BBQ Appetizers

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, Super Bowl Appetizers

A collage of BBQ Appetizer recipes.

Appetizers are Made for BBQ’s!

Appetizers are perfect for serving at 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?
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 foods. 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 way 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. 
BBQ Appetizers - dill dip on a platter surrounded by veggies.

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: You can 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.
BBQ Appetizers - 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 wet 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 are great for dips and salsa:

Savory:

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

Sweet:


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!

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.

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!

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! 

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

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!

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos – Serve these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos as an easy dinner idea, or as an appetizer at your next party or get together. 

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

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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 – is always a hit, but it’s also fun to provide salsa with a twist:

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.

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

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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.

Barbecue Chicken French Bread – Delicious Barbecue Chicken French Bread is loaded with chicken, cilantro, cheese, avocados and ranch dressing. It is a quick & easy FAV!

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!

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!

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! 


the complete list

Here are the picture cards for all of the tasty BBQ appetizers listed above.

With so many great recipes to choose from you’re sure to get your next BBQ started off right! Let us know which ones are the biggest hits at your next cookout!

Appetizer, Main Course Hot Dog Nuggets Recipe
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.
Total Time: 18 minutes
4.91 from 31 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Simple Guacamole Recipe
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.
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Spicy fried Jalapeno Poppers are a classic appetizer that everyone wants! Bite into these cheesy poppers for a flavor explosion!
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 36 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
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! 
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 8 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Crispy fried Buffalo Wings are tossed in the most wonderful buffalo sauce. Hot wings are the best party appetizer for a crowd!
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
Sweet & tangy dump-and-go Grape Jelly Meatballs take minutes to prep and are the perfect dinner or appetizer to feed a crowd!
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
5 from 59 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe
This easy potato skin appetizer is loaded with bacon & cheese and crusted with parmesan, making it the best potato skins ever!
Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes
Just 3 ingredients to make candied Bacon Wrapped Smokies. They are the ultimate appetizer and always the first to disappear!
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 66 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates make a tasty appetizer. The contrasting flavors combine for the perfect bite!
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Spinach Artichoke Cups Recipe
Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Cups are simple to make, and packed full of delicious spinach and cheese flavor! They are baked to perfection.
Total Time: 22 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Serve these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos as an easy dinner idea, or as an appetizer at your next party or get together. 
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 14 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Spinach Dip Bites Recipe
Spinach Dip Bites are crunchy, bite-size treats are cheesy and buttery, making them a great appetizer. They are a hit every time!
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.96 from 95 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Quick + easy hot Ham and Cheese Sliders are absolutely addicting. They are a crowd favorite and disappear in minutes!
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 51 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Peach Salsa Recipe
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!
5 from 16 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Salsa Verde Recipe
Sweet Salsa Verde – a delicious salsa recipe that is sweet and takes just minutes to make. Ingredients include tomatillos, jalapenos, sugar, & cilantro.
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.98 from 41 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Strawberry Salsa Recipe
The unique flavors of this sweet and spicy Strawberry Salsa pair perfectly with fish, tacos, or any Mexican dish!
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe
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!!
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 15 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Crisp and light Cucumber Salsa is delicious with tortilla chips or on top of tacos. It is best when freshly made and chilled.
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Mango Salsa Recipe
This sweet and savory Mango Salsa is perfect with chips or any Mexican meal. It's full of flavor and simple to make.
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 8 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
Easy tomatillo salsa is spicy and delicious! It's great with tortilla chips or as a sauce on top of your favorite Mexican dishes!
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 11 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Corn Salsa Recipe
Savory corn salsa has a little kick of spice! There are so many yummy uses for this delicious and simple salsa.
5 from 12 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Fresh Pineapple Salsa is deliciously addictive. Eat it with your favorite tortilla chips and share it with friends and family!
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 6 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Chili’s Salsa Recipe
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.
Total Time: 3 minutes
4.83 from 23 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Bread Barbecue Chicken French Bread Recipe
Delicious Barbecue Chicken French Bread is loaded with chicken, cilantro, cheese, avocados and ranch dressing. It is a quick & easy FAV!
Total Time: 8 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Check out this recipe
Main Course Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
A yummy lunch, dinner, or snack idea for the whole family! Homemade pigs in a blanket with delicious crescent dough and a sprinkling of sesame seeds on top!
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 98 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe
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!
Total Time: 55 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Main Course Honey BBQ Boneless Wings Recipe
Honey BBQ Boneless Wings are double breaded and baked to crispy perfection. They make a perfect game-day appetizer or weekend dinner!
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
4.89 from 26 votes
Check out this recipe
Main Course Barbecue Chicken Pizza Recipe
Switch up pizza night with this smoky Barbecue Chicken Pizza recipe. Best of all, it's on the table in no time!
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
Sweet and savory Pineapple Meatballs are a perfectly easy appetizer for parties and get-togethers or a delicious side dish for dinner.
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 15 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Greek Cucumber Cups Recipe
Simple Greek Cucumber Cups are a light and delicious appetizer that whips up in minutes. They are a perfect low calorie snack!
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.86 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Dessert Yogurt Fruit Dip Recipe
In just minutes, mix together an amazingly sweet and creamy vanilla Yogurt Fruit Dip. Serve with your favorite fruit!
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.87 from 15 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Simple, quick and delicious Caprese Kabobs take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Mexican Pinwheels Recipe
Mexican pinwheels are bite-size tortilla rolls filled with a spiced cream cheese mixture. They are a party in your mouth!
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
5 from 67 votes
Check out this recipe
chocolate chip dip in bowl
Dessert Chocolate Chip Dip Recipe
Chocolate Chip Dip is a simple dessert dip filled with mini chocolate chips that tastes like cookie dough! It's perfectly dippable.
Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Bruschetta Caprese Recipe
Toasted bread rounds are topped with a mixture of juicy tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh mozzarella to make this Bruschetta Caprese.
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 6 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Best Charcuterie Board Recipe
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!
5 from 8 votes
Check out this recipe
Dessert, Snack Fruit Dip Recipe
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is one of the best fruit dip recipes you will ever try. It whips up in no time, and ALWAYS vanishes in minutes!
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 42 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Deviled Eggs Recipe
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.
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 45 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Taco Dip Recipe
Loaded with all of your favorite taco toppings, this creamy taco flavored dip is perfect for dipping with tortilla chips.
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer, Snack Dill Veggie Dip Recipe
Fresh & creamy Dill Veggie Dip is quick, simple, and perfect for parties and snacking. It's our go-to vegetable dip!
Total Time: 7 minutes
5 from 25 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe
Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Dip has just enough spice and a perfectly crisp topping. It's sure to be a hit at your next party!
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Avocado Lime Ranch Dip Recipe
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!
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.91 from 11 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Veggie Cups Recipe
Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish Fruit Kabobs Recipe
Colorful fruit kabobs are the best appetizer or side for any occasion! Load up your favorite fruits and get snacking.
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Check out this recipe

Be sure to check out all of our Appetizer Recipes.

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

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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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