 38 votes
Get the recipe

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates make a tasty appetizer. The contrasting flavors combine for the perfect bite!

8 Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe

Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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Spinach Dip Bites

Spinach dip bites are crunchy, bite-size treats are cheesy and buttery, making them a great appetizer. They are a hit every time!

9 Spinach Dip Bites Recipe

Appetizer Spinach Dip Bites Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.97 from 117 votes
Get the recipe

Ham And Cheese Sliders

Everyone loves these hot ham and cheese sliders because they’re easy, cheesy and addicting! They don’t take long to make, and are perfect for any get together—always a crowd pleaser!

10 Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 74 votes
Get the recipe

Spinach Artichoke Cups

Cheesy spinach artichoke cups are simple to make, and packed full of delicious spinach and cheese flavor! They are baked to perfection.

11 Spinach Artichoke Cups Recipe

Appetizer Spinach Artichoke Cups Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Get the recipe

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Serve these buffalo chicken taquitos as an easy dinner idea, or as an appetizer at your next party or get together. 

12 Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Appetizer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 16 votes
Get the recipe

Jalapeno Poppers

Spicy fried jalapeno poppers are a classic appetizer that everyone wants! Bite into these cheesy poppers for a flavor explosion!

13 Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Appetizer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 46 votes
Get the recipe

Zucchini Fries

Crispy air fryer zucchini will give you all the flavor and none of the guilt! This healthy version still packs the flavor punch. 

14 Zucchini Fries Recipe

Side Dish Zucchini Fries Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 25 votes
Get the recipe

cold bbq appetizers

Don’t forget to change it up with the appetizers and bring a cold one. Here are some of the most popular cold appetizers on our site:

Greek Cucumber Cups

Simple greek cucumber cups are a light and delicious appetizer that whips up in minutes. They are a perfect low calorie snack!

15 Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe

Appetizer Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.89 from 9 votes
Get the recipe

Yogurt Fruit Dip

Cream cheese, cool whip, vanilla yogurt, and vanilla pudding mix blended together to make this amazing vanilla yogurt fruit dip for your favorite fruit!

16 Yogurt Fruit Dip Recipe

Dessert Yogurt Fruit Dip Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.92 from 25 votes
Get the recipe

Caprese Kabobs

Simple, quick and delicious caprese kabobs are a bite size take on the classic caprese salad. They take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.

17 Caprese Kabobs Recipe

Appetizer Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 11 votes
Get the recipe

Mexican Pinwheels

Mexican pinwheels are bite-size tortilla rolls filled with a spiced cream cheese mixture. They are a party in your mouth!

18 Mexican Pinwheels Recipe

Appetizer Mexican Pinwheels Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
5 from 127 votes
Get the recipe

Knorr Spinach Dip

Savory Knorr spinach dip is perfect for serving at parties with your favorite crackers and veggies. It’s chunky and delicious!

19 Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe

Appetizer, Snack Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Get the recipe

Taco Dip Recipe

Loaded with all of your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, this creamy taco flavored dip is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips.

20 Taco Dip Recipe

Appetizer Taco Dip Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

Deviled Eggs

Nothing better than a smooth deviled egg appetizer! You’ll be surprised with how easy these are to make. Tons of flavor, super delicious and perfect for parties and holidays.

21 Deviled Eggs Recipe

Appetizer Deviled Eggs Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 51 votes
Get the recipe

Chocolate Chip Dip

Chocolate chip dip is a simple dessert dip filled with mini chocolate chips that tastes like cookie dough! It’s perfectly dippable.

22 Chocolate Chip Dip Recipe

chocolate chip dip in bowl
Dessert Chocolate Chip Dip Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Get the recipe

Bruschetta Caprese

Toasted bread rounds are topped with a mixture of juicy tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh mozzarella to make this bruschetta caprese.

23 Bruschetta Caprese Recipe

Appetizer Bruschetta Caprese Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 6 votes
Get the recipe

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

This cheesecake fruit dip is one of the best fruit dip recipes you will ever try! It takes just 5 simple ingredients – cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, marshmallow fluff, and cool whip – and ALWAYS vanishes in minutes! Definitely a crowd favorite!

24 Fruit Dip Recipe

Dessert, Snack Fruit Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
4.99 from 144 votes
Get the recipe

Charcuterie Board

We all love to graze during holidays and parties, and what better way to do it than with a Charcuterie board?! Customize with all your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, veggies, fruits and dips!

25 How to Make a Charcuterie Board Recipe

Appetizer How to Make a Charcuterie Board Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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Veggie Cup Appetizers

Quick and easy veggie cup appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies such as bell pepper, carrot and tomato, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.

26 Veggie Cups Recipe

Appetizer Veggie Cups Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Get the recipe

Avocado Lime Ranch Dip

It only takes a small handful of ingredients and a few minutes to whip up some creamy and delicious avocado lime ranch dip! Filled with cilantro, lime juice, and avocado, this ranch dip is perfect for dipping chips or topping Mexican dishes!

27 Avocado Lime Ranch Dip Recipe

Appetizer Avocado Lime Ranch Dip Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.92 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Jalapeño popper dip is packed with 4 kinds of cheese, just enough spicy Jalapeños to give it a kick, and a golden crispy topping. This dip is sure to be a hit at your next party!

28 Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

Appetizer Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Get the recipe

Dill Vegetable Dip

The perfect go-to veggie dip for parties and snacking. Use it for vegetables, chips, or whatever you feel like! Even if you don’t like dill pickles, you’ll love this dill vegetable dip.

29 Dill Veggie Dip Recipe

Appetizer, Snack Dill Veggie Dip Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes
5 from 39 votes
Get the recipe

Fruit Kabobs

Colorful fruit kabobs are the best appetizer or side for any occasion! Load up your favorite fruits and get snacking.

30 Fruit Kabobs Recipe

Side Dish Fruit Kabobs Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 14 votes
Get the recipe

salsa

Dips and salsas are always popular at BBQs. They are easy to serve, eat, and share! I’ve rounded up all of my best and most dippable salsas and dips.

Classic Red Salsa

Our favorite homemade salsa is always a hit, but it’s also fun to provide salsa with a twist.

31 Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 24 votes
Get the recipe

Cucumber Salsa

Crisp and light cucumber salsa is delicious with tortilla chips or on top of tacos. It is best when freshly made and chilled.

32 Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 11 votes
Get the recipe

Salsa Verde

Sweet Salsa Verde – a delicious salsa recipe that is sweet and takes just minutes to make. Ingredients include tomatillos, jalapenos, sugar, & cilantro.

33 Salsa Verde Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Verde Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.98 from 43 votes
Get the recipe

Strawberry Salsa

You can’t go a summer without eating this sweet and spicy strawberry salsa! The flavors are so unique. Grab some cinnamon and sugar chips or your favorite tortilla chips and dig in!

34 Strawberry Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Strawberry Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 11 votes
Get the recipe

Peach Salsa

Fresh peach salsa is delicious with chips, on top of fish or pork, or spooned over tacos! You’ll love the flavor combinations in this recipe!

35 Peach Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Peach Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 21 votes
Get the recipe

Black Bean And Corn Salsa

This black bean and corn salsa is one of our favorite dips and appetizers. It’s great with any Mexican dish or served with tortilla chips!!

36 Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 16 votes
Get the recipe

Tomatillo Salsa

Easy tomatillo salsa is spicy and delicious! It’s great with tortilla chips or as a sauce on top of your favorite Mexican dishes!

37 Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 11 votes
Get the recipe

Corn Salsa

Savory corn salsa has a little kick of spice! There are so many yummy uses for this delicious and simple salsa.

38 Corn Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Corn Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

Chili’s Salsa

The restaurant salsa you know and love, made at home anytime you like! This Chili’s Salsa copycat recipe is literally made in minutes with the help of a blender.

39 Chili’s Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Chili’s Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 3 minutes
4.89 from 34 votes
Get the recipe

Mango Salsa

This sweet and savory mango salsa is perfect with chips or any Mexican meal. It’s filled with sweet pineapple, cilantro, mangoes, onion, cilantro and jalapenos making it full of flavor and simple to make.

40 Mango Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Mango Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

Pineapple Salsa

Sweet and spicy pineapple salsa that you won’t be able to stop snacking on. Eat it with your favorite tortilla chips and share with friends and family!

41 Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 6 votes
Get the recipe

Guacamole

Spicy, chunky simple guacamole is so easy and addicting, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser! You won’t be able to stop eating it. 

42 Simple Guacamole Recipe

Appetizer Simple Guacamole Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Get the recipe

BBQ Flavored

There’s nothing wrong in including BBQ-flavored appetizers at your BBQ. Here are some of our favs that have that sweet and tangy flavor.

Barbecue Pineapple Meatballs

Easy barbecue pineapple meatballs are perfect as an appetizer for parties and get togethers or a delicious side dish for dinner.

43 Pineapple Meatballs Recipe

Appetizer Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 15 votes
Get the recipe

Barbecue Chicken French Bread

Delicious barbecue chicken french bread is loaded with chicken, cilantro, cheese, avocados and ranch dressing. It is a quick & easy favorite!

44 Barbecue Chicken French Bread Recipe

Appetizer, Bread Barbecue Chicken French Bread Recipe
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

BBQ bacon wrapped chicken bites are simple, quick , and delicious. Chicken smothered in barbecue sauce and wrapped in bacon make for a popular appetizer at any gathering!

45 Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe

Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

BBQ Chicken Pizza

With barbecue sauce, mozzarella cheese, chicken, bacon, and cilantro, this barbecue chicken pizza will be a new family favorite. Best of all, it’s made in less than 20 minutes!

46 Barbecue Chicken Pizza Recipe

Main Course Barbecue Chicken Pizza Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

Boneless Honey BBQ Wings

Delicious homemade boneless chicken wings, double breaded, baked to a crispy perfection, then smothered in sweet and tangy honey bbq sauce. This boneless honey BBQ wings recipe makes for the perfect game day appetizer, or weekend dinner item! 

47 Honey BBQ Boneless Wings Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Honey BBQ Boneless Wings Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
4.92 from 36 votes
Get the recipe

Potluck Perfect Appetizers

These are some of our favorite appetizers to serve at our family potlucks and cookouts. You can’t go wrong no matter which recipes you choose! Be sure to check out all of our Appetizer Recipes.

For more collections, see: Easy Appetizers, Appetizer Dips, Healthy Appetizers



About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4 Comments

  1. I have been looking for some good appetizers for our family 4th of July get together. We are smoking some meat and needed some goodies to go with it. There are several here that I have bookmarked and we are making. I am so looking forward to trying that tomato corn avacado salsa!!!!

  2. My husband likes your bacon wrapped recipes while I like the lighter items like the caprese kabobs or zucchini fries.

  3. Pretty much live on on your salsas & dips in the summer!! We love the caprese kabobs too. Love the grilling time of year!!