95 Summer Appetizers Perfect For Kicking Off Parties, BBQs, & More (2024)

Dips, skewers, and snacks APLENTY.

By Camille Lowder
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No what time of year it is, there are some rules that can't be broken. Summer does change up some of our party routines (meals outside, grilling everything we can…), but one of our most important guidelines for entertaining holds true: if you’re having guests over, there MUST be appetizers. Heck, even if you’re not—you and your family deserve a little amuse-bouche sometimes too. You could just put out store-bought chips and dip, but trust us, homemade really is better. Check out our list of 95 summer appetizers—they’ll keep your guests happy from Memorial Day 'til Labor Day.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—we wait SO long for summer produce every year that we do everything we can to relish it in every part of every meal. That means using tons of fresh fruits and veggies in obvious applications, of course, like salsa and crudités, but also getting creative and sneaking them into dips, poppable bites, and shareable snacks. Having a low-key BBQ or get-together? Put out some pulled pork or cheeseburger nachos, our watermelon pizza (like watermelon feta salad, but extra shareable), our tomato gnocchi kebabs or our melon prosciutto skewers, or our Mexican-inspired street corn flatbread or peach bruschetta.

Throwing a dinner party or want to celebrate a special occasion with a meal (we’re thinking summer birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)? Apps are the perfect distraction while you finish up preparations in the kitchen (last-minute decorating of the cake, plating an entrée on the good plates…). Start the meal off with something like our crab artichoke stuffed mushrooms, our duch*ess potatoes, our spicy mango whipped goat cheese, or our . They’re all pretty easy to throw together, but will make your meal extra remarkable.

Even when it comes to basic snacks like chips and dips, you can do better than the store-bought stuff. We’ll admit to liking the convenience of a glass jar of salsa (plus, you can pick mild, medium, or hot without having to measure the spiciness yourself), but one thing you can’t get at the store is super-fresh, fruity, cheesy, or creamy dips your guests will love. Check out our baba ghanoush, our Greek feta dip, our Nashville hot chicken dip, our blueberry salsa, or our grilled corn salsa for ideas. We like to put out a variety of homemade options so there’s something for everyone.

Want more summertime inspiration? Check out our favorite summer dinners, summer co*cktails, healthy summer recipes, and summer dessert recipes too.

1

Watermelon Pizza

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This is essentially a deconstructed . Slice the biggest round of watermelon you can, top with crumbled feta, red onion slices, torn basil, and balsamic. Slice into pizza-like triangles, post a pic on Instagram, and enjoy.

Get the Watermelon Pizza recipe.

2

Spicy Mango Whipped Goat Cheese

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If you love our cranberry whipped feta dip, you’ll be obsessed with this variation that has fluffy garlic and basil-studded whipped goat cheese, spicy mango chutney, and salty chopped cashews. Best part? It comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Get the Spicy Mango Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.

3

Skillet Beer Cheese

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One of our top hall of famers, this dip will get any campfire party started. The pinch of cayenne really adds that special something to this melty, creamy beer cheese. This is best served with toasted baguette, good company, and a cold beer.

Get the Skillet Beer Cheese recipe.

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4

Melon Prosciutto Skewers

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If you haven't experienced the flavor combo of prosciutto + melon, get on it STAT. It's the ultimate in sweet and salty.

Get the Melon Prosciutto Skewers recipe.

5

Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

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Bruschetta is one of our favorite summer appetizers because it's quick to throw together and works for every occasion from a fancy sit-down dinner to a casual BBQ with friends. This one takes it over the top, thanks to fresh summer strawberries.

Get the Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta recipe.

6

Tomato & Brie Tart

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Summer tomatoes shine alongside melty brie in this eye-catching tart recipe. Slice it up into small pieces for the perfect summer appetizer, or into large ones and serve as an entrée with a peppery arugula salad. Got leftovers? Top them with a fried egg for a filling breakfast.

Get the .

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7

Watermelon Feta Skewers

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Watermelon + feta is one of our favorite combinations of all time, especially during summertime. Skewer them with some crunchy cucumber and drizzle balsamic glaze on top and you've got an easy, impressive appetizer everyone will love.

Get the Watermelon Feta Skewers recipe.

8

Parmesan Zucchini Fritters

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Zucchini is 95% water and, if not prepared properly, can end up mushy and bland. But the best way to transform virtually any food is, naturally, by frying it and adding lots of cheese. Trust, even the staunchest zucchini hater will be a convert when they try these lightly fried bites.

Get the Parmesan Zucchini Fritters recipe.

9

Antipasto Bites

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Fresh tortellini make these the hearty bite-size appetizer of our dreams. Feel free to swap in and out your favorite ingredients (or have guests build their own from a topping bar!).

Get the Antipasto Bites recipe.

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10

Caprese Bites

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Skip the plates and assemble these adorable skewers in lieu of traditional Caprese salad. Don't forget the napkins, though—that balsamic drizzle takes these over the top, so don't skip it (even if it's a little messy).

Get the Caprese Bites recipe.

11

Taco Dip

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This easy taco-inspired dip is SO delicious and SO simple to throw together, making it perfect for improvisation by switching up the seasonings and layers. If you really want to take it to another level, make our homemade taco seasoning and swap it out for the store-bought stuff.

Get the Taco Dip recipe.

12

Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters

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Crispy golden corn fritters are filled with everything we love about spicy jalapeño poppers—crispy bacon, jalapeños, cheddar, AND cream cheese. 😍

Get the Jalapeño Popper Corn Fritters recipe.

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13

Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups

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These peanut chicken wonton cups are super simple to put together and packed with flavor. Tender shredded rotisserie chicken gets tossed in a spicy-sweet peanut butter sauce, stuffed in a crispy baked wonton shell, and topped with bright, colorful, and crunchy veggies to make this easy two-bite app.

Get the Peanut Chicken Wonton Cups recipe.

14

Peach Bruschetta

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Summer is that beautiful time of year when both peaches and tomatoes are in season and peak quality, and this easy appetizer celebrates that. Ready in 30 minutes, this bruschetta is perfect for serving at a no-frills summer dinner party, but could easily make a great lunch as well with minimal effort.

Get the Peach Bruschetta recipe.

15

Blooming Quesadilla Ring

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Buffalo chicken is one of our fave flavor combos ever, and this creamy, spicy technique is one of our favorite ways to serve it. It's the best, most impressive way to make quesadillas for a crowd all summer long.

Get the Blooming Quesadilla Ring recipe.

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16

Mexican Street Corn Flatbread

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Here, we’re taking the creamy tangy sauce that usually goes on (elote) Mexican street corn, spreading it over pre-made pizza dough instead, and loading it up with corn, more chili, and lots of cheese. Twenty minutes later, it’s crispy, corny perfection.

Get the Mexican Street Corn Flatbread recipe.

17

Bunless Burger Bites

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No buns, no problem. Skewer these little meatballs with all your favorite burger toppings, or let your guests build their own.

Get the Bunless Burger Bites recipe.

18

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

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A creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip that’s completely vegan? Not possible! Oh, but it is. Vegan alternatives to cheeses and mayonnaise are thankfully much more common in most grocery stores, making one of our favorite dips and appetizers more enjoyable for everyone.

Get the Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.

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19

7-Layer Dip

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This truly has everything we could ever want in a dip: refried beans, homemade guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese (😍) all topped with fresh veggies for an added crunch. You'll never buy the store-bought version again after trying this homemade dip.

Get the 7-Layer Dip recipe.

20

Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts

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We bet you've heard of Buffalo wings made from cauliflower or tempeh, but what about artichokes? These are the perfect vegetarian alternative to saucy chicken wings. Be still our beating hearts!

Get the Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts recipe.

95 Summer Appetizers Perfect For Kicking Off Parties, BBQs, & More (2024)
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