Summer Appetizers

When I think summer, I think BBQ! And what is better at a party or gathering than some tasty finger foods? Whether chilled snacks, dips, or grilled delights, I have the perfect Summer Appetizers for your next soiree!

More Collections: Summer Side Dishes, Summer Soups, Summer Drinks

Summertime Snacks and Bites

With the kids home, vacations, and ALL of the parties, I always have a few snacks or appetizers up my sleeve and am ready to go!

This collection of summer appetizer ideas contains all sorts of appetizers that are perfect for summertime, whether you’re just trying to keep hungry kiddos fed during the day, or entertaining company at a backyard BBQ!

Appetizers and Hors d’oeuvres are quite similar and some foods fall under both categories.

They are both served in smaller portions as a way to whet your appetite for a larger meal or at a “no meal” party. 

• Appetizers are often served right before a sit-down dinner. They are served in enough portions so everyone at the table can have a taste.
• Hors d’oeuvres tend to be served in small individual portions which are ideal for a mix-n-mingle party.  

Summer Produce

From Summer Salsa to Zucchini Tots there is an array of produce that can be used in summer appetizer recipes. Some of my favorite fruits and vegetables include, but are not limited to: 

• Veggies: corn, cucumbers, lettuce, bell peppers, green onion, zucchini, olives, and red onion
• Fruits: avocados, lime, lemon, cantaloupe, watermelon, mango, peaches, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries
• Herbs & Spices: basil, mint, rosemary, oregano, dill, thyme, parsley, and sage

Planning Tips

Summer appetizers are great to serve before a lunchtime picnic, afternoon BBQ or evening party. Depending on who is attending as well as when and what other items are being served, will determine how many appetizers you should prepare.

The following information will help you calculate amounts:

• For 10 or fewer guests offer 2-3 different types of appetizers. Add another dish for every 5-8 more people.
• If serving dinner, plan a total of 3-5 appetizers per person. 
• For an appetizer-only party, plan about 12 pieces during the first 2 hours and add 5 more for every hour after.
• Chips and Salsa: Plan 1 qt salsa and 1 pound of chips for every 10 people.

Dipping. So many delicious appetizers are meant to be dipped into. Aside from fruits and vegetables, there are so many great ingredients you can provide to dip into your sweet or savory appetizers:

• Savory: crackers, various veggies, pretzels, baguette, shrimp, and chips
• Sweet: slice different fruits, cookies, cubed cake, marshmallows, and pretzels

Serving Outdoors

Keeping food at the right temperature is definitely important.

It’s not too tricky when you are in someone’s backyard, but if you are transporting and serving food at a park or similar area it will take a bit more planning.

Transport in a 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.

Transport in a cold cooler. Use ice bags to keep food cold. 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. 

Keeping food warm. Crock Pots are great if you have access to an outlet. Chafing dishes are another great way to keep food warm. 

Keeping food cold. Fill a pan with ice cubes and place the platter 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.

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Best Summer Appetizers

Whip up an appetizer or two for your summer parties and BBQs! These are some of our best-loved and most-requested appetizers, perfect for those warm summer months!

Mini Pizza

These mini pizzas are bite-sized pizzas topped with cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil and more. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer at parties! Use marinara for a dipping sauce!

Cheesy Garlic Bread

This is by far our favorite garlic bread recipe. It takes minutes to put together and is SO cheesy and delicious. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, but especially for pasta and Italian dishes!

Avocado Taquitos

Avocado taquitos aka “Flautas” are filled with avocados and cheese and fried to perfection! They’re perfect for a main dish or appetizer.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Simple + savory buffalo chicken sliders pack just the right amount of heat. They are great served as a dinner or appetizer!!

Yogurt Fruit Dip

In just minutes, mix together an amazingly sweet and creamy vanilla yogurt fruit dip. Serve with your favorite fruit!

Fruit Salsa

Fresh fruit salsa is a perfect pairing for our sweet homemade cinnamon chips. Ready in under 20 minutes, you can make it for any occasion!

Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

Sausage mixed with delicious seasonings, all wrapped up in puffy pastry make these sausage rolls delicious and addicting!

Caesar Salad Cups

Caesar salad cups are a quick, simple and tasty side dish or appetizer. They’re mini salads in a cup and great for parties and get togethers!

Grape Jelly Meatballs

Sweet & tangy dump-and-go grape jelly meatballs take minutes to prep and are the perfect dinner or appetizer to feed a crowd!

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!

Baked Zucchini Fries

These baked zucchini sticks are crusted and baked in Panko, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. Zucchini fries are healthy AND delicious!

Watermelon Salsa

Juicy watermelon salsa is sweet with the perfect touch of spice. It’s a tasty summer salsa that whips up in minutes!

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.

Spinach Puffs

Buttery spinach puffs are cheesy and savory with pops of bacon. As you can imagine, they are a hit at parties!

Crockpot Meatballs

Sweet + savory crockpot meatballs are packed with flavor, and perfect for parties. They are SO easy, yet SO tasty!

Pineapple Meatballs

Sweet and savory pineapple meatballs are a perfectly easy appetizer for parties and get-togethers or a delicious side dish for dinner.

Cheesy Zucchini Tots

Cheesy zucchini tots are a fun twist on tater tots, and are loaded with my favorite vegetable. They’re super easy and quick to make.

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Easy Summer Appetizers

An easy recipe is perfect for those impromptu parties or gatherings. These easy summer appetizers are simple and delicious.

A creamy burrata with crackers, or a baguette topped with goat cheese and balsamic vinegar is quick and tasty. Add to your simple spread with any of these easy apps!

Mango Salsa

This sweet and savory mango salsa is perfect with chips or any Mexican meal. It’s full of flavor and simple to make.

Baked Chicken Wings

Deliciously crispy baked chicken wings have endless possibilities. Bake in the oven, and dip in your favorite sauces!

Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus Rolls

Asparagus wrapped in Puff Pastry, filled with cream cheese and topped with parmesan. So simple and delicious, it’s the perfect side for any meal.

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! 

Strawberry Salsa

The unique flavors of this sweet and spicy strawberry salsa pair perfectly with fish, tacos, or any Mexican dish!

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

This cream cheese 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!

Bacon Wrapped Dates

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

Caramel Apple Dip

The creamiest and most delicious caramel apple dip you’ll ever find. Just a few ingredients are required, but dark brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk make this recipe a crowd pleaser at any get together.

Fruit Kabobs

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

Spinach Dip Bites

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

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!

Corn Dip

Perfectly spiced hot corn dip is deliciously chunky and perfect for dipping. Serve it as an appetizer or side!

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Cold Summer Appetizers

Keep it cool with an assortment of our favorite cold summer appetizers. They can be chilled ahead of time for a no-fuss party spread!

Easy Bruschetta

This easy bruschetta is quick, simple and perfect for any party! It takes just 5 ingredients and is the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

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.

Mexican Pinwheels

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

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!

Homemade Hummus

If you need a quick healthy snack or party appetizer, you can whip up this homemade hummus in 5 minutes or less!

best Salsa recipe

This is such an EASY and delicious homemade salsa recipe! All you have to do is throw all the ingredients into your blender, and blend!

Bruschetta Caprese

Toasted bread rounds are topped with a mixture of juicy tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh mozzarella to make this bruschetta caprese. Top it all off with a balsamic glaze!

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!

Peach Salsa

Fresh peach salsa is delicious with chips, on top of fish or pork, or spooned over tacos! You’ll love the sweet and savory flavors in this simple recipe!

Caprese Stuffed Avocados

Simple and fresh caprese stuffed avocados are a twist on classic flavors. This is a perfect appetizer or side to any meal!

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.

Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups

These delicious veggie tortilla roll ups are made from a rolled tortilla filled with ranch veggie dip, and chopped veggies, making them the perfect bite-sized party appetizer!

Knorr Spinach Dip

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

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perfect summertime appetizers

Appetizers are our favorite way to start a meal – and sometimes we even eat them as a meal in themselves! These appetizers are all so perfect for serving this summer and are as easy as they are delicious!

More Collections: Summer Slow Cooker Recipes, Summer Dinner Ideas, Frozen Drink Recipes